Director Makoto Shinkai’s masterpiece “5 Centimeters per Second” is known as a work that beautifully depicts real landscapes within Tokyo. This article comprehensively covers the sacred sites in Tokyo featured in the work and provides detailed information for those planning a pilgrimage.
About 5 Centimeters per Second
“5 Centimeters per Second” is an animated film directed by Makoto Shinkai released in 2007. Taking the falling speed of cherry blossoms—5 centimeters per second—as its title, it is beloved by many fans as a work that delicately portrays the subtle romantic feelings of a boy and girl and the passage of time.
The work consists of three short stories: “Cherry Blossom Chapter,” “Cosmonaut,” and “5 Centimeters per Second,” each set in different eras and locations. In particular, Tokyo serves as the primary stage for the second story “Cosmonaut” and the third story “5 Centimeters per Second,” with many real locations appearing throughout.
List of Major Sacred Sites in Tokyo
Around Sanjuku Station (First Story “Cherry Blossom Chapter”)
Sanjuku Station, an important setting in the first story, has a real model station. While set in Tochigi Prefecture in the work, the actual model is created by combining multiple stations.
Model of Sanjuku Station
- Sanyomabashi Station on the Odakyu Line models the atmosphere of the platform
- The station building and surrounding scenery are created with reference to multiple stations
- The scene with falling snow is particularly impressive
Sanyomabashi Station is located on the west side of Yoyogi Park and is a small station in a relatively quiet residential area. While it doesn’t have quite the rural atmosphere of 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 story “Cosmonaut.” It is portrayed 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 multiple times in the work. Its former name was “Docomo Tower,” and its distinctive silhouette is depicted as emblematic of Tokyo’s landscape.
- A super-high-rise building 240 meters tall
- About 10 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station South Exit
- Within walking distance from Yoyogi Station
- Night illumination creates the same atmosphere as night scenes in the work
–
Yoyogi Station
Yoyogi Station, where JR Yamanote Line and Sobu Line intersect, also appears in the work. It is portrayed as Takaki’s school commute route, with the surrounding scenery faithfully recreated.
Shinjuku Area
Shinjuku plays an important role in the third story “5 Centimeters per Second.” It is portrayed as the city where the adult Takaki works.
Sacred Sites in Shinjuku
Shinjuku Station South Exit
One of the most impressive scenes in the work, the railroad crossing scene, is modeled after the area near Shinjuku Station South Exit.
- The Odakyu Line railroad crossing is a famous photo spot
- Just from Shinjuku Southern Terrace Exit
- Rush hour times see the same congestion as in the work
- The cityscape visible beyond the crossing is striking
Around Shinjuku Gyoen
The surrounding roads and scenery of Shinjuku Gyoen also appear in the work. Particularly during cherry blossom season, it overlaps with the work’s theme of cherry blossoms, offering a special atmosphere.
Sanyomabashi Station
Sanyomabashi Station is a station on the Odakyu Line, said to be one of the models for Sanjuku Station in the first story.
Characteristics of Sanyomabashi Station
- Only local trains on the Odakyu Odawara Line stop here
- Located on the west side of Yoyogi Park
- Relatively quiet residential area
- The platform atmosphere is similar to Sanjuku Station in the work
- The area around the station has a calm atmosphere
Odakyu Line
The Odakyu Line plays an important role throughout the work. In the first story, it is the train Takaki rides to meet Akari, and in the third story, it symbolizes the life of the two as adults.
Odakyu Line Sacred Sites
- The section from Shinjuku Station to Sanyomabashi Station
- The crossing scenes are modeled after multiple locations
- The Tokyo landscape visible from the train windows
- The atmosphere inside the train at twilight
Around Meiji Shrine
The area surrounding Meiji Shrine also appears in the background of the work. Together with Yoyogi Park, it is depicted as a verdant area amid the city.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Model Courses
Half-Day Course (Duration: approximately 4 hours)
Route
- Shinjuku Station South Exit (crossing area) – 30 minutes
- Around Yoyogi Station – 30 minutes
- Around NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building – 30 minutes
- Sanyomabashi Station – 30 minutes
- Yoyogi Park stroll – 1 hour
This course is an efficient beginner-friendly route that covers the major sacred sites. Since all locations are within walking distance, you can savor the world of the work while taking your pilgrimage at a leisurely pace.
Full-Day Course (Duration: approximately 8 hours)
Route
- Shinjuku Station South Exit (morning commute scenery) – 1 hour
- Shinjuku Gyoen – 1.5 hours
- Lunch around Yoyogi Station – 1 hour
- Around NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building – 1 hour
- Sanyomabashi Station – 1 hour
- Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park – 2 hours
- Shinjuku Station South Exit (crossing at dusk) – 30 minutes
This course recreates the atmosphere at various times of day from morning to evening as depicted in the work. The morning commute scenery and the crossing at dusk are especially not to be missed.
Photography Spots and Photography Tips
Photography at the Crossing
The crossing near Shinjuku Station South Exit is the most popular photography spot.
Photography Tips
- Dusk (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM) creates the best atmosphere
- Avoid peak commute hours on weekdays due to crowding
- Prioritize safety at the crossing and avoid obstructing traffic
- Use a wide-angle lens to capture the urban landscape broadly
- Cherry blossom season (late March – early April) is especially beautiful
NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building
Photography Tips
- Night illumination is beautiful
- The full facade can be captured from around Yoyogi Station
- Use a telephoto lens to photograph building details
- Looks especially striking on clear days
Sanyomabashi Station
Photography Tips
- Views from the platform
- The exterior of the station building
- The atmosphere of the surrounding residential area
- Snowy days especially resemble the work’s atmosphere (winter only)
Recommended Seasons
Spring (March – May)
Spring is the most suitable season for a “5 Centimeters per Second” pilgrimage.
Spring Highlights
- Cherry blossom season (late March – early April) aligns with the work’s theme
- Shinjuku Gyoen’s cherry blossoms are beautiful
- Yoyogi Park’s cherry blossoms are impressive
- Warm and easy-to-walk weather
- The season where you can most feel the atmosphere of the “Cherry Blossom Chapter”
Summer (June – August)
Summer is the season of the second story “Cosmonaut.”
Summer Highlights
- Blue skies and towering cumulus clouds match the work’s scenery
- Long daylight hours at dusk
- Yoyogi Park’s greenery is beautiful
- Heat countermeasures are essential
Autumn (September – November)
Autumn is comfortable and ideal for photography.
Autumn Highlights
- Autumn foliage is beautiful (mid to late November)
- Clear air is optimal for photography
- The color of the sky at dusk is beautiful
- Relatively fewer tourists
Winter (December – February)
Winter offers the possibility of recreating the snow scenes from the first story “Cherry Blossom Chapter.”
Winter Highlights
- Sanyomabashi Station resembles the work’s atmosphere most closely on snowy days
- Clear air makes distant views beautiful
- Illuminations are beautiful
- Cold weather countermeasures are essential
Access Information
Access to Shinjuku Station
Shinjuku Station is a major terminal station in Tokyo with excellent accessibility.
Railway
- JR Yamanote Line, Chuo Line, Sobu Line
- Odakyu Line
- Keio Line
- Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
- Toei Shinjuku Line, Oedo Line
Travel Time from Major Stations
- From Tokyo Station: approximately 15 minutes (JR Chuo Line Limited Express)
- From Shibuya Station: approximately 5 minutes (JR Yamanote Line)
- From Ikebukuro Station: approximately 5 minutes (JR Yamanote Line)
Access to Yoyogi Station
Railway
- JR Yamanote Line
- JR Sobu Line
- Toei Oedo Line
It’s one station from Shinjuku Station, or about 15 minutes on foot.
Access to Sanyomabashi Station
Railway
- Odakyu Odawara Line (local trains only)
Two stations from Shinjuku Station, approximately 5 minutes.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Nearby tourist attractions to visit alongside your pilgrimage are introduced here.
Shinjuku Gyoen
- Admission: 500 yen for general visitors
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (varies by season)
- Closed: Mondays (if a holiday, the following day)
- Enjoy nature in different seasons across a vast garden
Yoyogi Park
- Admission: Free
- Open 24 hours
- Spacious lawns
- Adjacent to Meiji Shrine
- Frequent events held
Meiji Shrine
- Free entry
- From sunrise to sunset
- A quiet space amidst the city
- A famous site for New Year’s prayers
Shinjuku Southern Terrace
- Direct connection to Shinjuku Station South Exit
- Shopping and dining
- Ideal rest spot
Precautions and Etiquette for Sacred Site Pilgrimages
Photography Precautions
Public Place Etiquette
- Avoid obstructing foot traffic while photographing
- Prioritize safety at railroad crossings
- No unauthorized entry into private property
- Be considerate when using tripods
- Keep your voice low in conversation
Station Precautions
Station Interior Etiquette
- Follow staff instructions when photographing inside the station
- Avoid photography during rush hours
- Don’t obstruct other passengers
- Refrain from using flash
- Don’t interfere with train operations
Residential Area Precautions
Consideration for Residents
- Keep your voice low in conversation
- Do not enter private property
- Take all trash with you
- Avoid visiting early morning or late night
- Respect residents’ privacy
Recommended Items to Bring
Essential Items
- Camera (smartphone is also acceptable)
- Work reference materials (screenshots, etc.)
- Map app (Google Maps, etc.)
- Rechargeable IC card for transportation (Suica, PASMO, etc.)
- Beverages (especially in summer)
- Comfortable walking shoes
Handy Items
- Mobile battery
- Parasol or umbrella
- Towel
- Notepad and pen
- Extra SD card
- Compact tripod
Nearby Dining Spots
Shinjuku Area
Lunch Recommendations
- Restaurant row at Shinjuku Southern Terrace
- Cafes around Shinjuku Station South Exit
- Set meal restaurants around Shinjuku Gyoen
Cafes
- Starbucks Shinjuku Southern Terrace branch
- Tully’s Coffee various locations
- Many unique cafes
Yoyogi Area
Lunch Recommendations
- Set meal restaurants around Yoyogi Station
- Hidden gem cafes
- Many reasonably priced establishments
Accommodation Information
Accommodation information for those visiting from afar for a pilgrimage.
Hotels in Shinjuku Area
Luxury Hotels
- Park Hyatt Tokyo
- Hilton Tokyo
- Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo
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 affordable than Shinjuku
- Convenient access
Combining 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 primary setting of the first story “Cherry Blossom Chapter,” 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 story “Cosmonaut,” is an important sacred site.
- Tanegashima Space Center
- Tanegashima’s coastline
- The location that modeled the high school
Methods of Recording Your Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Sharing on SNS
Recommended Hashtags
- #5CentimetersPerSecond
- #5CentimetersPerSecondPilgrimage
- #MakotoShinkai
- #SacredSitePilgrimage
- #AnimeSacredSite
Creating a Pilgrimage Notebook
- Record date and time of visit
- Organize photos taken
- Write down impressions
- Compare with scenes from the work
- Plan for next visit
Enjoying the Work More Deeply
Prior Preparation
Viewing the Work
- Rewatch the work before the pilgrimage
- Prepare screenshots of featured scenes
- Check the times of day and seasons depicted
- Make a list of 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”
It is recommended to visit the sacred sites of these works as well during your pilgrimage.
Conclusion
The sacred sites of “5 Centimeters per Second” in Tokyo are scattered mainly around the Shinjuku and Yoyogi areas. All are accessible by public transportation, and you can visit the major locations in half a day to a full day.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Highlights
- Spring cherry blossom season is most recommended
- The crossing at dusk is a must-see
- Combine with nearby tourist attractions for efficiency
- Enjoy while observing proper etiquette
- View the work beforehand
A pilgrimage where you compare the beautiful imagery of the work with actual scenery, all the while reflecting on the story of Takaki and Akari, will surely become a special memory. Feel the delicate emotions and passage of time depicted by the work within the great city of Tokyo.
Through your pilgrimage, you will gain a deeper understanding of “5 Centimeters per Second” and rediscover the beauty of Tokyo’s landscape as portrayed by director Makoto Shinkai. Please refer to this guide and enjoy a wonderful sacred site pilgrimage.
