Does the world of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba really exist?! Let’s stay at the real-life Infinity Castle!
Whilst the boom of popularity for the manga and anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has been slowly dying back down, I decided to finally go somewhere that I’ve been wanting to visit for a long time: the real-life model for the Infinity Castle! To you who is reading this article, now is your chance to go too!
#1 What is the ‘Infinity Castle’?
The ‘Infinity Castle’ is the base castle of the Demon Slayer Corps’ toughest and most fearsome enemy, Muzan Kibutsuji, the Demon King. It first appeared in volume 6 as a creepy and mysterious place, made even more memorable by the appearance of Nakime, a demon with the power to manipulate space, who is seen playing the traditional Japanese biwa (a short-necked lute instrument) in the castle.
#2 The enemy is in Fukushima
‘Ookawaso‘ is a long-established traditional Japanese hotel located in the Aizu Ashinomaki Onsen resort in Fukushima, Japan, which is attracting attention as a ‘real-life Infinity Castle’. You can catch the shuttle bus there from Aizuwakamatsu Station, and enjoy the ever-changing seasonal landscape on your way!
#3 Infinity Castle? Nakime?!
When you arrive at the hotel and go through the entrance,
it’s like the Infinity Castle! The skeptical feeling of “I’m sure there were more stairs in the manga?” is drowned out by the passionate tone of the shamisen (a traditional three-stringed Japanese instrument) and the atmosphere is filled with a comforting elegance.
#4 Worth the stay?
The price varies depending on the season and accommodation plan, but it was about 20000 JPY for two days and one night (including dinner and breakfast) in late December. It’s a little more expensive than a normal hotel, but I felt it was worth the price or more.
That’s all for my exciting journey to the real-life Demon Slayer Infinity Castle! Although not included in this article, the open-air bath and sauna are also great, so be sure to check them out!
