There are many instances of anime successes rejuvenating tourism in some lesser-known parts of Japan, and one of those towns that benefitted from an anime boom is Iwami of Tottori Prefecture, the setting location for the hit anime series Free!.
Even now, two years since Free! first aired, fans are still flocking to Iwami to drink in the atmosphere of the town where their favorite characters “live.” A Japanese fan recently went the extra mile to combine some of the anime scenes and actual locations into a single frame, creating awesome 2.5-dimensional images that went viral and triggered the feels in fellow fans. Check them out after the break!
Iwami is a coastal town located at the north-easternmost part of Tottori Prefecture. Before Free!’s big break, visitors came to the town for its breathtaking views of mountains, natural rock formations, and of course, its beautiful beaches. Since the anime became popular, however, Iwami started seeing a new group of tourists who came forth to see the “hometown” of Haruka, Makoto, and the rest of the Free! gang.
▼ A poster featuring the anime’s leading characters welcomes visitors to Iwami.
https://twitter.com/momo_hiki29/status/633856597685440512Much of the background scenery in the anime was heavily based on actual places in Iwami, to the extent that a fan could literally crop out scenes in the anime and fit them right into their real-world locations!
https://twitter.com/momo_hiki29/status/633997863576453120
https://twitter.com/momo_hiki29/status/633989562595852288
https://twitter.com/momo_hiki29/status/634602083899969536
https://twitter.com/momo_hiki29/status/634604199146225664
▼ Free! fans, do you remember which scenes these places popped up in?
https://twitter.com/momo_hiki29/status/634102380422819840
https://twitter.com/momo_hiki29/status/634694478364721152
https://twitter.com/momo_hiki29/status/634603864486887424
https://twitter.com/momo_hiki29/status/633989024760205313
https://twitter.com/momo_hiki29/status/634696059533422592
https://twitter.com/momo_hiki29/status/634698587201384450
There are several ways to tour the town; on foot, by bus, by taxi, or you could simply rent a bicycle for just 500 yen (US$4.20) a day. The Iwami Tourism Association also has a few recommended cycling routes, among which the Free! Location Full Course covers ten locations featured in the anime.
▼ The blue dotted line indicates the full course, which covers 13.3 kilometers (8.3 miles) and takes about three and a half hours to complete (time estimated for cycling only).
▼ Even the keys to the rental bikes are decorated with character keychains!
https://twitter.com/momo_hiki29/status/634351731233591296For more information on Iwami, visit the Iwami Tourism Association homepage.
Source: Game Over
Images: Twitter/@momo_hiki29, Iwami Tourism Association
Iwami in Tottori Prefecture is now offering a Free!/High Speed! anime tie-in location map guide
Anime fans object to plan to plant cherry blossom trees at movie’s real-life location in Japan
Female anime fans swarm Tokyo convention site in massive numbers 【Photos】
Doraemon found buried at sea as scene from 1993 anime becomes real life【Photos】
Love Live! fan visits Mari’s room inside Awashima Hotel, finds anime details exist in real life!
Japanese airlines set to cut fuel surcharges for international flights in September and October
The Japanese city where ordering grilled chicken doesn’t guarantee you’ll actually get chicken
Delta Airlines adds first nonstop flight between Japan’s Narita Airport and U.S. in seven years
Studio Ghibli adds new Jiji’s baby plush toy to its anime merchandise range in Japan
Train continues to stop at rural station for lone schoolgirl until she graduates in March
Beautiful off-the-beaten-path spot near samurai castle in rural Japan looks like a Monet painting
Tokyo sweets store has a “350% Pudding Soft Serve”, and people are going wild for it
Hello Kitty x Godzilla Happy Meals are coming to McDonald’s, but not in Japan [Video]
Japanese figure skating star Yuzuru Hanyu and Winne-the-Pooh announce crossover merch line [Pics]
Starbucks releases tear-jerking new video inspired by heartwarming encounters in Japanese stores
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Anime fan in Japan arrested for ordering and cancelling over 4.3 billion yen in anime merch
Starbucks Japan teams up with Traveler’s Company for new stationery and goods collection
Japan’s new beer glass is designed to force you to drink…water [Video]
Beautiful Totoro bonsai figure needs no watering, makes soothing rain showers whenever you want
End of a manga era as Weekly Shonen Jump’s circulation drops under one million
This beautiful rural Japan river is a great alternative to touristy summer retreats [Photos]
Studio Ghibli releases new Kiki’s Delivery Service Jiji music box for anime fans
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The most awesome anime fan art is fan art that’s also traditional Japanese sweets【Photos】
Japanese netizens rank the top 10 cutest twins in anime history
Studio Ghibli images go viral for perfectly depicting the life of a housewife
Tokyo’s giant Gundam statue dismantled in anime-like scene that’s warming the hearts of fans
Got a collection of anime clear files? Then you need these super-cheap frames from Japan’s Nitori
Legendary manga creator Rumiko Takahashi gives Twitter tour of her home【Photos】
Ghibli fan builds anime statues on the side of the road, buys his materials at Daiso【Photos】
The real-world library inspiration for anime film “Your Name.” offers a message to eager fans