“Wasteful Days of High School Girls” Complete Saitama & Tokyo Holy Land Pilgrimage Guide｜Comprehensive Explanation of All Spots
What is “Wasteful Days of High School Girls”? The Work’s Appeal and Story Background
“Wasteful Days of High School Girls” is a manga work by Bino that began serialization in “ComicWalker” in 2015 and is a daily school comedy. Set at the fictional “Sainotama Girls’ High School” (abbreviated as “Saijo”) in Saitama Prefecture, the work is beloved by many fans as it depicts the everyday lives of distinctive female high school students wastefully squandering their youth.
The greatest charm of this work is the humor found in the ordinary daily lives of unique characters, starting with the protagonist Tanaka (nicknamed “Baka”). The work was adapted into a television anime in 2019 and a television drama in 2020, further expanding the world of the work.
In the anime version, real locations in Higashimurayama City, Tokyo, and Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture, are faithfully depicted as the setting, drawing attention from fans as holy land pilgrimage spots where they can actually experience scenes from the work. In 2023, Higashimurayama City was recognized as one of the “88 Anime Holy Lands Worth Visiting in Japan,” officially recognizing it as a holy land.
Main Characters and the Story’s Setting
At the center of the story are three girls attending Sainotama Girls’ High School: Tanaka (Baka), Kikuchi (Wota), and Sagimiya (Robo). Through their daily lives, various scenes of friendship, romance, and school life are depicted.
The model for “Sainotama Girls’ High School” that appears in the work is said to be Tokyo Metropolitan Higashimurayama Nishi High School, and the landscape around the school building and the school commute route are faithfully reproduced in the work. This allows holy land pilgrims to experience not just sightseeing, but walking the same paths and seeing the same scenery as the characters.
Main Holy Land Pilgrimage Spots in Higashimurayama City, Tokyo
Higashimurayama City is the primary setting for “Wasteful Days of High School Girls,” with the locations most frequently appearing in the work concentrated here. Along the Seibu Tamagawa Lake Line, important pilgrimage sites where the characters’ daily lives unfold are scattered throughout.
Seibu Tamagawa Lake Line Yasaka Station｜The Work’s Symbolic Spot
Yasaka Station is the most important holy land, appearing in the work’s opening and from the first episode onward, in numerous scenes. The appearance of the station building, ticket gates, platforms, stairs, and other places depicted in the work exist as they are, and it is known for the exceptionally high degree of match between anime and reality.
Photography Points:
- The exterior of the station building (appears in opening footage)
- Ticket gate area (character meeting scenes)
- The scenery viewed from the platform (background of school commute scenes)
- Station forecourt (school arrival and departure scenes)
Access:
Get off at Seibu Tamagawa Lake Line “Yasaka Station” immediately. Transfer from Seibu Shinjuku Line “Hagiyama Station,” approximately 5 minutes.
Pilgrimage Points:
Yasaka Station is a small unmanned station, but for fans of the work, it is the starting point for holy land pilgrimage. Weekday mornings and evenings are crowded with commuters and students, so daytime hours are recommended for photography. Be considerate of other users when taking photos inside the station.
Higashimurayama Central Park｜A Place of Rest for the Characters
Higashimurayama Central Park appears as an important location in the work where characters gather after school and converse. Characterized by spacious lawns and walking paths, it is frequently used as the background for daily scenes.
Photography Points:
- Benches near the park entrance (conversation scenes)
- Landscape of the lawn area (where characters were sitting)
- Trees along the walking path (walking scenes)
- Area around the clock tower in the park
Access:
Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Seibu Tamagawa Lake Line “Yasaka Station.”
Pilgrimage Points:
The park is vast, and finding the same angle as scenes in the anime can take time. Checking the anime scenes in advance will make things smoother. Spring brings beautiful cherry blossoms, and autumn brings colorful leaves, allowing you to enjoy different charms depending on the season.
Tamagawa Lake Bicycle and Pedestrian Road｜School Commute Route Scenery
The Tamagawa Lake Bicycle and Pedestrian Road appears multiple times in the work as the characters’ school commute route. The verdant walking path is used as the background for everyday conversation and movement scenes, symbolizing the work’s calm atmosphere.
Photography Points:
- Road beside the route from Yasaka Station to Higashimurayama Central Park
- Distinctive tree-lined avenue
- Road signs and directional boards (can be photographed in the same positions as in the work)
Access:
Immediately on foot from Seibu Tamagawa Lake Line “Yasaka Station.”
Pilgrimage Points:
Many cyclists and pedestrians use this road, so be careful not to interfere with traffic when photographing. Especially on weekends, there are many families and cyclists, so weekdays allow for a more relaxed pilgrimage.
Kumegawa Central Street Shoutengai and Yasaka Shoutengai｜Local Sense of Life
The shopping street area that appears in the work is depicted as a place supporting the characters’ daily lives. In the actual shopping street, stores that appear in the work, such as FamilyMart and Jonathan’s, actually exist, allowing you to experience realistic daily life.
Main Spots:
- FamilyMart Higashimurayama Yasaka Station Front Store (frequently appears in the work)
- Jonathan’s Higashimurayama Branch (where characters were eating)
- Shopping street scenery (used as background)
Access:
Within a 5-10 minute walk from Seibu Tamagawa Lake Line “Yasaka Station.”
Pilgrimage Points:
Many shops are still in operation, so refrain from photographing inside shops and limit yourself to exterior photography. The shopping street community supports the work, so it’s important to conduct a pilgrimage while respecting etiquette.
Around Higashimurayama Nishi High School｜Model School of Saijo
The area around Tokyo Metropolitan Higashimurayama Nishi High School, said to be the model for “Sainotama Girls’ High School” in the work, is also an important pilgrimage point. The exterior of the school building and surrounding landscape are reflected in the work.
Important Notes:
The school is an educational facility and private property. Do not enter the school grounds or take photographs from within the premises. Limit yourself to confirming the exterior from public roads, and exercise maximum consideration so as not to inconvenience students and faculty.
Photographable Locations:
- Distant views of the school from public roads around it
- Roads used as school commute routes
Holy Land Pilgrimage Spots in Tokorozawa City, Saitama
Tokorozawa City is adjacent to Higashimurayama City and plays an important role as a setting for the work. In particular, “Tokorozawa Sakura Town” has become a new hub for holy land pilgrimage as a base for disseminating anime and manga culture.
Tokorozawa Sakura Town｜Holy Land of Anime Culture
Tokorozawa Sakura Town is a complex cultural facility run by KADOKAWA and is also the base of KADOKAWA, the publisher of “Wasteful Days of High School Girls.” Merchandise sales and exhibitions related to the work are sometimes held, and it’s a must-visit spot for holy land pilgrims.
Facility Highlights:
- Kadokawa Musashino Museum (anime and manga-related exhibits)
- EJ Anime Hotel (anime collaboration rooms available)
- Da Vinci Store (carries work merchandise)
- Musashino Zarei Reiwa Shrine (commemorative pilgrimage for anime holy lands)
Access:
Approximately 10 minutes on foot from JR Musashino Line “Higashi-Tokorozawa Station.” About 20 minutes by bus from Seibu Ikebukuro Line “Tokorozawa Station.”
Pilgrimage Points:
Tokorozawa Sakura Town periodically holds events and stamp rallies related to “Wasteful Days of High School Girls.” Checking the official website and SNS for the latest information before visiting will allow for a more fulfilling experience.
Other Spots in Tokorozawa City
Various locations scattered throughout Tokorozawa City have the potential to appear as backgrounds in the work. Commercial facilities and areas around stations serve as settings for everyday scenes.
Main Areas:
- Around Seibu Shinjuku Line and Ikebukuro Line Tokorozawa Station
- Commercial facilities in front of Tokorozawa Station
- Residential neighborhoods in Tokorozawa City (used as backgrounds)
Efficient Holy Land Pilgrimage Routes and Model Courses
Since the holy lands of “Wasteful Days of High School Girls” are scattered throughout Higashimurayama City and Tokorozawa City, planning an efficient route is important. Here we introduce model courses for visiting major spots in one day.
Half-Day Course (Higashimurayama City Center)
Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours
- Arrival at Seibu Tamagawa Lake Line “Yasaka Station” (10:00)
- Photography around Yasaka Station (30 minutes)
- Stroll along Tamagawa Lake Bicycle and Pedestrian Road (20 minutes)
- Photography and rest at Higashimurayama Central Park (40 minutes)
- Visit to Kumegawa Central Street Shoutengai and FamilyMart (30 minutes)
- Lunch at Jonathan’s (60 minutes)
- Stroll around Higashimurayama Nishi High School (20 minutes)
- Return trip from Yasaka Station (13:30)
Full-Day Course (Higashimurayama City + Tokorozawa City)
Duration: Approximately 7-8 hours
Morning (Higashimurayama City):
- Arrival at Seibu Tamagawa Lake Line “Yasaka Station” (9:00)
- Photography around Yasaka Station (40 minutes)
- Stroll along Tamagawa Lake Bicycle and Pedestrian Road (30 minutes)
- Photography at Higashimurayama Central Park (50 minutes)
- Stroll through shopping street area and visit FamilyMart (40 minutes)
- Lunch at Jonathan’s (60 minutes)
Afternoon (Tokorozawa City):
- Travel to Tokorozawa area on Seibu Line (30 minutes)
- Arrival at Tokorozawa Sakura Town (14:00)
- Tour of Kadokawa Musashino Museum (90 minutes)
- Purchase merchandise at Da Vinci Store (30 minutes)
- Visit to Musashino Zarei Reiwa Shrine (20 minutes)
- Rest at Sakura Town cafe (40 minutes)
- Return trip (17:00)
Transportation Methods and Transit Access
Train:
Using the “Seibu Railway 1-Day Free Pass,” you can travel on all Seibu lines for an economical price. The rate is 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children (rates may vary by period).
Walking:
Major spots within Higashimurayama City are within walking distance of Yasaka Station, allowing for a healthy pilgrimage. Prepare comfortable walking shoes.
Bicycle:
Using a bicycle rental service allows you to cover a wider area more efficiently. Bicycle rental services are available around Higashimurayama Station.
Preparation and Precautions for Holy Land Pilgrimage
To maximize enjoyment of holy land pilgrimage, advance preparation and manners at the site are important.
Pre-Pilgrimage Checklist
Essential Items:
- Smartphone (for map apps and work image confirmation)
- Mobile battery (battery consumption is heavy during photography)
- Camera (for high-quality recording if desired)
- Work image data (for comparative photography)
- Drinks and light snacks
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Rain gear (in case of poor weather)
Recommended Items:
- Pilgrimage notebook (for visit records)
- Comics or anime BDs of the work (for on-site confirmation)
- Binoculars (for distant view confirmation)
Holy Land Pilgrimage Etiquette and Rules
Basic Manners:
- No trespassing on private property
- Avoid approaching and photographing school facilities
- Obtain permission from stores before photographing at commercial facilities
- Keep noise down in residential areas
- Always take your trash with you
- Follow traffic rules
- Respect the daily life of local residents
Photography Precautions:
- Be considerate of other users when photographing at stations or public facilities
- Photograph on roads in places that don’t interfere with traffic
- Be considerate of privacy if people appear in photos
- Check the surrounding situation before using a tripod
Stamp Rally and Event Information
Higashimurayama City and Tokorozawa City periodically hold stamp rallies and events related to “Wasteful Days of High School Girls.” The following events have been held in the past:
Past Major Events:
- Higashimurayama City × Tokorozawa Sakura Town Holy Land Pilgrimage Stamp Rally (November 2022)
- Stamp rally visiting Yasaka Station, Kumegawa Central Street Shoutengai, and Higashimurayama Central Park
- Work displays and merchandise sales at Tokorozawa Sakura Town
The latest event information can be found on the Higashimurayama City official website, Tokorozawa Sakura Town official website, and KADOKAWA official website.
Gourmet Dining to Enjoy Alongside Holy Land Pilgrimage
Enjoying delicious local cuisine during holy land pilgrimage is one of the pleasures of travel. Higashimurayama City and Tokorozawa City have many restaurants beloved by locals.
Recommended Cuisine in Higashimurayama City
Jonathan’s Higashimurayama Branch:
A family restaurant that appears in the work. You can enjoy the special experience of eating in the same space as the characters.
Cafes and Restaurants Around Yasaka Station:
Individually-owned cafes and set meal restaurants loved by locals are places to take a breather.
Higashimurayama Specialties:
- Higashimurayama black yakisoba (served at multiple shops in the city)
- Local Japanese confectionery from confectionery shops
Recommended Cuisine in Tokorozawa City
Dining at Tokorozawa Sakura Town:
- Kadokawa Dining Hall (diverse menu)
- Cafes in Sakura Town (anime collaboration menus available)
Around Tokorozawa Station:
- Restaurants near Tokorozawa Aviation Park
- Gourmet spots inside station-front commercial facilities
Recommended Accommodations for Holy Land Pilgrimage
For those wishing to thoroughly enjoy holy land pilgrimage or those visiting from far away, overnight stays are recommended. There are multiple hotels with convenient access around Higashimurayama and Tokorozawa cities.
Hotels in Higashimurayama and Tokorozawa Areas
JR East Hotel Mets Kokubunji:
Good access to Higashimurayama on the Seibu Line. Directly connected to JR Chuo Line Kokubunji Station with high convenience, offering comfortable stays despite being a business hotel.
Tokorozawa Park Hotel:
Within walking distance of Tokorozawa Station. Good access to Tokorozawa Sakura Town, making it ideal as a base for holy land pilgrimage.
Business Hotels Around Higashimurayama:
- Business hotels around Kumegawa Station
- Various hotels around Tokorozawa Station
Tips for Booking Accommodations
During holy land pilgrimage season or when events are held, accommodations can be crowded, so early reservations are recommended. Also, using accommodation booking services that allow payment later can reduce the payment burden at booking.
Checklist When Booking:
- Access to major Seibu Line stations
- Check-in and check-out times
- Availability of breakfast
- Parking availability (if visiting by car)
Enjoying Holy Land Pilgrimage by Season
The holy lands of “Wasteful Days of High School Girls” have the charm of enjoying scenery throughout the four seasons.
Spring (March – May)
The cherry blossoms at Higashimurayama Central Park bloom magnificently, and you can feel the work’s sense of youth more strongly. The cherry blossom blooming period (late March to early April) is especially recommended.
Summer (June – August)
You can conduct pilgrimage while imagining the characters in their summer uniforms. The Tamagawa Lake Bicycle and Pedestrian Road with its abundant greenery is beautiful during this season, but heat stroke prevention is essential.
Autumn (September – November)
With beautiful autumn leaves and comfortable weather, this is the best season for holy land pilgrimage. The autumn foliage at Higashimurayama Central Park is particularly impressive. Stamp rallies and other events are often held in autumn.
Winter (December – February)
Clear air makes it suitable for photography. There are relatively few visitors, allowing for a relaxed pilgrimage. Be sure to take warming measures.
Recording and Sharing Your Holy Land Pilgrimage
Recording your pilgrimage memories and sharing them with other fans is also a source of enjoyment.
Sharing on SNS
Posting on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms with hashtags such as “#女子高生の無駄づかい” and “#女子無駄聖地巡礼” allows you to connect with fans who love the same work.
Precautions When Posting:
- Be careful not to include personal information in photos
- Blur faces if other people appear in photos
- Be cautious about sharing location information
Creating a Pilgrimage Notebook
Creating a pilgrimage notebook that records places visited, photos taken, and impressions increases the joy of looking back later. Record in whatever way, digital or analog, suits you best.
Trivia for Enjoying the Work More Deeply
Small Details in the Work
The work is filled throughout not only with real locations but also cultural elements of Saitama Prefecture and Tokyo’s Tama region. Understanding regional characteristics deepens your enjoyment of the work.
Character Action Range
The action range of main characters is concentrated in an area of approximately 2 km radius centered on Yasaka Station. This realistically reflects the everyday action range of actual high school girls, enhancing the work’s reality.
Production Staff’s Love for the Region
The anime production staff actually visited the location multiple times for location scouting and carefully reproduced details. As a result, it became a work that local residents could enjoy as “familiar scenery.”
Living Together with the Community and the Future of Holy Land Pilgrimage
Higashimurayama City actively utilizes “Wasteful Days of High School Girls” as a tool for regional revitalization. The 2023 recognition of “88 Anime Holy Lands Worth Visiting in Japan” is a prime example of collaboration between government and work fans to invigorate the region.
Maintaining Positive Relations with Local Residents
For holy land pilgrimage to be welcomed by the community, visitor etiquette is paramount. By respecting local residents’ lives and maintaining restrained behavior, holy land pilgrimage culture can develop sustainably.
Expectations for Future Developments
Higashimurayama City has plans for future collaboration projects with the work, and the arrival of new holy land pilgrimage content is anticipated. Check official websites and SNS for the latest information.
Conclusion: The Special Experience Gained Through “Wasteful Days of High School Girls” Holy Land Pilgrimage
Holy land pilgrimage for “Wasteful Days of High School Girls” is not mere sightseeing but a special experience of entering the work’s world, seeing the same scenery as the characters, and feeling the same air. The holy lands scattered throughout Tokyo’s Higashimurayama City and Saitama’s Tokorozawa City are everyday landscapes that take on special meaning through the work.
The holy land pilgrimage journey beginning at Yasaka Station continues through Higashimurayama Central Park, the Tamagawa Lake Bicycle and Pedestrian Road, and the shopping street area, leading to Tokorozawa Sakura Town. At each location, you can re-experience the everyday lives of characters like Baka, Wota, and Robo.
Through holy land pilgrimage, your love for the work deepens further, and connections with other fans who love the same work are born. Discovering the region’s charm, enjoying delicious gourmet cuisine, and savoring the landscape of each season—the appeal of “Wasteful Days of High School Girls” holy land pilgrimage lies in such multifaceted ways of enjoying it.
Conduct your pilgrimage while respecting etiquette and valuing community coexistence, and create your own unique holy land pilgrimage story. It will surely become an unforgettable memory.
