The manga series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has captivated fans from around the world since 2015 when the series was first published in the popular manga magazine, Weekly Shonen Jump. The work of Koyoharu Gotoge, Kimetsu no Yaiba has had over 100 million copies in circulation as of October 2020. The anime series was followed by the film sequel called Demon Slayer -- Kimetsu no Yaiba -- The Movie: Mugen Train, which was released in October 2020, and is said to have broken several records as it raked in 10 billion yen within ten days of its opening. Tanjiro Kamado, the main character of Kimetsu no Yaiba, is considered to be the savior of the Japanese economy that has been suffering since the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this feature, we will discuss five locations in Japan that were a source of inspiration for the background scenes of Kimetsu no Yaiba.
Mt. Kumotori
Mt. Kumotori is the mountain where Tanjiro Kamado and his younger sister, Nezuko Kamado, were born and live. Mt. Kumotori is one of the "Hundred Most Popular Mountains in Japan" along the border of Tokyo, Saitama, and Yamanashi Prefectures and is known for its spectacular views, especially the distant mountains that make themselves visible through the clouds and Mt. Fuji on clear days. Mt. Kumotori is the setting for the first episode of this anime, and the winter scene portrayed is exactly the same as what one would witness on Mt. Kumotori. A surprisingly challenging climb, there has been an influx of visitors to the mountain since the fame of this anime. Make sure to be well prepared if you plan to ascend to the summit!
Mt. Otake
Mt. Otake is the birthplace of Inosuke, Tanjiro's friend and a member of the Demon Slayer group. Located on the border between Hinohara-mura and Okutama, Tokyo, Mt. Otake is approximately 1,266 meters high, and the summit can be reached by gondola.
It is said that Inosuke was raised by a wild boar, and this is the reason why Inosuke always wears a wild boar mask. The boar is said to be considered a sacred animal in Japanese culture.
Ashikaga Flower Park
Ashikaga Flower Park is a massive flower garden in Tochigi Prefecture, and the park is known for its spectacular views of wisteria flowers which can be enjoyed from April to May each year, especially at night when the gorgeous flowers are illuminated by LED lights. Many lovers of Japan are familiar with the dreamy image of these lit up wisteria trellises.
The ghosts that appear in the Kimetsu no Yaiba series are afraid of wisteria flowers and you can see wisteria featuring in many scenes. At the end of episode four, Tanjiro takes a journey on a path filled with wisteria flowers, which seems to have been inspired by the tunnel of wisteria flowers in Ashikaga Flower Park.
Hachiman Kamado Shrine
Hachiman Kamado Shrine is in Fukuoka Prefecture, the hometown of Koyoharu Gotoge, creator of the anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. This shrine is located only 2 km from Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, one of the most popular shrines in Fukuoka Prefecture. So how about stopping by here?
Fans believe that the surnames of Tanjiro and Nezuko are inspired by the name of this shrine, and if you visit this temple, you will find many "ema" (votive wooden plaques for writing wishes and prayers) decorated with images of the main characters.
SL Hitoyoshi
JR Kyushu announced the operation of the steam locomotive, SL Hitoyoshi Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, which connects JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture, and Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture, for a limited time during November. The train will run a total of five times until November 23, however, all the tickets have already been sold out!
Some of you may have had to cancel or postpone your travel plans to Japan due to the pandemic. However, you can still visit these sights once international travel resumes :)
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