Lycoris Recoil: A Comprehensive Guide to Tokyo Holy Sites
“Lycoris Recoil,” an original anime that aired in the summer of 2022, became explosively popular. Set in Tokyo, this work features numerous real-world filming locations, making pilgrimage to these “holy sites” a major trend among fans. This article comprehensively introduces the Lycoris Recoil holy sites scattered throughout Tokyo, explaining efficient pilgrimage routes and important notes for visiting.
What is Lycoris Recoil
“Lycoris Recoil” is an original television anime produced by A-1 Pictures, broadcast from July to September 2022. The series is directed by Shinbei Adachi, written by Asaura, and features character designs by illustrator Imigi Muru.
The story is set in modern Japan where a secret organization called “DA (Direct Attack)” exists to prevent crime before it happens. Centered around the protagonist Chisato Nishikigi and Takina Inoue, the narrative develops as an action story where everyday and extraordinary situations intersect, with a coffee shop called Lycoris as their base.
A major characteristic of the work is its faithful depiction of real locations throughout Tokyo. From well-known tourist destinations like Asakusa, Odaiba, and Kichijoji to lesser-known spots that only locals know about, realistic Tokyo landscapes add color to the series.
Comprehensive List of Major Holy Sites in Tokyo
Asakusa Area
Around Senso-ji Temple
The Asakusa area, which appears early in the series, is a standard holy site pilgrimage destination. The Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise shopping street, Senso-ji Temple main hall, and other locations allow photography from the same angles featured in the anime.
- Kaminarimon Gate: Appears in a scene from Episode 1 where Chisato and Takina undertake a mission
- Nakamise Street: The bustling shopping street is faithfully recreated
- Senso-ji Temple Main Hall: The precincts are used as background in multiple episodes
Access: 5 minutes walk from Asakusa Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Asakusa Line)
Visiting Tips: Early morning (7:00-8:00 AM) has fewer tourists, allowing leisurely photography. Weekends and holidays are extremely crowded, so weekday visits are recommended.
Along the Sumida River
The walking paths and bridges along the Sumida River also appear in the work. The area around Azumabashi bridge is particularly notable for its beautiful scenery with Tokyo Skytree in the background.
Odaiba Area
Aqua City Odaiba
The shopping center where Chisato and Takina enjoy shopping in Episode 3. The atrium and restaurant floors are depicted faithfully.
- 3rd Floor: The hallway where characters walk
- Outdoor Deck: A scenic spot overlooking Rainbow Bridge
Access: 1 minute walk from Daiba Station (Yurikamome Line)
Odaiba Marine Park
The marine park, featuring the Statue of Liberty and Rainbow Bridge views, appears as background in multiple scenes. The scenery at dusk is especially beautiful and popular as a photo spot.
Kichijoji Area
Inokashira Park
The Inokashira Park becomes an important setting in the middle of the series. The benches beside the pond, walking paths, and boat dock all appear in the work.
- Inokashira Pond: A filming location for boat scenes
- Nanaiibashi Bridge: The bridge where characters stop and converse
- Benches in the Park: Used in scenes where Chisato and Takina talk
Access: 5 minutes walk from Kichijoji Station (JR Chuo Line / Keio Inokashira Line)
Visiting Tips: The cherry blossom season (late March-early April) is especially beautiful but extremely crowded. The fresh green season (May) and autumn foliage season (November) are also recommended.
Around Kichijoji Station
Both the north and south exits of Kichijoji Station appear in the work. The station plaza and shopping street entrances are depicted carefully in everyday scenes.
Shinjuku Area
Around Shinjuku Station
Central Tokyo’s Shinjuku is one of the important settings in the work. The characteristic scenery of Shinjuku’s west exit, east exit, and south exit all appear.
- Shinjuku Station West Exit: Scenes with high-rise buildings in the background
- Shinjuku Station East Exit: The crowded scene in front of ALTA
- Shinjuku Station South Exit: The open Southern Terrace
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
The observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building appears impressively in Episode 8. Admission is free, and you can view all of Tokyo from 202 meters above ground.
Access: Directly connected to Tochomae Station (Oedo Line)
Hours: 9:30 AM-10:00 PM (South observation deck may be closed)
Shibuya Area
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
The Shibuya Scramble Crossing also appears in the anime’s opening sequence. This world-famous intersection is one of the spots that symbolizes Lycoris Recoil’s world view.
Around Shibuya Station
Hachiko Square, Shibuya Center-gai Street, and various locations in Shibuya, a hub of youth culture, appear in the work.
Akihabara Area
Akihabara Electronics Street
In Episode 5, when Chisato and the others visit Akihabara. The unique atmosphere of the electronics street, signs, and maid cafes are depicted faithfully.
Access: Akihabara Station (JR Yamanote/Sobu Line, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, Tsukuba Express)
Ginza / Yurakucho Area
Ginza Chuo-dori (Main Street)
The street lined with luxury boutiques appears in important scenes later in the work. The pedestrian heaven scene on weekends is also depicted.
Around Yurakucho Station
The area under the elevated railway at Yurakucho Station and surrounding buildings are used as background.
Other Notable Spots
Tokyo Tower
Appearing multiple times as a distant view. The view from the observation deck is also depicted in the work.
Rainbow Bridge
The Rainbow Bridge seen from the Odaiba direction is impressively depicted in nighttime scenes.
Toyosu Market Area
The Toyosu area, appearing in Episode 10. Modern architecture and waterfront scenery are characteristic.
Efficient Pilgrimage Route Proposals
1-Day Course: Major Spots Route
Morning: Asakusa Area (9:00 AM-12:00 PM)
- Arrival at Asakusa Station (9:00 AM)
- Exploring Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise Street (9:00-10:00 AM)
- Senso-ji Temple visit and photography (10:00-11:00 AM)
- Sumida River embankment walk (11:00 AM-12:00 PM)
Early Afternoon: Odaiba Area (1:00 PM-4:00 PM)
- Travel to Odaiba by water bus from Asakusa (12:00-1:00 PM)
- Exploring Aqua City Odaiba (1:00-2:30 PM)
- Odaiba Marine Park walk (2:30-4:00 PM)
Late Afternoon: Shibuya/Shinjuku Area (4:30 PM-7:00 PM)
- Yurikamome to Shinbashi, then JR to Shibuya (4:00-4:30 PM)
- Shibuya Scramble Crossing and station area (4:30-5:30 PM)
- JR to Shinjuku (5:30-6:00 PM)
- Shinjuku Station area and Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck (6:00-7:00 PM)
2-Day Course: Leisurely Pilgrimage Route
Day 1: East Area
- Morning: Asakusa Area
- Afternoon: Odaiba Area
- Evening: Akihabara Area
Day 2: West Area
- Morning: Kichijoji Area (Inokashira Park)
- Afternoon: Shibuya Area
- Evening: Shinjuku Area
Theme-Based Pilgrimage Routes
Following Chisato and Takina’s Footsteps Route
A course centered on places where the protagonists walked. Visiting in order—Kichijoji → Asakusa → Odaiba—allows you to follow the story’s progression.
Night Scenery and Illumination Course
Visiting Tokyo Tower → Rainbow Bridge → Odaiba → Shibuya from dusk to night allows you to enjoy beautiful nighttime views.
Preparation and Etiquette for Holy Site Pilgrimage
Advance Preparation
Essential Items
- Smartphone/Camera: For photography. Bring spare batteries
- Images of relevant scenes from the work: Save these for comparison photography
- IC Transportation Card: Essential for smooth travel
- Map App: Google Maps, Yahoo! Maps, etc.
- Drinks and Light Snacks: Prepare for long hours of travel
Convenient Items
- Small tripod or selfie stick
- Mobile battery
- Umbrella
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Notebook and pen
Etiquette When Visiting
Basic Manners
- No trespassing on private property: Limit photography to public roads and facilities
- Consideration for surroundings: Be careful not to obstruct passage
- Noise control: Move quietly in residential areas
- Take trash with you: Cooperate with environmental conservation
- Respect for operating businesses: Get permission to photograph, or patronize them
Photography Precautions
- Don’t use tripods in places where they’re prohibited
- Be considerate so people’s faces don’t appear in photos
- Don’t use flash in places where it’s prohibited
- Avoid occupying locations for extended periods
- Refrain from photography in dangerous places
When Posting on SNS
- Be cautious about revealing location information
- Be considerate when processing/sharing photos with other visitors visible
- Use hashtags for spoiler consideration
- Avoid defamatory comments
Seasonal Recommendations
Spring (March-May)
Recommended Points
- Cherry blossoms at Inokashira Park are beautiful (late March-early April)
- Pleasant climate ideal for long walks
- May’s fresh greenery is photogenic
Cautions
- Cherry blossom season is extremely crowded
- Golden Week sees heavy crowds at tourist sites
Summer (June-August)
Recommended Points
- Odaiba’s waterfront is refreshing
- Summer festivals occur at various locations
- Experience the same season as the broadcast
Cautions
- Heat stroke prevention is essential
- Umbrella needed during rainy season
- Don’t forget sunscreen
Autumn (September-November)
Recommended Points
- Autumn foliage is beautiful (mid-to-late November)
- Weather is stable and comfortable
- Earlier sunset enables nighttime photography
Cautions
- Fall foliage season is crowded
- Large temperature variations between morning and evening
Winter (December-February)
Recommended Points
- Illuminations are beautiful
- Clear air ideal for distant photography
- Relatively fewer tourists
Cautions
- Winter clothing essential
- Early sunset (around 4:30 PM)
- Year-end and New Year travel is congested
Experiences Enjoyable with Holy Site Pilgrimage
Culinary Experiences
Asakusa Area
- Ningyo-yaki (doll cakes) and kaminari okoshi (brittle) from Nakamise
- Long-established tempura restaurants
- Monjayaki (savory pancake)
Kichijoji Area
- Izakayas in Harmonica Yokocho alley
- Trendy cafes
- Bakeries near Inokashira Park
Odaiba Area
- Aqua City’s restaurant floor
- Seafood cuisine
- Cafe breaks
Shopping
Anime Merchandise
Akihabara has many shops selling official Lycoris Recoil merchandise and related items. Visiting specialty shops like Animate, Gamers, and Toranoana is recommended.
Souvenirs
Finding souvenirs from each area is one of the joys—Asakusa’s kaminari okoshi, Kichijoji sweets, Odaiba exclusive goods, etc.
Cultural Experiences
Senso-ji Temple Pilgrimage Experience
Draw omikuji fortunes or purchase protective amulets—touching Japanese traditional culture.
Viewing from Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
Free viewing of all Tokyo, experiencing scenes from the work firsthand.
Transportation Methods and Access Information
Recommended Transportation Passes
Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Ticket
Price: 600 yen
Coverage: All Tokyo Metro lines
Recommendation: ★★★★☆
Extremely cost-effective for visiting multiple holy sites. Covers Shibuya, Ginza, Asakusa, etc.
Toei All-Around Ticket
Price: 700 yen
Coverage: Toei Subway, Toei Bus, Tram, Nippori-Toneri Liner
Recommendation: ★★★☆☆
Convenient for Asakusa and Shinjuku visits.
Tokyo Free Pass
Price: 1,600 yen
Coverage: JR (Tokyo 23 wards), Tokyo Metro all lines, Toei Subway all lines, Toei Bus, Tram, Nippori-Toneri Liner
Recommendation: ★★★★★
Best value for extensive travel. Optimal for visiting many spots in one day.
Travel Time Between Areas
- Asakusa ⇔ Odaiba: About 40 minutes (water bus), about 50 minutes (train)
- Asakusa ⇔ Kichijoji: About 50 minutes
- Odaiba ⇔ Shibuya: About 30 minutes
- Shibuya ⇔ Shinjuku: About 10 minutes
- Shinjuku ⇔ Kichijoji: About 15 minutes
- Akihabara ⇔ Asakusa: About 10 minutes
Using Water Buses
The water bus from Asakusa to Odaiba is recommended, traveling down the Sumida River. The approximately 40-minute cruise includes passing under Rainbow Bridge.
Fare: 1,560 yen (one-way)
Travel time: About 40 minutes
Photography Techniques and Tips
Comparison Photography Points
Angle Matching
To photograph the same angle as scenes in the work, prepare screenshots beforehand and adjust your position at the location while comparing with your smartphone screen.
Time Selection
Matching the time of day from the work’s scene (morning, noon, evening, night) better recreates the atmosphere.
Weather Consideration
Scenery impressions change significantly with weather. Choosing days matching the work’s weather is one approach.
Smartphone Photography Techniques
Using HDR Mode
In places with large brightness differences, enabling HDR mode produces more beautiful photos.
Showing Grid Lines
Grid line display helps with composition using the rule of thirds.
Using Portrait Mode
When wanting blurred backgrounds, portrait mode produces DSLR-like photos.
DSLR Camera Settings
Lens Selection
- Wide-angle lens (16-35mm): For full buildings or wide landscapes
- Standard lens (24-70mm): Versatile for all uses
- Telephoto lens (70-200mm): For distant subjects or compression effects
Setting Guidelines
- Aperture: F8-F11 (for sharp focus across scenery)
- Shutter Speed: 1/125 second or faster (preventing camera shake)
- ISO Sensitivity: 100-400 (daytime), 800-3200 (nighttime)
Accommodation Information and Recommended Hotels
Asakusa Area
Advantages
- Enjoy downtown atmosphere
- Relatively affordable accommodations
- Possible early morning temple visits
Recommended Hotel Types
Business hotels, capsule hotels, guest houses
Shinjuku/Shibuya Area
Advantages
- Excellent transportation connections
- Abundant dining options
- Activities available late into evening
Recommended Hotel Types
Business hotels, city hotels
Odaiba Area
Advantages
- Seaside resort atmosphere
- Beautiful night views
- Abundant shopping facilities
Recommended Hotel Types
Resort hotels, city hotels
Fan Events and Related Information
Official Events
Lycoris Recoil official events are held irregularly. Voice actor talk shows, screenings, merchandise sales, and more may occur. Check the official website and SNS for latest updates.
Collaboration Cafes
Limited-time Lycoris Recoil collaboration cafes open throughout Tokyo. Akihabara, Ikebukuro, and Harajuku are common venues.
Exhibitions and Pop-Up Stores
Anime shops like Animate and Gamers set up limited-time special sections, featuring exclusive merchandise and life-size panel displays.
Recording Your Pilgrimage
SNS Sharing
Recommended Hashtags
- #LycorisRecoilPilgrimage
- #LycorisRecoil
- #LycorisRecoilHolyPlace
- #Lycoris
Posting Tips
- Share side-by-side comparisons of work scenes and real locations
- Write detailed visiting impressions
- Share useful information for other pilgrims
- Use spoiler-considerate tagging
Creating a Pilgrimage Notebook
Record your visits using paper notebooks or digital note apps.
Content to Record
- Visit date and time
- Location details
- Photographed images
- Impressions and observations
- Notes for future visits
Video Recording
Vlogging style videos shared on YouTube or Nico Nico Video is popular, effectively conveying travel scenes and local atmosphere.
Budget Estimates
Day Trip Pilgrimage
- Transportation: 1,600 yen (Tokyo Free Pass)
- Meals: 2,000-3,000 yen (lunch and snacks)
- Merchandise: 2,000-5,000 yen (optional)
- Other: 1,000 yen (drinks, souvenirs, etc.)
Total: Approximately 6,600-10,600 yen
1-Night 2-Day Pilgrimage
- Transportation: 3,200 yen (Tokyo Free Pass × 2 days)
- Accommodation: 5,000-15,000 yen (depending on hotel grade)
- Meals: 5,000-8,000 yen (2 days)
- Merchandise: 3,000-10,000 yen (optional)
- Other: 2,000 yen
Total: Approximately 18,200-38,200 yen
Conclusion: For a Fulfilling Holy Site Pilgrimage
Lycoris Recoil’s Tokyo holy site pilgrimage is a precious opportunity to experience the work’s world firsthand. From Asakusa’s traditional downtown charm to Odaiba’s modern landscapes to Kichijoji’s calm atmosphere, you can rediscover diverse Tokyo charms.
Keys to Successful Holy Site Pilgrimage
- Don’t neglect advance preparation: Confirm visiting location hours and access methods
- Allow schedule flexibility: Don’t over-schedule
- Follow proper etiquette: Show consideration for residents and other tourists
- Adapt to weather: Have alternative plans for rainy days
- Manage your health: Stay hydrated and take adequate breaks
- Enjoy the experience: Don’t seek perfection; savor the atmosphere
As fans who love the work, cherish the holy sites and maintain their beauty for future visitors. Walking through the world of Lycoris Recoil deepens your understanding and affection for the series.
Traveling through holy sites scattered across Tokyo becomes an experience beyond mere tourism. Walking where Chisato and Takina ran, viewing the same scenery, lets you immerse yourself deeper in the work’s world.
We wish your holy site pilgrimage becomes a wonderful memory. Travel safely and enjoy a fulfilling pilgrimage journey!
