Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Pilgrimage Guide: Asakusa, Kamado Shrine, Yagyu Itto-seki & Tokushima

Tokyo's Asakusa district is the setting where Demon Slayer protagonist Tanjiro Kamado catches the scent of his family's attacker, Muzan Kibutsuji, amidst a sea of citygoers. Walking past Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise-dori, and Senso-ji Temple brings back the image of a mountain boy overwhelmed by the dazzling lights of the modern capital. Meanwhile, in Yagyu in Nara Prefecture, the massive split boulder known as Itto-seki evokes the iconic training scene in which Tanjiro slices a boulder in two.

In Fukuoka Prefecture, Homan-gu Kamado Shrine draws fans from across Japan because it shares the Kamado family name. And in Tokushima, visitors can enjoy screenings, merchandise, and themed food at the cinema operated directly by animation studio ufotable. Alongside a look back at the Koyoharu Gotouge Original Art Exhibition, the Total Concentration Exhibition, and the Hashira Exhibition, this guide introduces how to experience each city, shrine, and theater.

Visiting Asakusa, Kamado Shrine, Yagyu, and Tokushima

In Asakusa, trace the scenes of Tanjiro marveling at the nighttime city lights and confronting Muzan. At Kamado Shrine, explore a historic sanctuary that shares the protagonist's surname, and in Yagyu, visit the forest boulder that mirrors his swordsmanship trial. In Tokushima, visit the cinema run by animation studio ufotable.

1Asakusa: The Bustling District Where Tanjiro Encounters Muzan

In the Asakusa episodes of the Unwavering Resolve Arc (Season 1), Tanjiro Kamado arrives in the district on a mission and detects a familiar demon scent cutting through the crowd. At the end of that trail stands Muzan Kibutsuji, the progenitor of demons who slaughtered Tanjiro's family.

To Tanjiro's shock, the sworn enemy he has been hunting is blending seamlessly into human society, walking down the street with a human wife and young daughter. Raised in a quiet mountain village, Tanjiro is stunned to witness the progenitor of all demons living openly among ordinary citizens—giving the Asakusa encounter a psychological tension completely different from a sword fight in the wilderness.

In Episode 8, Muzan wounds a passerby and turns him into a demon on the spot to create a diversion in the crowded street. Amidst the ensuing chaos, two demons named Tamayo and Yushiro step in to help Tanjiro. Tamayo is a physician who has broken free from Muzan's curse and offers to help Tanjiro research a cure to restore his sister Nezuko to humanity, aided by her devoted assistant Yushiro.

For a boy raised in the mountains, Asakusa—blazing with electric signs and bustling with crowds even after nightfall—was one surprise after another. Today, Asakusa remains just as vibrant with visitors passing beneath Kaminarimon Gate, browsing the shops along Nakamise-dori, and entering the grounds of Senso-ji Temple. As you walk from the lively shopping arcade into the open temple precinct, it is easy to imagine the awe Tanjiro felt upon stepping into the metropolis.

Sources: Official Anime Episode 7 Guide / Senso-ji Temple Official Website / Official Anime Character Profile: Tamayo

2Homan-gu Kamado Shrine: A Historic Shrine Connected by Shared Name

Located in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Homan-gu Kamado Shrine sits at the base of Mount Homan. Because it bears the exact same 'Kamado' name as protagonist Tanjiro Kamado, fans of the series began visiting the shrine to pay their respects. Looking up toward Mount Homan, the shrine grounds have welcomed worshippers praying for matchmaking and safe travels for over a millennium.

Mount Homan is also traditionally called Mount Kamado ('Cooking Stove Mountain'), a name explained by two local traditions: one traces it to the sacred Kamado-iwa rock near the summit, while the other notes that the mountain's silhouette resembles an earthen cooking stove with clouds and mist rising from its peak like cooking smoke.

Enshrining the deity Tamayorihime-no-Mikoto, the shrine's matchmaking faith extends beyond romance and marriage to encompass meaningful bonds with family, friends, work, and nature. Historically, the shrine also guarded the northeastern spiritual gate (kimon) of the ancient Dazaifu government headquarters and served as a place of prayer for envoys sailing across the sea to the Asian continent.

Source: Homan-gu Kamado Shrine: Mount Homan & Origin of the Name

Within the precincts stands the Tree of Reunion (Saikai no Ki), where visitors pray to be reunited with loved ones, alongside the Stones of Affection (Aikyo no Iwa)—where legend says walking from one stone to the other with your eyes closed brings romantic fulfillment—and the Water Mirror (Mizukagami) for quiet self-reflection. From the late 13th century through the late 19th century, Mount Homan was also a major center for Shugendo mountain ascetics.

During the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn foliage season in November, the shrine attracts many visitors who come specifically for the seasonal scenery. Even on days without anime events, the approach offers a peaceful walk through changing seasons; check the shrine's latest updates for current bloom and foliage conditions before setting your itinerary.

Sources: Homan-gu Kamado Shrine History / MLIT Tourism Guide: Kamado Shrine

Cherry-Blossom-Tinted Amulet Pavilion and Observation Terrace

Another architectural highlight on the shrine grounds is the amulet and talisman pavilion (Juyosho), designed by interior designer Masamichi Katayama. Built around a soft pink and white palette, its ceiling features cherry-blossom crests while its walls are clad in cherry-tinted marble—allowing visitors to encounter cherry blossom motifs inside the building even outside of spring.

Directly behind the pavilion lies an observation terrace looking out over the town of Dazaifu, furnished with Aji-stone stools and two-seater benches designed by British designer Jasper Morrison. Visitors can sit and take in the view across the valley, watching the sunset in late afternoon or the town lights after dusk.

Peak autumn foliage typically runs from mid- to late November, when roughly 300 ginkgo and maple trees turn brilliant gold and crimson. In a local custom known as Momiji-age, residents in their yakudoshi (unlucky ages) receive purification rites in spring and dedicate newly planted maple saplings to the shrine. Evening illuminations are also held during the autumn leaves season; check the shrine's annual schedule for exact dates and hours.

Sources: Dazaifu City: Architecture of the Amulet Pavilion / Kamado Shrine: Observation Terrace & Autumn Leaves

3Yagyu Itto-seki: The Split Forest Boulder Recalling Tanjiro’s Training

Deep in the village of Yagyu in Nara City stands Itto-seki, a massive boulder measuring roughly seven meters across that is split cleanly down the middle. Located in the woods behind Amano-Iwate Shrine, the rock is famous in local legend as the spot where master swordsman Yagyu Sekishusai struck down a tengu in a single slash, cleaving the boulder in two.

In Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Tanjiro completes his grueling mountain training by slicing a giant boulder in half with his sword. Because Itto-seki looks strikingly like that scene come to life, fans began making the trip to Yagyu—an area that historically served as the real-world training ground of the Yagyu swordsmanship clan.

Amano-Iwate Shrine just in front of Itto-seki is an ancient sanctuary that has no main sanctuary building (honden), instead worshipping massive natural boulders directly as its sacred object. Situated in Toiwadani Valley in Yagyu-cho, the shrine was deeply venerated by the Yagyu clan. According to myth, its sacred rocks flew here when the deity Tajikarao-no-Mikoto flung open the stone door of the heavenly cave Ama-no-Iwato, allowing visitors to experience both swordsmanship legend and ancient Shinto myth in one forest clearing.

Source: Nara City: Megalithic Faith of Amano-Iwate Shrine

The shrine is located at 789 Yagyu-cho, Nara City. If visiting by bus, board a Nara Kotsu bus bound for Yagyu from JR or Kintetsu Nara Station and walk about 25 minutes from the Yagyu bus stop. If driving, it is roughly a 15-minute walk from the paid Yagyu Tourist Parking Lot.

Sources: Nara City: Itto-seki Guide / Nara City Official Tourism Information

Samurai Residence and Family Temple of the Yagyu Clan

Beyond its sword legends, Yagyu Village preserves historic samurai architecture tied to the Yagyu clan. The Former Yagyu Domain Chief Retainer's Residence (Kyu Yagyu-han Karo Yashiki) was the retirement home of senior retainer Shurei Oyamada; its impressive stone walls built by Owari stonemasons in 1841 remain intact, and part of the house is open to the public as a local history museum.

Nearby Hotoku-ji Temple was founded in 1638 by Yagyu Munenori in memory of his father Sekishusai. It later became the family bodaiji (ancestral temple) of the Yagyu clan, and its hillside cemetery lined with Yagyu family gravestones is designated a historic site by Nara City.

Sources: Nara City: Yagyu Village Tourism Guide / Nara City: Hotoku-ji Temple Yagyu Clan Cemetery

4Tokushima: Experiencing the Series at the Home Base of Studio ufotable

The studio behind the animation of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is ufotable. At ufotable CINEMA in the Higashi-Shinmachi shopping arcade of Tokushima City, visitors can enjoy theatrical screenings alongside official merchandise and themed cafe food.

The studio's connection with Tokushima extends beyond the cinema itself. In May 2026, ufotable announced its acquisition of the historic Former Mizuho Bank Tokushima Branch building. Built in 1928 as the head office of the Awa Agricultural and Industrial Bank, the landmark is planned to be revitalized as a cultural hub where historic architecture and anime culture coexist.

As a preview initiative prior to renovation, a special open house was held on May 16–17, 2026 during Machi★Asobi Vol. 30, displaying large-scale tapestries from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Witch on the Holy Night inside the former bank hall. Because screening lineups and operating days at ufotable CINEMA vary by date, be sure to check the theater schedule before visiting.

Source: ufotable CINEMA Official Website

Sources: ufotable Official Shop Guide / ufotable Official News (2025 Collaboration Guide) / Machi★Asobi Official Event Program

Tanjiro’s Departure and the Demons He Meets in Asakusa

Set during Japan's Taisho era, the story follows Tanjiro Kamado, a kindhearted boy who sells charcoal to support his family. Returning home one day to find his family slaughtered by a demon, Tanjiro discovers that his younger sister Nezuko is the sole survivor—though she has been transformed into a demon herself. Determined to find a way to turn her back into a human, Tanjiro sets out on a perilous journey.

After two years of rigorous training on Mount Sagiri, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps, an organization dedicated to hunting down demons. His early missions lead him to his fateful encounter with Muzan in Asakusa, before the story moves onward to the Mugen Train and the Entertainment District. In the Asakusa chapters, the dazzling electric lights and dense crowds of the capital unfold before the eyes of a boy raised in the deep mountains.

Sources: Weekly Shonen Jump: Demon Slayer Overview / Unwavering Resolve Arc Episode 7

Explore Deeper: Two Siblings and Comrades of the Demon Slayer Corps

Koyoharu Gotouge's original manga centers on a bereaved brother's journey while portraying the human pasts and regrets carried by the demons he confronts. Even after a battle ends, complex emotions linger—continually asking what it means to possess both the strength to defeat enemies and the compassion to care for others.

Sources: Weekly Shonen Jump Series Profile / Demon Slayer Official Anime Website / Unwavering Resolve Arc Episode 10 (Water Breathing)

Episodes to Rewatch Before Visiting

Before heading to Asakusa, rewatch Episodes 7 through 10 of the TV anime's Unwavering Resolve Arc. Seeing the bright nighttime streets through Tanjiro's eyes and watching Muzan slip into the crowd makes the real-world walk around Asakusa far more vivid.

In Episode 9, Tamayo and Yushiro guide Tanjiro and Nezuko into a townhouse concealed by a Blood Demon Art. Just as a path toward curing Nezuko comes into view, two demon assassins attack, leading into Episode 10's intense battle against Yahaba's directional arrows and Susamaru's temari balls.

Sources: Unwavering Resolve Arc Episode 8 / Episode 9 / Episode 10

If you are visiting Itto-seki in Yagyu to picture Tanjiro's training, Episode 3 ('Sabito and Makomo') is the perfect episode to watch first. Under cultivator Sakonji Urokodaki, Tanjiro descends trap-filled mountain paths, practices sword swings and waterfall meditation, and trains in Total Concentration Breathing before being given the final task of slicing a massive boulder in half.

Episode 4 ('Final Selection') follows immediately after, sending Tanjiro to Mount Fujikasane to survive for seven days among captive demons. Together, these two episodes capture his transition from slicing the boulder in training to risking his life in the entrance trial.

Sources: Unwavering Resolve Arc Episode 3 / Unwavering Resolve Arc Episode 4

When visiting an official exhibition, check which story arcs are featured in advance. The Total Concentration Exhibition updates its focus with each anime season, while the Hashira Exhibition spotlighted original key animation and full-scale Nichirin Sword hilts for all nine Hashira.

Release History from the Original Manga to the Infinity Castle Arc

Because the franchise spans both television broadcasts and theatrical releases, starting from the Unwavering Resolve Arc lets you follow Tanjiro and Nezuko's journey in chronological order. Exhibition wall texts also organize displays by arc name, so knowing where you are in the timeline makes gallery visits even more enjoyable.

Sources: Shueisha Manga Overview / Official Portal Manga Guide / Official Anime Series History / Infinity Castle Arc Official Site / Official Anime Catalog

Manga & Anime Exhibitions, Regional Collaborations, and Official Goods

The Koyoharu Gotouge Original Art Exhibition spotlights hand-drawn manga ink lines, the Total Concentration Exhibition immerses visitors in each anime arc, and the Hashira Exhibition centers on the nine elite swordsmen—each offering a distinct way to experience favorite scenes in a physical gallery space.

Koyoharu Gotouge Original Art Exhibition: Seeing the Creator’s Ink Lines Up Close

The Koyoharu Gotouge Demon Slayer Original Art Exhibition opened at the Mori Arts Center Gallery in Roppongi, Tokyo from October 26 to December 12, 2021 before touring nationwide.

Sources: Shueisha Official Tokyo Venue Guide / Osaka Venue Guide / Fukuoka Official Venue Page / Tohoku Fukushi University Sendai Venue Guide / Art Commons Okayama Exhibition Record

At the original art exhibition, visitors could inspect Koyoharu Gotouge's hand-drawn pen strokes up close, seeing textures and white-out corrections that differ from printed tankobon pages. The Tokyo venue displayed more than 450 original manuscripts alongside an spatial installation recreating the Infinity Castle, while the Fukuoka City Museum stop paired original pages with three-dimensional sculptural displays.

Sources: Fukuoka City Museum Press Preview Materials / Shueisha Jump Channel Tokyo Venue Preview

Total Concentration Exhibition & Hashira Exhibition: Stepping Inside the Anime World

The Total Concentration Exhibition (Zenshuchuten) has evolved alongside each anime season. From February 27 to March 17, 2021, it ran at the Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Museum, looking back over the Unwavering Resolve Arc and connecting into the Mugen Train theatrical film.

At the Niigata stop, visitors experienced the Breathing Styles from the Mount Natagumo battles on a large-format screen and chose between two character audio-guide pairings—'Tanjiro & Zenitsu' or 'Giyu & Shinobu'—to accompany them through the galleries.

Source: Niigata City Manga and Anime Information Museum (2021 Total Concentration Exhibition)

In 2024, a new edition of the Total Concentration Exhibition covering the Swordsmith Village and Hashira Training arcs toured Tokyo (July 18 – August 14), Osaka (August 18 – September 9), and Fukuoka (September 13 – September 29).

The 2024 exhibition featured an acoustic space echoing with the sound of hammering Nichirin blades and an interactive game testing visitors' grip control. Muichiro Tokito's Mist Hashira corner used a curtain installation to contrast his persona before and after regaining his memories, Mitsuri Kanroji's Love Hashira rooms showcased her dual sides across separate chambers, and the Hashira Training zone invited visitors to physically push a massive boulder inspired by Gyomei Himejima's training.

Source: Total Concentration Exhibition Official Exhibit Guide

The Hashira Exhibition focused specifically on the nine Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps, running in Tokyo from November 2, 2024 to March 2, 2025 and in Fukuoka from April 24 to June 22, 2025 (both runs have now concluded).

Displaying roughly 1,000 key animation drawings alongside life-size Hashira graphics and full-scale reproductions of their Nichirin Sword hilts, the exhibition gave each visitor a 'Hashira Tag' card for one chosen Hashira upon entry. Tapping the card at stations inside the gallery unlocked exclusive voice commentary in which the selected Hashira introduced their fellow Hashira, letting visitors explore their relationships through both artwork and voice.

Source: Hashira Exhibition Official Guide & Hashira Tag Audio Feature

Sources: Total Concentration Exhibition Niigata Schedule / Total Concentration Exhibition Venue Guide / Hashira Exhibition Tokyo Venue Guide / Hashira Exhibition Fukuoka Venue Guide

How Cities and the Series Connect Through Official Collaborations

In 2025, JR Hokkaido launched an official railway tie-up celebrating the release of the Infinity Castle film, running a 10-station stamp rally across Otaru, Sapporo, Asahikawa, Hakodate, and other Hokkaido stations from June 18 to October 13 alongside wrapped trains, special onboard announcements, and commemorative rail passes.

That same year, the 'Japan Tour 2025' program brought special screenings, regional festival appearances, and a special 'Infinity Castle Train' across Japan, while Nagasaki Stadium City hosted appearances by Mini-Corpsman Tanjiro and a quiz rally in July 2025.

Sources: JR Hokkaido Official Tie-Up Guide / Demon Slayer Japan Tour 2025 / Nagasaki Stadium City Official Event Page

From railways across Hokkaido and a stadium complex in Nagasaki to shopping arcades and historic bank architecture in Tokushima, official collaborations have been tailored to the character of each region.

Official Merchandise from Aniplex, ufotable, and Jump

Official merchandise is sold through Aniplex, ufotable, and Jump official stores. Because exhibition-exclusive items are restricted to venue shops and lineups differ between online orders and physical stores, checking availability in advance is essential.

At ufotable's collaboration cafes, themed menus and novelty coasters rotate in sync with theatrical releases; the cafe program tied to Infinity Castle Chapter 1 reached its finale period in March 2026.

Source: ufotable Infinity Castle Collaboration Finale Guide

Sources: ufotable Official Shop Directory / Official Anime Website

Lab Notes | Business Perspective: Combining Permanent Cultural Hubs with Limited-Time Touring Exhibitions

In Tokushima, ufotable CINEMA operates as a permanent hub offering screenings, merchandise, and cafe menus year-round. By contrast, the Original Art Exhibition and Hashira Exhibition operated as limited-time events at fixed venues, with the Hashira Exhibition adding interactive Hashira Tag voice commentary to the viewing experience.

Pairing a permanent studio-run cinema with time-limited touring exhibitions creates two distinct reasons for fans to travel. For other regions and cultural facilities, defining clearly what visitors can see, hear, and taste on-site makes each venue's appeal immediately tangible.

Related Oshi Lab report: Municipal Collaboration Case Studies

Official Sources & Primary References

Explore the official links below for detailed information on the series, shrines, pilgrimage spots, and exhibitions. Because exhibition dates and shop hours are subject to change, always confirm current schedules before setting out.

• Shueisha: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Manga Profile
• Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Official Anime Website ／ Unwavering Resolve Arc Episode 10: Water Breathing
• Unwavering Resolve Arc Episode 7: Muzan Kibutsuji
• Homan-gu Kamado Shrine: History & Origins
• Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism: Kamado Shrine Guide
• Nara City Official Guide: Itto-seki Split Boulder
• ufotable Official Shop & Cinema Guide
• Total Concentration Exhibition Official Venue Guide
• Hashira Exhibition Official Overview

Exhibition dates, opening hours, admission fees, and ticket details are current at the time of writing. Always check the official websites for the latest schedule updates before setting out on your pilgrimage visit.