Lucky Star Makes Shrine Popular

I am sure those of you who watched the Lucky Star series remember that Kagami and Tsukasa were both shrine maidens.  (One of my recent favorite costumes on a girl for some reason).  It seems though that after people watch the anime they have been visiting the shrine themselves.

Article found at ANN

The Wall Street Journal newspaper reported on its front page on Wednesday on Japan’s Washinomiya Shrine and its recent surge of visitors due to the Lucky Star anime. This adaptation of Kagami Yoshimizu’s manga highlighted the shrine by having the twin sister characters Kagami and Tsukasa Hiiragi working at the shrine as miko (shrine maidens). Citizens were at first trepidacious about the new visitors, but later embraced them and the boost they gave to the local economy. Hundreds of thousands of visitors took part in the traditional shrine visits over the New Year’s holiday this year. Since the anime debuted last year, visitors have reportedly spent 42 million yen (about US$390,000) in Lucky Star food and goods, including 20,000 charms.

Thank you to Starks for the news tip.

It is actually pretty funny to think about, even I myself wanted to visit that shrne sometime.  I could see how the locals would be angry with all the random otakus racing in to see the shrine because of the show, but at least they are helping the economy out.  Otakus are really good people aren’t they ^_^

My question, Do you plan on visiting the shrine becase of Lucky Star?  Is there any real life location portrayed in an anime you want to see?  and why?