【Makoto Shinkai Works】5 Centimeters per Second Shibuya Ward, Tokyo
Makoto Shinkai’s masterpiece “5 Centimeters per Second” is known as a work that beautifully depicts actual landscapes within Tokyo. This article provides comprehensive information about the sacred sites in Tokyo that appear in the work and detailed guidance for those planning a pilgrimage.
What is 5 Centimeters per Second?
“5 Centimeters per Second” is an animated film directed by Makoto Shinkai released in 2007. Taking its title from the speed at which cherry blossoms fall—5 centimeters per second—the work delicately depicts the subtle love between a boy and girl and the passage of time, beloved by many fans.
The work consists of three short stories: “Cherry Blossom Chapter,” “Cosmonaut,” and “5 Centimeters per Second,” each set in different eras and locations. Tokyo, in particular, becomes the main setting for the second story “Cosmonaut” and the third story “5 Centimeters per Second,” with many real locations appearing throughout.
Major Sacred Sites List 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 the setting in the work is Tochigi Prefecture, the actual model is created by combining multiple stations.
Model of Sanjuku Station
- Odakyu Line’s Sanjuku-bashi Station serves as the model for the platform atmosphere
- The station building and surrounding scenery are created with reference to multiple stations
- The scene of snow falling at the station is particularly impressive
Sanjuku-bashi Station is located on the west side of Yoyogi Park in a relatively quiet residential area with a small station. 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 of the second story “Cosmonaut.” It is depicted as a place where the protagonist, Takaki, spends his high school years.
Main Spots in Yoyogi
NTT DoCoMo Yoyogi Building
A symbolic building that appears multiple times in the work. Formerly called “DoCoMo Tower,” its distinctive silhouette is depicted as embodying Tokyo’s landscape.
- A super high-rise building 240 meters tall
- Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Shinjuku Station South Exit
- Within walking distance from Yoyogi Station
- Beautifully lit up at night, allowing viewers to enjoy the same atmosphere as the nighttime 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 part of Takaki’s school commute, with the surrounding scenery faithfully recreated.
Shinjuku Area
Shinjuku plays an important role in the third story “5 Centimeters per Second.” It is depicted as the city where 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 said to be modeled after the area near Shinjuku Station South Exit.
- The Odakyu Line crossing is a famous photography spot
- Right near the Shinjuku Southern Terrace exit
- The crowding during morning and evening commute times is similar to the work
- The urban landscape visible across the crossing is striking
Shinjuku Gyoen Area
The streets and scenery around Shinjuku Gyoen also appear in the work. Especially during cherry blossom season, overlapping with the work’s theme of cherry blossoms, a special atmosphere can be experienced.
Sanjuku-bashi Station
Sanjuku-bashi Station is a station on the Odakyu Line and is said to be one of the models for Sanjuku Station in the first story.
Characteristics of Sanjuku-bashi Station
- Only local trains of the Odakyu Odawara Line stop here
- 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 story, it is the train Takaki rides to meet Akari, and in the third story, it becomes a symbol of the two adults’ lives.
Odakyu Line Sacred Sites
- The section from Shinjuku Station to Sanjuku-bashi Station
- Railroad crossing scenes are modeled from multiple locations
- Tokyo landscape visible 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 lush green area in the middle of the city.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Model Courses
Half-Day Course (Approximately 4 hours)
Route
- Shinjuku Station South Exit (crossing area) – 30 minutes
- Around Yoyogi Station – 30 minutes
- Around NTT DoCoMo Yoyogi Building – 30 minutes
- Sanjuku-bashi Station – 30 minutes
- Yoyogi Park exploration – 1 hour
This course efficiently covers major sacred sites and is recommended for beginners. Since everything is within walking distance, you can enjoy the work’s world slowly while visiting.
Full-Day Course (Approximately 8 hours)
Route
- Shinjuku Station South Exit (morning commute atmosphere) – 1 hour
- Shinjuku Gyoen – 1.5 hours
- Lunch around Yoyogi Station – 1 hour
- Around NTT DoCoMo Yoyogi Building – 1 hour
- Sanjuku-bashi Station – 1 hour
- Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park – 2 hours
- Shinjuku Station South Exit (crossing at dusk) – 30 minutes
This course recreates various times of day depicted in the work, from morning to evening. The morning commute atmosphere and the crossing at dusk are particularly worth seeing.
Photography Spots and Photography Tips
Photography at the Crossing
The crossing near Shinjuku Station South Exit is the most popular photography spot.
Photography Points
- Dusk (5:00 PM to 6:00 PM) creates the best atmosphere
- Avoid shooting during busy commute hours on weekdays
- Be mindful of crossing safety and don’t obstruct pedestrian traffic
- Use a wide-angle lens to capture the urban landscape broadly
- Cherry blossom season (late March to early April) is especially beautiful
NTT DoCoMo Yoyogi Building
Photography Points
- Nighttime lighting is beautiful
- Full view can be captured from around Yoyogi Station
- Photograph building details with a telephoto lens
- Especially striking on clear blue days
Sanjuku-bashi Station
Photography Points
- Platform scenery
- Exterior of the station building
- Atmosphere of surrounding residential areas
- Winter snow days are particularly similar to the work’s atmosphere (winter only)
Recommended Seasons
Spring (March to May)
Spring is the most suitable season for “5 Centimeters per Second” sacred site pilgrimage.
Spring Highlights
- Cherry blossom blooming period (late March to early April) overlaps with the work’s theme
- Cherry blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen are beautiful
- Cherry blossoms at Yoyogi Park are magnificent
- Warm weather and easy for walking
- The season where you can most feel the atmosphere of “Cherry Blossom Chapter”
Summer (June to August)
Summer is the season of the second story “Cosmonaut.”
Summer Highlights
- Blue skies and cumulus clouds resemble the work’s scenery
- Long daylight hours create beautiful dusk atmospheres
- Greenery at Yoyogi Park is beautiful
- However, heat countermeasures are essential
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is pleasant and suitable for photography.
Autumn Highlights
- Autumn leaves are 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 to February)
Winter allows recreation of the snowy scenes of the first story “Cherry Blossom Chapter.”
Winter Highlights
- On snowy days, Sanjuku-bashi Station most closely resembles the work’s atmosphere
- Clear air makes distant views beautiful
- Illuminations are beautiful
- 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.
Rail
- JR Yamanote, Chuo, and Sobu Lines
- Odakyu Line
- Keio Line
- Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
- Toei Shinjuku and Oedo Lines
Travel Time from Major Stations
- From Tokyo Station: approximately 15 minutes (JR Chuo Line Express)
- From Shibuya Station: approximately 5 minutes (JR Yamanote Line)
- From Ikebukuro Station: approximately 5 minutes (JR Yamanote Line)
Access to Yoyogi Station
Rail
- JR Yamanote Line
- JR Sobu Line
- Toei Oedo Line
It is one station from Shinjuku Station and approximately 15 minutes on foot.
Access to Sanjuku-bashi Station
Rail
- Odakyu Odawara Line (local trains only)
It is two stations from Shinjuku Station, approximately 5 minutes away.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Nearby tourist attractions to visit along with sacred site pilgrimage are introduced.
Shinjuku Gyoen
- Admission: 500 yen for general admission
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (varies by season)
- Closed: Mondays (if a holiday, the following day)
- Extensive garden where you can enjoy nature in all four seasons
Yoyogi Park
- Free admission
- Open 24 hours
- Spacious lawn areas
- Adjacent to Meiji Shrine
- Frequent events
Meiji Shrine
- Free admission
- From sunrise to sunset
- Quiet space in the city
- Famous for New Year’s visits
Shinjuku Southern Terrace
- Connected directly to Shinjuku Station South Exit
- Shopping and dining
- Ideal rest spot
Notes and Etiquette for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Photography Precautions
Public Place Etiquette
- Photograph without obstructing pedestrian traffic
- Prioritize safety at railroad crossings
- Do not trespass on private property
- Be considerate of surroundings when using tripods
- Keep voice levels down
Station Precautions
Station Etiquette
- Follow station staff instructions when photographing on platforms
- Avoid photography during rush hours
- Don’t obstruct other passengers
- Avoid flash photography
- Don’t interfere with train operations
Residential Area Precautions
Consideration for Residents
- Keep voice levels down
- No trespassing on private property
- Take all trash with you
- Avoid early morning and late night visits
- Respect residents’ privacy
Recommended Items to Bring
Essential Items
- Camera (smartphone also acceptable)
- Work reference materials (screenshots, etc.)
- Map app (Google Maps, etc.)
- Transit IC card (Suica, PASMO, etc.)
- Beverages (especially in summer)
- Comfortable walking shoes
Convenient Items to Have
- Mobile battery
- Parasol/umbrella
- Towel
- Notepad and pen
- Spare SD card
- Small tripod
Nearby Dining Spots
Shinjuku Area
Lunch Recommendations
- Shinjuku Southern Terrace restaurant avenue
- Cafes around Shinjuku Station South Exit
- Set meal restaurants near 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 sacred site 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 and Harajuku Areas
- Relatively quiet area
- Somewhat more affordable than Shinjuku
- Convenient access
Combining with Other Sacred Sites
Sacred sites from “5 Centimeters per Second” exist outside Tokyo as well.
Sacred Sites in Tochigi Prefecture
The sacred sites in Tochigi Prefecture, the main 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 of the second story “Cosmonaut,” is also an important sacred site.
- Tanegashima Space Center
- Tanegashima coastline
- Location that served as model for the high school
Methods of Recording Your Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Sharing on SNS
Recommended Hashtags
- #5CentimetersPerSecond
- #5CentimetersPerSecondSacredSitePilgrimage
- #MakotoShinkai
- #SacredSitePilgrimage
- #AnimeSacredSite
Creating a Pilgrimage Notebook
- Record visit date and time
- Organize photographs taken
- Write down your impressions
- Compare with scenes from the work
- Plan future visits
To Enjoy the Work More Deeply
Preparation
Watching the Work
- Rewatch the work before sacred site pilgrimage
- Prepare screenshots of appearing scenes
- Check time of day and season
- List appearing locations
Related Works
Other works by director Makoto Shinkai are also set in Tokyo.
- “Your Name”
- “Weathering with You”
- “The Garden of Words”
It is also recommended to visit these works’ sacred sites together.
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 Points
- Spring cherry blossom season is most recommended
- The crossing at dusk is a must-see
- Efficiently combine with nearby tourist attractions
- Enjoy while respecting etiquette
- Watch the work beforehand before visiting
A sacred site pilgrimage comparing the work’s beautiful imagery with actual scenery will surely become a special memory. Feel the delicate emotions and passage of time depicted in the work while experiencing Tokyo’s vast cityscape. You will surely rediscover the beauty of Tokyo’s landscape that director Makoto Shinkai depicted through this sacred site pilgrimage. Please enjoy a wonderful pilgrimage journey using this guide as reference.
