The animated filmSuzume No. TojimariMakoto Shinkai is not only a fantastic epic through Japanese landscapes, it is also a real road trip inspired by real places. For enthusiasts and curious travelers, discovering these sets allows you to experience a unique adventure, between fiction and reality.
Interactive map of the real places of Suzume no Tojimari
Nichinan: Kyūshū’s sunny starting point
Nichinan, in Miyazaki Prefecture, is the birthplace of Suzume. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean, it offers a peaceful and bright coastline. This unknown corner of Kyūshū is appreciated for its beaches, cliffs and small harbours like that of Aburatsu, the exact place of the initial encounter between Suzume and Sōta. The sweet tropical atmosphere of southern Japan is omnipresent in this first part of the film.
Kyūshū interior: abandoned baths and railway heritage
Still on the island of Kyūshū, several scenes take place in emblematic places in the hinterland. The Bungo Mori Roundhouse, the former circular railway rotunda of the prefecture of the city, marks the opening of the first supernatural gate. Further on, Suzume runs through establishments inspired by Yunohira Onsen (Yufuin) and Yunotsuru Onsen (Kumamoto), two thermal villages with rustic charm. These mountainous areas are ideal for lovers of d
Hime: maritime crossing and retro ports of call
Continuing to Shikoku, Suzume embarks from the port of Saganoseki to the port of Yawatahama, in the prefecture of Ehime. This ferry crossing evokes the slow and contemplative rhythm of the film. On the ground, the JR Iyo- The retro atmosphere of these historic cities lends itself well to an exploration off the beaten track.
Kobe and Hyōgo: urban thrills and panoramas
On the way to Tokyo, Suzume stops at Kōbe. Several sets of the film have their equivalent in reality: the Higashiyama shopping district, a bar inspired by the real decor, the old Otogi no Kuni amusement park, or the night panorama visible from Mount Rokkō. The scene of the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge, which connects Kobe with Awaji Island, also illustrates the dramatic tension of the story while showing an iconic work of Japanese engineering.
Tokyo: City of contrast and emotional anchoring
The arrival in Tokyo is done by Shin-Kōbe station, then the Ochanomizu station, close to the Sōta accommodation. This area, crossed by the Kanda River, is recognizable by its famous Hijiri-bashi bridge, the central scene of a memorable fall. The mix of trains, water and urban architecture gives this place a unique aesthetic, often popular with Shinkai fans. It is also a good starting point for exploring the surroundings on foot like Akihabara or Kanda.
Tōhoku: the return to the origins of a post-disaster Japan
The trip ends in northeastern Japan. On the way to Iwate, Suzume stops at the Kaigan road station, famous for its seafood ramen. The highlight of the film is the Orikasa station on the Sanriku Tetsudō line. This station rebuilt after the 2011 earthquake symbolizes one of the film’s deep themes: memory and resilience to disasters. It is a place of discreet but meaningful pilgrimage.
Travel Reports on Suzume
Explore the scene of the filmSuzume No. Tojimarirequires a good organization. Some sites, such as Nichinan or Yunohira, are far from large cities and require access by regional train, bus or rental car. To fully experience this crossing, it is advisable to schedule at least two weeks, alternating rural and urban stages. Itinerary is also a beautiful way to discover often neglected areas in classic tourist routes, while following a narrative thread rich in emotions.
Tracing Suzume’s journey through Japan is a combination of geographical exploration and interior travel. Each visited place resonates with the film’s history, but also offers its own cultural, gastronomic and natural attractions. Whether you’re an animation lover or simply curious, this trip offers a unique way to approach Japan, away from the pictures and close to the essentials.
Si cet article vous a apporté des informations utiles et peut aider d’autres voyageurs à préparer leur séjour, un avis Google en cliquant sur l’image suivante sera toujours apprécié.
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