About
Suzume (Suzume no Tojimari) is Makoto Shinkai's 2022 masterpiece, following 17-year-old Suzume Iwato on a journey across Japan to close mysterious "doors" that release disasters. From the quiet ruins of Kyushu to the bustling streets of Kobe and Tokyo, the film features stunningly realistic backgrounds. Visiting these locations—like the Bungomori Roundhouse or Hijiri Bridge—offers a profound connection to the film's themes of memory, loss, and resilience.
Full Pilgrimage Guide
Curated videos and routes — click a card to watch and plan your trip.
Kyushu & Bungomori Roundhouse Tour
Tokyo & Ochanomizu Locations
Spotlight Location Guide
Former Bungomori Roundhouse (旧豊後森機関庫)
Abandoned circular railway depot in Kusu Town, Oita; prototype for the film’s opening “door” in a flooded ruin. Eerie, overgrown atmosphere mirrors Suzume’s first portal encounter.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (cherry blossoms) or autumn; avoid peak summer heat.
Access
Address: Kusu Town, Kusu District, Oita Prefecture
JR Bungomori Station (from Yufuin or Oita), short walk.
Photography Tips
- • Pose with the recreated “door” prop often found nearby.
- • Wide-angle lens for full roundhouse symmetry.
- • Respect safety barriers; entry prohibited.
Yawatahama Port (Ferry Terminal) (八幡浜港)
Orange ferry arrival location matching the film’s pursuit of Daijin. Docks, ships and waterfront views align closely with the movie’s planning scenes.
Best Time to Visit
Mornings for calmer seas and fewer tourists.
Access
Address: Yawatahama, Ehime Prefecture
Ferry from Usuki or Beppu; JR Yawatahama Station nearby.
Photography Tips
- • Recreate ferry arrival frames from dock.
- • Golden hour warms orange ferries and canal walks.
- • Use leading lines of ships/paths.
Hijiri Bridge (Ochanomizu) (聖橋（御茶ノ水）)
Bridge over the Kanda River where multiple train lines converge; appears in chase and emotional sequences. A classic railfan viewpoint.
Best Time to Visit
Early morning or weekdays; golden hour for soft light.
Access
Address: Ochanomizu, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
2-minute walk from Ochanomizu Station (JR Chuo/Sobu or subway).
Photography Tips
- • Wait for multiple trains converging (Marunouchi, Chuo, Sobu).
- • Shoot toward Akihabara for iconic multi-line view.
- • Tripod for timed shots.
Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens (神戸布引ハーブ園)
Featured in the Kobe segment; lush gardens and ropeway views over the city appearing in the journey.
Best Time to Visit
Spring or Autumn for best garden colors.
Access
Address: Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture
Ropeway from Shin-Kobe Station.
Photography Tips
- • Ride the ropeway for aerial views matching the film.
- • Capture the greenhouse architecture.
- • Evening views of Kobe city lights.
Shibuya Scramble Crossing (渋谷スクランブル交差点)
Briefly seen iconic Tokyo landmark, representing the bustling metropolis Suzume arrives in.
Best Time to Visit
Any time; rain adds atmosphere.
Access
Address: Shibuya, Tokyo
Shibuya Station Hachiko Exit.
Photography Tips
- • Capture the chaos from high viewpoints (e.g. Magnet).
- • Use slow shutter for motion blur.
- • Look for the TSUTAYA building backdrop.
Suggested Itineraries
Kyushu Door Hunting (Medium)
ModerateStart in Oita for the Roundhouse ruins → Ferry from Usuki/Beppu → Onsen stay.
Transportation
JR trains + Ferry + Local bus/taxi
Estimated Cost
Moderate
Locations
- • Bungomori Roundhouse
- • Usuki Port
- • Yunohira Onsen
Tokyo Finale Tour (Easy)
EasyOchanomizu bridge views → Shinjuku city vibes → Imperial Palace/Tokyo Station area.
Transportation
JR Yamanote & Chuo Lines
Estimated Cost
Low
Locations
- • Ochanomizu (Hijiri Bridge)
- • Shinjuku
- • Tokyo Station area
Tips & Etiquette
Best Times for Photos
Golden hour for cinematic lighting; early morning for empty ruins.
Respect Local Rules
Do not trespass in abandoned buildings (Roundhouse interior is off-limits). Be quiet in residential areas.
Transportation
JR Pass works for most train travel; Ferries require separate tickets.
Seasonal Highlights
Cherry blossoms in spring frame the Roundhouse beautifully.