Naoko Takeuchi's magical-girl classic (manga in Nakayoshi from 1991, Toei Animation anime from 1992) about Usagi Tsukino, a clumsy schoolgirl who becomes Sailor Moon and gathers the Sailor Guardians to protect the Earth. The series is set in the fictional Jūban district, closely modelled on the real Azabu-Jūban neighbourhood (Minato, Tokyo), where Takeuchi lived and studied. Today the area is a pilgrimage spot with themed manhole covers and the shrine that inspired Rei's home.
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Azabu Hikawa ShrineRei's shrine
location
The real shrine that inspires the Hikawa Shrine, home of Rei Hino (Sailor Mars) and the shrine's miko. A serene oasis in the middle of Motoazabu and one of the series' major pilgrimage spots; fans climb its steps just like those in the manga.
Source & evidence
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Azabu-Jūban Station (Exit 4)the Sailor Moon manhole
location
The gateway to the neighbourhood. Right outside Exit 4 is the Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask manhole cover, marking the start of the Azabu-Jūban shopping street, recreated several times in the series.
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Patio Jūban (shopping street)Usagi's neighbourhood
location
A small plaza with the 'Kimi-chan' statue in the heart of the Azabu-Jūban shopping street, the neighbourhood where Naoko Takeuchi spent much time and whose everyday atmosphere pervades the series. (Coordinate approximate, by address.)
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Tōyō Eiwa Girls' SchoolRei's school
location
A real Roppongi school that inspires the private girls' school attended by Rei Hino (Sailor Mars). In front of its entrance is the red manhole cover with the five Sailor Guardians, in Sailor Mars' colour.
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Minato Library (Shiba)Minako's school
location
Beside Shiba Park stands the fictional Shiba Kōen Middle School attended by Minako (Sailor Venus). In front of Minato Library is the blue manhole with the five Guardians, overlooking Tokyo Tower, which appears so often in the series.
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Tokyo Towericonic backdrop
location
Tokyo Tower dominates Minato's skyline and is one of the series' most recurring backdrops, the setting of key battles across several seasons. It is the visual symbol anchoring the Guardians in the real Tokyo.
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Keiō Nakadōrithe yellow manhole
location
A Mita shopping street that often appears in the series as part of the neighbourhood's daily life. At its entrance is the yellow Guardians manhole, in Sailor Venus' colour. (Coordinate approximate, by address.)
Source & evidence
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