The popularity of the blockbuster anime film "Your Name." went beyond movie screens, with fans flocking to the real-world locales depicted in the romantic fantasy.

Gifu Prefecture has seen more tourists since its sites appeared in the movie. The city of Hida attracted more than 1 million visitors in 2016 for the first time at least in three years.

Such sightseeing — walking in the footsteps of fictional characters — is not new. It's called seichi junrei (sacred pilgrimage).