There’s a certain magic to Tokyo in the rain. The world dissolves into a watercolor painting of neon signs bleeding into slick asphalt, of a million umbrellas blooming in unison, a symphony of gentle patters on rooftops and the percussive splash of cars slicing through puddles. It’s a city that feels both immense and intimate under a gray sky. Director Makoto Shinkai captured this exact, melancholic beauty and spun it into a modern fairy tale in his 2019 masterpiece, Weathering With You (Tenki no Ko). The film is more than just a story about a runaway boy and a “sunshine girl” who can manipulate the weather; it’s a love letter to Tokyo itself, a city portrayed not as a mere backdrop, but as a living, breathing character that rages, weeps, and dreams alongside its protagonists, Hodaka and Hina. For those of us who were captivated by their journey, to walk the streets of Tokyo is to step directly into the frames of the anime. It’s a pilgrimage that transcends simple sightseeing, allowing you to feel the pulse of the story in the city’s concrete veins. This journey isn’t just about finding the exact spot where a scene was animated; it’s about standing in that space and feeling the lingering echoes of hope, desperation, and the defiant cry for a single sunny day. It’s about understanding how Shinkai transforms mundane urban landscapes—a cramped alley, a rooftop on a derelict building, a bustling train station—into sacred ground where miracles can happen. This guide will take you through the heart of Hodaka and Hina’s world, from the chaotic energy of Shinjuku to the serene, forgotten corners where the sky feels just a little bit closer.
If you’re inspired to explore more anime locations, consider a swimmer’s pilgrimage to the real-world Iwatobi from Free!.
Shinjuku: The Concrete Heart of the Story
Shinjuku serves as the chaotic, vibrant, and often overwhelming epicenter of Weathering With You. It is here that a desperate, rain-soaked Hodaka first arrives, a small boat cast into a vast, indifferent sea of people and towering skyscrapers. Shinjuku is where he encounters both danger and hope, where the story’s key conflicts ignite and intensify. The district’s dual character—a gleaming business hub by day and a neon-lit maze of entertainment by night—perfectly reflects Hodaka’s internal struggle and the film’s fusion of urban realism with celestial fantasy. To stroll through Shinjuku is to retrace the initial steps of his journey, experiencing the same awe and intimidation he must have felt. The atmosphere buzzes with constant, electric energy—a mix of train announcements, storefront jingles, and the hum of countless conversations. It’s a place that can engulf you completely, yet it’s also where a found family can carve out a small space to call their own.
A Fateful Encounter: The Crossroads of Kabukicho
Kabukicho, Shinjuku’s renowned entertainment and red-light district, is where Hodaka’s life in Tokyo genuinely begins. It’s a world of sensory overload, where towering signs clamour for your attention and narrow alleys hint at both excitement and danger. Shinkai skillfully captures this vibe, portraying it not as a seedy underworld but as a complex ecosystem where people from all walks of life hustle to survive. It’s a place of stark contrasts, and for Hodaka, it marks his first gesture of kindness from a stranger and his initial terrifying encounter with the city’s darker side.
The Fast Food Sanctuary: Atami Building
One of the film’s most pivotal early scenes takes place in a familiar fast-food restaurant. Cold, hungry, and alone, Hodaka seeks refuge from the relentless rain. Here, Hina, then an employee, shows compassion by offering him a free burger. This simple act of kindness sets their entire story in motion. Although the film features a fictionalized McDonald’s, the location inspiring it is widely believed to be the McDonald’s Seibu Shinjuku Ekimae branch, situated in the Atami Building near the station exit.
Standing outside, the resemblance is striking. You witness the same flow of commuters and the identical angle looking up at the glowing golden arches framed by a perpetual twilight or downpour. To complete the pilgrimage, go inside. Find a seat by the window on the second floor overlooking the street. The sensation is surreal—you can almost picture Hodaka huddled in the corner, trying to remain unseen, and Hina moving with quiet grace behind the counter. Inside, the atmosphere is a striking contrast to the chaos outside—a pocket of warmth, light, and the comforting aroma of fries. It’s a transient space filled with students, office workers, and travelers, all seeking a brief moment of respite. This spot perfectly embodies a core film theme: discovering small moments of warmth and human connection within an overwhelming metropolis. For the best experience, visit on a weekday afternoon when it’s less busy, or late at night to see the neon glow of Kabukicho reflected in rain-streaked windows, just as Hodaka did.
The Alleyways of Despair and Hope
Later, when Hina is cornered by shady figures in a narrow Kabukicho alley, Hodaka, recalling her kindness, intervenes. This tense chase plunges them deep into the district’s backstreets. The specific alley is a composite of many, but the area around Kabukicho Ichibangai’s iconic red archway is an excellent spot to explore. By day, these streets bustle with delivery trucks and workers; by night, they transform. The narrow corridors glow luridly in pinks, blues, and yellows from overhead signs. The air fills with karaoke bar sounds and chatter spilling from tiny izakayas.
Wandering these alleys, you feel the claustrophobia and adrenaline of the chase. Turn a corner, and you may find a tiny Shinto shrine wedged between two hostess clubs—a sliver of the sacred amid the profane. This world is exactly what Shinkai depicts so well. For the full experience, roam without a map for a while, letting the winding streets lead you. You’ll sense the immense scale of buildings towering overhead, blocking out the sky. Here, Hodaka discovers a discarded gun, a choice that drastically alters his path. While the real Kabukicho is safer than its cinematic portrayal, especially along main streets, venturing into its back alleys offers a powerful sense of the atmosphere that shaped the film’s early dramatic tension. For travelers, it’s a sensory feast, and for food lovers like me, the dense array of hole-in-the-wall ramen shops and yakitori stalls makes for a pilgrimage itself. Grab a bite at one of these small venues to immerse yourself in the local flavor.
A View From Above: Shinjuku Police Station
After their escape, Hodaka and Hina are taken to the Shinjuku Police Station for questioning. The film showcases a striking shot looking out from inside the station, with its distinctive circular structure, toward the towering Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. This location is real and easily accessible. The Shinjuku Police Station sits on the west side of Shinjuku Station, in the skyscraper district called Nishi-Shinjuku.
This area contrasts sharply with the chaotic energy of Kabukicho; here, everything is order, glass, and steel. Wide, clean streets are lined with imposing skyscrapers housing corporate headquarters and luxury hotels, creating an entirely different cityscape. While you can’t enter the police station to replicate the shot, standing on the pedestrian walkway across the street offers a clear view of its unique cylindrical architecture, an architectural landmark. From this vantage, you also see the Cocoon Tower, another iconic piece of the Shinjuku skyline prominently featured in the film’s opening shots. The best time to visit is during dusk’s “magic hour,” when the setting sun reflects off the glass facades and city lights begin to sparkle. This moment of serene, man-made beauty sharply contrasts with the natural, tumultuous weather central to the film’s story.
The K&A Planning Office: A Found Family’s Home
Mr. Suga’s quirky, cluttered office, where Hodaka finds work and a place to stay, serves as the film’s emotional core. This small, lived-in space becomes a makeshift home for Hodaka, Suga, and Natsumi. Though the K&A Planning office is fictional, its surroundings are heavily inspired by the Shinjuku Gyoen area, particularly the quieter streets between Shinjuku Station and the famous national garden.
The building is said to be modeled on a nondescript five-story tenant building in this neighborhood. Pinpointing the exact one is a treasure hunt for devoted fans, but the real pleasure lies in soaking up the area’s atmosphere. Unlike the high-energy pulse of central Shinjuku, these streets are more relaxed and residential. You’ll find small independent coffee shops, vintage bookstores, and charming little restaurants tucked away. It feels grounded and authentic. Walking here, you can imagine Hodaka running errands for Suga, or Natsumi scooting down the street. It’s the ideal place to slow down. Grab a coffee at a local café and sit back, observing the neighborhood’s daily rhythm. This is “everyday Tokyo” that exists just steps from famous landmarks, the kind of place where a small, eclectic business like K&A Planning would feel right at home. The contrast between this cozy domesticity and the epic, weather-changing events of the plot lends the film much of its emotional depth.
Yoyogi and Shibuya: Skies, Shrines, and Scrambles
Just a short train ride from the intensity of Shinjuku lie Yoyogi and Shibuya, two districts that contain perhaps the most spiritually significant and visually iconic locations in Weathering With You. Here, the ordinary world of Tokyo literally meets the sky, where ancient beliefs intersect with modern reality, and where the full scale of the film’s climax unfolds at the city’s most famous intersection. Traveling through these areas feels like a tonal shift, moving from Hodaka’s personal fight for survival to the broader, mythological implications of Hina’s powers.
The Rooftop Shrine: Yoyogi Kaikan Building
No place in Weathering With You is more poignant or central to the story than the abandoned Yoyogi Kaikan building, atop which rests the small, forgotten shrine where Hina first discovers her powers. This is the film’s most sacred spot, a gateway between earth and sky, a patch of tranquil wilderness flourishing amid urban decay. Hodaka’s desperate climb up the crumbling stairs to find Hina in the sky world is one of the most emotionally powerful sequences in modern anime.
For years, fans could visit the real Yoyogi Kaikan, a distinctively weathered building located just steps from Yoyogi Station. It was a pilgrimage site of great significance. However, in a turn of events that feels almost poetic, the building was demolished in 2019-2020. The sacred place from the film now exists only in memory and animation. This loss adds a profound layer of meaning to the pilgrimage. Although you can no longer climb to the roof, you can stand where the building once stood. Today, the site is a vacant lot, a ghostly echo of its cinematic self. Visiting this spot is a more somber, reflective experience—an opportunity to contemplate the film’s themes of loss, change, and the idea that some things are beautiful precisely because they are temporary. The view of the NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building, which once loomed prominently behind the rooftop shrine, remains, serving as a constant landmark. Looking up at the sky from this spot, you can’t help but sense a ghostly presence of what once was. It’s a reminder that Tokyo is a city in perpetual flux, always being torn down and rebuilt, much like the lives of the characters themselves.
A Constant Witness: The NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building
Though not a location the characters visit directly, the NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building acts as a constant, silent observer throughout the film. Its distinctive, clock-tower-like spire is a landmark of the Tokyo skyline, and Shinkai uses it as a recurring visual motif, often seen from Yoyogi, Shinjuku, and Shibuya. It’s the skyscraper peeking out from behind the rooftop shrine, a modern steeple reaching toward the heavens.
Its presence serves as a geographical anchor, reminding viewers exactly where they are. But it’s more than that. Its elegant, almost futuristic design contrasts with the old, forgotten shrine atop Yoyogi Kaikan, highlighting the film’s theme of ancient magic persisting in a hyper-modern world. You can’t visit the top of the Docomo building as it’s closed to the public, but you can admire its grandeur from many vantage points. Some of the best views are from Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden or the observation decks of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Seeing it pierce the clouds on a sunny day or stand stoically against heavy rain connects you directly to the film’s visual narrative. It’s a testament to Shinkai’s talent that he can take a corporate telecommunications building and infuse it with such narrative and thematic significance.
Navigating the Flood: Shibuya Crossing
The world-famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing symbolizes Tokyo’s relentless energy. Thousands of people surge across the intersection from all directions simultaneously—a perfect, orderly chaos. In Weathering With You, this iconic spot appears multiple times: first as a backdrop to Hodaka and Hina’s sunshine business thriving, and later, in the film’s epilogue, as a permanently submerged landscape. The image of the crossing, with its giant video screens and storefronts (like the iconic Starbucks) partially underwater, is one of the most haunting and unforgettable visuals of the finale.
Visiting Shibuya Crossing is a quintessential Tokyo experience. For the classic view, head to the second floor of the Starbucks in the Tsutaya building overlooking the entire intersection. Expect crowds, as it’s one of the city’s most popular photo spots. To truly feel its energy, however, you must join the scramble. Wait for the pedestrian light to turn green and step into the center of the intersection. Pause for a moment and look around. You are at the heart of one of the world’s busiest hubs, surrounded by a river of humanity. It’s both humbling and exhilarating. Now, imagine this entire space filled with water. Shinkai’s vision of a submerged Tokyo feels shockingly plausible when standing there. It forces you to reconsider the city’s relationship with nature and the fragility of urban life. Visiting after seeing the film changes your perception of this place forever—it’s no longer just a busy intersection, but a stage for a potential future, a site of vibrant life and profound, beautiful melancholy.
Ikebukuro and Beyond: Everyday Magic
While Shinjuku stands as the story’s dramatic heart, the pilgrimage extends to other areas of Tokyo where pivotal moments of hope, escape, and cultural nuance take place. Ikebukuro, another major hub of the city, serves as the setting for a desperate chase and a quiet moment of reflection. Further out, a small shrine in Koenji provides insight into the real-world traditions that inspired Hina’s supernatural powers. These locations reveal the “everyday” side of Tokyo, where the film’s magic feels intricately woven into daily life.
A Sunshine Girl’s Prayer: Koenji Hikawa Shrine
In the film, Hina’s abilities are linked to her visits to a weather shrine, a narrative element rooted in a genuine and intriguing aspect of Japanese culture. Although the film’s shrine is a composite, its clearest inspiration is the Koenji Hikawa Shrine, situated in a quaint residential area just a few stops west of Shinjuku on the Chuo Line. What makes this shrine unique is that it is the only one in Japan with a dedicated altar to the god of weather, the Kisho Jinja.
Visiting this shrine is a deeply special experience. It is a small, tranquil haven hidden away from the city’s hustle. As you approach, you’ll notice the distinctive wooden geta (traditional Japanese sandals) hanging on the prayer boards (ema). Visitors write their wishes for good weather on these geta—farmers praying for sunshine, students hoping for a clear day for sports events, and, no doubt, anime fans wishing for the rain to stop. The shrine itself is modest and serene. One can almost hear Hina’s quiet prayers resonating in the peaceful air. This is a place to slow down, observe the rituals, and appreciate the rich cultural roots Shinkai drew from. The journey to Koenji is a reward in itself; the neighborhood is famous for its vintage clothing stores, cozy cafes, and a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere. It offers a refreshing contrast to the towering skylines of Shinjuku and Shibuya and provides a taste of local Tokyo life.
A Grand Escape: Ikebukuro’s Urban Landscape
Ikebukuro sets the scene for a frantic chase as Hodaka, Hina, and Nagi evade the police. Their escape takes them through the bustling Ikebukuro Station, past the expansive Sunshine City complex, and into a love hotel for shelter. This sequence highlights the verticality and complexity of Tokyo’s urban centers, which are more than mere streets—they are multi-layered spaces featuring underground tunnels, elevated train lines, and imposing skyscrapers.
The View from the Top: Sunshine 60 Observatory
Although they don’t ascend it in the film, the Sunshine 60 skyscraper, the focal point of the Sunshine City complex, towers over their flight. For any pilgrim, visiting the Sky Circus Sunshine 60 Observatory is essential. From 251 meters high, you receive a stunning panoramic view of the whole Tokyo metropolis. On clear days, Mount Fuji is visible. From this vantage, you can trace the characters’ routes and truly grasp the vast scale of the city they navigated. You’ll see train lines weaving through buildings, an endless stretch of rooftops, and the distant silhouettes of the Shinjuku skyscrapers. This perspective helps you understand Tokyo not as isolated spots, but as one expansive, interconnected urban organism. The observatory offers a god’s-eye view, perfectly suited for a story so intimately connected to the sky.
A Night of Refuge: Hotel Hisoca and the Love Hotel District
One of the film’s most memorable and endearing scenes shows the trio, on the run, spending the night in a lavish love hotel. They enjoy the room’s amenities—a karaoke machine, luxurious baths, and delicious room service—creating a small bubble of joy and normalcy amid the chaos. The hotel depicted is visually based on Hotel Hisoca (formerly Hotel DOMA) in Ikebukuro.
Japan’s love hotels are a distinctive cultural feature, offering short-stay rooms focused on privacy, often with elaborate, themed decor. While this concept might seem unusual to some international visitors, love hotels are a normal part of the urban landscape. The area around Ikebukuro Station’s north exit has a high concentration of these establishments. Even if you don’t rent a room, walking through the district, especially at night, evokes the atmosphere. The hotels feature discreet entrances and flamboyant signage, creating a surreal, nearly dreamlike streetscape. The film’s scene beautifully depicts found family and the creation of a temporary home in the most unlikely place. It stands as a tribute to the characters’ resilience and their ability to find moments of happiness even when they have nothing.
Odaiba and the Waterfront: A World Away
The man-made island of Odaiba, characterized by its futuristic architecture, expansive open spaces, and breathtaking views of the Tokyo skyline, functions as a place of escape and emotional release in the film. Away from the cramped alleys of the inner city, the characters find a moment to breathe here. The waterfront settings serve as the backdrop for both a joyful celebration and the film’s heart-wrenching climax, where the terrifying stakes of Hina’s power become clear.
A Birthday Surprise: Odaiba Seaside Park
For Hina’s birthday, Hodaka, Nagi, and their clients from the sunshine business commemorate with a fireworks display at Odaiba Seaside Park. Hina wishes for a clear patch of sky, and as the clouds part, they launch their private fireworks against the stunning illuminated Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo skyline. This scene is one of the film’s happiest and most visually striking moments.
Odaiba Seaside Park is a beautiful, expansive public area featuring a sandy beach and boardwalk. Visiting at dusk offers a magical experience. As the sun sets, the city across the bay lights up, the Rainbow Bridge begins its nightly illumination show, and the skyline sparkles like a treasure chest. You can locate the exact waterfront spot where the characters stood, gazing at the city. The atmosphere is romantic and tranquil, a sharp contrast to the dense urban core. It’s a favored location for couples and families. You can almost sense the joy and fleeting freedom the characters felt here. The Daikanransha, a giant Ferris wheel also featured in the scene, provides another spectacular vantage point. A night ride offers a breathtaking panorama of the lit city, perfectly capping a day of pilgrimage.
The Final Chase: Shiba Park and Tokyo Tower
As the story rushes toward its climax, the chase unfolds around Tokyo Tower. Hodaka, desperate to reach the rooftop shrine, races through Shiba Park, with the iconic red-and-white tower silently watching his frantic battle against time. Shiba Park, one of Tokyo’s oldest public parks, offers some of the most classic and beautiful ground-level views of Tokyo Tower.
While walking through the park, you can find angles matching the film’s shots, with the tower rising dramatically beyond the trees. The park is home to Zojoji Temple, a large and historically important Buddhist temple, creating a striking visual contrast between ancient tradition and modern engineering—a recurring theme in Shinkai’s work. Though Shiba Park generally feels peaceful, you can imagine the tension of Hodaka’s desperate sprint through its grounds. Tokyo Tower represents an older, more optimistic vision of Tokyo’s future compared to the modern skyscrapers of Shinjuku. In the film, it stands as a landmark of the “old” city, one about to be irrevocably changed by the coming rains.
The Taste of a Never-Ending Rain: A Culinary Pilgrimage
In a story where the characters frequently struggle to get by, food symbolizes more than mere sustenance. It embodies comfort, care, celebration, and the simple, grounding joys of life. For a foodie traveler, following the culinary moments in Weathering With You offers a delightful way to connect with the film on a sensory level. From modest, improvised meals to festive treats, the food in the film tells its own unique story.
Hina’s Survival Cooking: Potato Chip Fried Rice
One of the most endearing and memorable dishes in the film is the fried rice Hina prepares for Hodaka, creatively topped with crushed potato chips and a sprig of pea sprouts. It’s a straightforward, resourceful meal that reveals much about her character—making the best out of scant ingredients and adding a touch of flair to brighten a dull day. Later, she enhances it with fried chicken and other additions, transforming it into a feast.
Though not a traditional Japanese dish, it’s one you can easily recreate. Many fans have shared their own versions online. The essential ingredients are simple: rice, eggs, green onions, seasoning, and, of course, nori-shio (seaweed and salt) flavored potato chips. Trying to make it yourself in a Tokyo apartment or guesthouse can be a fun part of the pilgrimage. Alternatively, you can capture the spirit of this dish by visiting the city’s numerous casual eateries. Seek out small chahan (fried rice) shops or Chinese diners, called chuka ryori, where you can enjoy a hearty, no-frills plate of fried rice. This comforting, affordable food fuels the city and perfectly embodies the essence of Hina’s home cooking.
A Birthday Cake of Dreams
The small, perfect birthday cake that Hodaka buys for Hina is another significant culinary moment. It symbolizes his affection and desire to give her a moment of ordinary teenage celebration. He purchases it from a department store food hall, or depachika.
Visiting a depachika is an absolute must for any food lover in Japan. The basements of major department stores like Isetan or Takashimaya in Shinjuku are dazzling food paradises. You’ll find rows of immaculate patisseries, chocolatiers, traditional Japanese sweet shops, and gourmet delis. The cakes are masterpieces, beautifully crafted and exquisitely packaged. You can find a small strawberry shortcake, just like the one in the film, and it will likely be one of the best you’ve ever tasted. Buying a cake and enjoying it in a nearby park, such as Shinjuku Gyoen, is a perfect way to recreate this sweet, simple moment from the movie. It’s a little taste of affordable luxury and a reminder of the joy found in celebrating the small things.
A Practical Guide for Your Pilgrimage
Embarking on a Weathering With You pilgrimage is a fantastic way to experience Tokyo. The city transforms into a vast film set, with every street corner offering the chance for a new discovery. To ensure your journey is as smooth and enjoyable as possible, here are some practical tips.
Navigating Tokyo’s Maze
Tokyo’s public transportation system is impressively efficient but can be daunting for newcomers. The key sites for this pilgrimage are mainly spread along the JR Yamanote Line (the green loop line) and the JR Chuo Line. A Suica or Pasmo IC card is indispensable. You can pre-load it with funds and simply tap it at ticket gates to travel seamlessly on trains, subways, and buses. Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner to find the best routes. They’re highly reliable and will show you which platform to use and even which train car is best for your exit.
Best Time to Visit
This pilgrimage can be done year-round, but to fully immerse yourself in the film’s atmosphere, try visiting during Japan’s rainy season, known as tsuyu, typically from early June to mid-July. The city will be shrouded in near-constant drizzle or rain, bringing the film’s world to life in a way a sunny day cannot. Just be sure to bring a sturdy umbrella and waterproof footwear. Alternatively, winter visits offer crisp, clear skies, creating a stunning contrast and providing the best views from Tokyo’s observatories.
A Word on Respect
As you explore, keep in mind that many of these locations are not merely tourist attractions; they are residential areas, places of worship, and private businesses. When visiting sites like the K&A Planning office or Koenji Hikawa Shrine, be considerate of noise levels and respectful towards residents and workers. Avoid trespassing on private property and always be polite when taking photos. The aim of a pilgrimage is to appreciate and connect with a place, not to disturb it.
The World After the Rain
To journey through the Tokyo of Weathering With You is to experience the city through Makoto Shinkai’s perspective—a place where the sky feels vast and emotional, where the ordinary becomes magical, and where the rain can seem both a curse and a blessing. Standing on a street corner in Shinjuku, gazing up at the sky framed by skyscrapers, you might find yourself reflecting on Hodaka and Hina and their bold decision to prioritize their own small world above all else. The film’s disputed ending leaves Tokyo partially submerged, a city irrevocably transformed. Yet, it is not a tale of despair. Rather, it is one of adaptation, of discovering new ways to live, and of people continuing on with their lives in a changed reality. As your pilgrimage concludes and you look out over the vast cityscape, you realize the journey was not merely about tracking down anime locations. It was about uncovering the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring, chaotic, and breathtaking beauty of Tokyo, whether rain falls or the sun shines.
