The manga "Detective Conan" is beloved worldwide. Although the story takes place in the fictional town of Beika, Conan and his friends occasionally visit real locations and find themselves entangled in mysterious incidents. For fans, these spots have become sacred pilgrimage sites. In this article, we’ll introduce both officially recognised locations and those believed to have inspired certain scenes. Use this guide to explore Detective Conan landmarks scattered across Japan.
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Synopsis of "Detective Conan"
"Detective Conan" has garnered a massive following, but let's take a moment to revisit the story's main premise.
The protagonist, Shinichi Kudo, is a high school detective. While on a date with his childhood friend Ran Mouri at a theme park, he witnesses two suspicious men. Sensing danger, Shinichi investigates but is caught off guard and captured. He is forced to take a mysterious drug, expecting to die, but instead, he is transformed into a child. Now going by the name Conan Edogawa, he vows to pursue the black-clad organisation behind it all...
Pilgrimage Etiquette
Among the many manga and anime pilgrimage sites across Japan, some are not officially recognised but have become popular spots due to fans and visitors spreading the word. When visiting such places, it’s essential to follow proper etiquette and rules. Unfortunately, there have been increasing instances of enthusiastic fans causing trouble during their pilgrimages. To protect these works and locations, it’s crucial to respect the guidelines in place.
【Tokyo】Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa
📹Featured Scene: In Detective Conan: The Darkest Nightmare, Conan and his friends meet the amnesiac Curacao here.
Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa, located about a two-minute walk from Shinagawa Station, appears in the 2016 film Detective Conan: The Darkest Nightmare. This aquarium serves as the model for the spot where Conan and the Detective Boys meet and befriend Curacao, who has lost her memory. The venue is known for its enchanting dolphin shows, which are almost like works of art, attracting visitors from both Japan and abroad.
This urban aquarium utilises projection mapping to create captivating displays that highlight the charm of the animals. With around 20,000 creatures from 350 species on display, the aquarium offers a unique experience that changes with the seasons. As an indoor facility, it isn’t affected by the weather, allowing you to enjoy your visit without disruption. Why not immerse yourself in this extraordinary entertainment venue, born from Tokyo's vibrant creativity?
[kkday]👉Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa Admission Ticket Reservation
[klook]👉Aqua Park Shinagawa Ticket Tokyo
【Tokyo】Shibuya Scramble Crossing
📹Featured Scene: Shibuya Scramble Crossing in Detective Conan: The Bride of Halloween
The Shibuya Scramble Crossing, now a globally renowned tourist destination, is famous for the rare sight of hundreds of people crossing the intersection all at once when the lights change. Many tourists can be seen taking photos of this iconic scene. The Shibuya Scramble Crossing is featured in the 2022 film Detective Conan: The Bride of Halloween, in a scene where people in Halloween costumes gather in Shibuya. The wedding venue in the film is Shibuya Hikarie.
In recent years, Shibuya has undergone extensive redevelopment, adding various attractions and solidifying its status as a trendsetting hub for young people from Japan and abroad. One popular activity among international tourists is go-karting around Shibuya, offering the chance to experience the different faces of the city depending on the time of day.
[klook]👉Go-Kart Experience (Provided by Shibuya / Shibuya Kart)
[klook]👉Shibuya Street Ride Bus Ticket
【Ishikawa】Higashi Chaya District
📹Featured Scene: Episodes 761 & 762: Kaga Hyakumangoku Mystery Tour, Episodes 969 & 970: The Young Kaga Lady's Mystery Tour
In one scene, Conan is seen conversing with a noblewoman, and in the background, the sign for "Higashi Ryori Chaya" can be spotted.
The Higashi Chaya District is a popular tourist destination known for its traditional, nostalgic atmosphere that offers a taste of Japan’s unique charm. Visitors can immerse themselves in a different era by touring the area in a rickshaw or dressed in a kimono, making for an even more memorable experience.
[Ishikawa] Kenrokuen Garden
📹Featured Scene: Episode 761: Kaga Hyakumangoku Mystery Tour
Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, is featured in the show as the location depicted on the mysterious card in the episode. The garden attracts attention for its ever-changing seasonal beauty: cherry blossoms in April, azaleas in May, moss in June, and mushrooms in July. Its ability to showcase the beauty of nature year-round is its greatest appeal. Additionally, Kenrokuen hosts regular illumination events throughout the year, offering a chance to enjoy its enchanting scenery at night.
[kkday]👉Kanazawa City: Bunka no Mori Odekake Pass | Japan
[klook]👉Kanazawa City, Nomura Samurai Residence & Kenrokuen Garden Afternoon Tour
【Kyoto】Kurama-dera Temple
📹Featured Scene: Conan and Heiji attacked by the culprit in Detective Conan: Crossroad in the Ancient Capital
Kurama-dera Temple, located in Kyoto's Sakyo Ward, is featured in the 2003 film Detective Conan: Crossroad in the Ancient Capital. This is where Conan and Heiji are ambushed while sightseeing. The film also showcases real locations like the Tree Root Path and the Kurama-dera Temple West Gate, where Heiji rides his motorcycle in pursuit of the culprit.
This temple is known as the place where the legendary samurai Minamoto no Yoshitsune spent his childhood as Ushiwakamaru. It is also recognised as a spiritual power spot said to be home to Tengu, attracting many visitors and worshippers every year.
[kkday]👉Recommended leisure activities, games, and sightseeing information in Kyoto
【Kyoto】Kiyomizu-dera Temple
📹Featured Scene: Episodes 927 & 928: Crimson School Trip, Detective Conan: Crossroad in the Ancient Capital
In episodes set in Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Koshindo, and Sanjusangendo, where Shinichi and Ran visit on a school trip, are featured. Additionally, the movie Detective Conan: Crossroad in the Ancient Capital highlights many locations associated with Benkei and Yoshitsune, making it a great way to delve into Japanese history.
Kiyomizu-dera, a staple of Kyoto tourism, offers something new to enjoy in every season—spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Visitors often dress in kimonos to fully immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere of Kyoto, which adds to the appeal for tourists.
[kkday]👉[One-day trip to Kyoto] Arashiyama & Rurikoin Temple & Kiyomizudera Temple
【Mie】Shima Spain Village
📹Featured Scene: The Tropical Land scene where Ran regains her memory in Detective Conan: The Fourteenth Target
Shima Spain Village, located in Shima, Mie Prefecture, appears in the 2000 film Detective Conan: The Fourteenth Target. It is believed to have inspired Tropical Land, the park where Ran recovers her lost memories. The roller coaster featured during Shinichi and Ran’s date in the story is thought to be modelled after the "Pyrenees" ride at Shima Spain Village, making this a must-visit spot for Detective Conan fans. However, please note that the location was only used as a reference and is not the actual setting of the film.
This theme park offers a taste of Spain with its vibrant attractions, making it a popular destination for couples and families alike.
[kkday]👉Recommended leisure, experience activities, play, and sightseeing information in Mie
【Special Mention】Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport
As a special mention, we introduce Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport. Although it doesn’t appear in the films or TV anime, the airport is filled with Detective Conan exhibits and photo spots. You can visit familiar places such as Café Poirot and Dr. Agasa’s Inventions Corner, making it an essential pilgrimage site for Conan fans. Searching for the Detective Conan characters scattered throughout the airport can be a fun activity in itself.
Embark on a Detective Conan Pilgrimage!
We've highlighted seven popular Detective Conan pilgrimage spots across Japan. Visiting these locations allows fans to immerse themselves in the world of the series while creating unique memories. Besides the places mentioned here, many more Detective Conan landmarks await discovery across the country. Exploring these sacred sites on foot might be a rewarding adventure for any fan.
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