Makoto Shinkai’s Blockbuster Film “Weathering with You” features the “Nozoki Slope,” a steep hill that actually exists in Takada, Toshima Ward, Tokyo. This slope, impressively depicted in the scene where Hina’s sunny girl power shines, has become a must-visit pilgrimage spot for many fans. This article provides comprehensive information needed for a pilgrimage to the holy site, covering the charm of Nozoki Slope, access methods, photography tips, and nearby pilgrimage spots.
What is Nozoki Slope? The History and Characteristics of Tokyo’s Steepest Hill
Basic Information about Nozoki Slope
Nozoki Slope is located in Takada 2-chome, Toshima Ward, Tokyo, and is one of the steepest slopes in the city. While officially called “Fujimi Slope,” it is widely known by the nickname “Nozoki Slope” (literally “peeking slope”) because the grade is so steep that you must peer down from the top to see the bottom.
Basic Data:
- Location: Near 12-21 Takada 2-chome, Toshima Ward, Tokyo
- Maximum gradient: Approximately 13 degrees (23%)
- Elevation difference: Approximately 20 meters
- Elevation at slope top: Approximately 30 meters
- Elevation at slope bottom: Approximately 10 meters
- Alternate names: Munetsuki Slope, Fujimi Slope
One of Tokyo’s Steepest Slopes
Nozoki Slope is counted among the steepest roads in Tokyo where automobiles can pass, in terms of both gradient and length. With a gradient of 22-23%, which is significantly steeper than the typical 5-10% gradient of ordinary slopes, you can understand just how steep this slope is.
Due to this steep gradient, even automobiles and motorcycles may stall depending on their transmission capabilities, and caution is necessary when driving. Walking up the slope also requires considerable physical stamina and is known as a challenging hill to climb.
History and Origin of the Name Nozoki Slope
The name “Nozoki Slope” comes from the fact that the grade is so steep that you must peer down from the top to see the bottom. This slope has existed since the Edo period and was also called “Fujimi Slope” because Mount Fuji could once be seen from the top of the slope.
It is located along the east side of Meiji Street and the Arakawa Streetcar Line, positioned between the Gakushuin-Shita Station and Kishimojin-mae Station. The surrounding area is a quiet residential neighborhood with historic temples and shrines scattered throughout.
Explanation of the Nozoki Slope Scene in “Weathering with You”
The Digest Scene Where Hina’s Sunny Girl Power Shines
Nozoki Slope appears in “Weathering with You” in a digest scene where Hina, awakening to her power as a “sunny girl,” begins her sunny girl business with Hodaka. In this scene, the way the weather dramatically clears thanks to Hina’s mysterious power is impressively depicted with Nozoki Slope as the stage.
In the film, the moment when Tokyo’s rainy skies dramatically change to clear skies through Hina’s prayers is expressed alongside this steep slope. The perspective from the top of the slope looking down creates an open feeling, as if running upward toward the sky, and functions as a symbolic scene representing Hina’s power.
Director Makoto Shinkai’s Creative Intent
Makoto Shinkai is known for meticulously depicting real Tokyo landscapes in his works. Nozoki Slope was chosen for its unique topography and visual impact.
The steep slope was an ideal stage for visually expressing the characters’ determination to face difficulties and Hina’s powerful ability to manipulate weather. Additionally, the perspective from the top of the slope looking down emphasizes the distance to the sky, beautifully harmonizing with the story’s theme of manipulating weather.
Symbolic Meaning in the Story
The Nozoki Slope scene is not merely background description but an important moment indicating a turning point in the story. As Hina begins to actively use her power as a sunny girl, this scene becomes the catalyst for the two characters’ fates to shift dramatically.
The act of climbing a steep slope represents the will to face adversity, and the clear sky visible from the top of the slope is depicted as a symbol of hope and possibility.
Detailed Access Guide to Nozoki Slope
Access Methods from Nearest Stations
Route from Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line “Zoshigaya Station” (Shortest)
From Exit 3 of Zoshigaya Station, it is approximately a 2-minute walk, making this the most convenient route.
- Exit from Zoshigaya Station Exit 3
- Head north along Meiji Street for approximately 100 meters
- You will see the entrance to Nozoki Slope on your left
Route from Arakawa Streetcar Line “Zoshigaya Station”
Access from the Arakawa Streetcar Line Zoshigaya Station is also possible in about a 3-minute walk.
- Exit Zoshigaya Station
- Cross Meiji Street and head north
- After approximately 150 meters, you will see Nozoki Slope on your left
Route from JR Yamanote Line “Mejiro Station”
From Mejiro Station, it is about a 10-minute walk. It is also recommended to head there while exploring the surrounding area as part of your pilgrimage.
- Exit the Mejiro Station ticket gate and go left (toward Ikebukuro)
- Head along Meiji Street toward Ikebukuro for approximately 700 meters
- You will see Nozoki Slope’s top on your right
Route from JR Yamanote Line “Ikebukuro Station”
From Ikebukuro Station, it is about a 15-minute walk.
- Exit from Ikebukuro Station East Exit
- Head south along Meiji Street toward Mejiro for approximately 1 kilometer
- You will find the entrance to Nozoki Slope at the top on your left
Driving Access and Parking Information
Since Nozoki Slope is in a residential area, there is no dedicated parking lot. If visiting by car, you have the following options.
Nearby Coin Parking:
- Several coin parking facilities near Zoshigaya Station
- Rate: Approximately 200 yen per 15-30 minutes
- Can be crowded on holidays; use of public transportation is recommended
Important Notes:
- Nozoki Slope itself has a steep grade, so drivers without confidence should avoid traveling on it
- When taking photos on the slope, be extremely careful of passing vehicles
Optimal Times and Seasons for Visiting
Recommended Times:
- Early Morning (6:00-8:00): Few people around, allowing for leisurely photography. Morning light can create scenes reminiscent of the movie.
- Morning (9:00-12:00): A well-lit time suitable for photography. Relatively quiet on weekdays.
- Afternoon (13:00-16:00): Depending on the sun’s position, the slope’s shadows and light are beautiful.
- Evening (17:00-19:00): Beautiful contrast between twilight sky and slope.
- Night: Few street lights, not suitable for photography. Day visits are recommended for safety.
Seasonal Appeal:
- Spring: Beautiful contrast between fresh greenery and blue sky
- Summer: Similar towering clouds as in the movie can sometimes be seen
- Autumn: Clear air allows for beautiful distant views
- Winter: Air is crisp; clear days offer exceptionally beautiful blue skies
Complete Photography Guide for Pilgrimage: Photography at Nozoki Slope
Tips for Shooting the Same Angles as the Film
To recreate the scene from “Weathering with You” at Nozoki Slope, shooting position and angle are crucial.
Photography from the Top of the Slope (Main Angle):
The most impressive angle in the film is from the top of the slope looking down.
- Stand near the slope’s summit
- Position the camera at a lower height (about waist level)
- Shoot somewhat downward to emphasize the slope’s gradient
- Including more sky makes it closer to the film’s scene
Photography from the Bottom of the Slope:
Looking up from the bottom also emphasizes the slope’s steep grade.
- Stand at the bottom of the slope looking upward
- Using a wide-angle lens conveys the slope’s impact more effectively
- If including people, positioning them mid-slope creates a well-composed shot
Safety and Etiquette During Photography
Safety Considerations:
- Since vehicles can travel on the slope, always check your surroundings for safety
- Do not become so focused on photography that you step into the roadway
- Pay special attention to your footing when walking backward due to the steep grade
- Be careful on wet surfaces during rainy weather
Etiquette Reminders:
- This is a residential area, so avoid loud conversations and noise
- Avoid occupying the road for extended periods; do not obstruct other pedestrians
- Do not trespass on private property
- Take all trash with you
- Avoid early morning or late evening visits as they may disturb residents
Recommended Photography Equipment and Settings
Camera/Smartphone Settings:
- Wide-angle Lens: Captures the entire slope and expansive sky (24-35mm equivalent recommended)
- Standard Lens: Easy to balance people and background (around 50mm)
- Exposure Compensation: +0.3 to +0.7 brighter when including sky for a bright movie-like impression
- HDR Function: Effective when there is large contrast between bright sky and ground
Photography Points:
- Clear mornings through early afternoon offer beautiful blue sky and slope contrast
- Overcast skies can also recreate the film’s atmosphere
- When including people, position them where the slope’s gradient is visible
- Use burst mode to select the best shot from multiple frames
“Weathering with You” Holy Sites Around Nozoki Slope
Holy Sites in the Zoshigaya Area
When visiting Nozoki Slope, try exploring other holy sites within walking distance.
Zoshigaya Reien (Cemetery)
About a 5-minute walk from Nozoki Slope. One of Tokyo’s largest cemeteries with a serene atmosphere. While not directly featured in the film, its surroundings reflect the everyday Tokyo landscapes characteristic of Shinkai works.
Kishimojin Hall
About a 5-minute walk from Zoshigaya Station. A historic temple dating back to the Edo period where you can feel the historical aspects of Tokyo depicted as the setting for “Weathering with You.”
Related Spots in the Mejiro and Ikebukuro Areas
Around Mejiro Station
The route from Nozoki Slope to Mejiro Station features the everyday Tokyo landscapes that appear in the film. Walking along Meiji Street allows you to experience the film’s atmosphere.
Around Gakushuin University
Near Mejiro Station, Gakushuin University and its surroundings offer a lush, calm atmosphere. You can experience the diverse facets of Tokyo that Director Shinkai depicts.
Access to Other Major Holy Sites from Nozoki Slope
Nozoki Slope is well-positioned for accessing other major holy sites in “Weathering with You.”
Toward Yoyogi (Using Arakawa Streetcar Line/JR Yamanote Line):
- Yoyogi Kaikan: About 15 minutes from Ikebukuro on the Yamanote Line
- NTT DoCoMo Yoyogi Building: Same as above
Toward Shinjuku (Via Ikebukuro):
- Shinjuku Station Area: About 5 minutes from Ikebukuro on the Yamanote Line
- Metropolitan Government Building and Tochou Street: About 10 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station
Toward Tabata (Using Yamanote Line):
- Tabata Station South Exit: About 10 minutes from Ikebukuro on the Yamanote Line
Toward Odaiba (Using Rinkai Line):
- Fuji Television and Surrounding Area: About 40 minutes from Ikebukuro via Saikyo Line and Rinkai Line
“Weathering with You” Film Explanation and Nozoki Slope’s Role
Story Overview of “Weathering with You”
“Weathering with You” is a full-length animated film directed by Makoto Shinkai released on July 19, 2019. Following the previous work “Your Name,” it became a massive hit, setting a record with box office earnings exceeding 14 billion yen.
Plot:
In the summer of his first year of high school, Hodaka runs away and comes to Tokyo. However, Tokyo is plagued by continuous rain, and Hodaka struggles through days of loneliness and poverty. Then, he meets Hina, a mysterious girl with special abilities. Hina is a “sunny girl” who can create localized clear skies through prayer.
The two begin a “sunny girl” business and travel throughout Tokyo accepting various requests. However, it becomes clear that manipulating weather comes with great sacrifice, and Hodaka faces a critical choice to protect Hina.
Tokyo Landscape as Depicted by Director Makoto Shinkai
Director Makoto Shinkai is known for meticulously depicting actual locations. In “Weathering with You,” various Tokyo locations appear and have become pilgrimage destinations that fans can actually visit.
Characteristics of Landscape Depiction in Shinkai Works:
- Faithfully reproducing real locations while beautifying them with unique color sense
- Emphasizing contrast between light and shadow
- Finding non-everyday beauty in ordinary landscapes
- Special attention to sky and cloud depiction
Nozoki Slope is one place where Director Shinkai’s aesthetics are concentrated. The unique geography of a steep slope and the expansive sky visible from it are truly landscapes symbolic of Shinkai works.
Symbolic Meaning of Weather and Slopes
In “Weathering with You,” weather is not merely background but a central motif of the story. Slopes like Nozoki Slope function as devices symbolizing the characters’ psychological states and story progression.
Symbolic Meaning of Slopes:
- Challenge to Difficulty: Climbing a steep slope represents the will to face hardship
- Perspective Shift: Climbing a slope opens the view to new worlds
- Distance to Heaven: The slope’s top is closer to the sky, resonating with Hina’s weather-manipulating power
- Boundary Between Everyday and Non-everyday: The slope marks a turning point where the world changes
Nozoki Slope was selected as the ideal location to visually express these symbolic meanings.
Practical Advice for Enjoying Pilgrimage to Holy Sites
Creating Efficient Pilgrimage Routes
Holy sites from “Weathering with You” are scattered throughout Tokyo, but grouping them by area allows for efficient touring.
One-Day Model Course Including Nozoki Slope:
Morning (9:00-12:00): Zoshigaya and Mejiro Area
- Meet at Zoshigaya Station
- Photography at Nozoki Slope (30 minutes to 1 hour)
- Explore Zoshigaya Reien (30 minutes)
- Visit Kishimojin Hall (30 minutes)
- Explore around Mejiro Station (30 minutes)
Afternoon (13:00-17:00): Shinjuku and Yoyogi Area
- Around Shinjuku Station (Shinjuku Ohashi West, etc.) (1 hour)
- Metropolitan Government Building and Tochou Street (30 minutes)
- Yoyogi Kaikan and NTT DoCoMo Yoyogi Building (1 hour)
- Around Yoyogi Station (1 hour)
Evening Onward (17:00-): Odaiba Area (Optional)
- Around Fuji Television in Odaiba (evening/night scene photography)
Packing Checklist
Essential Items:
- Camera or smartphone (including charger and spare battery)
- Transportation IC card (Suica, PASMO, etc.)
- Beverages and light snacks
- Comfortable walking shoes (many slopes)
- Map application (Google Maps, dedicated pilgrimage app, etc.)
Helpful Items:
- Movie scene photos (for photography angle reference)
- Portable battery
- Compact umbrella (weather contingency)
- Towel and handkerchief
- Adhesive bandages (for extended walking)
- Notebook and pen (visit record)
Seasonal and Weather-Based Enjoyment
Clear Weather:
This is the condition most similar to the film’s scenes. The contrast between blue sky and slope is beautiful, making for a photogenic day.
Cloudy/Rainy Weather:
Most of “Weathering with You” is set in rainy Tokyo. Visiting on a rainy day allows you to immerse yourself more deeply in the film’s world. However, be extra careful as the slope becomes slippery.
Summer (June-August):
The season depicted in the film. Thunderclouds develop easily, increasing the chance of encountering dramatic skies like those in the movie. Sun protection is essential.
Winter (December-February):
Air is clear and blue skies are especially beautiful. Fewer visitors allow for leisurely photography.
Making the Most of Nozoki Slope’s Charm
Perspective of a Slope Enthusiast
Nozoki Slope is famous not only as a holy site from “Weathering with You” but also among slope enthusiasts (slope maniacs).
Charm as a Slope:
- One of the steepest slopes in Tokyo’s 23 wards
- Remarkable presence despite being along the main Meiji Street
- Completely different scenery above and below the slope
- Historic slope with historical background
Visiting with attention to the slope’s gradient and history offers another dimension of enjoyment.
Understanding Local History and Culture
The Zoshigaya area is a historic region with roots in the Edo period. When visiting Nozoki Slope, pay attention to the area’s history and culture.
Zoshigaya’s History:
- During the Edo period, the area had many samurai residences and temples/shrines
- After the Meiji period, developed as a cultural city with many literati and artists
- Many famous figures are buried in Zoshigaya Reien
- Kishimojin Hall has attracted common people’s faith since the Edo period
Nearby Food Spots
Enjoying local cuisine during your pilgrimage is also recommended.
Recommendations in the Zoshigaya and Mejiro Area:
- Cafes: Quiet atmosphere cafes scattered around Zoshigaya Station
- Japanese Food: Many traditional Japanese restaurants around Kishimojin Hall
- Western Food: Historic Western restaurants and bakeries near Mejiro Station
Enjoy local flavors while recovering from your pilgrimage fatigue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Nozoki Slope really Tokyo’s steepest slope?
A: Nozoki Slope is among the steepest roads where automobiles can travel in Tokyo, but it’s difficult to call it “the steepest.” With a gradient of approximately 23%, it is certainly among the city’s steepest. However, if including non-automobile stairs, steeper locations exist.
Q: Does Nozoki Slope appear in any works besides “Weathering with You”?
A: Yes, it does. Nozoki Slope also appears in the anime “A Mediocre Life” and is recognized as a holy site by those fans as well. As a distinctly steep slope in Tokyo, it is sometimes selected as a film location.
Q: When is the best time to visit Nozoki Slope?
A: To recreate the film’s scene, clear days from late morning through early afternoon are ideal. Spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November) offer good weather and beautiful skies. However, visiting in summer (June-August), the film’s setting season, allows deeper immersion in the work’s world.
Q: Is climbing the slope very difficult?
A: With a gradient of approximately 23%, Nozoki Slope requires considerable physical stamina to climb on foot. Healthy adults can climb it, but elderly people and those without confidence in their fitness should not overexert themselves. Climbing slowly with breaks is recommended.
Q: Can vehicles travel on the slope?
A: Yes, but driving requires caution due to the steep grade. Especially in rain, the road surface is slippery, and uphill travel may cause stalling depending on transmission capability. Drivers without confidence or those in low-clearance vehicles should avoid it.
Q: Are there parking lots near Nozoki Slope?
A: There is no dedicated parking lot, but several coin parking facilities exist around Zoshigaya Station. As spaces are limited, public transportation is recommended.
Q: What should I watch for while photographing?
A: Since vehicles can travel on the road, always check your surroundings for safety during photography. Also, as this is a residential area, avoid loud conversations or long periods of road occupancy, and be considerate of neighboring residents. Unauthorized entry to private property is strictly forbidden.
Q: Can I enjoy it visiting on a rainy day?
A: Some argue that rainy days are actually ideal for experiencing “Weathering with You”‘s atmosphere. Since most of the film is set in rainy Tokyo, visiting on a rainy day allows deeper engagement with the work. However, slopes are slippery, so take extra safety precautions.
Conclusion: Experience the World of “Weathering with You” at Nozoki Slope
Nozoki Slope is an impressive holy site that appears in Director Makoto Shinkai’s “Weathering with You.” This slope, featuring one of Tokyo’s 23 wards’ steepest gradients, has become a major pilgrimage destination for fans as a location symbolizing the film’s scenes.
Its appeal includes convenient access—just a 2-minute walk from Zoshigaya Station—making it an ideal base for pilgrimage. The view looking down from the slope’s top, the steep grade viewed from the bottom, and the clear sky above all combine to capture the very essence of the film’s world.
When visiting, show consideration for the area’s safety and etiquette while fully experiencing the beauty of Tokyo as depicted by Director Shinkai. Starting from Nozoki Slope and exploring historic spots around Zoshigaya and other holy sites scattered throughout Tokyo will deepen your understanding of “Weathering with You”‘s world view.
Clear days and rainy days alike hold unique charms at Nozoki Slope. Please visit this special place and experience the film’s emotion once more.
