5 Centimeters per Second Tokyo

5 Centimeters Per Second Tokyo Complete Pilgrimage Guide | Thorough Explanation of All Locations

Makoto Shinkai’s masterpiece “5 Centimeters Per Second” is known for beautifully depicting real landscapes within Tokyo. This article provides a complete coverage of the sacred sites in Tokyo that appear in the work, delivering detailed information for those planning a pilgrimage.

What is 5 Centimeters Per Second

“5 Centimeters Per Second” is an animated film by director Makoto Shinkai released in 2007. Taking its title from the speed at which cherry blossom petals fall—5 centimeters per second—it is beloved by many fans as a work that delicately depicts the faint romantic feelings of boys and girls and the passage of time.

The work consists of three short stories: “Cherry Blossom,” “Cosmonaut,” and “5 Centimeters Per Second,” each set in different eras and locations. Tokyo in particular serves as the main setting for the second episode “Cosmonaut” and the third episode “5 Centimeters Per Second,” with many real locations appearing.

List of Major Sacred Sites in Tokyo

Around Sanjuku Station (Episode 1 “Cherry Blossom”)

Sanjuku Station, an important setting in the first episode, has a real model station. While set in Tochigi Prefecture in the work, the actual model is drawn by combining multiple stations.

Model for Sanjuku Station

  • Sangubashi Station on the Odakyu Line is the model for the platform atmosphere
  • The station building and surrounding scenery are creative references from multiple stations
  • The snowy station scene is particularly impressive

Sangubashi Station is located on the west side of Yoyogi Park, a small station in a relatively quiet residential area. While it doesn’t have as much of a rural atmosphere as Sanjuku Station in the work, the platform structure and atmosphere are similar.

Yoyogi Area

Yoyogi is an important location as the setting for the second episode “Cosmonaut.” It is depicted as the place where the protagonist Takaki spent his high school years.

Major Spots in Yoyogi

NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building

A symbolic building that appears many times in the work. Formerly called “Docomo Tower,” its distinctive silhouette is depicted as an iconic presence in Tokyo’s landscape.

  • A 240-meter-high skyscraper
  • About 10 minutes on foot from Shinjuku Station South Exit
  • Also within walking distance from Yoyogi Station
  • Lit up at night, you can enjoy the same atmosphere as the night scenes in the work
Yoyogi Station

Yoyogi Station, where the JR Yamanote and Sobu Lines intersect, also appears in the work. It is depicted as Takaki’s commuting route, with the scenery around the station faithfully reproduced.

Shinjuku Area

Shinjuku plays an important role in the third episode “5 Centimeters Per Second.” It is depicted as the city where the adult Takaki works.

Sacred Site Spots in Shinjuku

Shinjuku Station South Exit

The railroad crossing scene, one of the most impressive scenes in the work, is said to be modeled on the area near Shinjuku Station South Exit.

  • The Odakyu Line crossing is a famous photography spot
  • Right from Shinjuku Southern Terrace Exit
  • Crowded during morning and evening commute times, similar to the work
  • The cityscape seen across the crossing is impressive
Around Shinjuku Gyoen

The surrounding roads and scenery of Shinjuku Gyoen also appear in the work. Especially during cherry blossom season, it overlaps with the work’s theme of cherry blossoms, allowing you to experience a special atmosphere.

Sangubashi Station

Sangubashi Station is an Odakyu Line station and is said to be one of the models for Sanjuku Station in the first episode.

Features of Sangubashi Station

  • Only local trains on the Odakyu Odawara Line stop
  • Located on the west side of Yoyogi Park
  • Relatively quiet residential area
  • Platform atmosphere similar to Sanjuku Station in the work
  • Calm atmosphere around the station

Odakyu Line

The Odakyu Line plays an important role throughout the work. In the first episode, it appears as the train Takaki takes to meet Akari, and in the third episode, it is depicted as a symbol of the two characters’ adult lives.

Sacred Site Points on the Odakyu Line

  • Section from Shinjuku Station to Sangubashi Station
  • Crossing scenes modeled on multiple locations
  • Tokyo landscape seen from train windows
  • Atmosphere inside the train at dusk

Around Meiji Shrine

The area around Meiji Shrine also appears as background in the work. Together with Yoyogi Park, it is depicted as a green area in the midst of the city.

Model Pilgrimage Courses

Half-Day Course (Duration: Approximately 4 hours)

Route

  1. Shinjuku Station South Exit (around the crossing) – 30 minutes
  2. Around Yoyogi Station – 30 minutes
  3. Around NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building – 30 minutes
  4. Sangubashi Station – 30 minutes
  5. Yoyogi Park stroll – 1 hour

This course efficiently covers the main sacred sites and is a beginner-friendly route. Since you can move around entirely on foot, you can enjoy the world of the work at a leisurely pace.

Full-Day Course (Duration: Approximately 8 hours)

Route

  1. Shinjuku Station South Exit (morning commute scenery) – 1 hour
  2. Shinjuku Gyoen – 1.5 hours
  3. Lunch around Yoyogi Station – 1 hour
  4. Around NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building – 1 hour
  5. Sangubashi Station – 1 hour
  6. Meiji Shrine/Yoyogi Park – 2 hours
  7. Shinjuku Station South Exit (crossing at dusk) – 30 minutes

This course is a route that can recreate the atmosphere of various times of day from the work, from morning to evening. The morning commute scenery and the crossing at dusk are must-sees.

Photography Spots and Tips

Photography at the Crossing

The crossing at Shinjuku Station South Exit is the most popular photography spot.

Photography Points

  • Dusk (17:00-18:00) brings out the best atmosphere
  • Be careful of crowds during weekday commute times
  • Pay attention to crossing safety and don’t obstruct traffic
  • Capture the cityscape widely with a wide-angle lens
  • Especially beautiful during cherry blossom season (late March to early April)

NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building

Photography Points

  • Beautiful nighttime illumination
  • Can capture the entire view from around Yoyogi Station
  • Photograph building details with a telephoto lens
  • Especially photogenic on clear blue sky days

Sangubashi Station

Photography Points

  • View from the platform
  • Exterior of the station building
  • Atmosphere of surrounding residential area
  • On snowy days, especially close to the atmosphere in the work (winter only)

Recommended Times by Season

Spring (March-May)

Spring is the most suitable season for a “5 Centimeters Per Second” pilgrimage.

Spring Highlights

  • Cherry blossom season (late March to early April) overlaps with the work’s theme
  • Beautiful cherry blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen
  • Magnificent cherry blossoms at Yoyogi Park as well
  • Warm and easy walking weather
  • Season when you can most feel the atmosphere of “Cherry Blossom” from the work

Summer (June-August)

Summer is the season of the second episode “Cosmonaut.”

Summer Highlights

  • Blue sky and thunderclouds similar to scenery in the work
  • Long daylight hours at dusk
  • Beautiful greenery at Yoyogi Park
  • However, heat countermeasures are essential

Autumn (September-November)

Autumn is a comfortable season suitable for photography.

Autumn Highlights

  • Beautiful autumn leaves (mid to late November)
  • Clear air, ideal for photography
  • Beautiful sky colors at dusk
  • Relatively fewer tourists

Winter (December-February)

Winter offers the possibility of recreating the snowy scenes from the first episode “Cherry Blossom.”

Winter Highlights

  • On snowy days, Sangubashi Station is closest to the atmosphere in the work
  • Clear air makes distant views beautiful
  • Beautiful illuminations
  • However, cold weather countermeasures are essential

Access Information

Access to Shinjuku Station

Shinjuku Station is a major terminal station in Tokyo with very convenient access.

Railways

  • JR Yamanote Line, Chuo Line, Sobu Line
  • Odakyu Line
  • Keio Line
  • Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
  • Toei Shinjuku Line, Oedo Line

Travel Times from Major Stations

  • From Tokyo Station: About 15 minutes (JR Chuo Line Rapid)
  • From Shibuya Station: About 5 minutes (JR Yamanote Line)
  • From Ikebukuro Station: About 5 minutes (JR Yamanote Line)

Access to Yoyogi Station

Railways

  • JR Yamanote Line
  • JR Sobu Line
  • Toei Oedo Line

One station from Shinjuku Station, about 15 minutes on foot as well.

Access to Sangubashi Station

Railways

  • Odakyu Odawara Line (local trains only)

Two stations from Shinjuku Station, about 5 minutes.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

Introducing nearby tourist spots to visit along with the pilgrimage.

Shinjuku Gyoen

  • Admission fee: General 500 yen
  • Opening hours: 9:00-16:00 (varies by season)
  • Closed: Mondays (following day if a holiday)
  • Vast garden where you can enjoy nature throughout the four seasons

Yoyogi Park

  • Free admission
  • Open 24 hours
  • Vast lawn area
  • Adjacent to Meiji Shrine
  • Events held frequently

Meiji Shrine

  • Free worship
  • From sunrise to sunset
  • Quiet space in the midst of the city
  • Famous spot for New Year’s visits

Shinjuku Southern Terrace

  • Directly connected to Shinjuku Station South Exit
  • Shopping and gourmet dining
  • Ideal as a rest spot

Pilgrimage Precautions and Manners

Photography Precautions

Manners in Public Places

  • Photograph without obstructing traffic
  • Prioritize safety at crossings
  • Unauthorized entry to private property is strictly prohibited
  • Be considerate of surroundings when using tripods
  • Refrain from loud conversations

Station Precautions

Manners in Station Premises

  • Follow station staff instructions when photographing on platforms
  • Avoid photography during rush hours
  • Don’t disturb other passengers
  • Refrain from flash photography
  • Don’t interfere with train operations

Residential Area Precautions

Consideration for Residents

  • Refrain from loud conversations
  • No entry to private property
  • Always take your trash with you
  • Avoid early morning/late night visits
  • Respect residents’ privacy

Recommended Items to Bring

Essential Items

  • Camera (smartphone is also acceptable)
  • Reference materials from the work (screenshots, etc.)
  • Map app (Google Maps, etc.)
  • Transportation IC card (Suica, PASMO, etc.)
  • Beverages (especially in summer)
  • Comfortable walking shoes

Convenient Items

  • Mobile battery
  • Parasol/umbrella
  • Towel
  • Notepad and pen
  • Spare SD card
  • Tripod (compact type)

Nearby Gourmet Spots

Shinjuku Area

Recommended for Lunch

  • Restaurant district at Shinjuku Southern Terrace
  • Cafes around Shinjuku Station South Exit
  • Set meal restaurants around Shinjuku Gyoen

Cafes

  • Starbucks Shinjuku Southern Terrace Store
  • Various Tully’s Coffee locations
  • Many unique cafes as well

Yoyogi Area

Recommended for Lunch

  • Set meal restaurants around Yoyogi Station
  • Hidden cafe gems
  • Many reasonably priced establishments

Accommodation Information

Accommodation information for those visiting from afar for pilgrimage.

Hotels in Shinjuku Area

Luxury Hotels

  • Park Hyatt Tokyo
  • Hilton Tokyo
  • Keio Plaza Hotel

Business Hotels

  • APA Hotel Shinjuku various locations
  • Toyoko Inn Shinjuku various locations
  • Super Hotel Shinjuku various locations

Capsule Hotels

  • First Cabin various locations
  • Anshin Oyado various locations

Hotels in Yoyogi/Harajuku Area

  • Relatively quiet area
  • Slightly more reasonable than Shinjuku
  • Convenient access as well

Combination with Other Sacred Sites

Sacred sites for “5 Centimeters Per Second” exist outside Tokyo as well.

Sacred Sites in Tochigi Prefecture

The sacred sites in Tochigi Prefecture, the main setting for the first episode “Cherry Blossom,” are also worth visiting.

  • Iwafune Station (one of the models for Sanjuku Station)
  • Other locations along the Oyama Line

Sacred Sites in Kagoshima Prefecture

Tanegashima, the setting for the second episode “Cosmonaut,” is also an important sacred site.

  • Tanegashima Space Center
  • Tanegashima beaches
  • Location that was the model for the high school

Methods for Recording Your Pilgrimage

Sharing on Social Media

Recommended Hashtags

  • #5CentimetersPerSecond
  • #5CentimetersPerSecondPilgrimage
  • #MakotoShinkai
  • #SacredSitePilgrimage
  • #AnimeSacredSite

Creating a Pilgrimage Notebook

  • Record visit dates and times
  • Organize photographed images
  • Write down impressions
  • Compare with scenes from the work
  • Plan next visit

To Enjoy the Work More Deeply

Advance Preparation

Watching the Work

  • Re-watch the work before pilgrimage
  • Prepare screenshots of scenes that appear
  • Check time of day and season
  • List locations that appear

Related Works

Other works by director Makoto Shinkai are also set in Tokyo.

  • “Your Name.”
  • “Weathering With You”
  • “The Garden of Words”

Combining pilgrimage with the sacred sites of these works is also recommended.

Summary

The sacred sites in Tokyo for “5 Centimeters Per Second” are scattered mainly around the Shinjuku/Yoyogi area. All are accessible by public transportation, and you can visit the main locations in half a day to a full day.

Pilgrimage Points

  • Spring cherry blossom season is most recommended
  • The crossing at dusk is a must-see
  • Combine efficiently with nearby tourist spots
  • Observe manners and enjoy
  • Watch the work in advance before visiting

A pilgrimage comparing the work’s beautiful imagery with actual scenery while reflecting on Takaki and Akari’s story will surely become a special memory. In the metropolis of Tokyo, feel the delicate emotions and flow of time that the work depicted.

Through the pilgrimage, you will be able to understand the work “5 Centimeters Per Second” more deeply and rediscover the beauty of Tokyo’s landscape as drawn by director Makoto Shinkai. Please use this guide as a reference and enjoy a wonderful pilgrimage journey.