1About 5 Centimeters Per Second
5 Centimeters Per Second was released in March 2007 as Makoto Shinkai's third feature. The title comes from the speed at which cherry blossom petals fall. The film follows Takaki Tono and Akari Shinohara, who met and grew close in elementary school. When Akari transfers away, they stay connected through letters β until Takaki himself transfers to Tanegashima. Three interconnected short stories trace 18 bittersweet years of their lives.
Containing no sci-fi or fantasy elements, the film is characterized by its thoroughly researched, photorealistic depiction of the real world. Masayoshi Yamazaki's theme song "One more time, One more chance" is iconic. Won Best Animation at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards. A live-action film starring Hokuto Matsumura and Mitsuki Takahata was released in 2025.
2Episodes 1 & 3: Tokyo (Sangubashi Area)Oukasho / 5cm
The opening of Episode 1 "Oukasho" and the climax of Episode 3 "5 Centimeters Per Second" both feature the area around Odakyu Odawara Line's Sangubashi Station. This is the stage for the iconic cherry blossom railway crossing that symbolizes the entire film.
The railway crossing where Takaki and Akari walked together, saying "Let's see the cherry blossoms together next year too." It's also the setting for the famous final scene of Episode 3, where the adult two pass by each other (β» some theories suggest the final crossing is technically a different location β fans debate this). Visit during cherry blossom season, and you'll literally feel the cherry petals falling at "5 centimeters per second."
- Location
- Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (near Odakyu Line Sangubashi Station)
- Access
- Steps from Sangubashi Station (Odakyu Odawara Line)
- Best Season
- Late March to early April (cherry blossom season)
- Caution
- Active railway crossing β be aware of trains and pedestrians; do not enter the tracks
The park and pathway depicted as Takaki and Akari's way home. Located right by Sangubashi Station, easily combined with the railway crossing visit. A quiet spot tucked away in a residential neighborhood.
- Location
- Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access
- 3-min walk from Sangubashi Station
3Episode 1: Tochigi (Iwafune Station)Oukasho
The climax of Episode 1 "Oukasho." Just before Takaki transfers to Tanegashima, he travels through a snowstorm to meet Akari. His destination: Iwafune Station in Tochigi Prefecture. The delayed trains, the anxiety, and the long-awaited reunion β one of the most beloved scenes in the entire series.
An unmanned station on the JR Ryomo Line. This is where Takaki, after his snowed-in train kept being delayed, finally arrives to reunite with Akari. The scene is one of the most memorable moments in the series.
The old-fashioned station building remains intact, and the views around the station are almost identical to the anime. Approximately 2 hours from Tokyo by train. Many fans visit drawn by this iconic scene.
- Location
- Iwafune-cho, Tochigi City, Tochigi Prefecture (JR Ryomo Line)
- Access
- Approx. 2 hours from Tokyo (via JR Ryomo Line "Iwafune Station")
- Note
- Unmanned station, historic building from when Iwafune stone quarrying flourished
4Episode 2: Kagoshima / Tanegashima (Cosmonaut)Cosmonaut
Episode 2 "Cosmonaut" is set in Tanegashima, Kagoshima Prefecture, known for its rocket launch site. The story focuses on now-high-school Takaki and his classmate Kanae Sumida, who harbors feelings for him. Tanegashima is also selected as one of the "88 Anime Pilgrimage Sites in Japan You Want to Visit" by the Anime Tourism Association.
Model for the high school Takaki and Kanae attend. The school gate views and the bike parking lot where they meet daily are iconic in the film.
- Location
- 4258-1 Noma, Nakatane-cho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima Prefecture
- Access
- 10 min by car from Tanegashima Airport
- Note
- Active high school β no entry to grounds. Photo only from outside the gate / road
The beach where Kanae practices surfing repeatedly. The Pacific Ocean's powerful waves are appealing, and surfing is actually enjoyed here. The film's depiction is remarkably faithful, with beautiful white sands stretching wide.
- Location
- Nakatane-cho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima Prefecture (Nakayama Beach)
- Access
- 15 min by car from Tanegashima Airport
Model for the convenience store Takaki stops by after school. Reportedly a pilgrimage site for both 5 Centimeters Per Second and Your Name.. Inside the store, a pilgrimage notebook awaits, where visiting fans have left their thoughts.
- Location
- Nakatane-cho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima Prefecture
- Access
- Near Tanegashima Center High School
- Note
- Active store β please be considerate when shopping and visiting
Flight: Kagoshima Airport to Tanegashima Airport β approx. 35 minutes
High-Speed Ferry: Kagoshima Port to Tanegashima β approx. 1 hour 35 minutes (Jetfoil)
Ferry: Kagoshima Port β approx. 3 hours 30 minutes
Within the island, rental car is the standard. The pilgrimage spots cluster in Nakatane-cho.
5Model Itineraries
ποΈ Tokyo & Tochigi 1-Day Tour (Episodes 1 & 3)
The Tokyo and Tochigi locations can be visited in one day. Cherry blossom season is ideal.
The following itinerary times are approximate guides only. Train schedules and venue operating hours are subject to change. Before your trip, please confirm the latest schedule via official railway company websites, route planner apps, and venue official information sources.
ποΈ Tanegashima 2-Day Tour (Episode 2)
Tanegashima requires a rental car. Combine pilgrimage with rocket center visits.
6Pilgrimage Etiquette
π Please Read Before Visiting
- The Sangubashi railway crossing is active. Never enter the tracks. Be aware of trains and pedestrians. Take photos from safe positions, briefly.
- Sangubashi Park is in a quiet residential area. Avoid loud voices, entering private property, or photographing homes.
- Iwafune Station is an unmanned station used by local residents. Don't linger long on the platform or enter the tracks.
- Tanegashima Center High School is an active high school. No entry to grounds. Photo from outside the gate or roads with consideration.
- The road to Nakayama Beach is narrow and steep. Drive carefully. Be considerate of surfers.
- i-shop Ishido Store is an active business. Treat the pilgrimage notebook respectfully. Show appreciation by making a purchase.
- Take your trash with you β no littering.
- Tanegashima values its tourism resources. Approach with gratitude toward locals.
π± Local Cuisine for Each Chapter
"5 Centimeters per Second" features three different chapters, each in different regions. Enjoying local gourmet along the way enhances Takaki and Akari's story experience.
πΈ Episode 1 "Oukasho" & Episode 3 β Tokyo Sangubashi Area
Around Sangubashi Station is a quiet residential area near Yoyogi Park and Meiji Shrine. Many calm cafΓ©s and bakeries.
- Yoyogi Park Area
- Harajuku and Omotesando cafΓ©s within walking distance. "Little Nap COFFEE STAND" popular
- Yoyogi Hachiman Area
- Many hidden restaurants and cafΓ©s. Perfect for calm dining
- Cherry Blossom Season
- Combined with Yoyogi Park and Meiji Jingu Gaien sakura, creates an experience like the film
π Episode 1 "Oukasho" β Tochigi Iwafune Area
Iwafune Station is in rural farmland, but easy access to Tochigi specialty cuisine.
- Tochigi Specialties
- Sano Ramen (bamboo-pressed flat noodles), Utsunomiya gyoza, lemon milk, imo-fry (Sano)
- Michi-no-Eki Mikamo
- Near Iwafune. Local farm products and specialties. Restaurant available
- Tochigi City
- Famous "Storehouse Town" 30 min by car from Iwafune. Many traditional restaurants & soba shops
π Episode 2 "Cosmonaut" β Kagoshima Tanegashima
Tanegashima is said to have "never experienced famine" due to its rich food culture. Famous as the birthplace of "Anno-imo" sweet potato, with abundant fresh local fish.
- π Anno-imo (Sweet Potato)
- Tanegashima's registered variety. Famous for melting texture and surprising sweetness. Variety in sweets, baked sweet potato, croquettes
- π Local Fish
- Asahi Crab, slipper lobster, Tokobushi (Nagarame abalone), Kibinago - unique to Tanegashima
- π Ingie Chicken
- Prefecturally-designated natural monument crossbreed raised only in Tanegashima. Earthenware-grilled meal popular
- π· Tanegashima Black Pork
- Light fat with sweetness spreading on chewing
- Uosho Ichijo
- Japanese restaurant featuring Tanegashima ingredients and shochu
- Yoshikichi
- Self-raised Ingie chicken specialty. Earthenware-grilled, yakitori, chicken sashimi, chicken ramen
- Okazaki Shoten (Minamitane)
- Unique "Space Ramen" shop
- i-shop Ishido
- Takaki's pilgrimage locationβlocal store, please be courteous when purchasing snacks/drinks
If you're visiting Tanegashima Space Center, dine in Minamitane Town. The center's cafe offers space-food themed menu items as well.
Tanegashima requires a rental car. 1-2 days allows enjoying pilgrimage + main gourmet. Accommodations concentrate in Nishinoomote City or Nakatane Town. Don't forget Anno-imo sweets as souvenirs!
Restaurant and shop information listed here (operating hours, days closed, prices, menus, etc.) reflects the time of writing. Before visiting, please always check the latest information directly via each venue's official website, social media, or by phone. Some places may have closed, relocated, or be temporarily out of service.
If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, please consult the venue staff directly upon visiting. This site does not guarantee the accuracy or currency of the information provided, and visits/use are at your own discretion and responsibility.
π¨ Accommodations Across the Journey
Find hotels for Tokyo, Tochigi, and Kagoshima (Tanegashima):
πΈ Summary
The 5 Centimeters Per Second pilgrimage is a journey following the 3 chapters of the story. Experience the cherry blossom railway crossing at Sangubashi in Tokyo, the reunion climax at Iwafune Station in Tochigi, and the Cosmonaut world on Tanegashima in Kagoshima.
Tokyo and Tochigi can be done as a day trip, while Tanegashima takes 2 days with a rental car. Visit Sangubashi during cherry blossom season, and Takaki and Akari's story will come alive amid the petals falling at "5 centimeters per second."
Many active railway crossings, stations, schools, and shops are involved, so please remember to respect local communities and enjoy your pilgrimage quietly.
β Back to Shinkai Pilgrimage Map