If you’re a fan of Sailor Moon and planning a trip to Tokyo, you’re in for a treat! Many locations from the anime and manga are inspired by real places in Minato and Azabu-Juban, where Naoko Takeuchi lived and set Usagi’s story. Here’s your guide to exploring the magical world of Sailor Moon in real life!
Azabu Juban
Sailor Moon is set in the fictional district of Juban, which closely resembles the real-life neighborhood of Azabu Juban. This charming area in Minato Ward blends an upscale atmosphere with a relaxed, cozy feel, making it the perfect inspiration for the series’ retro-romantic backdrop.
Azabu Juban’s main shopping street is home to over 300 shops, many of which have been around for generations. One such store is Mamegen, a traditional snack shop that has been in business since 1865. Fans of the series might also recognize the Juban station featured in Sailor Moon, which is nearly identical to the real Azabu-Juban Station—aside from the name.
Naoko Takeuchi, the creator of Sailor Moon, is believed to have attended university in the area and lived in Minato Ward while developing the manga. Given her time there, it’s no surprise that the neighborhood served as inspiration for many of the series’ settings.
The area’s ties to Sailor Moon have also been reflected in exhibitions. From April to June 2016, Roppongi Hills hosted a Sailor Moon exhibition, and, more recently, the Roppongi Museum celebrated the franchise’s 30th anniversary with the largest Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon exhibition to date, running from July 1 to December 30, 2022. Moreover, Minato Ward is now home to five Sailor Moon manholes – you can read about them and how to visit in my article at this link.
Sailor Moon at Toei Animation Museum
Crown Game Center
The game center the Sailors spent their time off at was a real place, now taken over by a McDonald’s. Though the building no longer bears the same name or signage, it’s easy to imagine Usagi and her friends hanging out here, just as they did in the series. As you walk through the streets of Azabu-Juban, you can almost picture the Sailor Guardians stepping in and out of their favorite arcade.
Kimichan Statue at Patio Juban
The Kimichan statue from Sailor Moon is very much real and can be found in Patio Juban, a small urban park nestled within the Azabu Juban shopping district. While its appearance in the series is subtle, the statue carries a deeply emotional backstory that has made it a well-known symbol in both Yokohama, Shizuoka and Azabu.
Kimichan’s story inspired the melancholic children’s song “The Red Shoes”, which tells of a little girl wearing red shoes who is taken away by a foreigner in Yokohama. In reality, the real Kimichan was entrusted to an American missionary but never made it overseas – she tragically passed away from tuberculosis in an orphanage in Azabu.
Though small in size, the statue is a poignant reminder of her story, making it all the more moving when you see it in person. Sailor Moon fans—especially those who love Sailor Mercury—may recognize it from the episode where Ami’s pure heart is targeted, adding another layer of significance to this quiet memorial.
Arisugawa-no-miya Memorial Park
Also known as Arisugawa Park, this serene green space serves as the real-life setting for several key moments in Sailor Moon. It’s home to the clock where Usagi and Mamoru often meet, as well as the backdrop for many of their dates. Fans will also recognize it as the place where Nephrite meets his tragic end in the first season.
Originally an urban villa owned by a feudal lord, the park was later opened to the public in 1934. Today, it remains a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city – perfect for a quiet stroll through Sailor Moon history.
Tokyo Tower and Azabudai Hills in the clouds from Shiba Park, around typhoon day
Tokyo Tower
Often featured in both the anime and manga, Tokyo Tower is the backdrop for dramatic battles and emotional moments. Shiba Park near Tokyo Tower appears in the background of several episodes. It’s a great place to take Sailor Moon-themed photos with the tower in the background.
Azabu Hikawa Shrine
In Sailor Moon, Rei (Sailor Mars) lives and is a shrine maiden at Hikawa Shrine with her grandfather. While the shrine in the series is written with the kanji for fire (火) instead of ice (氷), its real-life counterpart, Azabu Hikawa Shrine, shares the same pronunciation. The torii gates closely resemble those in the anime, making it easy to see the connection.
Interestingly, the interior of the shrine was actually modeled after Akasaka Hikawa Shrine, blending elements from both locations into the series’ design. For devoted fans, visiting these shrines might just make you feel the presence of Sailor Mars herself.
Sendaizaka and Kurayamizaka
Azabu Juban is known for its many hills, but for Sailor Moon fans, two stand out—Sendaizaka and Kurayamizaka.
Sendaizaka, though it has changed over the years, retains the same name as in the manga. In the series, this hill is where Hikawa Shrine is located, and it plays a key role in the famous Cursed Bus episode, where passengers mysteriously vanish after boarding the Sendaizaka bus.
Nearby, Kurayamizaka – aptly named Darkness Hill, and a pain to climb – also makes an appearance in the anime, notably as part of Chibiusa’s walk home. Both locations hold a special place in Sailor Moon history and add to the mystical charm of the area.
If you’re interested in a ghostly hill in Azabu Juban, you can read this article at the following link.
Azabu Schools
In Sailor Moon, Usagi and her friends attend Juban Public Middle and Municipal High Schools. While Azabu Junior and Senior High Schools are real institutions in Minato Ward, the design of Usagi’s school was actually inspired by Roppongi Junior High School. Moreover, the private school Rei attends was inspired by Toyo Eiwa Jogakuin at the top of Torizaka, and Minako’s middle school is modeled after Shiba Koen Junior High School. The resemblance is striking, especially in the gates and the curved structure of the buildings, making it easy to see how the real-life school influenced the anime’s setting.
If you ever find yourself in Tokyo, why not take a stroll through the district that helped bring this iconic series to life?
