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5 Centimeters Per Second (Byōsoku 5 Senchimētoru) is Makoto Shinkai's most emotionally devastating film and his most location-faithful. The cherry blossom scene at Iwafune Station in Tochigi Prefecture is one of the most replicated anime photographs in existence. The rocket launch sequences are set on Tanegashima Island in Kagoshima. The Shinjuku locations in "One More Side" match modern Tokyo exactly. This is a multi-region pilgrimage for dedicated fans.
Late March to early April for cherry blossom season at Iwafune Station - this is the definitive 5cm pilgrimage moment. Tanegashima is best in spring or autumn.
Iwafune Station is on the Ryomo Line from Utsunomiya, about 90 minutes from Tokyo. Tanegashima requires a flight to Kagoshima, then a high-speed ferry (3.5 hours). Plan carefully.
Iwafune is a low-cost day trip from Tokyo. Tanegashima adds significant travel costs - budget ¥50,000+ for the full pilgrimage. The cherry blossom timing makes the Iwafune trip worth it alone.
📍 Akihabara, Chiyoda, Tokyo
The railway crossing and urban train shots in Chapter 3 feature Akihabara and surrounding areas.
📍 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023
The west side of Shinjuku where adult Takaki works at his IT company, walking these skyscraper canyons every day — the glass towers and grey concrete perfectly embody his emotional emptiness in Chapter 3.
📍 Shinjuku, Tokyo
Chapter 3 - adult Takaki works in Tokyo, walking these streets daily, haunted by lost love.
📍 Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0000
The outer Tokyo suburb where Akari moves after leaving Tochigi, representing the increasing geographic and emotional distance between her and Takaki as their separate lives take shape.
📍 Iwafune, Tochigi City, Tochigi
The rural station where Takaki waits in the snowstorm for Akari in Chapter 1. One of anime's most beloved scenes.
📍 Tochigi City, Tochigi Prefecture
The cherry blossom scenes where young Takaki and Akari share a moment under the trees.
📍 Honko, Kagoshima, Kagoshima 892-0814
The departure point for the ferry to Tanegashima island, where the vast Kagoshima Bay and distant Sakurajima volcano create the open, melancholic geography that frames Chapter 2's island isolation.
📍 Nishinoomote, Kagoshima Prefecture 891-3100
The long Pacific beaches of Tanegashima island where Kanae surfs and watches the sky, hoping to confess to Takaki. The rocket launch trails visible from these beaches are Chapter 2's defining image.
📍 Minamitane, Kumage, Kagoshima
Chapter 2 setting - Kanae watches rocket launches from the island, symbolizing Takaki's distant unreachable dreams.
Get a custom day-by-day pilgrimage itinerary with all 9 locations, walking routes, and photo tips.
Day 1 is always free.