When Blue Exorcist first dropped, it took the anime fandom by storm with its unique story telling of Satan’s son, an exorcist with blue flames and comedic timing that has audiences in stiches. Though the lore of Blue Exorcist takes place in Japan, the setting is completely fictional which meant experiencing the anime only existed on screen. But that all changed when the season “Blue Exorcist Kyoto Saga” dropped, taking place in the famous lands of Japan’s ancient capital.

If you’re a die-hard Blue Exorcist fan with a passport in hand and a love for real-life anime adventures, you’re in for a treat. Kyoto’s most iconic structures was featured in episode 12 of Blue Exorcist Kyoto Saga/ Ao no Exorcist Kyoto Fujouou Hen. While they are stunning in animation they are equally dazzling in real life too, and you can walk the same paths as Rin, Yukio, and the gang did during their time in Kyoto.

This guide will take you through the real-world locations that flashed on screen in Blue Exorcist where you can experience the same excitement and wonder that doesn’t have an age limit.

Pro tip: We’ve linked top-rated tours and tickets throughout this article to make your travel planning seamless. Booking through these affiliate links not only supports this blog but also unlocks bonus perks for your trip.

So, grab your katana (or camera) and let’s dive into the real-world magic of Blue Exorcist where anime and real-life adventure collide.

🛏️The best place for easy exploring is to stay near Kyoto Station
👉 Stay in this amazing ryokan with affordable rates and spacious rooms

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its thousand vibrant red torii gates, is instantly recognizable in both pictures and anime. In Blue Exorcists’ Kyoto arc these famous vermillion gates are even more evident as the team walks underneath them.

In real life, Fushimi Inari is one of Japan’s most revered Shinto shrines, dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice and agriculture. Its tunnels of torii are often walked as a spiritual pilgrimage, which adds weight to the anime’s themes of burden, destiny, and purification.

If you want to click some cool pictures without crowds, walk further inside as the crowds start to thin out. If you really want to make it memorable, then take on the challenge to hike all the way up to the shrine. Since Fushimi Inari is a pilgrimage site, the main shrine sits at the top of the hill.

Want to explore it like a local?
👉Hike Fushimi Inari with a local guide – includes secret, crowd-free hiking trails, a natural bamboo forest, a small shrine that’s off the usual tourist trail and scenic views of Fushimi-Momoyama Castle.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Kinkaku-ji, the dazzling golden Zen temple reflected in a serene pond, appears briefly in the Kyoto arc with Rin and Yukio while the young exorcists are out exploring the traditional town.

Though not the site of a major scene, its appearance anchors Kyoto as a destination that is exciting even for the Japanese who lives in the country. In real life, Kinkaku-ji is one of the most photographed temples in Japan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that represents harmony and impermanence.

The world “kin” in Kinkakuji means gold, reflecting the fact that the top two stories covered in real gold leaf.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera makes a cameo during Blue Exorcist’s establishing shots in Kyoto. In this particular still, Rin Okumura is seen to be excitedly leaning over the rails while his friends look on at the beauty of the temple.
Rin’s newfound excitement is pretty understood when one visits the humungous temple. It replicates the real-life scenario of tourists and travellers as they stand on the temple’s terrace and gaze at the surrounding beauty.

Kiyomizu-dera is particularly breathtaking during the fall season. The terrace and stage of the temple peaks above thousands of crimson Momiji trees making it one of the best places to see autumn in Kyoto.

Kamo River

The Kamo River, a peaceful stretch running through Kyoto, is shown in quieter moments during the Kyoto Saga arc. It’s where Yukio and Rin have a brief conversation. This river, a beloved local spot for walks and conversations, contrasts with the intense battles, highlighting the daily life that the exorcists are fighting to protect.

The river is a popular spot amongst couples and locals that like to take a relaxing stroll by the water and aim for some stillness amidst the hectic life.

Kyoto Tower

Kyoto Tower can be seen looming in the distance whenever you are in the city so it’s no surprise that Rin’s gang made a stop there when they were in the city too. Just as Rin happily gazed out of the windows to see the entire city of Kyoto below, you can do that too.

Kyoto Tower has an entrance fee which can be brought online as queues can get quite long, and crowds can get hectic as its one of the most popular sites in the traditional town.

🏙️ Skip the line and see the whole city from above.
👉 Buy Kyoto Tower Observation Deck tickets here

Higashi Honganji

While it’s not exactly clear which temple Rin and his friends pass in front of, there are plenty of similar and impressive temples scattered around Kyoto and one of them is Higashi Hongaji.

The Higashi Honganji strikes a similiar resemblance to the one shown in the anime with traditional architecture and surrounding space. Higashi Honganji is an extremely underrated temple in Kyoto but has a history that is as enormous as its size and an importance that grounds the city in its presence. The temple is situated near the Kyoto Station, making it a quick visit while in the historic district.

To-ji Temple

To-ji, meaning “East Temple”, was built just after Kyoto became Japan’s capital in 794. It was one of only two officially sanctioned temples, the other being Sa-ji (west temple), which got destroyed in a fire, and was meant to protect the city spiritually. To-ji became a center for esoteric Shingon Buddhism when Kobo Daishi (Kukai), one of Japan’s most legendary monks, made it his HQ in the 9th century.

Inside the Kondo Hall, you’ll find a breathtaking assembly of Buddha statues, including a majestic seated Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha) flanked by Bodhisattvas and guardians. This is the buddha statue that makes an appearence in the Blue Exorcist kyoto episode which you can visit as well.

Kyoto Pickles and Food Tour

Have fun munching on traditional Kyoto pickles just like Shiemi or go on a tasting tour and slurp up all other delicious treats that Kyoto is known for! While the exact shop where Rin’s gang makes a stop is unknown, there are plenty of shops and stalls in the famous Nishiki Market and the rest of Kyoto that offers pickles and much more delicious treat.

🍙The best way to explore its culinary goodness is through a food tour!
👉 Book a Kyoto Nishiki Market Food Tour or expand your options with a delicious Private Kyoto Food Tour! – sample over 10 local specialties, guided by a Japanese foodie.
👉 Add on a cooking class nearby if you want to learn how to make your own ramen or sushi cooking class with a private tea ceremony

Bonus Locations

Lake Towada and Towada Shrine – Aomori

Lake Towada and the nearby Towada Shrine make their appearance during Blue Exorcist’s Beyond the Snow arc.
The episodes taking place in Towada focuses on Shura Kiragukure’s backstory and the current events happening in her life. The lake’s deep, misty expanse and the hidden mountain shrine was used as the base for Shura’s pact with the guardian who lives there.

In reality, Lake Towada is a caldera lake known for its mystical atmosphere and autumn foliage, while Towada Shrine, tucked deep in a cedar forest, has long been associated with spiritual energy and purification. If you want to experience Towada Shrine just as shown in the anime, then visit the place during winter when the shrine is surrounded in white.

It’s the kind of place that feels like it belongs in a world of demons and exorcists, even without the anime.

🌨️ Want the full anime winter experience?
👉 Visit Towada Lake on a winter spiritual tour – includes shrine hike, hot spring stop, and scenic train ride through Aomori.
👉 Experience this ryokan near Lake Towada with private onsen

Ready to Go Full Exorcist Mode?

From sacred Kyoto to wintry Aomori, every stop on this journey is a slice of anime come to life. Whether you’re planning your first anime pilgrimage or your tenth, this guide has you covered.

✨ Want the entire route with hotels, transport, and photo stops mapped out?
👉 [Full Blue Exorcist Japan Itinerary coming soon – instantly printable, mobile-friendly, and optimized for anime fans – enter your email address to be notified]
👉 [Check out AWO’s hotel booking service for custom stays near every location]

Your exorcist journey begins now. Don’t just watch the anime—live it.