【’Evangelion’ Series】 Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Ube City in Yamaguchi Prefecture, the hometown of Hideaki Anno, the general director of the ‘Evangelion’ series, became a sacred site that attracted the attention of Evangelion fans worldwide when actual scenery appeared in “Shin Evangelion Theater Edition: ||” released in 2021. This article provides a thorough explanation of Yamaguchi Prefecture’s Evangelion sacred sites, from pilgrimage spots centered around Ube-Shinkawa Station, to surrounding related facilities, and the latest information on the “Machijuu Evangelion” event.
Background of Yamaguchi Prefecture Becoming an Evangelion Sacred Site
Deep Connection Between Director Anno Hideaki and Yamaguchi Prefecture
Director Hideaki Anno, the creator of the ‘Evangelion’ series, is from Ube City in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Additionally, Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, who handled character design, is from Shunan City in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Through these two Yamaguchi Prefecture-born creators, numerous locations and items related to Yamaguchi Prefecture have appeared throughout the series.
Particularly in “Shin Evangelion Theater Edition: ||,” actual locations in Ube City were used as scenes in the film, and by being adopted in poster visuals, Ube City suddenly became recognized as a sacred site for Evangelion fans.
Five Consecutive Years of Certification for Anime Sacred Sites 88
In “Anime Sacred Sites 88 You Want to Visit in Japan,” implemented by the Japan Anime Tourism Association, Ube City has received certification for five consecutive years from the 2022 edition through the 2026 edition. This is based on voting by anime fans worldwide and proves that Ube City is a special place for Evangelion fans.
In response to this certification, since 2021, Ube City has hosted the “Machijuu Evangelion” event every year, developing initiatives where the entire city can enjoy the Evangelion world.
Ube-Shinkawa Station: Main Pilgrimage Spot
Stage of Theater Version Final Scene and Poster
Ube-Shinkawa Station is the most important sacred site that appears in the final scene of “Shin Evangelion Theater Edition: ||.” This station became the setting for the scene where Shinji and Mari run off holding hands, and was also adopted in a new poster released at the time of the 2020 postponement announcement, depicted as a railroad track landscape with a bridge in the distance and Shinji visible.
Fans immediately identified the location from the “Ube-Shinkawa” text that appeared in the poster, and many fans began visiting before its release. The actual station interior and platform match the scenes in the film remarkably, offering an experience as if truly entering the Evangelion world.
Points of Interest and Photo Spots Inside the Station
Inside Ube-Shinkawa Station, there are various points of interest for pilgrims. The bench on the platform is particularly popular as a photo spot, being the place where Shinji sat in the poster. Fans constantly enjoy taking photographs from the same angle as in the film while checking train arrival times.
The view from the station platform is the poster itself. The bridge visible down the tracks, the arrangement of surrounding buildings—every detail reproduces the film’s world faithfully. Especially at dusk, the landscape more closely resembles the poster atmosphere, with many fans timing their visits accordingly.
Access and Pilgrimage Tips
Access to Ube-Shinkawa Station typically uses the JR Ube Line. When conducting pilgrimage using public transportation, arriving first at this climactic scene’s stage, then visiting other spots before returning here again at the end is the recommended pilgrimage route to build anticipation.
The area around the station has parking facilities, making car visits possible. However, congestion may occur during event periods or weekends, so planning with time to spare is recommended.
“Machijuu Evangelion” Event Details
Overview of Phase 5 Event (November 2025 – March 2026)
From November 20, 2025 to March 15, 2026, “Machijuu Evangelion Phase 5” is being held. This event offers various opportunities throughout Ube City to experience the Evangelion world.
Full-size panels and photo spots are installed throughout the city, limited merchandise is sold, and collaboration menus are offered at restaurants, with diverse projects underway. Event content is updated annually, with features ensuring new discoveries even for repeat visitors.
Evangelion Spots Throughout the City
Beyond Ube-Shinkawa Station, numerous Evangelion-related spots dot the city. Full-size character panels are installed in shopping streets, and restaurants offer special collaboration menus.
Particularly noteworthy are locations famous from the “Evangelion Shutter Project.” Character illustrations from Evangelion are painted on shopping street shutters, entertaining fans as part of the street landscape even after closing. These shutter artworks serve as bridges connecting local shopping streets and fans.
Limited Merchandise and Collaboration Products
During the event period, numerous Ube City-exclusive Evangelion goods are sold. Original merchandise featuring Ube-Shinkawa Station and collaboration products with local companies provide items available nowhere else.
Available for purchase at station shops, information centers, and cooperative stores throughout the city, these serve as keepsakes of the pilgrimage. Many products are limited quantity, so early purchase is recommended.
Other Sacred Sites in Ube City
Ikkyū Ramen: Must-Visit Gourmet Spot for Fans
Among Evangelion fans visiting Ube City, “Ikkyū Ramen” has become the standard choice for “lunch during pilgrimage.” This long-established ramen shop is said to be a place the director actually frequented and is beloved locally.
The ramen featuring rich broth and distinctive noodles attracts fans during pilgrimage breaks. Inside the shop, information about Director Anno and Evangelion is posted, and fans can be seen discussing Evangelion while eating.
Yamaguchi Ube Airport: Approaching the Sacred Site from Above
Yamaguchi Ube Airport serves as the gateway for fans traveling from afar for pilgrimage. Evangelion-related displays and panels are installed within the airport, allowing visitors to experience the pilgrimage atmosphere from the moment of arrival.
Access from the airport to Ube-Shinkawa Station is available by bus or taxi. The airport surroundings’ scenery may have appeared in aerial shots in the theatrical version, with some fans even enjoying the view from the airplane as part of their pilgrimage.
Hotels and Accommodations in Ube City
For fans wanting to enjoy Ube City leisurely through pilgrimage, staying in the city is recommended. Around Ube-Shinkawa Station, various types of accommodations are available, from business hotels to hot spring inns.
Some hotels offer special plans for Evangelion fans, including limited merchandise and collaboration menus with their packages, proving popular. Some fans also seek deeper sacred site experiences by staying at hotels that may have appeared in aerial shots from the theatrical version.
Shunan City: Hometown of Yoshiyuki Sadamoto
Relationship Between Shunan City and Evangelion
Shunan City, the hometown of Yoshiyuki Sadamoto who handled character design, is also important for Evangelion fans. While not a direct sacred site like Ube City, it’s increasingly visited by fans due to Sadamoto’s connection.
In Shunan City, information about Sadamoto and exhibitions of characters he designed are held irregularly. Being relatively close to Ube City, many fans include it in their pilgrimage itineraries.
Souvenir Selection for Evangelion Pilgrimage
Dassai: Yamaguchi’s Famous Sake Loved by Misato
“Dassai,” a representative sake of Yamaguchi Prefecture, is known as the sake Misato loved drinking in the film. The manufacturer, Asahi Brewery, is located in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, but can be purchased at liquor stores and souvenir shops throughout Ube City.
Various grades of Dassai are available, allowing selection according to budget. As a souvenir for Evangelion fans, it’s ideal, and many people purchase it as a memorial of their pilgrimage. For non-drinkers, sweets made with Dassai are also sold.
Ube City Exclusive Evangelion Merchandise
As mentioned previously, numerous Ube City-exclusive Evangelion goods are sold during the event period. Items featuring Ube-Shinkawa Station and local company collaboration products are precious souvenirs available nowhere else.
Purchase is available at information centers, cooperative stores, and station shops. Popular merchandise may sell out early, so immediate purchase upon discovery is recommended. Many products have no online availability, enhancing the value of on-site visits.
Local Specialty Products
Ube City has numerous attractive specialty products beyond Evangelion merchandise. Ube kamaboko, Ube ramen, local sweets—products allowing you to enjoy regional flavors abound.
Some specialty products are sold in Evangelion collaboration packaging, allowing you to take home the taste of Yamaguchi Prefecture along with pilgrimage memories.
Effective Route Planning for Pilgrimage
Day Trip Course
For those with limited time, a day trip course centered on Ube-Shinkawa Station is recommended. Arrive at Ube-Shinkawa Station in the morning, visit photo spots around the station, have lunch at Ikkyū Ramen. Spend the afternoon visiting Evangelion spots throughout the city, then return to Ube-Shinkawa Station in the evening to enjoy the dusk scenery.
When using public transportation, check the Ube Line timetable beforehand and plan for efficient travel. Using a rental car allows for greater pilgrimage freedom.
Two-Day, One-Night Course
For those wanting to immerse deeper in the Evangelion world, a two-day, one-night course is recommended. Spend the first day visiting sacred sites throughout Ube City, stay at a local hotel. On the second day, extend to the Shunan City area or visit surrounding tourist destinations like Yamaguchi or Shimonoseki.
Staying overnight allows visiting Ube-Shinkawa Station at different times of day, morning and evening, enjoying the sacred site in various appearances. You can also relax at a local hot spring.
Seasonal Highlights
Ube City’s sacred sites offer different attractions by season. Spring brings cherry blossoms, summer offers lush greenery, autumn displays fall foliage, and winter provides a serene atmosphere under clear skies.
The “Machijuu Evangelion” event is typically held from autumn through winter, making this period particularly busy with visitors. Sacred sites remain visitable outside event periods, but for enjoying limited merchandise and collaboration menus, visiting during the event is recommended.
Important Notes and Manners During Pilgrimage
Consideration for Local Residents
When enjoying pilgrimage, remember to be considerate of local residents. Ube-Shinkawa Station is actually used daily by locals, requiring care not to obstruct passage during photography.
Avoid loud conversations and occupying spaces for extended periods, being mindful not to disturb other users. Always take trash with you and help maintain a clean environment.
Photography Rules
Photography inside the station is generally permitted, but restrictions may apply regarding flash use or tripod use. Follow staff instructions and observe rules while enjoying photography.
When other pilgrims are taking photos, show consideration by waiting for your turn. Mutual cooperation creates an environment where everyone can comfortably enjoy pilgrimage.
Safety Precautions
Exercise caution regarding safety when photographing near tracks or crossings. There are cases where people fail to notice approaching trains, leading to accidents, so constantly check surroundings while acting.
Especially during dusk or nighttime photography, ground visibility diminishes, making it advisable to bring flashlights.
Obtaining Latest Information
Official Information Sources
Latest “Machijuu Evangelion” information is available through Ube City’s official tourism website and the event’s dedicated website. Since event content updates annually, always check the latest information before visiting.
Official social media accounts provide regular updates. Limited merchandise sales announcements and special project notices are made, with following recommended.
Fan Community Utilization
On SNS platforms like Twitter and Instagram, other fans’ pilgrimage reports can be viewed using hashtags like “#UbeEva” or “#EvangelionSacredSite.” Real visitor information provides details not available through official channels, valuable for pilgrimage planning.
Fan interaction is also a pilgrimage enjoyment. Meeting fellow fans on-site, exchanging information, taking photos together creates more memorable experiences.
Tourist Spots Around Ube City
Tokiwa Park
Worth visiting during pilgrimage breaks is “Tokiwa Park,” a representative Ube City tourist spot. On its vast grounds are a zoo, amusement park, and art museum, enjoyable for families.
Walking through the nature-rich park relieves pilgrimage fatigue. Seasonal flowers and lakeside scenery reveal Yamaguchi Prefecture’s appeal distinct from the Evangelion world.
Akiyoshi Plateau and Akiyoshi Cave
With spare time, visiting Akiyoshi Plateau and Akiyoshi Cave, about 40 minutes by car from Ube City, is recommended. Japan’s largest karst plateau and stalactite cave represent Yamaguchi Prefecture’s signature natural scenery.
The magnificent natural formations provide different emotions from the Evangelion world. Combined with pilgrimage, a fulfilling itinerary enjoying Yamaguchi’s nature becomes possible.
Future of Evangelion and Yamaguchi Prefecture
Ongoing Efforts
Ube City continuously hosts “Machijuu Evangelion” events, enhancing its appeal as a sacred site. New projects are added annually, with features ensuring continued enjoyment even for repeat visitors.
Cooperation with local businesses and shopping streets strengthens, with the entire city preparing to welcome Evangelion fans. This initiative attracts attention as a successful regional revitalization case study.
Economic Impact and Regional Development
Tourism from pilgrimage brings significant economic benefits to Ube City. Sales increases at accommodations, restaurants, and souvenir shops accompany heightened city awareness.
Young-generation tourist increases bring new vitality to the region, encouraging expanded tourism initiatives. As a regional revitalization model utilizing the globally-renowned Evangelion content, it attracts attention from other municipalities.
Conclusion: Yamaguchi Prefecture’s Ube City—A Must-Visit Sacred Site for Evangelion Fans
Ube City in Yamaguchi Prefecture, the hometown of Director Hideaki Anno, has become a special sacred site for Evangelion fans worldwide as an important filming location for “Shin Evangelion Theater Edition: ||.”
Sacred sites centered on Ube-Shinkawa Station faithfully reproduce the film’s world, moving visiting fans deeply. Through initiatives like the “Machijuu Evangelion” event, the environment for enjoying the Evangelion world year-round has been established.
Through pilgrimage, fans can immerse in the Evangelion world while enjoying Yamaguchi Prefecture’s attractive tourist spots, local cuisine, and specialty products. While respecting local residents and observing manners, experience a fulfilling pilgrimage.
Recognized as anime sacred site 88 for five consecutive years, Ube City will continue warmly welcoming Evangelion fans with new projects and developments. For Evangelion enthusiasts, a must-visit sacred site—Yamaguchi Prefecture’s Ube City—awaits for creating unforgettable pilgrimage memories.
