Overview
Your Name (君の名は。) is a 2016 animated film written and directed by Makoto Shinkai. It tells the story of Mitsuha Miyamizu, a high school girl in rural Japan, and Taki Tachibana, a high school boy in Tokyo, who discover they are mysteriously swapping bodies. The film became the highest-grossing anime film of all time at the time of its release, earning over ¥25 billion worldwide.
Why Fans Pilgrimage to Your Name Locations
Shinkai is renowned for his photorealistic backgrounds. Almost every frame of Your Name is based on a real location, from the Suga Shrine steps in Shinjuku to the streets of Hida-Furukawa in Gifu Prefecture. Fans from all over the world travel to Japan specifically to stand where Taki and Mitsuha stood.
The phenomenon was so large that it revitalized tourism in Hida-Furukawa, a small town that saw a 500% increase in visitors in 2017.
Key Locations in the Film
Suga Shrine (須賀神社)
The iconic staircase where Taki and Mitsuha finally meet in the film's climax. Located in Yotsuya, Shinjuku, it has become perhaps the most photographed anime pilgrimage spot in the world.
Shinjuku Station South Exit
The pedestrian overpass near the south exit features prominently in several scenes. The area is instantly recognizable, with the Docomo Tower visible in the background.
Hida-Furukawa
The real-world inspiration for Itomori, the fictional town where Mitsuha lives. The Hida-Furukawa train station, the town library, and the sake brewery are all faithfully reproduced in the film.
Travel Tips for Your Name Pilgrimage
The Tokyo locations can be visited in a single afternoon, as they are concentrated around Shinjuku and Yotsuya. For Hida-Furukawa, plan a day trip from Nagoya or an overnight stay. The JR Takayama Line connects Nagoya to Hida-Furukawa in about 2.5 hours.
Best time to visit is autumn (October-November) when the foliage matches the warm tones of the film's countryside scenes.
Cultural Impact
Your Name fundamentally changed how anime studios approach location design. The concept of "seichi junrei" (聖地巡礼, sacred place pilgrimage) existed before, but Your Name mainstreamed it to a global audience. Local governments now actively collaborate with anime studios, recognizing the tourism potential.