Ever since the striking colors, the dynamic animations and the gripping story of Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba) took to the screens, it slashed through the anime world as swiftly as Tanjiro’s water breathing sword techniques. With its loveable protagonists and amazing action sequences, Demon Slayer has become a favorite of many anime watchers around the globe.

And to those who would love to know what the Kimetsu no Yaiba places in the real world would be like, rejoice! Because these Demon Slayer locations in real life will take you to the world that the anime is created in. So don on your hanafuda earrings, or the iconic black and green haori and take a trip to these locations that are featured in the anime or took inspiration for popular scenes.

Each location and festival in these places not only enhances the appreciation of Demon Slayer but also showcases Japan’s rich heritage and natural beauty. Whether you’re a devoted fan or a curious traveller, these spots invite you to step into the world of Demon Slayer and embark on your own journey of fantasy.

Ashikaga Flower Park (Tochigi)

Image: (Left) Tanjiro walks through the lavender canopy in Fujiksanse
(Right) The lavender tree and its canopies in Ashikaga Flower Park

Located in Tochigi Prefecture, Ashikaga Flower Park is renowned for its mesmerizing wisteria tunnels, and for the Great Wisteria, an over 150-year-old tree that forms an umbrella of lavender during spring season. This wisteria tree mirrors those in Mt Fujikasane in Demon Slayer, where Tanjiro stands under the ever-blooming petals after passing his demon-killing test.

Visit Ashikaga Flower Park between mid-April to mid-May and experience the full bloom wisterias. During the annual Flower Fantasy event, the park transforms into an illuminated wonderland, drawing parallels to the otherworldly beauty often depicted in the series and making you feel that you are indeed in the world of the sword-wielding protagonist.

Fujiyama Shrine (Nagasaki)

Image: (Left) Tanjiro walks through the lavender canopy in Fujiksanse Photo Credit: Twitter user @ramumi8 
(Right) Tanjiro admires the bright lavender at Mt Fujikasane during his examination arc

If not Ashikaga Flower Park, then head on to Fujiyama Shrine in Nagasaki. While the park has dense wisteria tunnels, this Fujiyama Shrine strongly resembles the one in Mt Fujikasane in Demon Slayer with its shrine gates, spiritual atmosphere and an abundant of wisteria flowers that almost forms a purple sky over the shrine.

Since Fujiyama Shrine is a very underrated spot, it’s quietness and peaceful setting is almost like that of Mount Fujikasane, and visitors to the shrine can revel in the feel of perseverance, spiritual growth, and connection to nature while surrounding themselves in the vibes of Demon Slayer.

Itto-Seki Split Boulder – Amanotateiwa Shrine (Nara)

Image: (Left) Tanjiro successfully slashing the boulder in episode 3
(Right): The Itto Seki split boulder with the uncanny slash mark

Yagyu Village, made famous due to the Itto-seki Split Boulder, is located in the wilderness of Nara. Nestled in the village’s Amanotateiwa Shrine, the Itto-seki split boulder is steeped in a legend that states that the boulder was cleaved by the sword of Yagyu Munetoshi, a masterful samurai who spent a part of his middle age in seclusion with the Yagyu clan. Here, the story has it that he fought with a tengu (a long-nosed goblin), and sliced the boulder in two when he cut down the tengu with a single stroke of his sword.

But the fans of Demon Slayer recognizes this stone for another factor – Kamado Tanjiro slicing it in half. In episode 3 of season 1, after going through rigorous training, Tanjiro cuts the boulder in half as he accomplishes mastering his sword skills.

The Itto-Seki split boulder rests within a dense forest, creating an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue, reflecting the very same supernatural vibe shown in the anime.

Mt. Kumotori

Image: (Left) The Kamado family walks through Mt Kumotori during winter
(Right): The real Mt Kumotori covered in ice during winter

Straddling the borders of Tokyo, Saitama, and Yamanashi Prefectures, Mt Kumotori echoes the rugged terrain the Kamado family once called their home. Hiking Mt. Kumotori allows fans to experience the challenging environments similar to those faced by Tanjiro and his family as they make their way back and forth from their home at the peak to the town below to make a living.

During the winter, this mountain turns into a white landscape that reflects the exact scenes which shows Tanjiro trying to save Nezuko as she turns into a demon while trying to fend off Giyu who is after them.

Visitors to Mt Kumotori can hike through dense forests and rocky outcrops, with various shrines and historical landmarks along the way.

Other than being a pilgrimage spot for Kimetsu no Yaiba fans, this mountain is famous for being the highest peak in Tokyo and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including glimpses of Mt. Fuji on clear days.

Asakusa (Tokyo)

Image: (Above) Nakamise Shopping Street in Asakusa during the Taisho ero showin in Demon Slayer
(Right) The real Nakamise Shopping Street in Asakusa today

Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s most historic districts with all its colourful surroundings, is where Tanjiro encounters Muzan while walking around town. Because the anime is set in the Taisho era, much of the places in the Asakusa arc of the anime can be seen today.

For example, Tanjiro and Nezuko is seen walking in the Nakamise shopping district which leads to the Sensoji temple and this place still stands today. You can walk on the same path of the shopping street today.

Image: (Left) Tanjiro sees Muzan infront of one of the stalls in Asakusa
(Right): One of the many shopping stalls in Asakusa with similiar vibes

Although the shopping stalls close around 5pm-6pm (depending on the season), the street and the temples are still lit up at night which is a serene experience on its own since the crowds are thin after dark. If you want to experience the best of both with its bustling and vibrant market during the day and its serene “demon slayer” charm during the night, then head to Nakamise around 3.30pm and stay after dark.

O0kawaso Onsen (Fukushima)

Image: (Left) Ashinomaki Onsen, the place said to have inspired Muzan’s castle
(Right) Muzan’s castle in Demon Slayer that resembles the stairs and interior design of Ashinomaki Onsen

Muzan’s palace with all its twisting and bending stairways could not be real. And it’s not a place that one wants to be in with their life on the line. But fans of Demon Slayer would love to go to this amazing Ashinomaki Onsen known as Ookawaso.

Made popular thanks to the anime, this onsen has become one of the top Demon Slayer locations in real life that fans visit during their trip to Japan. This onsen reflects the similar architecture of Muzan’s castle with tens of stairways going all over the place and even having a musician play the shamisen sitting at the centre of it. But don’t worry, the artist isn’t a demon like in the anime, so you’re safe to stay and listen and show appreciation.

Ashinomaki Onsen sits in the Fukushima prefecture amidst serene nature. This traditional hot spring resort is known for its secluded, tranquil atmosphere, nestled along the banks of the Okawa River – a perfect place that shares the same aesthetics as Kimetsu no Yaiba.

Visiting Ashinomaki Onsen is a chance to unwind while connecting with the series’ thrill of being in a place eerily similar to Muzan’s life-threatening castle.

Kyoto Railway Museum (Kyoto)

Image: (Left) Inosuke standing infront of Mugen Train in the anime
(Right) The real Taisho era train in Kyoto Railway Museum

An underrated place that went heavily undetected since it’s opening in 2016 has now become a spot for fans of Demon Slayer. Thanks to the movie “Kimetsu no Yaiba: Mugen Train,” the Kyoto Railway Museum is visited by fans due to the steam engine on display that is almost the same as the one shown in the film, giving fans a chance to see the Mugen train in real life.

To make matters more exciting, the museum’s real Taisho era steam engine even goes on a 1km ride (15 minutes) during the museum’s opening time. So, if you want to experience the mugen train in real life (without the life threatning Akaza after you) then hop on this ride during your visit to the museum and get a feel of not just the anime but to also experience a piece of history in modern day times.

Yokai Festivals in Japan

While you might not encounter mythical demons in real life you can for sure come very close to it by attending the folkloric and yokai festivals in Japan. Happening at specific times of the year, these festivals are rooted in ancient traditions, myths and stories of folkloric legends, offering an experience that is very otherworldly.

Namahage (Akita)

Demons, fires, and music. Sounds familiar? While you don’t have to display your sword breathing techniques when it comes to these demons, Namahage is an extremely unique and fun festival to attend for fans of Demon Slayer, folklore and yokai myth.

The event is spread out on two days of the year – on New Year’s eve and on February 9th to 11th. On New Year’s, the townsfolk dressed in the yokai Namahage attire (complete with face masks and costumes) makes their way down from the snowy mountain in a fire parade with chants, growls and drums.

A truly thrilling event to experience, the Namahage then walks into the village, searching for disobedient children in a bid to scare them into good behaviour – but all in good fun.

On the following month of February, Namahage Sedo Festival takes place at the Shinzan Shrine in Oga. This festival includes ritual dances, music, and performances that showcase the namahage in a more organised matter for all of the public to enjoy.

Paantu Festival (Okinawa)

Truly nightmare inducing for children but a fun run for adults, the Paantu festival in Okinawa comes close to running away from demons in real life.

Dressed in terrifying attire of a mud raked cloak and an expressionless grey face, the performers of Paantu Matsuri parades around town banishing evil and bringing in good luck and spearing sacred mud on new buildings.

But if you encounter one of these Paantu during the festival, run as fast as you can because if you fail to, they will chase you and spread mud onto the face who doesn’t get away from the fast enough.

Kyoto Yokai Parade (Kyoto)

Taking place on July 12th, the Kyoto Yokai Parade, or Hyakki Yagyo, is a captivating and eerie event held annually in Kyoto, Japan. Steeped in centuries-old folklore, this mystical parade brings to life the myriad of Yokai that exists on the pages of Japanese mythology.

According to legend, the real supernatural beings would walk through the streets of Kyoto to haunt and scare the people of the mortal world and only those who were specially gifted could see these beings from the spirit world.

However, the Yokai parade today celebrates the creatures from Japanese mythology and folklore with the townsfolks and performers donned in costumes of iconic of various legends from the mischievous tanuki (raccoon dog) and kitsune (fox spirits) to the fearsome oni (demons) and yurei (ghosts).

This parade is sure to give you a chill down your spine and raise goosebumps on your hands as these creatures walk close to you and might even come to you.

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