Do you know Japan Anime Maps?

Hello everyone, this is Ohira from GP.

Have you ever been walking through a city when you suddenly think, “…Wait—haven’t I seen this view somewhere before?”
After a bit of searching, you realize it was actually the setting of an anime.

These moments are no longer unusual.

Japanese anime has become one of the most beloved cultural exports in the world, and with a series’ popularity comes a growing trend of visiting the real-life locations that appear in the story—so-called anime pilgrimages. This way of enjoying anime has now taken root both in Japan and overseas.

But when you actually try to plan such a trip, don’t a few frustrations come to mind?

• It is hard to tell which locations are truly the “authentic” spots
• Information is scattered across the internet and difficult to organize
• You want to properly record the places you have visited

I recently discovered an app that solves all of these issues at once.

It is called Japan Anime Maps.

Personally, I have a feeling this is one of those apps whose user base is about to grow rapidly. In this article, I will share my firsthand experience using the app to visit a famous location from Your Name.—the staircase at Suga Shrine—while reviewing its features, usability, and overall appeal.

What Is “Japan Anime Maps”?

Japan Anime Maps is an app that visualizes real-world locations featured in anime on an interactive map.

Its greatest strength is that it allows users to complete the entire journey—search → visit → record—within a single platform.

Key features include:

• Searching locations by anime title
• Pins displayed on a map for intuitive understanding of each site’s position
• User-posted photos and comments from people who have visited
• A check-in function that records your pilgrimage history

Trying It Out: Visiting Suga Shrine from Your Name.

When you open the app, you are first greeted with a list of anime titles, along with a Top 10 ranking of the most popular series.

For this test, I selected Your Name., which was ranked first.

Opening the title page brings up the trailer—instantly jogging your memory of the story. Scroll further and you will see a long list of filming locations from the movie.

From there, I chose the staircase at Suga Shrine, famous for its role in the film’s final scene.

Tap on the spot and you can immediately see:

• which scene it appears in
• detailed information about the location
• its position relative to your current location

Selecting “Go Here” launches Google Maps, allowing you to navigate smoothly to the site without getting lost.

Around the staircase, I noticed many international visitors taking photos, each enjoying the moment in their own way. I snapped a commemorative shot myself, uploaded it directly to the app, checked in, and earned points.

It was the first time in my life that an “official” anime pilgrimage had been logged—and I was far happier about it than I expected.

Naturally, once I arrived, I felt compelled to play RADWIMPS’ Sparkle and soak in the cinematic atmosphere unfolding before my eyes.

(Personally, I thought it would be amazing if the app automatically played music from the film when you reached the site…)

How to Use Japan Anime Maps — A Quick Guide

Here is a simple breakdown for first-time users.

① Search by Title or Area

Enter an anime title or location in the search bar and relevant works and sites will appear.

Because everything is shown as pins on the map, you can instantly grasp the distance between multiple locations or see how different titles cluster within the same area—very helpful when planning a trip or a casual stroll.

② Check the Location Details

Tap on any pin to open its detail page, where you can view the anime title, a description of the scene, and directions to the spot.

It functions much like a guidebook, while seamlessly connecting to Google Maps.

③ Check In and Post

When you arrive, simply check in.

You can also upload photos and leave short comments.

④ Community Features

Each anime has its own community space where you can browse photos and tips posted by other fans.

Being able to connect—indirectly—with people who love the same series is another appealing aspect.

What Stood Out After Using the App

After trying it myself, three strengths stood out in particular:

• Locations are neatly organized by title, making them easy to understand
• The map-based interface makes route planning simple
• It gives you a reason—and motivation—to go out and explore

The interface and information design are refreshingly straightforward, making the app intuitive even for first-time users.

Because its value increases as more people contribute posts, I can easily imagine its user base continuing to grow in the future.

Final Thoughts: For Anyone Who Wants to Enjoy Anime Pilgrimages More Fully

Japan Anime Maps may not yet be a household name, but considering the expanding culture of anime tourism, I see tremendous potential in this service.

Whether you are just starting your first pilgrimage or have already visited countless locations, this is an app well worth trying.

The next time you find yourself thinking, “I’ve seen this scenery somewhere before,” open Japan Anime Maps.

You may discover that the place in front of you suddenly feels even more special.