【Your Name Sacred Site Pilgrimage】Complete Guide to Shinjuku Station and Busta Shinjuku | Thorough Explanation of Makoto Shinkai’s Location Filming Sites
“Your Name,” a representative work by director Makoto Shinkai, has been loved worldwide since its release in 2016 as an animated film. Shinjuku Station and Busta Shinjuku, which became important stages in the story, appear in the climactic scenes of the work and have become sacred sites visited by many fans. This article provides a thorough explanation of the charm of Shinjuku Station and Busta Shinjuku in “Your Name.”
The Relationship Between “Your Name” and Shinjuku Station and Busta Shinjuku
The Importance of Shinjuku Station in the Story
In “Your Name,” Shinjuku Station is depicted as a station that the protagonist, Taki, uses daily. For Taki Tachibana, a high school student living in Tokyo, Shinjuku is the center of his daily life and also becomes an important turning point in the story.
What is particularly impressive is the scene after Taki returns to Tokyo from the Hida region in search of Mitsuha. The streetscape of Shinjuku, the crowds, and the station landscape beautifully express the loneliness of the city and the anticipation of reunion.
Important Scenes Featuring Busta Shinjuku
Busta Shinjuku (Shinjuku South Exit Traffic Terminal) is a state-of-the-art bus terminal that opened in April 2016, Japan’s largest of its kind. The production period of “Your Name” coincided with its opening, and director Makoto Shinkai incorporated the latest appearance of Tokyo into the work.
In the film, the modern building of Busta Shinjuku is depicted as a place where high-speed buses arrive and depart when Taki heads to or returns from the Hida region. The open space of the glass exterior and the numerous buses coming and going hold symbolic meaning as a “boundary” connecting Tokyo and regional areas.
Basic Information About Shinjuku Station and How to Access It
About Shinjuku Station
Shinjuku Station is a massive terminal station recognized by Guinness World Records for having the world’s highest daily passenger count. Multiple railway companies operate there, including JR East Japan, Odakyu Electric Railway, Keio Electric Railway, Tokyo Metro, and Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation, making it the hub of Tokyo’s transportation.
Main Lines:
- JR Yamanote Line, Chuo Line, Saikyo Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line
- Odakyu Odawara Line
- Keio Line, Keio New Line
- Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
- Toei Shinjuku Line, Oedo Line
How to Access Busta Shinjuku
Busta Shinjuku is directly connected to the south and new south exits of JR Shinjuku Station, making it very accessible.
From JR Shinjuku Station:
- Exit through the New South or South exit
- Follow the directional signs toward “Busta Shinjuku”
- Take the escalator or elevator to the 4th floor
From Other Lines:
- Odakyu and Keio Lines: Move toward the South exit and head toward the JR New South exit
- Subway: Go to ground level and head toward JR Shinjuku Station South exit
Location: 5-24-55 Sendagaya, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo
Detailed Guide to Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spots
Busta Shinjuku 4th Floor Bus Terminal
The most impressively depicted scene in the film is the bus terminal floor on the 4th floor of Busta Shinjuku. The spacious room with glass walls is depicted in the work as a place where Taki solidifies his determination to head to Hida.
Photography Points:
- The spacious 4th floor bus terminal area
- High-rise buildings of Shinjuku seen through the glass
- Waiting areas overlooking the bus departures and arrivals
Things to Note When Visiting:
Busta Shinjuku is an actual operating transportation facility. When photographing, be considerate of other users and do not obstruct bus operations. Tripod use may be prohibited in some cases, so follow the facility’s rules.
Streetscape Around Shinjuku Station
The crowds and streetscape around Shinjuku Station also appear throughout the work. In particular, the South Exit area is depicted multiple times as a place symbolizing Taki’s daily life.
Points of Interest:
- Shinjuku Southern Terrace: A pedestrian bridge continuing from the station’s south exit toward Yoyogi
- Shinjuku Miraina Tower: A high-rise building adjacent to the station
- Scenery along Koshu Street: The urban landscape of Tokyo
Inside Shinjuku Station
The interior of the massive Shinjuku Station itself is also an important element in enhancing the work’s realism. The crowded commuter rush, complex corridors, and countless directional signs are depicted as symbols of Tokyo, a major metropolitan city.
Characteristics of Shinjuku’s Depiction in “Your Name”
Director Makoto Shinkai’s Commitment to “Shinjuku”
Director Makoto Shinkai has repeatedly depicted “Shinjuku” in his works. “The Garden of Words” features Shinjuku Gyoen as the setting, and Shinjuku also appears as an important location in “Weathering with You.”
The depiction of Shinjuku in “Your Name” strongly reflects the director’s perspective on “Tokyo.” Shinjuku is portrayed as a massive and impersonal place, yet simultaneously a location where countless lives intersect. This duality symbolically expresses the story’s themes of “encounter” and “misalignment.”
Precision of Background Art
The characteristic of Makoto Shinkai’s works—photorealistic background art—is demonstrated fully in the scenes of Shinjuku Station and Busta Shinjuku.
From the texture of glass, reflections of light, to the fine details of buildings, the actual landscape is faithfully recreated while adding the unique beauty of animation. Especially in dusk and nighttime scenes, the artificial lights of Shinjuku are depicted fantastically, heightening the story’s emotional impact.
Staging of Time and Space
Shinjuku Station and Busta Shinjuku serve in the work as a “boundary connecting Tokyo and regional areas.” The scene where Taki heads to Hida by high-speed bus is an important turning point in the transition from urban to rural, from everyday to extraordinary.
Additionally, regarding the passage of time toward the final scene, the landscape of Shinjuku functions as a visual device expressing “the flow of time.”
The Best Way to Enjoy a Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Recommended Times to Visit
Depending on the time of day you visit Shinjuku Station and Busta Shinjuku, you can enjoy different atmospheres.
Morning (7:00-9:00):
You can experience the vibrant Shinjuku during the morning commute rush. This is the time period when you can best feel the “everyday Tokyo” depicted in the work.
Daytime (12:00-14:00):
Relatively fewer people allow for leisurely photography and observation. Recommended for first-time sacred site pilgrims.
Evening (17:00-19:00):
The streetscape of Shinjuku illuminated by the setting sun reveals a landscape closest to the work’s atmosphere. The view from the 4th floor of Busta Shinjuku is a must-see.
Night (7:00 PM onward):
The night scenery is beautiful, and Shinjuku painted with neon lights creates an atmosphere characteristic of Makoto Shinkai’s works.
Photography Etiquette and Tips
When taking photographs during a sacred site pilgrimage, follow this etiquette:
- Consideration for Other Users: Shinjuku Station is a very crowded place. Be careful not to obstruct traffic.
- Follow Facility Rules: Check facility rules such as tripod restrictions and photography-prohibited areas.
- Avoid Occupying Spots for Long Periods: At popular photography spots, be considerate of other pilgrims and share the space.
- Be Mindful in Commercial Facilities: If stores or restaurants are visible in your photos, be considerate so as not to interfere with their operations.
Photography Tips:
- Smartphone photography alone can produce beautiful images
- A wide-angle lens makes it easier to capture Busta Shinjuku’s spacious interior
- Aiming for the “magic hour” at dusk creates photos with an atmosphere closest to the work
- Weekday afternoons with fewer people are recommended
Combining with Other “Your Name” Sacred Sites
If you visit Shinjuku, try visiting other sacred sites in the city as well.
Main Sacred Sites in the City:
- Suga Shrine in Yotsuya (staircase scene)
- Area around Shinanomachi Station
- National Art Center, Roppongi
- Café La Bohème (restaurant model)
These are all within a 30-minute train ride from Shinjuku and can be efficiently visited in one day.
Facility Information About Busta Shinjuku
Overview of Busta Shinjuku
Busta Shinjuku opened on April 4, 2016, as Japan’s largest bus terminal. Its official name is “Shinjuku South Exit Traffic Terminal,” a complex facility that consolidates high-speed bus, taxi, and general vehicle pickup and dropoff areas.
Facility Features:
- High-speed buses: Approximately 1,500 services depart and arrive daily
- Bus bays: 19 berths
- Operating hours: 24 hours (some facilities excluded)
- Floor composition: 2nd floor (taxi stand), 3rd floor (JR Shinjuku Station connection, commercial facilities), 4th floor (high-speed bus terminal)
“NEWoMan” Commercial Facility on the 3rd Floor
The commercial facility “NEWoMan” integrated with Busta Shinjuku is a popular spot with approximately 100 stores including fashion, miscellaneous goods, and dining establishments.
You can take a break, eat, and shop while on your sacred site pilgrimage. Cafés and restaurants, in particular, are recommended spots where you can relax while enjoying views of Shinjuku.
Waiting Areas and Rest Spaces
There is a spacious waiting area on the 4th floor of Busta Shinjuku. It is free to use and has many seats available, making it ideal for resting when tired from a sacred site pilgrimage.
Available Facilities:
- Waiting seating (approximately 600 seats)
- Restrooms (multipurpose restrooms available)
- Coin lockers
- Vending machines
- Nursing room
- Smoking area (designated areas only)
Recommended Spots Around Shinjuku Station
Dining and Cafés
After your sacred site pilgrimage, enjoy dining or café time in Shinjuku.
Recommended Shops in NEWoMan:
- Blue Bottle Coffee: For particular coffee
- Egg Excellent: Egg specialty restaurant
- LUMINE EST dining area
Around Shinjuku Southern Terrace:
- Crisp Salad Works: Healthy salad specialty store
- Starbucks: Spacious interior for relaxing
Accommodations
For visitors traveling from distant areas for a sacred site pilgrimage, there are numerous hotels around Shinjuku Station.
Hotels in the Shinjuku South Exit Area:
- JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku (directly connected to Busta Shinjuku)
- Odakyu Hotel Southern Tower Shinjuku
- Shinjuku Grand Belle Hotel
- Various business hotels, capsule hotels
Shopping
Shinjuku is also one of Japan’s premier shopping areas.
- Lumine Shinjuku: Fashion, miscellaneous goods
- Shinjuku Marui: Youth-oriented fashion
- Takashimaya Shinjuku Store: Department store
- Big Camera, Yodobashi Camera: Electronics retailers
For anime merchandise, Animate Shinjuku near the East exit and used goods at Mandarake are also recommended.
“Your Name” Merchandise and Related Information
How to Obtain Official Merchandise
Official “Your Name” merchandise can be purchased at the following locations:
- Toho Official Online Shop: Limited merchandise available
- Animate Shinjuku: About 5 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station East Exit
- Online shops like Amazon and Rakuten: Wide variety
- Movie theater merchandise counters: Limited merchandise may be sold during rereleases
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Maps and Guidebooks
To enjoy a sacred site pilgrimage even more, utilize these resources:
- Official Guidebook “Your Name”: Rich in production design and background explanations
- Sacred Site Pilgrimage Maps (unofficial): Created by fan communities
- Google My Maps: Detailed maps created by other pilgrims
Information Sharing on Social Media
When sharing records of your sacred site pilgrimage on social media, utilize these hashtags:
- #YourName
- #YourNameSacredSitePilgrimage
- #MakotoShinkai
- #BustaShinjuku
- #ShinjukuStation
- #SacredSitePilgrimage
By viewing posts from other pilgrims, you can gain new discoveries and photography ideas.
The Relationship Between Director Makoto Shinkai and Shinjuku
“Shinjuku” in Works by Makoto Shinkai
For director Makoto Shinkai, Shinjuku is a special place. The director, who is originally from Nagano Prefecture and moved to Tokyo, first lived in the Shinjuku area, and his impression of Tokyo was formed centered on Shinjuku.
Makoto Shinkai Works Featuring Shinjuku:
- “The Garden of Words”: Shinjuku Gyoen as the main setting
- “Your Name”: Shinjuku Station, Busta Shinjuku
- “Weathering with You”: Shinjuku streetscape, Kabukicho
Through these works, director Shinkai has continued to depict the multifaceted nature of the city of Shinjuku.
Shinjuku as “Urban Loneliness” and “Place of Encounter”
In Shinkai’s works, Shinjuku is depicted as a place possessing contrasting elements of “urban loneliness” and “possibility of encounter.”
In “Your Name,” the way Taki and Mitsuha repeatedly pass each other at Shinjuku Station amid countless passersby symbolically expresses the relationship of being “close yet distant” in an urban setting. Simultaneously, their eventual reunion also occurs in Shinjuku, depicting its aspect as a “place of encounter.”
How to Enjoy Shinjuku Station and Busta Shinjuku by Season
Spring (March-May)
Spring in Shinjuku is filled with the excitement of new beginnings. The fresh green foliage of street trees around Busta Shinjuku is beautiful, creating a refreshing atmosphere.
Shinjuku Gyoen nearby features cherry blossoms in full bloom, making it recommended to visit while combining a sacred site pilgrimage of “The Garden of Words.”
Summer (June-August)
Summer in Shinjuku features strong sunlight pouring down between buildings, emphasizing the urban landscape. The air-conditioned interior of Busta Shinjuku provides a comfortable respite from the heat.
The wet asphalt after summer showers and the reflection of city lights create beautiful scenery reminiscent of Makoto Shinkai’s works.
Autumn (September-November)
Autumn is when the air becomes clear and the view from Busta Shinjuku is most beautiful. The color gradation of the sky at dusk resembles scenes from the film with breathtaking beauty.
The pleasant climate makes autumn the ideal season for a sacred site pilgrimage.
Winter (December-February)
Winter in Shinjuku is colorfully adorned with illuminations and Christmas decorations. The illuminations at Shinjuku Southern Terrace in particular are worth seeing.
Though cold, you can comfortably enjoy a sacred site pilgrimage while taking breaks in the warm cafés of NEWoMan.
Voices from Those Who Actually Visited
Impressions of Sacred Site Pilgrims
The following impressions have been shared by “Your Name” fans who have actually visited Busta Shinjuku:
“I was moved to see the scenery from the film spread out before me. The openness of Busta Shinjuku 4th floor is a charm you can only understand by actually visiting.”
“Walking through the crowds of Shinjuku Station, the scene of Taki searching for Mitsuha came back to me. I felt I had entered the world of the work.”
“I visited on a weekday evening, and the landscape of Busta Shinjuku illuminated by the setting sun was truly beautiful. I was able to take many photos.”
Creating Memories from a Sacred Site Pilgrimage
A sacred site pilgrimage is not merely visiting a location but an experience deepening one’s love for the work. Enhance your memories through these methods:
- Pilgrimage Notebook: Record impressions and discoveries at each visit
- Photo Album: Organize photos taken from the same angles as scenes in the film
- Sacred Sites Notebook (self-created stamps): Record the date and stamps of each visit
- Pilgrimage with Companions: Visit together with friends or family and share memories
Summary of Access and Surrounding Information
Transportation Access Summary
By Train:
- From JR lines “Shinjuku Station,” exit at New South or South exit, walking distance
- From Odakyu and Keio “Shinjuku Station,” move toward South exit
- From Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway “Shinjuku Station,” head toward JR direction
Travel Time from Major Stations:
- From Tokyo Station: About 15 minutes on JR Chuo Line
- From Shibuya Station: About 5 minutes on JR Yamanote Line
- From Ikebukuro Station: About 5 minutes on JR Yamanote Line
- From Haneda Airport: About 40 minutes via Keikyu Line/JR Yamanote Line
- From Narita Airport: About 80 minutes via Narita Express
Nearby Parking Information
For those arriving by car, there are numerous parking facilities around Shinjuku Station:
- Times Shinjuku Southern Terrace
- Shinjuku Mines Tower Parking
- Odakyu Southern Tower Parking
Note: Shinjuku’s parking fees are expensive (approximately 300-400 yen per 30 minutes). Public transportation is recommended whenever possible.
Barrier-Free Information
Shinjuku Station and Busta Shinjuku have comprehensive barrier-free accommodations:
- Elevators: Installed on each floor
- Multipurpose Restrooms: Fully equipped on Busta Shinjuku’s 4th floor
- Wheelchair Accessible: All floors are barrier-free
- Braille Blocks: Installed on main walkways
- Information Services: Station staff can provide support when approached
Wheelchair users and elderly visitors can enjoy a sacred site pilgrimage with peace of mind.
Conclusion: Experience the World of “Your Name” at Shinjuku Station and Busta Shinjuku
Shinjuku Station and Busta Shinjuku are important sacred sites where you can experience the world of “Your Name.” The Tokyo scenery that director Makoto Shinkai depicted with precision can be understood more deeply by visiting in person.
Key Points for a Sacred Site Pilgrimage:
- Experience the spacious interior of Busta Shinjuku’s 4th floor
- Enjoy the beautiful scenery at dusk
- Immerse yourself in the work’s world amid Shinjuku’s crowds
- Visit other nearby sacred sites as well
- Maintain etiquette and create a memorable pilgrimage
“Your Name” is a story of “encounter” and “bonds” transcending time and space. By visiting Shinjuku Station and Busta Shinjuku, the setting of this tale, your understanding of the work will deepen and you will gain new emotional experiences.
By all means, visit in person and experience the Tokyo landscape where Taki and Mitsuha spent their time. You will surely feel compelled to watch the film again. And perhaps, amid Shinjuku’s crowds, you too may experience a fateful “encounter.”
