Hideaki Anno, the general director of the “Evangelion” series, hails from Ube City in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The city has become a pilgrimage site beloved by Evangelion fans worldwide after actual landscapes appeared in “Shin Evangelion Movie: ||” released in 2021. This article comprehensively covers Evangelion pilgrimage spots centered around Ube Shinkawa Station, related facilities in the surrounding area, and the latest information on the “Town-wide Evangelion” event, providing a thorough explanation of Yamaguchi Prefecture’s Evangelion sacred sites.
The Background Behind Yamaguchi Prefecture Becoming an Evangelion Sacred Site
The Deep Connection Between Director Anno Hideaki and Yamaguchi Prefecture
Hideaki Anno, the creator of the “Evangelion” series, is from Ube City in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Additionally, Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, who handled character design, hails from Shunan City in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Through these two Yamaguchi-born creators, numerous locations and items related to Yamaguchi Prefecture have appeared throughout the series.
In particular, “Shin Evangelion Movie: ||” features actual locations in Ube City as scenes in the film, and with their adoption in poster visuals, Ube City has become recognized as a sacred site for Evangelion fans.
Five Consecutive Recognitions in Anime Sacred Sites 88
Ube City has received consecutive recognition from 2022 to 2026 in the “88 Anime Sacred Sites in Japan You Want to Visit,” implemented by the Anime Tourism Association. This is based on votes from anime fans worldwide, proving that Ube City is a special place for Evangelion fans.
Following this recognition, Ube City has held the “Town-wide Evangelion” event annually since 2021, developing initiatives allowing the entire city to enjoy the Evangelion worldview.
Ube Shinkawa Station: The Main Pilgrimage Spot
The Stage of the Theater Version’s Final Scene and Poster
Ube Shinkawa Station is the most important sacred site appearing in the final scene of “Shin Evangelion Movie: ||.” This station served as the setting for the scene where Shinji and Mari hold hands and run off together. When a new poster was released during the 2020 delay announcement, it featured the railroad tracks landscape with Shinji visible in the distance and a bridge, and was adopted for the poster.
The location was quickly identified by fans from the “Ube Shinkawa” text visible in the poster, leading many fans to visit before its release. The actual station interior and platforms align remarkably with the scenes in the film, offering an experience truly immersed in the Evangelion world.
Points of Interest and Photo Spots Within the Station
Ube Shinkawa Station has various points of interest for pilgrims. The bench installed on the platform is particularly popular as the exact photo spot where Shinji sat in the poster. Fans continuously enjoy photography from the same angles as the film while confirming train arrival times.
The view from the platform is exactly like the poster. The bridge visible down the tracks and the arrangement of surrounding buildings faithfully recreate the film’s worldview in detail. The scenery at dusk especially resembles the poster’s atmosphere, with many fans timing their visits accordingly.
Access and Pilgrimage Tips
Access to Ube Shinkawa Station is typically via JR Ube Line. For pilgrims using public transportation, arriving at this climactic scene’s setting first sets the mood before visiting other spots, with a recommended route being to revisit on the return trip. The station area is equipped with parking, making car visits possible. However, congestion may occur during event periods and weekends, so planning with spare time is recommended.
“Town-wide Evangelion” Event Details
Overview of the 5th Event (November 2025 to March 2026)
“Town-wide Evangelion Phase 5” runs from November 20, 2025, to March 15, 2026. The event offers various experiences of the Evangelion worldview at different locations throughout Ube City.
Life-size panels and photo spots are installed at various locations in the city, limited edition merchandise is sold, and collaborative menu items are offered, with diverse projects deployed. The event content is updated annually, with mechanisms for new discoveries even for repeat visitors.
Evangelion Spots Throughout the City
Beyond Ube Shinkawa Station, numerous Evangelion-related spots are scattered throughout the city. Shopping streets feature life-size character panels, and restaurants offer special collaborative menus with Evangelion.
Particularly noteworthy are locations made famous by the “Evangelion Shutter Project.” Evangelion characters are painted on shopping street shutters, entertaining fans even after closure as part of the cityscape. These shutter artworks serve as bridges connecting local merchants with fans.
Limited Merchandise and Collaborative Products
During the event period, numerous Ube City-exclusive Evangelion goods are sold. Original merchandise featuring Ube Shinkawa Station and collaborative products with local enterprises offer items available nowhere else.
Purchase is possible at station shops, tourist information centers, and cooperative stores throughout the city, with many pilgrims buying these as commemorative items. Since many products are limited quantity, early purchase is recommended.
Other Sacred Sites in Ube City
Ikkyū Ramen: A Must-Visit Gourmet Spot for Fans
Among Evangelion fans visiting Ube City, “Ikkyū Ramen” has become the definitive lunch spot for pilgrimage. This longstanding local favorite is said to have been frequented by Director Anno.
The ramen, characterized by rich broth and unique noodles, draws pilgrim fans during visits. The shop interior sometimes displays information about Director Anno and Evangelion, with fans engaging in Evangelion discussions while dining.
Yamaguchi Ube Airport: Approaching Sacred Sites from Above
Yamaguchi Ube Airport serves as the gateway for fans coming from distant locations for pilgrimage. Evangelion-related displays and panels are installed at the airport, allowing visitors to experience the pilgrimage atmosphere immediately upon arrival.
From the airport to Ube Shinkawa Station is accessible by bus or taxi. The surrounding scenery possibly appeared in the theater version’s aerial shots, with fans also enjoying the airplane views as part of their pilgrimage.
Hotels and Accommodations in Ube City
For fans wishing to enjoy Ube City leisurely during pilgrimage, overnight stays are recommended. Around Ube Shinkawa Station, various accommodation types from business hotels to hot spring inns are available.
Some hotels offer special plans for Evangelion fans, with popular plans including limited merchandise and collaborative menus. Some fans also seek deeper sacred experiences by staying at hotels possibly appearing in the theater version’s aerial shots.
Shunan City: Hometown of Yoshiyuki Sadamoto
The 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, the number of fans visiting Sadamoto’s birthplace is increasing.
In Shunan City, information about Sadamoto and displays of characters he designed occasionally occur. As it’s relatively close to Ube City, many pilgrims incorporate it into their itineraries.
Souvenir Selection for Evangelion Pilgrimage
Dassai: Yamaguchi’s Famous Sake Loved by Misato
“Dassai,” Yamaguchi Prefecture’s representative sake, is known as the drink favored by Misato in the film. While its manufacturer, Asahi Brewery, is located in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi, it’s also available at liquor shops and souvenir stores in Ube City.
Various grades of Dassai are sold, allowing selection by budget. As an Evangelion fan gift, it’s ideal, with many purchasing it as a pilgrimage memento. For non-drinkers, sweets using Dassai are also available.
Ube City-Exclusive Evangelion Merchandise
As mentioned, numerous Ube City-exclusive Evangelion goods are sold during event periods. Items featuring Ube Shinkawa Station and collaborative products with local enterprises are rare souvenirs available only here.
Available at tourist information centers, cooperative stores, and station shops, popular items may sell out early, making immediate purchase recommended. Many products aren’t available online, enhancing the value of in-person visits.
Local Specialties
Ube City offers numerous attractive specialties beyond Evangelion merchandise. Ube kamaboko, Ube ramen, and local confections allow enjoyment of regional flavors.
Some specialty products are sold with Evangelion collaborative packaging, allowing you to take home Yamaguchi’s flavors along with pilgrimage memories.
Effective Route Planning for Pilgrimage
Day Trip Course
For limited time, a day trip course centered on Ube Shinkawa Station is recommended. Arrive at Ube Shinkawa Station in the morning, tour nearby photo spots, have lunch at Ikkyū Ramen, and revisit Ube Shinkawa Station in the evening to enjoy the dusk scenery.
When using public transportation, confirm Ube Line schedules beforehand for efficient movement. Rental cars allow more freedom in pilgrimage routes.
Two-Day One-Night Course
For deeper immersion in the Evangelion world, a two-day one-night course is recommended. Visit Ube City sacred sites on day one and stay locally. Day two allows visits to Shunan or neighboring areas like Yamaguchi and Shimonoseki.
Overnight stays allow visiting Ube Shinkawa Station at different times, experiencing the site’s various appearances. Local hot springs also offer relaxation.
Seasonal Highlights
Ube City’s sacred sites have different charms by season. Spring offers blossoms, summer green landscapes, autumn foliage, and winter offers serene atmosphere in clear air.
“Town-wide Evangelion” events typically run autumn through winter, with particularly many fans visiting then. Sites remain accessible outside event periods, but for limited merchandise and collaborative menus, event period visits are recommended.
Precautions and Etiquette During Pilgrimage
Consideration for Local Residents
When enjoying pilgrimage, don’t forget consideration for local residents. Ube Shinkawa Station is actually used daily by locals, with care needed not to obstruct passage during photography.
Avoid loud conversations and occupying spaces for extended periods, being mindful of other users. Always take trash with you and maintain a clean environment.
Photography Rules
While photography is generally possible in the station, flash and tripod use may be restricted. Follow station staff instructions and observe rules when photographing.
Also be considerate when other pilgrims are photographing—wait your turn. Practice mutual yielding spirit so everyone can enjoy pilgrimage comfortably.
Safety Precautions
Exercise sufficient caution when photographing near tracks and crossings. Cases of accidents from not noticing approaching trains exist, so constantly confirm surrounding situations.
Especially during dusk or nighttime photography, visibility decreases, so bringing flashlights is recommended.
Methods for Obtaining Latest Information
Official Information Sources
Latest “Town-wide Evangelion” information is available on Ube City’s official tourism site and the event’s dedicated website. Since event content updates annually, always check latest information before visiting.
Official SNS accounts regularly post information. Limited merchandise sales announcements and special project notices are shared, so following is recommended.
Using Fan Communities
On SNS like Twitter and Instagram, other fans’ pilgrimage reports can be viewed using hashtags like “#UbeEva” and “#EvaHolyLandPilgrimage.” Real information from actual visitors provides details unavailable from official sources, serving as pilgrimage planning reference.
Fan interaction is also part of pilgrimage enjoyment. Exchanging information or taking photos with fans met on-site creates more memorable experiences.
Tourism Spots Around Ube City
Tokiwa Park
Worth visiting during pilgrimage breaks is “Tokiwa Park,” Ube City’s representative tourist spot. Its vast grounds feature a zoo, amusement park, and art museum, enjoyable for families.
Strolling through nature-rich grounds alleviates pilgrimage fatigue. Seasonal flowers and lakeside scenery offer different Yamaguchi charm from the Evangelion worldview.
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’s signature natural scenery.
Spectacular natural formations offer emotions different from the Evangelion worldview. Combining pilgrimage with Yamaguchi’s natural wonders creates enriching itineraries.
The Future of Evangelion and Yamaguchi Prefecture
Continuous Efforts
Ube City continuously hosts “Town-wide Evangelion” events, enhancing the site’s appeal. New projects are added annually, with mechanisms allowing repeat visitors continued enjoyment.
Cooperation with local enterprises and shopping streets strengthens, with the entire city welcoming Evangelion fans. These efforts are noted as successful regional revitalization examples.
Economic Effects and Regional Promotion
Increased tourism from pilgrimage brings significant economic benefits to Ube City. Beyond increased sales at accommodations, restaurants, and souvenir shops, it contributes to improved city recognition.
Increased tourism among younger generations brings new vitality to the region, leading to expanded tourism initiatives. As a regional promotion model leveraging the globally-recognized Evangelion content, it attracts attention from other municipalities.
Conclusion: Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture—A Must-Visit Sacred Site for Evangelion Fans
Ube City in Yamaguchi Prefecture, birthplace of Director Hideaki Anno and filming location for important scenes in “Shin Evangelion Movie: ||,” has become a special sacred site for Evangelion fans worldwide.
Sacred pilgrimage spots centered on Ube Shinkawa Station faithfully recreate the film’s worldview, deeply moving visiting fans. Through initiatives like “Town-wide Evangelion,” the city offers year-round opportunities to enjoy the Evangelion world.
Through pilgrimage, fans immerse themselves in the Evangelion world while also enjoying Yamaguchi’s attractive tourism spots, local cuisine, and specialties. Respecting local residents and following proper etiquette enables rewarding pilgrimage experiences.
Ube City, recognized five consecutive times for Anime Sacred Sites 88, will continue warmly welcoming Evangelion fans with new projects and developments. For Evangelion fans, Ube City in Yamaguchi Prefecture is a must-visit sacred site where unforgettable pilgrimage memories await.
