Attack on Titan: Why It Gripped the World, and Where Fans Can Visit in Japan
Published: 2026-10-08
Humanity lives behind giant walls, hiding from mysterious man-eating Titans. Attack on Titan stunned audiences worldwide. Here's what makes it special, and the places fans dream of visiting.
The short answer
| Attack on Titan | |
|---|---|
| Creator | Hajime Isayama. Serialized in Bessatsu Shonen Magazine from 2009 to 2021 |
| Anime | From 2013 to 2023, followed in 2024 by the film "The Last Attack" |
| Why it's popular | Twists you never see coming, a rich world, themes that hit hard |
| Pilgrimage spot | The creator's hometown of Hita, Oita, with character statues and a museum |
What is it?
To survive the man-eating Titans, humanity lives inside enormous walls. One day the wall is breached, and young Eren's life is changed forever. Bit by bit, the truth about the Titans and the world is revealed in an epic story.
Why the world loves it
- Twists you can't predict: one shock after another, right to the end.
- Deep themes: freedom, war and cycles of hatred sparked debate around the world.
- Spectacular animation: soaring action with the omni-directional mobility gear and an epic soundtrack.
Where to enjoy it in Japan
Anime shops in Akihabara and IkebukuroBig anime stores have sections for popular series, and hunting for secondhand goods is fun too.Hita is in Oita Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, a long trip from Tokyo by plane or Shinkansen. Plan it as part of a trip to Kyushu.
If you haven't reached the ending yet, watch out for spoilers when searching online.
The anime in order
| Series | Aired / released |
|---|---|
| Season 1 | 2013 |
| Season 2 | 2017 |
| Season 3 | 2018 to 2019 |
| The Final Season | 2020 to 2023 (ending with "The Final Chapters" Part 1 and Part 2) |
| The movie "THE LAST ATTACK" | Released November 2024. Combines both parts of The Final Chapters into one film |
Watch in broadcast order. The mysteries unfold step by step, so don't skip ahead.
Getting to Hita and getting around
Hita is a town in the mountains of Oita Prefecture in Kyushu. From Tokyo, most people first fly to Fukuoka Airport.
- By train: from Hakata Station, the JR limited express "Yufu" or "Yufuin no Mori" reaches Hita Station in about an hour and a half.
- By highway bus: buses also run to Hita from Tenjin and Hakata in Fukuoka.
- Oyama Dam and the museum: they're a long way from Hita Station, so a rental car or taxi is the easiest option.
See Levi at Hita Station, then the three statues at Oyama Dam, then the museum: an easy one-day loop. Hita is also known for its hot springs and the old streets of Mameda-machi.
Finding goods in Tokyo
- [Akihabara](#place-akihabara) and [Ikebukuro](#place-ikebukuro): the big anime shops have sections for popular series.
- [Nakano](#place-nakano): the second-hand shops in Nakano Broadway sometimes have goods from the manga's run or the anime's broadcast.
The manga has ended, but anniversary events and exhibitions still happen. Check the official sites and social media for the latest.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Attack on Titan pilgrimage spot?
Hita in Oita Prefecture, Hajime Isayama's hometown. It has the statues of Eren, Mikasa and Armin at Oyama Dam, the statue of Levi at Hita Station, and the Attack on Titan in HITA Museum.
How do I get from Tokyo to Hita?
Most people fly to Fukuoka Airport, then take a JR limited express from Hakata Station to Hita. From Hita Station, a car is the easiest way to reach Oyama Dam and the museum.
In what order should I watch the anime?
Start with Season 1, then Season 2, Season 3 and The Final Season. There's also the movie "THE LAST ATTACK", which brings The Final Chapters together for cinemas.
Can I buy Attack on Titan goods in Tokyo?
Look in the big anime shops of Akihabara and Ikebukuro, and the second-hand shops in Nakano Broadway.
Official websites
Hours, prices and rules can change. Check the official websites for the latest before you go.
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