Kyushu is one of Japan's four main islands, located at the southwestern tip of the country. It is famous for its natural hot springs, such as Beppu Onsen, as well as two active volcanoes: Mount Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture and Sakurajima in Kagoshima Prefecture. Kyushu also features Fukuoka Airport as its aerial gateway, attracting numerous tourists every year. In fact, Kyushu is home to many settings that inspired famous anime (sacred sites). This time, we traveled through the four prefectures of Kagoshima, Kumamoto, Fukuoka, and Oita, thoroughly enjoying an ultimate anime pilgrimage tour!

🌸 Kagoshima Prefecture, Tanegashima: "5 Centimeters per Second" Youth Pilgrimage

5 Centimeters per SecondIt is an animated film released in 2007. With its lyrical beauty of falling cherry blossom petals, intense emotions inadvertently revealed in every movement, and a seemingly plain yet rich and delicate plot, this movie has captured the hearts of countless viewers. Director Makoto Shinkai, a famous Japanese filmmaker, is widely known for directing works such as Your Name, Weathering with You, and Suzume. 5 Centimeters per Second is the third theatrical anime directed by Makoto Shinkai.

Speaking of filming locations for 5 Centimeters per Second, the first one that comes to mind is Iwafune Station in Tochigi Prefecture (the station where Takaki and Akari arrange to meet in the first episode, "Cherry Blossom"). But this time, we are making Tanegashima in Kagoshima Prefecture our pilgrimage destination. Tanegashima is a remote island, and you might think transportation there is inconvenient, but if you use JR Kagoshima-Chuo Station as your base, you can complete the pilgrimage in a single day. The protagonist Takaki spent three high school years here after transferring to Tanegashima. Let's begin our journey to the sacred sites together!

🗺️ Tanegashima Sacred Pilgrimage Route Map

Kagoshima Prefectural Tanegashima Chuo High School

"5 Centimeters per Second" Episode 2: "Cosmonaut." Kanae felt a strong attraction to Takaki when he transferred into her class during their second year of junior high school, and she has secretly had a crush on him ever since. To be able to attend the same high school as Takaki, Kanae studied hard and finally achieved her wish of becoming his high school classmate. Kagoshima Tanegashima Chuo High School is the visual prototype for the high school in the film. The school is also the setting for the TV anime "Robotics;Notes."

⚠️ Notice for Visitors: Although this is a popular filming location, it is also a functioning school, so unauthorized entry is prohibited. Visitors may only tour and take photos after registering at the office (tours may not be available during school events or exam periods, so please inquire in advance).

After completing the registration, you will receive a card that reads "On a Pilgrimage to Holy Sites." The motorcycle parking lot naturally brings to mind the scene where Kanae quietly waits for Takaki, her heart filled with anticipation and nervousness.

🏪 Bitter-Sweet Memories: "I Shop Ishido Oohira Store"

Meeting after school and riding a scooter together through the tranquil sugarcane fields to go home is such a wonderful scene! The convenience store they stopped by on their way home from school is the local "I Shop Ishido Oohira Branch."

The shop features a sacred pilgrimage guestbook! We recommend buying the anime's signature drinks available in the store—"Tanegashima Coffee" (currently known as "Dairy Coffee") and "Yoghurppe" (a lactic acid bacteria drink)—to experience the pure romance atmosphere of "5 Centimeters per Second"!

🌊 "At this rate, I won't be able to say it even by graduation..." Nakayama Coast

As a remote island, Tanegashima is also a surfer's paradise. Kanae, who has deep feelings for Takaki, loves surfing. "Nakayama Coast" is the filming location for the surfing scenes that appear multiple times in the anime.

✈️ Hanaae: The place where love is buried deep in the heart: "Former Tanegashima Airport Site"

The former Tanegashima Airport appears in the third part of "Byousoku 5 Centimeter." Here, Kanae watches tearfully as Takaki departs on a plane. Although the scene is brief, it evokes countless emotions and leaves a lasting impression. Please note that the airport is currently closed and access to the interior is not permitted.

🚢 Transportation Guide: How to get from JR Kagoshima-Chuo Station to Tanegashima?

You can choose to take a ferry from Kagoshima to Tanegashima, but we strongly recommend choosingHigh-speed craft Toppy RocketThe ferry takes nearly 4 hours one way, while the high-speed boat takes about 100 minutes to arrive!

🏨 Direct connection to Kagoshima Station accommodation: JR Kyushu Hotel Kagoshima

After a full day of touring Tanegashima, I returned to Kagoshima-Chuo Station and checked into the JR Kyushu Hotel Kagoshima, which is directly connected to the station. The twin rooms are all over 24 square meters, offering a spacious layout where large suitcases can be easily opened out!

The lobby features a self-service luggage storage area exclusively for guests. You can store your luggage before heading out in the morning, and upon returning to the hotel after your tour, you can check in directly—making it extremely easy and convenient!

The hotel's breakfast offers a Japanese and Western buffet featuring local delicacies such as Kagoshima's famous Berkshire pork shabu-shabu and Satsuma age (fried fish cakes), providing you with plenty of energy!

⚔️ Next stop: Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture!

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we will depart for our next destination—Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture! Embarking on a pilgrimage tour of sacred sites from Natsume's Book of Friends and One Piece!

Press Release Source:PR TIMES / Kagoshima Prefecture Visitors Bureau / Compiled by JoyJapan Editorial Department