road trip Archives | Tokyo Cheapo

There’s more than one type of Sakura worth coming to Japan for. If you’ve been watching since Naruto dropped in the early 2000s, you’ll want to visit places that have a history with Hokage, or snack on ninja-approved noodles. Here, we’re going to share some of our favorite places to go that are associated with Naruto. Dattebayo! 1. Higashi-Agatsuma City If you’re looking to hunt the Hokage, your first stop should be the scenic town of Higashi-Agatsuma in Gunma Prefecture. Nestled between several mountains, it offers scenic and serene sights, along with a peek into Japan’s past. And perhaps most importantly for us, it’s long been associated with ninja and their hidden histories. You can walk around the edges of the town exploring the natural beauty, with fields of bright blooms in spring, and snowy blankets in winter. If you look closely at nearby Mt. Iwabitsu, you’d almost expect to see some Hokage faces carved into it ... Head back to civilization and there’s even more for fans to explore. The ruins of Iwabitsu Castle, a stronghold of ninja artistry, loom over the town. You can also check out the ruins of Senryuin Temple, or peer into the depths of Agatsuma Gorge. But if all the exploring has you hungry for some excitement and merch, there’s only one place to go -- Agatsumakyo Michi-no-eki. 2. Agatsumakyo Michi-no-eki Agatsumakyo Michi-no-eki is much more than just a roadside stop on the way to Agatsuma Gorge. It offers a chance to hone your ninja prowess through activities like shuriken throwing, and acrobatic performances. It has another claim to fame, too -- as a great spot to pick up Naruto merchandise in Japan. There are goodies galore, but what makes Agatsumakyo Michi-no-eki special is the exclusive pre-sale items you can pick up at the moment. They are only available at this particular store, nowhere else in the world. Expect items from Japanese history, such as the traditional family crest of the Sanada Clan and their famous ninja bands, right next to character goodies of Sasuke, Hinata, and all your favorites. It’s the perfect place to scratch your ninja itch, in the heart of their historical home. Bonus points for the tasty noodles and the hot spring on site! 3. TV Tokyo Haneda Airport store Gotta run because you ran out of chakra again? For a last-minute stop, there’s a great option in Terminal 3 at Haneda Airport -- the TV Tokyo Haneda Airport store. It’s dedicated to a few different anime, but there’s plenty of Naruto on show. Help yourself to everything from figurines to oversized plushes, or even dioramas of the most nostalgic show moments. All of the items in the store are officially licensed, and there’s plenty of original airport-exclusive pieces on offer, so this is a must-visit if you’re after something you won’t find at home. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and speak English, so don’t be afraid to ask if you need help or advice. 4. Nijigen no Mori (2D Forest) Located in Hyogo Prefecture, on the edges of Awaji Island, Nijigen no Mori is a theme park for anime and gaming fans. Its six main zones cover six of Japan’s favorite animated franchises, including Bleach and Dragon Quest. And of course, Naruto makes that list too. The Naruto area is dedicated to both the original series and the sequel, Boruto. You can try a harrowing obstacle course with leaps and skips, or simply relax and snap some shots lounging in iconic scenery from the anime. Don’t forget to stop by the Konoha Shoten before you go, for more exclusive Naruto merch. This store has practicality mixed with stylishness, as you can pick up themed tableware decorated in the designs and colors of the characters. If you want to show your allegiance when outdoors, there’s also a range of hoodies, t-shirts, and more. And for the traditionalist, snacks and small goodies round out a busy basket. 5. Fuji Q Naruto area The Fuji Q Highland theme park near Mount Fuji is known for its high-intensity thrills, but take care when wandering into the perfect replica of Konohagakure (Hidden Leaf Village). Your inner fan might start screaming for joy with both feet still on the ground. You’ve got plenty to do here to summon your inner Sasuke -- from throwing kunai to 3D shooting ranges. You can even travel to the park in style -- it’s served by Naruto-themed coaches and trains. Once you’ve put your stars and knives down, make sure you stop by the Konohagakure store. They have their own collection of exclusive merch on offer to turn you into a native shinobi. Pick up a Gama-Chan (Froggy) for spare change, or kit out with your own gloves, headband, or cap. By the time you leave, don’t be surprised if people think you’re part of the village. Bonus: Naruto’s Ichiraku Ramen If all this souvenir-hunting is making you hungry, what better than a bite of Ichiraku Ramen? You’ve got a few choices -- with both Fuji Q and Nijigen no Mori having a themed Ichiraku Ramen restaurant serving up delicious bowls. If you’re looking for the original, though, head to Fukuoka City -- Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto’s university town. There, you’ll find the Ichiraku Ramen, which today proudly serves their noodles using bowls and napkins emblazoned with the characters. Naruto in Japan FAQs Do the Naruto Whirlpools have anything to do with Naruto? Yes, sort of! The swirls of the Naruto Whirlpools off the coast of Tokushima inspired the name of Japan’s swirled fishcake. Those were called Narutomaki (from uzumaki, or spiral). That, then, became the name of our protagonist, Naruto Uzumaki. Will people know what I’m talking about if I use names from the English dub of Naruto? The names were kept the same between the Japanese and English dubs of the anime/manga. The thing that you might need to watch out for are other proper nouns or named objects -- Froggy, for example, is Gama-chan in Japanese. Is Naruto merchandise expensive in Japan? It doesn’t have to be. Larger, rarer pieces will be more expensive of course, but you can find plenty of budget-friendly souvenirs too. Most stores will have snacks or small accessories for under .

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