Makoto Shinkai Pilgrimage: Your Name.'s Suga Shrine Stairs and The Garden of Words' Shinjuku Gyoen
Published: 2026-10-16
The red-railed stairs where Taki and Mitsuha pass each other at the end of Your Name., and the garden where two strangers meet on rainy days in The Garden of Words. Here's a walking route through Yotsuya, Shinanomachi and Shinjuku Gyoen, the real places behind Makoto Shinkai's films.
The short answer
| Makoto Shinkai pilgrimage | |
|---|---|
| Main spots | Suga Shrine stairs (Yotsuya), around Shinanomachi Station, Shinjuku Gyoen |
| Works | Your Name., The Garden of Words |
| How to go | Walk from Yotsuya-sanchome Station and finish at Shinjuku Gyoen. About 2–3 hours |
| Cost | The shrine and streets are free; Shinjuku Gyoen charges admission |
The Garden of Words is a rainy-day story, so a rainy visit to Shinjuku Gyoen is the most atmospheric.
Official trailer
What will you see?
Suga Shrine stairsThe red-railed stairs on the Your Name. poster and in its final scene, tucked into a residential corner of Yotsuya.
Shinjuku GyoenThe garden where The Garden of Words is set. A pavilion in the Japanese garden is at the heart of the story.- The area around Shinanomachi Station is also known for appearing in Your Name., about a 10-minute walk from Suga Shrine.
Pilgrimage route
Tap the map to move it
- Yotsuya-sanchome Station — Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line. Start here↓ about 6 min walk
- Suga Shrine stairs — The final scene of Your Name.↓ about 10 min walk
- Around Shinanomachi Station — The station area seen in Your Name.↓ about 18 min walk
- Shinjuku Gyoen — The setting of The Garden of Words (paid entry)
- Shinjuku Gyoen has three gates: Sendagaya, Okido and Shinjuku. Sendagaya Gate is closest from Shinanomachi.
- See our Shinjuku Gyoen page for more.
Pilgrimage etiquette
- The Suga Shrine stairs are a street locals use every day. Don't stand in the middle for long or block people. Take turns and be quick with photos.
- It's a quiet residential area. Keep your voice down, especially early in the morning and at night.
- If you visit the shrine, give a light bow before passing the torii gate.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the stairs from Your Name.?
At Suga Shrine in Yotsuya, Tokyo, about a 10-minute walk from Yotsuya-sanchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line.
Where is The Garden of Words set?
Shinjuku Gyoen. Admission is charged and there are closing days, so check the official site before you go.
Can I see everything in one day?
Yes. Suga Shrine, Shinanomachi and Shinjuku Gyoen are close together, so half a day on foot is enough.
Official websites
- Your Name. official site (Japanese)
- The Garden of Words official site (Japanese)
- Shinjuku Gyoen (Ministry of the Environment)
Hours, prices and rules can change. Check the official websites for the latest before you go.
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