Sydney, 29 June, 2026 - Japan's anime culture is driving a global tourism boom with fans flocking to real-life locations featured in popular animated series. 'Anime pilgrimages' describe fans visiting real-world locations featured in their favourite works, from vibrant city streets to everyday locations.
According to Precedence Research, the global anime market is rapidly growing, and by 2030 is expected to be worth around A$72.5 billion (US$48.3B)1. Gen Z's cultural consumption and integration of culture and tourism see this group of travellers visiting filming locations and participating in anime-themed events, driving visitation to these Japanese locations.
The major upside to anime travel is the regional dispersal, which sees increased exploration of towns and regions outside the Golden Route. This is heavily supported by the work of the Anime Tourism Association, a Japanese organisation dedicated to the promotion of travel and cultural exchange through anime-related destinations. It was established in 2016 amid the growing global interest in visiting real-life anime locations. It invites fans to explore Japan's regions beyond major cities, merging fandom with cultural discovery.
Each year the Anime Tourism Association curates the '88 Anime Pilgrimage' list featuring real locations linked to notable anime series. The number 88 references Japan's traditional Shikoku pilgrimage, symbolising a complete spiritual and cultural journey.
Sydney Office, Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Executive Director, Naoki Kitazawa said, “Anime locations are now a measurable driver of inbound tourism, not just a subculture. We couldn’t be more pleased, especially as stats show that many destinations on anime pilgrimages are to some of Japan’s smaller towns and lesser-known prefectures.”
Japan is home to numerous anime creators and production studios, and the industry is considered a key driver of Japan's cultural soft power.
10 must-visit anime locations:
- Ashikaga Flower Park, Tochigi Prefecture – The cascading wisteria inspired the ethereal flower scenes in Demon Slayer
- Suga Shrine Steps, Shinjuku, Tokyo Metropolis – The famous meeting scene from Your Name takes place here
- One Piece Statue Tour, Kumamoto Prefecture – Life-sized bronze statues celebrate One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda across the prefecture
- Ghibli Park, Aichi Prefecture – Iconic worlds from Studio Ghibli films are brought to life
- Dogo Onsen, Ehime Prefecture – Said to have inspired the bathhouse in Spirited Away
- Yakushima, Kagoshima Prefecture – Its ancient forests echo the mystical setting of Princess Mononoke
- Hita City, Oita Prefecture – Home to Attack on Titan-inspired sites and character statues
- Poké Lids, Nationwide – Pokémon-themed manhole covers scattered across Japan, each uniquely designed
- Ashinomaki Onsen, Fukushima Prefecture – A ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) featuring a multi-layered lobby that inspired the Infinity Castle in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
- The World Cosplay Summit 2026, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture – The world's largest annual cosplay festival to celebrate Japanese pop culture and compete for the title of World Cosplay Champion
For more information visit https://www.japan.travel/en/au/
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For additional information, please contact: jnto@gtitourism.com.au
About JNTO
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) is a government body whose aim is to promote Japan internationally as both a leisure and business travel destination through the themes of Adventure, Travel, Sustainable Tourism, and Luxury Travel. JNTO has 26 international offices and is the ultimate resource for travel-related information on Japan.
Sydney Office, Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) services Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific region.
Footnote
1 https://www.precedenceresearch.com/press-release/anime-market 
