7 Spots that Appeared in Makoto Shikai's New Film "Weathering with You"
"Weathering with You", the much awaited new film by director Makoto Shinkai was released in July 2019, three years after his previous movie, "Your Name", became a worldwide hit. As with his previous works, the places depicted in "Weathering with You" are faithful recreations of real life locations, giving rise to a wave of fans visiting the spots on a "pilgrimage". This article introduces seven spots that were the models for particularly memorable scenes.
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What is "Weathering with You"?
"Weathering with You" is a movie that tells the story of a high school sophomore boy who has ran away from his remote island home, and a girl with strange powers. Together, they choose their own "way of life" despite the forces of destiny. The beautiful visuals and the touching story line are truly that of the world of Makoto Shinkai, known for such movies as "Your Name", "The Garden of Words", and "5 Centimeters per Second".
1. Koenji - Kisho (Weather) Shrine
The "Geta Ema" to pray for good weather that appears in the movie is the ema (votive plaques at shrines) at Kisho Shrine, the only Shinto shrine dedicated to the weather deity. It is in the shape of a geta (traditional wooden footwear) which was traditionally used to predict the weather. The shrine is open to visitors from early morning to 5:30 pm between April and September and from early morning to 5:00 pm between October and March. It is located 2 minutes on foot from Koenji Station on the JR Chuo and Sobu lines, but note that the Chuo Line does not stop at Koenji Station on weekends and holidays.
2. MANBOO Shinjuku Yasukuni-dori Branch
The internet cafe that the protagonist, Hodaka, stayed at until he found a live-in job, is MANBOO Shinjuku Yasukuni-dori Branch, located 3 minutes on foot from the East Exit of JR Shinjuku Station. There are free drinks, Wi-Fi, showers, and other amenities so it is a comfortable place for a short stay. It is 200 yen (incl. tax) for 30 minutes during the week and 300 yen (incl. tax) on holidays.
3. McDonald\'s Seibu Shinjuku Ekimae Branch
The location where the two main characters first meet - when Hina, who is working, gives Hodaka a free hamburger - is McDonald\'s Seibu Shinjuku Ekimae Branch, which is a 3 to 4 minute walk from Shinjuku Station on various lines and Shinjuku Nishiguchi Station on the Toei Oedo Line. There has been a surge of people eating Big Macs at McDonald\'s Seibu Shinjuku Ekimae Branch.
4. Shiba Park
Shiba Park, where the characters play with the daughter of Hodaka\'s boss, Suga, is a historic park that is designated as one of Japan\'s oldest parks. The park\'s lawn area with a view of Tokyo Tower and the bench that Suga\'s niece, Natsumi, and Hina sit, is faithfully recreated in the movie. It is a 2-minute walk from Shibakoen Station and Onarimon Station on the Toei Mita Line. Admission is free.
5. Roppongi Hills Observation Deck - Tokyo City View Rooftop Sky Deck
The mystic scene where Hina prays for good weather for Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival is Roppongi Hills Observation Deck Tokyo City View Rooftop Sky Deck, which is 270m above sea level and has a 360-degree panoramic view of the great metropolis of Tokyo. The building is connected to the 1C Exit of Roppongi Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line. It is open from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. Admission is 2,300 JPY for one adult (1,800 JPY for Tokyo City View and an additional 500 JPY for Sky Deck).
6. Ginza - Asahi Inari Shrine
Asahi Inari Shrine is said to be the model for the Shinto shrine on the rooftop of a building that Hina and Hodaka go to for a scene that is key to the story line. There is a red torii gate inside a building located 2 minutes by foot from Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, and the hall of worship is on the rooftop.
7. Odaiba Marine Park - Observation Deck
The flea market that Hodaka and Hina go to for their first "Sunshine Girl" assignment was held at Odaiba Marine Park. The spot where they admire the blue sky beyond Rainbow Bridge is the observation deck near the Statue of Liberty. It is located 3 minutes by foot from Odaiba-kaihinkoen Station and Daiba Station on the Yurikamome Line.
This article introduced seven spots that appear in "Weathering with You", such as the rooftop shrine and the location where the characters pray for good weather. Enjoy the world of "Weathering with You", but be considerate of the local residents!
The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.
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