“Evangelion” Series Yamaguchi Prefecture Sacred Site Pilgrimage Complete Guide: Comprehensive Explanation of All Spots from Ube City to Shunan City
Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, the birthplace of Hideaki Anno, the general director of the “Evangelion” series, became a sacred site attracting attention from Evangelion fans worldwide after actual scenery from the city appeared in “Shin Evangelion Movie:||” released in 2021. This article thoroughly explains Evangelion sacred sites in Yamaguchi Prefecture, from pilgrimage spots centered around Ube Shinkawa Station to surrounding related facilities and the latest information on the “Machiyu Evangelion” event.
Background of Yamaguchi Prefecture Becoming an Evangelion Sacred Site
Director Hideaki Anno’s Deep Connection to Yamaguchi Prefecture
Hideaki Anno, the creator of the “Evangelion” series, was born in Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Additionally, Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, who served as character designer, was born in Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Through these two Yamaguchi Prefecture-native creators, numerous locations and items related to the prefecture have appeared throughout the series.
Particularly in “Shin Evangelion Movie:||,” actual locations in Ube City were used as scenes in the film and adopted in poster visuals, making Ube City suddenly recognized as a sacred site for Evangelion fans worldwide.
Five Consecutive Recognitions in Anime Sacred Sites 88
In the “88 Japanese Anime Sacred Sites to Visit” conducted by the Japan Anime Tourism Association, Ube City has received recognition for five consecutive years from 2022 to 2026. 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 recognition, Ube City has hosted the “Machiyu Evangelion” event annually since 2021, developing initiatives to enjoy the world of Evangelion throughout the entire city.
Ube Shinkawa Station: Main Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spot
Stage of the Final Scene and Poster
Ube Shinkawa Station is the most important sacred site appearing in the final scene of “Shin Evangelion Movie:||.” This station became the stage for the scene where Shinji and Mari run off holding hands, and was also adopted in the new poster released at the time of the 2020 release delay, depicted as the railway landscape with distant railroad bridges and Shinji visible.
From the characters “Ube Shinkawa” that appeared in the poster, fans immediately identified the location, and many fans began visiting before the release. The actual station interior and platform match the scenes in the film with surprising accuracy, offering an experience that truly feels like entering the world of Evangelion.
Points of Interest and Photo Spots Inside the Station
Inside Ube Shinkawa Station, there are various points of interest for sacred site pilgrims. The bench installed on the platform is particularly popular as a photo spot, where Shinji was seated in the poster. Fans continuously enjoy taking photographs from the same angle as in the film while checking the train arrival times.
The view from the station platform is exactly as depicted in the poster. The railroad bridge visible ahead on the tracks, the arrangement of surrounding buildings—the world view of the film is reproduced in fine detail. The scenery at twilight in particular closely resembles the atmosphere of the poster, and many fans time their visits accordingly.
Access and Pilgrimage Points
Access to Ube Shinkawa Station is typically via the JR Ube Line. When conducting sacred site pilgrimages using public transportation, arriving first at this stage of the climactic scene is recommended as a way to build excitement before visiting other spots, and returning again before leaving offers an ideal pilgrimage route.
A parking lot is fully equipped around the station, making visits by car possible. However, congestion may occur during event periods or weekends, so planning with extra time is recommended.
“Machiyu Evangelion” Event Details
Overview of the 5th Event (November 2025 to March 2026)
The “Machiyu Evangelion 5th Event” is being held from November 20, 2025 to March 15, 2026. This event features various setups throughout Ube City where visitors can experience the world of Evangelion.
Diverse projects are deployed, including life-sized panels and photo spots installed throughout the city, limited merchandise sales, and collaborative menu offerings. Event content is updated annually, with mechanisms in place 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. Life-sized character panels are installed in shopping streets, and restaurants offer special collaborative menus.
Particularly noteworthy are locations that became famous through the “Evangelion Shutter Project.” Shopping street shutters are painted with Evangelion characters, bringing joy to fans even after business hours through street scenery. These shutter artworks serve as bridges connecting local shopping districts with fans.
Limited Merchandise and Collaborative Products
During the event period, numerous Ube-exclusive Evangelion merchandise is sold. Original goods featuring Ube Shinkawa Station as a motif and collaborative products with local companies—items available nowhere else are available.
Available at the station’s sales counter, tourist information center, and cooperative shops throughout the city, these items serve as mementos of sacred site pilgrimages for many fans. Since many products are limited in quantity, early purchase is recommended.
Other Sacred Sites in Ube City
Ikku Ramen: Must-Visit Gourmet Spot for Fans
Among Evangelion fans visiting Ube City, “Ikku Ramen” has become the standard lunch stop during sacred site pilgrimages. This long-established ramen shop was reportedly frequented by Director Anno himself and is cherished locally for many years.
The ramen, characterized by rich broth and distinctive noodles, attracts fans who visit between sacred site explorations. Information about Director Anno and Evangelion is sometimes posted inside the shop, and fans can be seen discussing Evangelion over meals.
Yamaguchi Ube Airport: Sacred Site Approach from the Sky
Yamaguchi Ube Airport serves as the gateway for fans traveling from distant locations for sacred site pilgrimages. Evangelion-related displays and panels are set up within the airport, allowing visitors to experience the pilgrimage atmosphere from the moment of arrival.
Access from the airport to Ube Shinkawa Station is possible via bus or taxi. The scenery around the airport has been pointed out as possibly appearing in aerial shots from the film, with some fans enjoying the airplane view as part of the sacred site pilgrimage.
Hotels and Accommodation in Ube City
For fans wishing to enjoy Ube City thoroughly during sacred site pilgrimages, accommodation 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, with packages including limited merchandise and collaborative menus proving popular. Additionally, some fans stay at hotels possibly appearing in the film’s aerial shots for deeper sacred site experiences.
Shunan City: Birthplace of Yoshiyuki Sadamoto
The Relationship Between Shunan City and Evangelion
Shunan City, the birthplace of Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, who served as character designer, is also an important location for Evangelion fans. While not as direct a sacred site as Ube City, increasing numbers of fans visit as the hometown of Sadamoto.
Occasionally, exhibitions related to Sadamoto and displays of characters he designed take place irregularly in Shunan City. Since the city is relatively close to Ube City, many fans incorporate it into their pilgrimage itineraries.
Souvenir Selection for Evangelion Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Dassai: Yamaguchi’s Famous Sake Loved by Misato
“Dassai,” a representative sake of Yamaguchi Prefecture, is known as the sake Misato enjoyed in the series. While the manufacturer Asahi Shuzo is located in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, it is available at sake shops and souvenir stores within Ube City.
Various grades of Dassai are sold, allowing selection according to budget. It is ideal as a souvenir for Evangelion fans and serves as a memento of sacred site pilgrimages, with people constantly purchasing it. For non-drinkers, sweets using Dassai are also available.
Ube City-Exclusive Evangelion Merchandise
As mentioned previously, numerous Ube-exclusive Evangelion merchandise is sold during event periods. Items featuring Ube Shinkawa Station as a motif and collaborative products with local companies are valuable souvenirs available nowhere else.
These can be purchased at tourist information centers, cooperative shops, and station sales counters. Popular products may sell out early, making immediate purchase recommended if found. Many products are not available online, enhancing the value of in-person visits.
Local Specialties
Ube City has numerous appealing specialty products beyond Evangelion merchandise. Ube kamaboko, Ube ramen, and local confectionery—products allowing visitors to enjoy regional flavors are available.
Some of these specialty products are sold with Evangelion-collaborative packaging, allowing visitors to take home Yamaguchi Prefecture’s flavors along with memories of the pilgrimage.
Designing Effective Sacred Site Pilgrimage Routes
Day Trip Course
For those with limited time, a day trip course centered on Ube Shinkawa Station is recommended. Arriving at Ube Shinkawa Station in the morning, visiting photo spots around the station, and having lunch at Ikku Ramen. In the afternoon, exploring Evangelion spots throughout the city and returning to Ube Shinkawa Station at evening to enjoy twilight scenery.
When using public transportation, check the Ube Line schedule in advance and plan an efficient route. Renting a car allows for more flexible pilgrimage options.
One-Night Two-Day Course
For those wishing to immerse themselves deeper in the Evangelion world, a one-night two-day course is recommended. On the first day, visit sacred sites throughout Ube City and stay at a local hotel. On the second day, extend to Shunan City area or visit surrounding tourist destinations like Yamaguchi City or Shimonoseki City.
Staying overnight allows visiting Ube Shinkawa Station at different times of day, morning and evening, enjoying the sacred site in various aspects. You can also relax and refresh at local hot springs.
Seasonal Points of Interest
The Ube sacred sites offer different attractions depending on the season. Spring brings cherry blossoms, summer offers lush green scenery, autumn features autumn leaves, and winter provides serene atmosphere under clear skies.
“Machiyu Evangelion” events are often held mainly from autumn through winter, making this period when most fans visit. Even outside event periods, the sacred sites themselves are visitable, but to enjoy limited merchandise and collaborative menus, visiting during event periods is recommended.
Precautions and Etiquette During Sacred Site Pilgrimages
Consideration for Local Residents
When enjoying sacred site pilgrimages, do not forget consideration for local residents. Ube Shinkawa Station is a station actually used daily by local people, requiring care not to obstruct passage during photography.
Avoid loud conversations and prolonged occupation of spaces, minding 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 to flash use or tripod use. Follow station staff instructions and obey rules when photographing.
When other pilgrims are taking photographs, show consideration by waiting for your turn. Practice a spirit of mutual accommodation so everyone can enjoy the sacred site pilgrimage comfortably.
Safety Precautions
Take full safety precautions when photographing near tracks or railroad crossings. Accidents can occur from failing to notice approaching trains, so always check surrounding conditions while acting.
Particularly during twilight or nighttime photography, visibility decreases, so carrying flashlights is recommended.
Methods for Obtaining Latest Information
Official Information Sources
Latest information about “Machiyu Evangelion” can be confirmed on Ube City’s official tourism website and the event-dedicated website. Since event content is updated annually, always check the latest information before visiting.
Official accounts on SNS regularly post information. Limited merchandise sales announcements and special project notices are also made, making following these accounts recommended.
Fan Community Utilization
On SNS like Twitter and Instagram, pilgrimage reports from other fans can be viewed using hashtags like “#UbeEva” or “#EvaSacredSitePilgrimage.” Real information from actual visitors provides detailed points unobtainable from official sources, serving as reference for pilgrimage planning.
Interaction between fans is also one of the pleasures of sacred site pilgrimages. Exchanging information with fans encountered on-site or taking photos together makes for a more memorable pilgrimage experience.
Tourist Spots Around Ube City
Tokiwa Park
Worth visiting between sacred site pilgrimages is “Tokiwa Park,” a representative tourist spot of Ube City. On its vast grounds are a zoo, amusement park, art museum, and more, offering enjoyment for families.
Strolling through the nature-rich park allows recovery from sacred site pilgrimage fatigue. Seasonal flowers and lakeside scenery offer a different appreciation of Yamaguchi Prefecture’s charm from the Evangelion world view.
Akiyoshi Plateau and Akiyoshi Cave
With sufficient time, visiting Akiyoshi Plateau and Akiyoshi Cave, about 40 minutes by car from Ube City, is also recommended. Japan’s largest karst plateau and stalactite cave represent Yamaguchi Prefecture’s signature natural scenery.
The grandeur of natural formations offers emotional impact different from the Evangelion world view. Combined with sacred site pilgrimages, an enriched itinerary fully appreciating Yamaguchi Prefecture’s nature can be achieved.
The Future of Evangelion and Yamaguchi Prefecture
Continuous Efforts
Ube City continues hosting “Machiyu Evangelion” events, continuously enhancing its appeal as a sacred site. New projects are added annually, with ingenuity ensuring continuing enjoyment even for repeat visitors.
Cooperation with local enterprises and shopping streets has been strengthened, with the entire city working to welcome Evangelion fans. This initiative is attracting attention as a successful case of regional revitalization.
Economic Effects and Regional Development
Increased tourist numbers from sacred site pilgrimages bring significant economic benefits to Ube City. Benefits extend beyond increased sales at accommodations, restaurants, and souvenir shops to improved city recognition.
Increased tourism among younger generations brings new vitality to communities, leading to further tourism initiative development. The use of the globally recognized Evangelion content as a model for regional revitalization attracts attention from other municipalities.
Summary: Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture—Essential Sacred Site for Evangelion Fans
Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is the birthplace of Director Hideaki Anno and the filming location for important scenes from “Shin Evangelion Movie:||,” making it a special sacred site for Evangelion fans worldwide.
Sacred sites centered on Ube Shinkawa Station faithfully recreate the world view from the film, providing deep emotional experiences for visiting fans. Through city initiatives including the “Machiyu Evangelion” event, an environment exists for enjoying the Evangelion world year-round.
Through sacred site pilgrimages, visitors can immerse themselves in the Evangelion world while enjoying attractive tourist spots, local cuisine, and specialty products of Yamaguchi Prefecture. Enjoy enriched sacred site pilgrimages while respecting local residents and following proper etiquette.
Recognized for five consecutive years in the Anime Sacred Sites 88, Ube City will continue warmly welcoming Evangelion fans with new projects and developments. Visit Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, a sacred site every Evangelion fan should see at least once, and create unforgettable sacred site pilgrimage memories.
