There are stories that gently touch your soul, and then there are those that grab hold of it, leaving an indelible imprint that reshapes how you see the world. Yoru Sumino’s novel, and its breathtakingly beautiful anime and live-action film adaptations, ‘I Want to Eat Your Pancreas’—or ‘Kimi no Suizo wo Tabetai’—is firmly in the latter category. It’s a story that dances with the profound themes of life, death, and the serendipitous connections that define our existence, all through the heart-wrenching and ultimately life-affirming relationship between a reserved high school boy, Haruki Shiga, and his effervescent, secret-keeping classmate, Sakura Yamauchi. The story’s power lies not just in its emotional narrative but in its tangible, grounded setting. The streets they walked, the shrines they visited, and the landscapes that witnessed their fleeting time together are real places, woven into the fabric of Japan. For fans around the world, visiting these locations is more than just tourism; it’s a ‘seichi junrei,’ a sacred pilgrimage. It’s a journey to walk in their footsteps, to feel the echoes of their laughter and tears, and to reflect on the story’s poignant message: to live each day to its absolute fullest. This guide is your invitation to embark on that journey, to trace the path of their secret diary across the beautiful prefectures of Toyama, Fukuoka, and beyond, and to find your own meaning in the places that brought their story to life.
If you’re inspired to explore more cinematic pilgrimages, consider embarking on a journey to the vibrant streets of Hong Kong featured in Chungking Express.
Toyama: Where Their Secret Story Began
Our pilgrimage begins in Toyama Prefecture, a region of stunning contrasts nestled along the coast of the Sea of Japan. Framed by the majestic Tateyama Mountain Range, often called the “Japanese Alps,” Toyama is a place where modern urban life harmonizes with timeless natural beauty. This setting forms the backdrop for the early days of Haruki and Sakura’s shared secret—a place where their ordinary school lives take on extraordinary meaning. The atmosphere here exudes quiet dignity and expansive wonder. You can feel the crisp mountain air, gaze upon the vast sea, and understand why this location was chosen to symbolize the beginning of a journey that is both deeply personal and geographically broad. It is within Toyama’s cities and towns that we witness the first tentative steps of their friendship, making it the emotional foundation of our journey.
Takaoka City: A Journey Through Time and Memory
Takaoka, the second-largest city in Toyama, is the site of many of the story’s key formative scenes. It is a city rich in metalworking heritage and steeped in a palpable sense of history, serving as the perfect backdrop for a narrative about embracing the present. As you wander its streets, you’re not only visiting anime locations; you’re stepping into a living museum of Japanese culture and craftsmanship.
Takaoka Station & Ainokaze Toyama Railway
The journey for both characters and pilgrims often begins at a train station. Takaoka Station is a modern, lively hub, but it is the platforms of the Ainokaze Toyama Railway that hold special significance. This is where Haruki and Sakura would have started their travels, the rhythmic clatter of the local train signaling the onset of their adventures. Standing on the platform, you can almost sense the nervous energy and quiet anticipation Haruki must have experienced. The trains offer a charmingly local experience, quite distinct from the sleek Shinkansen. They cut through suburban landscapes and rice paddies, presenting glimpses of everyday life. For a traveler, riding this line is not merely about reaching a destination; it is about slowing down and viewing the world as they did—a succession of small, beautiful moments passing by the window. The station itself is clean and efficient, an ideal place to pick up a map and coffee before beginning your city walk, feeling the rhythm of local life prior to exploring the quieter, more historical neighborhoods.
Imizu City Shinminato Bridge
One of the most striking and visually iconic spots from the anime is the Shinminato Bridge in neighboring Imizu City. This magnificent white cable-stayed bridge spans the sea gracefully, a testament to modern engineering and a powerful symbol within the story. In the narrative, bridges often symbolize connection—the crossing between two separate worlds. For Haruki and Sakura, their friendship is that bridge, linking his isolated world with her vibrant one. Seeing the Shinminato Bridge in person is awe-inspiring due to its scale and elegance. The best vantage point is Kaiwomaru Park, where the majestic sailing ship Kaiwo Maru is permanently docked. From the park’s edge, you gain a panoramic view of the bridge framed by sky and sea. The constant sea breeze carries the faint scent of salt and the cries of gulls, making it a perfect place for quiet reflection. You can imagine them standing here, the vast ocean before them reflecting the infinite possibilities and poignant finality of their situation. For the most picturesque and atmospheric experience, visit during late afternoon as the sun lowers toward the horizon, bathing the bridge in warm, golden light—a truly cinematic scene.
Yamachosuji & The Kanaya-machi District
To truly step back in time, a stroll through the Yamachosuji and Kanaya-machi districts is indispensable. These well-preserved historical neighborhoods are where Haruki and Sakura wandered, their easy walks set against streets that have witnessed centuries of history. Kanaya-machi is particularly special. This street is lined with traditional houses featuring finely crafted wooden lattices called samira-go. It was the heart of Takaoka’s historic metal casting industry, and even today you can hear the soft, melodic tinkling of wind chimes—a local specialty—carried on the breeze. Walking along the stone-paved streets feels like stepping onto a film set. The atmosphere is quiet and reverent. The dark wooden buildings, manicured pines in small courtyards, and warm light spilling from artisan workshops create an intimate ambiance. This is where the story’s theme of cherishing the present moment—a fleeting instant set against enduring history—truly comes alive. You can picture Sakura’s delight over traditional sweets from a local shop or Haruki’s quiet appreciation of the intricate craftsmanship. Take your time here; peek inside the small shops, admire the architecture, and let the district’s timeless atmosphere envelop you. It’s a compelling reminder that beauty and life endure, a message central to their story.
Fukuoka’s Urban Charm: A Trip of a Lifetime
From the quiet dignity of Toyama, the story makes a vibrant leap southward to Fukuoka, the energetic capital of the Kyushu region. This is the destination for Sakura and Haruki’s overnight trip, a pivotal journey that strengthens their bond and creates some of the story’s most cherished and heart-wrenching memories. Fukuoka is a city alive with energy, renowned for its incredible food scene—especially its famous Hakata ramen—its youthful fashion, and its warm, inviting atmosphere. This dynamic urban environment starkly contrasts with their usual school life, creating a special, almost magical space where they can be more honest with themselves and each other. For the pilgrim, arriving in Fukuoka feels like an adventure, offering a chance to experience the same sense of discovery and freedom that the characters felt on their treasured trip away from home.
Dazaifu: A Prayer for Brighter Days
Just a short train ride from the city center lies Dazaifu, a place of great cultural and spiritual significance. It is home to Dazaifu Tenmangu, one of Japan’s most important shrines, and serves as the backdrop for one of the most emotionally powerful scenes in the entire story. The atmosphere in Dazaifu feels distinct—heavy with history and scented with ancient trees and incense.
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Dazaifu Tenmangu is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a scholar and poet from the Heian period who was deified as Tenjin, the god of learning and culture. Students from across Japan visit here to pray for success in their exams. For Sakura and Haruki, their visit holds a far more profound meaning. As you cross the iconic arched taikobashi bridges spanning a heart-shaped pond, you symbolically cleanse yourself before approaching the main hall. The shrine grounds are magnificent, dotted with thousands of plum trees (ume), Michizane’s favorite. The most famous is the tobiume (flying plum tree), said to have flown from Kyoto to follow its master into exile. Standing before the ornate, imposing main hall, one can feel the weight of countless hopes and prayers. It is here that Sakura makes her plea—not for herself, but for those she will leave behind. It is a moment of selfless love, and being in that sacred space is profoundly moving. Take a moment to notice the details: the intricate carvings on the buildings, the ancient camphor trees whose massive trunks have silently witnessed centuries, and the quiet reverence of the visitors. The atmosphere exudes solemn beauty, making it a perfect place to reflect on the story’s deeper themes of fate, meaning, and the legacies we leave behind.
The Path to the Shrine (Tenjin-sama Dori)
The journey to the shrine is an integral part of the experience. The main approach, Tenjin-sama Dori, is a lively, bustling street filled with shops selling local crafts and, most famously, umegae mochi. These grilled rice cakes, filled with sweet red bean paste and stamped with a plum blossom crest, are a Dazaifu specialty. The air is rich with the sweet, toasty aroma of them being freshly made. Sampling one hot off the grill is a must-do ritual. This vibrant commercial street provides a striking contrast to the sacred tranquility of the shrine itself, symbolizing the balance between everyday joys and the profound spiritual questions within. Along this street, you’ll also find the famous Starbucks designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma. Its stunning interlocking wooden lattice design is a marvel of modern architecture that blends seamlessly with the traditional surroundings, making it a pilgrimage site in its own right.
Hakata & Tenjin: The Heartbeat of the City
Back in the heart of Fukuoka, the districts of Hakata and Tenjin represent the city’s modern, pulsating core. Here, Haruki and Sakura experience the thrill of a new city, from its towering landmarks to its cozy, hidden corners. The energy is infectious, a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and flavors.
Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk
Perched on the waterfront with a design reminiscent of a majestic ship setting sail, the Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk is the hotel where the two stayed. This location is central to their trip, serving as a private sanctuary where they share their deepest conversations and play their revealing game of ‘Truth or Dare.’ While staying at the hotel offers the most immersive experience, you don’t have to be a guest to appreciate its significance. The hotel’s impressive scale and its public spaces, like the vast atrium, are worth a visit. For a truly breathtaking view akin to theirs, consider visiting the top-floor bar or restaurant. From there, you can take in panoramic vistas of Hakata Bay, Fukuoka Tower, and the sprawling city below. As night falls and city lights begin to sparkle, it’s easy to imagine the quiet intimacy of their conversations against this dazzling backdrop. It’s a moment frozen in time, a core memory of their journey together.
Momochi Seaside Park & Fukuoka Tower
Adjacent to the hotel lies Momochi Seaside Park, a beautiful man-made beachfront area. A stroll along the sandy shores of Marizon, with its central plaza and pier lined with restaurants and shops, feels like stepping directly into the anime. The beach offers a refreshing escape from the city hustle. You can feel the sea breeze, watch ships glide across the bay, and see Fukuoka Tower rising gracefully in the distance. The tower itself is the city’s most iconic landmark. Standing 234 meters tall, its observation deck offers an unparalleled 360-degree view of Fukuoka. Visiting at sunset is especially magical, as you watch the city shift from day to night. This entire area—the beach, the plaza, the tower—represents the freedom and novelty of their trip. It’s a place of open skies and expansive views, where they were able to open up to each other in ways impossible back home. It’s the perfect spot to end a day of pilgrimage in Fukuoka, watching city lights twinkle to life and reflecting on the beauty of shared moments.
Lakeside Vows and Ancient Capitals: Echoes in Kansai
While Toyama and Fukuoka serve as the main pillars of the pilgrimage, pivotal scenes also unfold in the Kansai region, particularly in Shiga and Kyoto. Although these locations appear more briefly, they carry significant emotional weight, symbolizing promises made and moments of quiet contemplation. The Kansai region, with its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural scenery, adds an additional layer of poignant beauty to the story’s setting.
Otsu, Shiga Prefecture: A Promise by the Lake
Shiga Prefecture is home to Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake. Its calm, expansive waters and scenic shoreline serve as the backdrop for one of the story’s most meaningful conversations. The anime portrays Haruki and Sakura at a stylish cafe overlooking the wide blue expanse, a scene believed by many to be inspired by the beautiful lakeside spots in the area.
La Collina Omihachiman & the Shores of Lake Biwa
Although the cafe in the anime may be a fictional combination, its spirit can be experienced at locations like La Collina Omihachiman. This remarkable complex, designed by architect Terunobu Fujimori, is more than a simple sweet shop; it is an architectural marvel that harmonizes perfectly with the natural surroundings. With its grass-covered roof and sweeping views of the rural Shiga landscape, it embodies beauty and tranquility. Even if you don’t visit this particular site, traveling by car or train along Lake Biwa’s shores will reveal numerous charming cafes and lookout points. The essential element is the ambiance: the feeling of sitting with a warm drink, gazing out at the calm, seemingly endless water. Lake Biwa is so vast it often feels like an inland sea. It was here, in this peaceful, open setting, that Haruki and Sakura played their game of ‘Truth or Dare,’ culminating in Sakura’s heartfelt request for Haruki to “eat her pancreas.” The serenity of the lake contrasts starkly with the emotional depth of their conversation. Visiting Lake Biwa’s shores allows you to experience that same sense of calm and significance, a place where profound promises are made against a backdrop of enduring natural beauty.
Kyoto: A Final, Fleeting Moment
Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial capital, is a city rich in tradition and grace. It appears in the story as the site of one of Haruki and Sakura’s last outings, a visit to a traditional sweet shop. This scene is quiet, tender, and tinged with the sadness of an impending farewell.
Heian Shrine Area & Traditional Cafes
The story includes a moment in a classic Japanese cafe, or kanmi-dokoro, where they enjoy traditional sweets like matcha and warabimochi. While the exact shop isn’t specified, the Okazaki area near the magnificent Heian Shrine is known for such establishments. This neighborhood features museums, canals, and beautiful gardens, offering a more tranquil and refined Kyoto experience. To capture the atmosphere of this scene, find a quiet cafe with tatami seating and a view of a small, carefully tended garden (tsuboniwa). Ordering a traditional sweet set and savoring it mindfully is a meditative experience. The ambiance in these cafes exudes serene elegance. You can almost hear their soft conversation, with unspoken words lingering between them. It’s a moment of simple, shared delight that feels incredibly precious in retrospect. After your break, a walk around the vast grounds of Heian Shrine, with its iconic giant torii gate and vivid vermilion buildings, or a stroll along the nearby Okazaki Canal, especially when lined with cherry blossoms in spring, is the perfect way to reflect on the beauty of fleeting moments—a theme that resonates deeply with both the story and Kyoto’s timeless charm.
Planning Your Pilgrimage: A Practical Guide
Embarking on a ‘seichi junrei’ for I Want to Eat Your Pancreas is a profoundly rewarding experience, though it requires some planning since the locations are scattered across various regions of Japan. A bit of preparation will help ensure your journey is as smooth and meaningful as possible.
Getting Around
Traveling between Toyama, Fukuoka, and the Kansai region (Kyoto/Shiga) is most efficiently done via Japan’s outstanding railway network. The Japan Rail Pass is an excellent investment for international visitors, granting unlimited rides on most JR trains, including the Shinkansen (bullet train). A sensible itinerary could begin in the Kansai area (arriving at Kansai International Airport – KIX), exploring Kyoto and Shiga before taking the Thunderbird limited express up to Toyama. From Toyama, you might fly to Fukuoka from the local airport or travel by Shinkansen via Tokyo (Hokuriku Shinkansen to Tokyo, then Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen down to Hakata). Alternatively, starting in Fukuoka (landing at Fukuoka Airport – FUK) and heading northwards works equally well. Within each city, local trains, subways, and buses run efficiently and are easy to navigate using apps like Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner. For more remote destinations like the Lake Biwa shoreline, renting a car for a day can provide greater flexibility.
Best Time to Visit
Undoubtedly, the most poignant and thematically fitting season for this pilgrimage is spring, during the cherry blossom season. Usually spanning late March to early April, this is when Japan is draped in the delicate pink and white petals of the sakura. Since the female protagonist’s name is Sakura, the blossoms serve as a powerful, ever-present symbol throughout the story, representing the beautiful, intense, and fleeting nature of life. Visiting locations such as the path to Dazaifu, the canals of Kyoto, and the parks of Toyama framed by blooming cherry trees offers an almost indescribable beauty. However, keep in mind this is also peak travel season in Japan, so accommodations and transportation should be booked well in advance, and popular spots will be crowded. For a quieter experience, autumn (October-November) is another excellent option, featuring crisp weather and stunning autumn foliage in fiery reds and golds as a different but equally captivating backdrop.
A Traveler’s Etiquette
When visiting these sacred sites—both in the anime sense and their real-world cultural significance—observing respectful etiquette is essential. At shrines like Dazaifu Tenmangu, your visit begins with a bow at the main torii gate. Before approaching the main hall, cleanse your hands and mouth at the temizuya water pavilion: use the ladle to pour water over your left hand, then your right, rinse a small amount in your mouth (do not drink directly from the ladle), and finally tilt the ladle to wash its handle. At the altar, follow customary practice: bow twice, clap twice, make your prayer, then bow once more. In historical districts and residential neighborhoods, keep your voice low out of respect for local residents. When taking photos, be considerate of others and avoid capturing close-up images of people without their permission. Acting as a respectful and thoughtful traveler not only honors the local culture but also helps preserve the serene and reflective atmosphere of these places for all who come to experience them.
Living Each Day to the Fullest: The Legacy of Their Story
A journey through the real-life world of I Want to Eat Your Pancreas is more than just a list of filming locations. It is an immersive, emotional experience that lets you connect with the story’s profound core. Walking the same cobblestone streets as Haruki and Sakura, standing on the same shore where they gazed out at the sea, and offering a prayer at the same shrine they visited transforms their fictional journey into something deeply personal. You start to see the world through their eyes—a world filled with small wonders, fleeting beauty, and the quiet significance of everyday moments. This pilgrimage teaches you what Haruki learned from Sakura: that life isn’t about the number of days we have, but about the connections we make and the love we share during those days. It’s about choosing to live fully, to engage, and to find meaning not in some distant future, but here and now. As you leave the final spot on your list and board the train home, you carry with you not just photographs and souvenirs, but a renewed appreciation for the precious, bittersweet, and beautiful journey of your own life. You came seeking the world of a story, and in the process, you may discover a new way to live your own.
