‘Demon Slayer’ in Japan: 3 real-life places that inspired the anime

The global hit anime “Demon Slayer” (known in Japan as “Kimetsu no Yaiba”) is approaching its conclusion. The final story arc will be released as a movie trilogy, with the first installment premiering in Japan in July 2025.

Now is the best time for fans to reminisce about “Demon Slayer” through travel. Besides anime-centric destinations such as Akihabara, regions outside of Tokyo offer travelers a chance to glimpse Japan’s folklore, traditions, nature and historic sites that influenced the series.

Step into the world of "Demon Slayer" by visiting these three must-see places in Japan.

Okayama City: The myth behind Japan’s first demon slayer

Kibitsu Shrine’s exact founding date is unknown, but multiple buildings such as the Main Sanctuary are known to be centuries old. Image: denkei/Pixta

The main antagonists of “Demon Slayer” are creatures from Japanese folklore called oni (demons or ogres). The anime avoids portraying all oni as one-dimensional evil entities by casting them as helpers, victims, outsiders, villains or some combination of these roles. Such portrayals are nothing new in Japan as traditional tales also feature complex figures.

Japan’s most famous classic story of oni is arguably “Momotaro,” a folktale associated with Okayama Prefecture. This tale of a boy born from a peach who fights oni with his animal companions appears straightforward. However, travelers in Okayama City will quickly realize the original inspiration for Momotaro is actually not so simple.

Kibitsu Shrine venerates Kibitsuhiko no Mikoto — a Shinto deity said to be a model for Momotaro. Legend says that Kibitsuhiko no Mikoto, like “Demon Slayer” protagonists, beheaded an oni named Ura who had been terrorizing villagers in ancient Okayama. After this, it is said Ura’s still-roaring head was buried at Kibitsu Shrine’s Okamaden Hall where it went on to predict people’s fortunes. Today, a fortune telling ritual based on this legend is performed in Okamaden Hall, and Kibitsu Shrine’s grounds feature a small shrine dedicated to Ura.

Started in 1994, Uraja is a relatively new tradition. Even so, it has become a fixture of Okayama City and is now part of the larger annual Momotaro Festival. Image: bizen193/Pixta

Some interpretations of Kibitsu Shrine’s legend claim that Ura was different from this portrayal. Theories speculate that Ura helped develop ancient Okayama by introducing metalworking techniques from the Korean Peninsula, but was later portrayed as a villain due to conflict between ancient Okayama and ancient Nara Prefecture.

Today, residents of Okayama City celebrate Ura and other figures through an event called Uraja (usually held on the third Saturday and Sunday of August). At venues throughout the city, volunteer teams perform dynamic dances while wearing original costumes and Uraja meiku (Uraja makeup). These outfits are meant to emulate legendary beings such as Ura. Spectators can get involved as well by joining designated public dances or painting their faces at Uraja makeup booths.

Okayama City is accessible by bullet train from Tokyo via Okayama station. Travelers who want to go deeper into the legend of Ura and Kibitsuhiko no Mikoto can rent a car and venture to other sites related to these figures.

Okuizumo: The birthplace of legendary swordsmiths

The towns of Okuizumo, Yasugi and Unnan have deep connections to Shimane Prefecture’s historic iron and steel industry. Image: k.funo/Pixta

A running joke in “Demon Slayer” is that if the protagonists break their specially-made katana during a battle, they will face the wrath of the swordsmiths. Shimane Prefecture is one of the best places to learn about why broken katanas can spark rage.

Authentic katana are made from tamahagane (precious steel). Traditionally, this is produced in tatara (furnaces that smelt iron sand into steel). The town of Okuizumo in eastern Shimane has practiced this traditional metalworking for over 1,000 years.

The Okuizumo Tatara Sword Museum provides an overview of how tatara furnaces take multiple days and numerous resources to produce raw materials for swords and other metal tools.

Travelers can understand this process firsthand by operating replicas of tatara bellows or — if the timing of one’s visit is right — observing smiths at work in the museum’s on-site forge.

Tatara furnaces such as the one in Sugaya Tatara Sannai are traditionally constructed from clay. Image: papa88/Pixta

Another must-see destination in Okuizumo is the Itohara Memorial Museum — a historic estate belonging to the Itohara family, who were key figures in the local metal industry. The nearby town of Unnan, meanwhile, is home to the village Sugaya Tatara Sannai. Here, visitors can learn how entire communities could be organized around metalworking and see a real tatara furnace up close.

Eastern Shimane is accessible directly from Tokyo via Izumo Airport or the Sunrise Express sleeper train via Izumo station and Matsue station. From Okayama, these stations are accessible in about three hours with the Yakumo Express train. From Hiroshima City, Matsue station is accessible in about three hours by highway bus.

Rental cars are the most convenient way to travel to and around Okuizumo. Travelers can rent these independently or enlist the help of local guides for transportation and translation services via the Shimane Interpreter Guide Association.

Hiroshima: Where ‘Demon Slayer’ comes to life on stage

The story of Yamata no Orochi — a legendary eight-headed serpent — is a popular kagura play. Up to eight actors portraying snakes can appear onstage depending on the performance. Image: kimi.yam/Pixta

Hinokami Kagura (dance of the fire god) is an iconic fighting style used by Kamado Tanjiro, the main protagonist of “Demon Slayer.” Kagura is a real traditional performing art practiced across Japan by local troupes. Different regions of Japan practice distinct styles of kagura for audiences at shrines, festivals and performance halls.

Shimane Prefecture, Miyazaki Prefecture and Hiroshima Prefecture are all popular places to watch kagura. For first-time viewers, however, Hiroshima provides some of the most accessible performances.

Hiroshima is home to multiple styles of kagura, which can be viewed year round at venues such as the Hiroshima Prefectural Citizen’s Cultural Center (in Hiroshima City) and Kagura Monzen Toji Mura (in Akitakata City). These venues often show performances of Geihoku Kagura (widely called Hiroshima Kagura), which is famous for elaborate costumes, masks and fast-paced dancing.

In kagura, oni characters are usually recognizable by their distinct masks. Image: s_fukumura/Pixta

A typical kagura show portrays select tales of Shinto deities, oni and other characters. To help audience members understand the stories, some Hiroshima Kagura venues provide English explanations on their websites or subtitles during live performances.

Hiroshima City is accessible by bullet train from Tokyo via Hiroshima station. Places like Akitakata, on the other hand, are accessible by car or highway bus from Hiroshima City.

More to explore

“Demon Slayer” fans can find wisteria gardens throughout Japan. These flowers can bloom from about late April to early May depending on the region. Image: 和尚/Pixta

These three recommended destinations are just a sample of the traditional inspirations behind “Demon Slayer.” The more one learns about Japan and Japanese culture, the more influences become apparent. Before this beloved series reaches its end, try spotting an echo of the “Demon Slayer” world in real life for yourself.