Screen Pilgrimage Real places behind anime and film, across Japan

TV anime · 2022

The Heike Story — real-life locations

Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple and more — 5 places you can visit, in Nara, Yamaguchi, Hiroshima. Every entry gives the nearest station, how long the walk is, and what to mind when you get there.

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Many of these are shrines, schools and people’s streets. Read the conduct note before you go.

Locations · 5

Todaiji Temple

Nara Start here

Burned by the Taira in the raid on Nara the story tells; the Great Buddha Hall was rebuilt afterwards.

Getting there
Kintetsu Nara Stn · 18 min walk
Before you go
  • Worshippers come first
  • Admission fee required
  • Very crowded — expect queues
Sources
平家物語 (アニメ)

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Kofukuji Temple

Nara

The Fujiwara temple burned in the same raid, and the seat of the monks who defied the Taira.

Getting there
Kintetsu Nara Stn · 5 min walk
Before you go
  • Worshippers come first
  • Admission fee required
  • Very crowded — expect queues
Sources
平家物語 (アニメ)

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Dannoura Battlefield (Mimosusogawa Park)

Yamaguchi

The strait where the Taira fleet was destroyed in 1185 and the child emperor went into the sea — the end the whole tale is told towards.

Getting there
Shimonoseki Stn + 15 min by bus · 3 min walk
Before you go
  • Watch for traffic — do not step into the road
  • Keep your voice down
  • Only there at low tide — check the times before you go
Sources
壇ノ浦の戦い · 平家物語 (アニメ)

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Itsukushima Shrine

Hiroshima

The sea shrine Kiyomori rebuilt in its present form and dedicated the Heike sutra scrolls to, at the height of the family.

Getting there
Ferry from Miyajimaguchi · 12 min walk
Before you go
  • Admission fee required
  • Very crowded — expect queues
  • Only there at low tide — check the times before you go
Sources
厳島神社

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Jakko-in Temple

Kyoto

The secluded Ohara temple where the retired emperor visits Kenreimon-in in episode 11, and where she is said to have lived out her days.

Getting there
Kyoto Stn (JR Tokaido Line) + bus 60 min · 15 min walk
Before you go
  • Worshippers come first
  • Admission fee required
  • Keep your voice down
Sources
寂光院 · 美忘録 ブラタモリ【京都・大原】— アニメ版平家物語11話のシーン

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The same places, in other titles

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