1 Day Tour: A Your Name Pilgrimage Across Tokyo

If you’re a fan of the beloved anime movie “Your Name,” this guided tour promises a day filled with beautiful sights, meaningful spots, and cultural insights. While it’s designed around the movie’s key locations, the tour also offers a solid introduction to Tokyo’s vibrant districts, history, and hidden gems. It’s a well-rounded experience that balances cinematic magic with authentic city exploration.

What we love about this tour is the chance to see the stunning footbridge outside Shinanomachi Station and the iconic red stairs at Meiji Jingu Shrine—both places that pack emotional and visual punch. We also appreciate the inclusion of local cultural highlights, such as the tea session at Shinjuku Gyoen and the history museum, making it more than just a sightseeing jaunt. A potential consideration? The tour involves quite a bit of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must.

This tour suits movie buffs, culture seekers, and curious travelers who want to see Tokyo through a cinematic lens while gaining some local insights. If you’re looking to combine pop culture with authentic Tokyo experiences in a manageable one-day format, this trip could be just right.

Key Points

• Authentic “Your Name” locations highlighted with expert guidance
• An excellent blend of pop culture and local history
• Includes transportation, museum, and park entry fees for convenience
• Flexible free time at Meiji Jingu Shrine and Harajuku for personal exploration
• Comfortable walking pace with detailed commentary
• Ideal for fans and culture lovers wanting a curated Tokyo experience

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Tokyo Through “Your Name” – What to Expect

This tour is carefully structured to take you on a journey through the most recognizable “Your Name” locations, while also giving you a taste of Tokyo’s diverse districts. The experience begins outside the South Gate Baskin Robbins of Shinjuku Station, where your guide (likely someone passionate about Tokyo and the film) will greet you with a friendly welcome and a Suica card, which is your ticket for train rides throughout the day.

Shinjuku: From Film to Reality

The first stop is Shinjuku Station, known for its sprawling complexity and bustling hub. Though the station itself isn’t directly a “Your Name” location, the nearby Shinjuku South Gate Baskin Robbins is your meeting point, and a familiar spot for fans of the film. From here, you’ll board a train to Shinanomachi Station, featured prominently in the movie.

Once there, you’ll walk onto the pedestrian walkway that appears in the film, with the guide snapping photos and pointing out the cinematic framing. From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy views of the NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building, another iconic Tokyo skyscraper that made its way into the film’s cityscape.

The Footbridge and the Emotional Staircase

A key highlight is the footbridge outside Shinanomachi Station, showcased in several scenes. It’s a simple, everyday Tokyo spot but gains cinematic significance thanks to the movie. The real star is the red staircase at Meiji Jingu Shrine, which plays a pivotal role when Taki and Mitsuha reunite. Standing on those steps, you can almost hear the emotional reunion scene and imagine how many fans have come to recreate that moment.

Your guide is happy to take photos of you here, so you’ll leave with some memorable shots. For those wanting a memento, there’s an option to buy “Your Name” Ema and bookmarks—perfect keepsakes of the filming locations and your experience.

Delving into Tokyo’s Past and Present

After the emotional moments, the tour transitions into learning about Shinjuku’s history at a dedicated museum. This is a great way to contextualize how the district evolved from early Japan into today’s lively entertainment center, packed with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Next, you’ll visit Shinjuku Gyoen Park, a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle. Here, a tea set with matcha and traditional Japanese sweets awaits at a cozy tea house, offering a moment of calm and a taste of authentic Japanese hospitality.

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Modern Architecture and Kakubicho District

No visit to Tokyo is complete without marveling at its innovative architecture. You’ll stop at a famous building featured in “Your Name,” situated near the Kabukicho district. Here, the guide will point out notable attractions, including the Godzilla head and the 3D cat billboard—both favorites for photos and fun sightseeing.

Harajuku: From Shrine to Street Style

A short train ride takes you to Harajuku Station, known worldwide for its kawaii culture and eclectic fashion scene. The focus here is on Meiji Jingu Shrine, where a guided tour reveals its spiritual significance and history. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to explore the colorful streets, browse quirky boutiques, and indulge in fun snacks and sweets.

This part of Tokyo offers a lively contrast to the serenity of the shrine and the tranquility of Shinjuku Gyoen. It’s a lively hub that captures modern Japanese youth culture and the fashion industry, making it an ideal spot for photos, shopping, and people-watching.

Transportation and Practicalities

Transportation throughout the day is managed smoothly via train, with all train fees included. The use of a Suica card simplifies travel, allowing easy access without fuss. The tour’s walking component is moderate but involves some outdoor walking, so sturdy and comfortable shoes are recommended.

The duration is designed to balance sightseeing with relaxation—expect to spend a good chunk of time outdoors, with time allocated for free exploration and photos. The lunch break is flexible, so you can choose to eat at your own pace or try some local delicacies.

What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind

Included in the $169 price are admission fees for the Shinjuku Historical Museum and Shinjuku Gyoen Park, train fees, the matcha and sweets set, and the guided experience. Since food and drinks outside of the provided tea set aren’t included, you might want to budget extra for snacks or meals.

Traveling light is advisable—avoid large luggage, as the tour involves a good amount of walking and outdoor time. The meeting point is well-publicized outside the Baskin Robbins, and the guide will be holding a Snow Monkey Resorts sign for easy spotting.

Overall Impression

This tour offers a thoughtfully curated glimpse into Tokyo through the lens of “Your Name,” blending cinematic locations with cultural and historical insights. It’s especially appealing for fans of the film who want to see the real-life sites that inspired or featured in the movie. The inclusion of local attractions like Shinjuku Gyoen and Meiji Jingu adds depth and authenticity to the experience, making it more than just a sightseeing tour.

The balance of guided moments and free time allows for a relaxed pace, so you can take photos, shop, or simply soak in the atmosphere. The price point reflects good value, considering the transportation, museum entries, and a knowledgeable guide.

For those interested in Japanese pop culture, architecture, and history, this tour is a smart way to see Tokyo’s highlights without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. It’s perfect for fans wanting a memorable, cinematic twist to their city exploration.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for anime enthusiasts eager to visit the filming locations of “Your Name” and take home meaningful souvenirs. It also suits travelers wanting a balanced day of sightseeing, cultural insights, and scenic parks. If you appreciate stories and imagery that evoke emotion, you’ll likely find this tour’s mix of cinematic and authentic Tokyo compelling.

It’s less suited for travelers seeking a fast-paced, all-encompassing city tour or those with mobility concerns—be prepared for some walking and outdoor elements. But overall, if you want to see Tokyo through a heartfelt lens that combines pop culture with local charm, this tour is a great choice.

FAQ

What is the starting point of the tour?
You meet your guide outside of Shinjuku Station’s South Gate Baskin Robbins, recognizable by the Lumine 2 signs and the Snow Monkey Resorts sign.

Are transportation costs included?
Yes, all train fees for the duration of the tour are included, along with the Suica card provided at the start.

How much walking is involved?
The tour involves walking outdoors at various locations, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Is there free time during the tour?
Yes, there’s free time at Meiji Jingu Shrine and Harajuku for sightseeing, shopping, or relaxing.

What is included in the price?
Admission to Shinjuku Historical Museum and Shinjuku Gyoen Park, train fees, a matcha and sweets set, and the guided tour are part of the package.

Can I buy souvenirs during the tour?
Yes, you can purchase “Your Name” themed Ema, bookmarks, and other souvenirs at the shrine.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the moderate walking and outdoor elements suggest it’s suitable for older children and teens, especially fans of the film.

This “Your Name” pilgrimage across Tokyo offers a well-rounded, authentic glimpse into the city’s cinematic and cultural landscape, perfect for fans and curious explorers alike.

You can check availability for your dates here: