Light novels (or ranobe for short, a portmanteau of raito and noberu) are popular in Japan as short, cheap reads for young adults. They often come with manga-style illustrations and feature many tropes from popular anime. This makes the transition between genres easy, and many light novels have been adapted into popular anime such as Ore no Imōto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai (There’s no way my little sister’s this cute!) and the currently airing Date-A-Live.
And now, Book Off–Japan’s brilliantly-named used bookstore chain–has added to the the recent spate of interactive maps with their new “Light Novel Pilgrimage Map”.
The Light Novel Pilgrimage Map has been launched as part of Book Off Online’s light novel corner. You can check it out here, although it’s only available in Japanese for the time being. Hover your cursor the stars on the map, and you can see both the place name and the name of the light novel for which it is famous. Clicking on a star will jump you down the page to further details about the author, work, and area. The map also features some places from manga and anime, and ranges from the brand new to the old-school.
Altogether there are nearly 170 stars on the map at the moment, so if you plan to visit them you’d better clear your calendar for the next year or so! Japan is known for its, shall we say, dedicated fans though, so I’m sure there’ll be at least one devout ranobe lover who manages the entire pilgrimage.
Start planning your next trip now!
Source: Netorabo (Japanese)
Pro claims many of Japan’s light novel authors can’t write, aren’t the ones creating their books
Why are Japanese light novel names so ridiculously long? Author’s latest has 27 words
Otaku religion? Line of Christianity-themed light novels launched in Japan, looking for authors
Anime-style isekai story is actually an English-learning textbook from Japan’s public broadcaster
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
Hokkaido has an Ice Festival that’s less famous than the Snow one, but beautiful in its own way
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
Village Vanguard’s Blue Lucky Bag may have the most impressive piece of junk ever created
Fewer ramen restaurants declare bankruptcy in Japan for first time in several years
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Japanese shiitake mushroom snacks from Don Quijote, created for people who don’t like mushrooms
Japanese avoiding domestic travel as foreign tourists increase, possibly creating vicious cycle
Mr. Sato attempts to battle his butt forest with Japan’s affordable Osu! Ass Hair Trimmer
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Leave a Reply