5 Centimeters per Second Tokyo Holy Land Pilgrimage

5 Centimeters per Second Tokyo Sacred Sites Complete Guide | All Exterior Location Thorough Explanation

Makoto Shinkai’s masterpiece “5 Centimeters per Second” is famous for beautifully depicting real landscapes that exist within Tokyo. This article will comprehensively cover the sacred sites in Tokyo that appear in the work, providing detailed information 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 “5 centimeters per second,” the speed at which cherry blossom petals fall, it delicately portrays the subtle romance 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. In particular, Tokyo is the main stage for the second and third episodes, “Cosmonaut” and “5 Centimeters per Second,” with many real locations appearing throughout.

Main Sacred Sites in Tokyo Overview

Samidare Station Area (First Episode “Cherry Blossom Chapter”)

Samidare Station, an important stage in the first episode, has a real-world prototype station. While the work is set in Tochigi Prefecture, the actual prototype combines multiple stations.

Prototype of Samidare Station

• Sannomiya Bridge Station on the Odakyu Line is the prototype for the station platform atmosphere
• The station building and surrounding scenery were created by referencing multiple stations
• The snowy station scene is particularly impressive

Sannomiya Bridge Station is located on the west side of Yoyogi Park, a small station in a relatively quiet residential area. While it doesn’t have the rural atmosphere of Samidare Station in the work, the structure and atmosphere of the platform are similar.

Yoyogi Area

Yoyogi is an important location for the second episode “Cosmonaut,” depicted as the place where protagonist Takaki spends his high school years.

Main Attractions in Yoyogi

NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building

A landmark building that appears multiple times in the work. Originally called “Docomo Tower,” its distinctive silhouette is depicted as a symbol of Tokyo’s landscape.

• A 240-meter super high-rise building
• Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Shinjuku Station South Exit
• Also within walking distance from Yoyogi Station
• Illuminated at night, allowing you to enjoy the same nighttime scenery as in the work

Yoyogi Station

Yoyogi Station, where the JR Yamanote Line and Sobu Line intersect, also appears in the work. Depicted as Takaki’s school route, the scenery around the station is faithfully recreated.

Shinjuku Area

Shinjuku plays an important role in the third episode “5 Centimeters per Second,” depicted as the street where adult Takaki works.

Sacred Sites in Shinjuku

Shinjuku Station South Exit

One of the most impressive scenes in the work—the railway crossing scene—is based on the area around Shinjuku Station South Exit.

• The Odakyu Line crossing is a famous shooting spot
• Accessible from the Shinjuku Southern Terrace exit
• Crowded during morning and evening commute times just like in the work
• The urban landscape seen through the crossing is impressive

Shinjuku Gyoen Surroundings

The roads and scenery around Shinjuku Gyoen also appear in the work. Particularly during cherry blossom season, overlapping with the work’s theme, you can experience a special atmosphere.

Sannomiya Bridge Station

Sannomiya Bridge Station is an Odakyu Line station, considered one of the prototypes for Samidare Station in the first episode.

Characteristics of Sannomiya Bridge Station

• Only served by Odakyu Odawara Line local trains
• Located on the west side of Yoyogi Park
• Relatively quiet residential area
• Station platform atmosphere similar to Samidare Station in the work
• Peaceful atmosphere around the station

Odakyu Line

The Odakyu Line is a route that plays an important role throughout the entire work. In the first episode, it’s the train Takaki takes to meet Akari; in the third episode, it’s depicted as a symbol of the two’s adult lives.

Sacred Site Points on Odakyu Line

• Section from Shinjuku Station to Sannomiya Bridge Station
• Crossing scenes based on multiple locations
• Tokyo landscape viewed from train windows
• Atmosphere inside the train at dusk

Meiji Shrine Area

The area surrounding Meiji Shrine also appears as background in the work. Together with Yoyogi Park, it’s depicted as a verdant area within the city.

Sample Sacred Site Pilgrimage Routes

Half-Day Route (Approximately 4 hours)

Route

1. Shinjuku Station South Exit (railway crossing area) – 30 minutes
2. Yoyogi Station surroundings – 30 minutes
3. NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building area – 30 minutes
4. Sannomiya Bridge Station – 30 minutes
5. Yoyogi Park walk – 1 hour

This is a beginner route that efficiently covers the main sacred sites. Everything is within walking distance, so you can slowly savor the work’s world view on your pilgrimage.

Full-Day Route (Approximately 8 hours)

Route

1. Shinjuku Station South Exit (morning commute scenery) – 1 hour
2. Shinjuku Gyoen – 1.5 hours
3. Lunch near Yoyogi Station – 1 hour
4. NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building area – 1 hour
5. Sannomiya Bridge Station – 1 hour
6. Meiji Shrine・Yoyogi Park – 2 hours
7. Shinjuku Station South Exit (dusk railway crossing) – 30 minutes

This route spans from morning to evening, recreating the atmosphere at various times of day in the work. Particularly noteworthy are the morning commute scenery and the dusk railway crossing.

Photography Spots and Techniques

Railway Crossing Photography

The railway crossing at Shinjuku Station South Exit is the most popular photography spot.

Photography Tips

• Dusk (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM) has the best atmosphere
• Crowded during weekday commute times—be careful
• Pay attention to safety at the crossing; don’t obstruct traffic
• Use a wide-angle lens to broadly capture the urban landscape
• Cherry blossom season (late March – early April) is especially beautiful

NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building

Photography Tips

• Night illumination is beautiful
• Full view can be captured from the Yoyogi Station area
• Use a telephoto lens to photograph architectural details
• Especially photogenic on clear days

Sannomiya Bridge Station

Photography Tips

• Scenery visible from the platform
• Station building exterior
• Atmosphere of the surrounding residential area
• Snowy days especially resemble the work’s atmosphere (winter only)

Recommended Seasons

Spring (March – May)

Spring is the best season for “5 Centimeters per Second” sacred site pilgrimage.

Spring Highlights

• Cherry blossom season (late March – early April) overlaps with the work’s theme
• Beautiful cherry blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen
• Spectacular cherry blossoms at Yoyogi Park
• Warm climate easy for walking
• The season best to feel the atmosphere of “Cherry Blossom Chapter” in the work

Summer (June – August)

Summer is the season of the second episode “Cosmonaut.”

Summer Highlights

• Clear skies and cumulonimbus clouds resemble the landscape in the work
• Longer daylight at dusk
• Beautiful greenery at Yoyogi Park
• However, heat protection measures are necessary

Autumn (September – November)

Autumn is comfortable and suitable for photography.

Autumn Highlights

• Beautiful red leaves (mid-late November)
• Clear air suitable for photography
• Beautiful sky colors at dusk
• Relatively fewer visitors

Winter (December – February)

Winter offers the possibility of recreating the snowy scenes from the first episode “Cherry Blossom Chapter.”

Winter Highlights

• Snowy Sannomiya Bridge Station most closely resembles the work’s atmosphere
• Clear air makes distant views beautiful
• Illuminations are beautiful
• However, cold protection measures are necessary

Transportation Information

Getting to Shinjuku Station

Shinjuku Station is a major transportation hub in Tokyo with excellent access.

Railways

• 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 Express)
• From Shibuya Station: approximately 5 minutes (JR Yamanote Line)
• From Ikebukuro Station: approximately 5 minutes (JR Yamanote Line)

Getting to Yoyogi Station

Railways

• JR Yamanote Line
• JR Sobu Line
• Toei Oedo Line

One station from Shinjuku Station, approximately 15 minutes on foot.

Getting to Sannomiya Bridge Station

Railways

• Odakyu Odawara Line (local trains only)

Two stations from Shinjuku Station, approximately 5 minutes.

Nearby Sightseeing Spots

Introducing nearby sightseeing spots worth visiting along with the sacred site pilgrimage.

Shinjuku Gyoen

• Admission: 500 yen for adults
• Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (varies by season)
• Closed: Mondays (following day if Monday is a holiday)
• A spacious garden where you can enjoy nature throughout the seasons

Yoyogi Park

• Free admission
• Open 24 hours
• Spacious lawn plaza
• Adjacent to Meiji Shrine
• Frequently hosts events

Meiji Shrine

• Free entry
• Sunrise to sunset
• A quiet space within the city
• Famous for New Year’s visits

Shinjuku Southern Terrace

• Directly connected to Shinjuku Station South Exit
• Shopping and dining available
• Perfect as a rest spot

Sacred Site Pilgrimage Precautions and Etiquette

Photography Precautions

Public Place Etiquette

• Don’t obstruct traffic when photographing
• Be mindful of safety at the railway crossing
• Never trespass on private property
• Consider those around you when using tripods
• Avoid loud conversation

Station Precautions

Station Etiquette

• Follow station staff instructions when photographing on platforms
• Avoid photographing during peak hours
• Don’t obstruct other passengers
• Avoid using flash when photographing
• Don’t interfere with train operations

Residential Area Precautions

Consideration for Residents

• Avoid loud conversation
• Never enter private property
• Always dispose of garbage properly
• Avoid visiting early morning or late night
• Respect residents’ privacy

Recommended Items to Bring

Essential Items

• Camera (smartphone is also fine)
• Work reference materials (screenshots, etc.)
• Map application (Google Maps, etc.)
• Transportation IC card (Suica, PASMO, etc.)
• Beverages (especially in summer)
• Comfortable walking shoes

Convenient to Have

• Mobile battery
• Sunshade・umbrella
• Towel
• Notebook and pen
• Backup SD card
• Small tripod

Nearby Dining Spots

Shinjuku Area

Lunch Recommendations

• Shinjuku Southern Terrace dining area
• Cafes around Shinjuku Station South Exit
• Teishoku (set meal) restaurants near Shinjuku Gyoen

Cafes

• Starbucks Shinjuku Southern Terrace store
• Tully’s Coffee locations
• Many unique cafes available

Yoyogi Area

Lunch Recommendations

• Teishoku restaurants near Yoyogi Station
• Hidden gem cafes
• Many reasonably priced restaurants

Accommodation Information

Accommodation information for visitors coming from afar for the sacred site pilgrimage.

Hotels in Shinjuku Area

Luxury Hotels

• Park Hyatt Tokyo
• Hilton Tokyo
• Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo

Business Hotels

• APA Hotel Shinjuku locations
• Toyoko Inn Shinjuku locations
• Super Hotel Shinjuku locations

Capsule Hotels

• First Cabin locations
• Anshin Hotel locations

Hotels in Yoyogi・Harajuku Area

• Relatively quiet area
• Slightly more affordable than Shinjuku
• Convenient transportation

Combining with Other Sacred Sites

Sacred sites for “5 Centimeters per Second” exist outside Tokyo as well.

Sacred Sites in Tochigi Prefecture

Sacred sites in Tochigi Prefecture, the main stage of the first episode “Cherry Blossom Chapter,” are also worth visiting.

• Iwafune Station (one of the prototypes for Samidare Station)
• Other locations along the Kouyama Line

Sacred Sites in Kagoshima Prefecture

Tanegashima, the stage for the second episode “Cosmonaut,” is also an important sacred site.

• Tanegashima Space Center
• Tanegashima coastline
• Locations that served as prototypes for the high school

Methods of Recording Your Pilgrimage

SNS Sharing

Recommended Hashtags

• #5CentimetersPerSecond
• #5CentimetersPerSecondSacredSite
• #MakotoShinkai
• #SacredSitePilgrimage
• #AnimeSacredSite

Creating Pilgrimage Notes

• Record visit dates and times
• Organize photos taken
• Write down impressions
• Compare with scenes in the work
• Plan future visits

To Enjoy the Work More Deeply

Pre-visit Preparation

Work Appreciation

• Rewatch the work before the pilgrimage
• Prepare screenshots of appearing scenes
• Confirm time of day and season
• Make a list of 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’s also recommended to visit sacred sites of these works together.

Conclusion

The sacred sites of “5 Centimeters per Second” in Tokyo are centered around the Shinjuku・Yoyogi area. All are accessible by public transportation, and the main locations can be visited in half a day to a day.

Sacred Site Pilgrimage Key Points

• Spring cherry blossom season is most recommended
• The dusk railway crossing is a must-see
• Efficiently tour combined with nearby sightseeing spots
• Enjoy while respecting etiquette
• Watch the work beforehand before visiting

A sacred site pilgrimage where you compare the beautiful images depicted in the work with real landscapes while reminiscing about Takaki and Akari’s story is sure to become a special memory. In this great city of Tokyo, please feel the delicate emotions depicted in the work and the passage of time.

Through sacred site pilgrimage, you will surely understand “5 Centimeters per Second” more deeply and rediscover the beauty of Tokyo’s landscape as depicted by director Makoto Shinkai. Please be sure to reference this guide and enjoy a wonderful sacred site pilgrimage journey.