Interested in Japanese anime culture, besides Akihabara, what other 'sacred places' can I visit for a pilgrimage?

Ha! You've hit the nail on the head! When it comes to anime holy sites, Akihabara is usually the first place that pops into everyone's mind, but Japan actually has so many other amazing spots! Akihabara is more like a shopping paradise. If you want that "Wow, I've actually stepped into an anime world!" feeling, then you absolutely can't miss these places below.

Tokyo Area – Where Else Besides Akihabara?

1. Ikebukuro – The "Akihabara" for Girls

If you're more interested in content aimed at female audiences (think idol series packed with handsome guys, romance games, etc.), Ikebukuro is paradise for you.

Otome Road: This street is lined with anime shops catering to female fans and butler cafes (where handsome butlers serve you).
Animate Flagship Store: Japan's largest branch of the Animate anime chain is here – a whole building packed with manga, DVDs, CDs, and merchandise.
Pokémon Center MEGA Tokyo: Also one of the largest Pokémon Centers in Japan. A must-visit for Pokémon fans!

Best for: Fans of female-targeted anime/manga, Pokémon enthusiasts.

2. Nakano Broadway – The Treasure Trove for Veteran Otaku

This place is essentially a massive museum dedicated to "otaku culture." It doesn't have Akihabara's flashy shine; instead, it's filled with a retro, nostalgic vibe.

Thrift Heaven: Countless shops selling second-hand, even antique-level, manga, figures, posters, and toys. You might unearth long out-of-print treasures from your childhood.
Mandarake HQ: The famous second-hand chain Mandarake has several specialized stores here (figure shop, manga shop, cosplay store, etc.).
Unique Atmosphere: Stepping into this mall feels like traveling back to the 80s or 90s, offering a taste of pure, unadulterated otaku culture.

Best for: Seasoned anime/manga fans, "treasure hunters" looking for rare or vintage merchandise.

3. Kichijoji & Mitaka – The World of Ghibli

This area is primarily famous for one place: The Ghibli Museum by Hayao Miyazaki!

Ghibli Museum, Mitaka: The ultimate dream destination for any Miyazaki fan. The museum itself is like a fairy tale castle showcasing original art, storyboards, and the production process behind films like My Neighbor Totoro and Castle in the Sky.
- CAUTION! CAUTION! CAUTION! Admission is RESERVATION-ONLY and notoriously hard to get! You must research the ticket purchase process and buy tickets online 1-2 months in advance! No tickets are sold on-site!
Inokashira Park: The beautiful park adjacent to the museum is also a filming location for many live-action dramas and anime.

Best for: All Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli fans.

4. Odaiba – Where Gundam Stands Tall

Odaiba is a modern waterfront area, but for anime fans, there's really one defining landmark!

Life-Size Gundam Statue: Currently featuring the life-size RX-0 Unicorn Gundam (from Gundam SEED). It has nighttime light shows and animations – witnessing it is truly awe-inspiring!
Fuji TV Building: The home studio where many hit anime series (like One Piece, Digimon) aired. You can visit the building.

Best for: Gundam fans, visitors who also want to sightsee.

5. Shibuya – The Modern Anime Crossroads

Shibuya itself isn't a traditional "anime holy site," but recently, more and more popular series use it as a setting.

Jujutsu Kaisen: The location of the Shibuya Incident. You'll find real-life Shibuya Scramble Crossing and the 109 building looking almost identical to the anime.
Tokyo Revengers: Many key plot points also unfold in Shibuya.
The feeling of doing a "pilgrimage" here is surreal – one moment you're shopping in a trendy mall, the next moment you realize this is where Gojo unleashed his "Unlimited Void."

Best for: Fans of modern urban anime like Jujutsu Kaisen.

Around Tokyo (Day Trips Possible)

1. Hakone – The Battlefield of Neon Genesis Evangelion (EVA)

Hakone isn't just a hot spring resort; it's EVA's fictional city, Tokyo-3!

Hakone-Yumoto Station: The station itself is saturated with EVA elements, even housing an official merchandise store.
Lake Ashi, Ōwakudani: Key locations for Angel attacks and battles in the anime. You can imagine NERV HQ beneath you while soaking in the onsen.

Best for: EVA fans who can also enjoy hot springs and nature.

2. Kamakura/Enoshima – The Coastline of Youth

Synonymous with countless youth-themed anime.

Slam Dunk: The railroad crossing in front of Kamakura High School Station is a nostalgic memory for millions. Crowds gather daily to "check in," waiting for the green Enoden train to pass by, recreating the iconic opening sequence.
Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai: The entire story is set around Enoshima and Fujisawa City.
Scenery here is stunning – ancient temples mixed with beautiful beaches. Well worth spending a full day exploring slowly.

Best for: Slam Dunk fans feeling nostalgic, and viewers who love light-hearted school romance anime.

Venturing Further Afield

If you have more time, there are amazing spots all over Japan:

Hida City/Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture: Primary filming locations for Your Name. (Kimi no Na wa.). Find the station, library, and shrine matching the movie exactly.
Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture: The setting of Sound! Euphonium (Hibike! Euphonium). Walk along the Uji River to feel Kumiko's youth.
Saitama Prefecture: Washinomiya Shrine (from Lucky Star), Sayama Hills (Totoro's Forest from My Neighbor Totoro).

Pilgrimage Tips

Do Your Homework: Before you go, take screenshots from the anime and mark the real locations in Google Maps for an efficient pilgrimage.
Mind Your Manners: Many sacred sites are residential areas, schools, or shrines. Keep quiet, don't disturb local residents, don't litter, and absolutely do not enter restricted areas. We're there to experience, not to damage.
Master the Transport: Check transport routes (trains/buses) in advance, especially for suburban areas where schedules can be infrequent.

Hope this list helps you! May your anime pilgrimage be filled with wonderful surprises and moving experiences!