Ibaraki Prefecture’s Oarai Town in Higashi-Ibaraki District is known as a sacred site for the popular anime “Girls & Panzer” (Girls & Panzer, hereafter referred to as Gal-Pun). More than 10 years have passed since the television anime began airing in 2012, and yet many fans from across the country continue to visit due to theatrical releases and the final chapter releases. This article comprehensively explains everything needed for a sacred site pilgrimage, including the relationship between Oarai Town and Gal-Pun, major pilgrimage spots, event information, and access methods.
The Deep Bond Between Girls & Panzer and Oarai Town
Overview of the Work and Why Oarai Town Was Chosen as the Setting
“Girls & Panzer” is an original anime work featuring “sensha-do” (tank tactics), a fictional martial art. The story unfolds in Ooarai Girls’ Academy, where the protagonist Miho Nishizumi transfers, as she and her friends aim for the national tank tactics tournament.
The background for choosing Oarai Town included the beautiful scenery of a port town facing the Pacific Ocean, its appropriately sized scale, and the unique atmosphere of harmony between sea and town. After production staff actually visited Oarai Town and conducted detailed research, many real buildings and landscapes appear in the work.
History of the Mutual Relationship Between Oarai Town and Fans
From the start of anime broadcasts in 2012, the Oarai Town Chamber of Commerce and local shopping streets warmly welcomed fans. Character panels were installed in shops along the shopping street, and sales of original merchandise began. This community-wide effort attracted nationwide attention as a successful example of anime sacred site pilgrimage.
The exchange between fans and townspeople deepened year after year, and relationships transcending mere tourism were built, including cleanup activities by fans and participation in local events. The Oarai Town Chamber of Commerce continues to send the message that “fans are valued customers and supporters of the town,” and this stance supports sustained development as a sacred site.
Complete Guide to Must-See Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spots
Oarai Station Area
Kashima Rinkai Railroad Oarai Station
Oarai Station, which serves as the starting point for sacred site pilgrimages, appears as an important location in the work. The station building and surroundings are decorated with Gal-Pun elements, allowing visitors to feel the sacred site atmosphere from the moment of arrival. Character panels from Ooarai Girls’ Academy are installed in front of the station, making it a standard photo spot.
There is a tourist information center inside the station where you can obtain sacred site pilgrimage maps and the latest event information. Rental bicycle reception is also handled here, and using a bicycle is recommended for efficiently exploring the town.
Oarai Seaside Station
About a 15-minute walk from Oarai Station, Oarai Seaside Station is a particularly important facility as a sacred site for Gal-Pun fans. On the second floor is the “Oarai Gal-Pun Gallery,” where exclusive merchandise and official products available nowhere else are abundantly available.
Original artwork and panel exhibits are also displayed in the store, making it a space where you can immerse yourself in the work’s world beyond just purchasing merchandise. Staff members are well-versed in Gal-Pun and can sometimes offer advice on sacred site pilgrimages.
Address: 11-2 Minato-Chuo, Oarai Town, Higashi-Ibaraki District, Ibaraki Prefecture
Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (varies by season)
Oarai Marine Tower and Coastal Area
Oarai Marine Tower
Oarai Marine Tower, a landmark of Oarai, is a symbolic structure that appears numerous times in the work, including in Episode 4 of the anime. From the observation deck at a height of 60 meters, you can overlook the magnificent Pacific Ocean scenery and Oarai’s townscape.
On the second floor is a Girls & Panzer collaboration café called “Panzer Vor,” where you can enjoy themed menu items and original merchandise. The admission fee to the observation deck is a reasonable 340 yen for adults, making it a must-visit spot during sacred site pilgrimages.
Address: 10 Minato-Chuo, Oarai Town, Higashi-Ibaraki District, Ibaraki Prefecture
Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last admission 4:30 PM)
Admission: Adults 340 yen, Elementary and Middle School Students 170 yen
Oarai Beach and Sunbeach
Oarai Sunbeach appears in scenes where characters enjoy swimming in the work. During summer, it bustles with many swimmers, and the shallow sea is popular with families. Photography from the coastal promenade with Oarai Marine Tower in the background is possible, and it’s also known as a spot for taking commemorative photos from the same angle as the anime.
Oarai Isosakimaki Shrine Area
Oarai Isosakimaki Shrine
Perched on a high platform overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Oarai Isosakimaki Shrine was founded in 856 and is a historic shrine. It appears as the setting for important scenes in the work, and particularly the “Isosakimaki Torii” gate on the coastal rocks is a famous scenic viewpoint as a sunrise spot.
Multiple character ema (votive tablet) racks are installed on the grounds, filled with emas bearing wishes from fans visiting from across the country. The shrine office also distributes Gal-Pun collaboration emas, votive tablets, and protective charms, which are popular as commemorative items from sacred site pilgrimages.
When visiting, be mindful of shrine etiquette and pray quietly. The Isosakimaki Torii gate in the early morning has a particularly mystical atmosphere and is ideal for photography.
Address: 6890 Isohama-cho, Oarai Town, Higashi-Ibaraki District, Ibaraki Prefecture
Access: About 10 minutes by car from Oarai Station, about 40 minutes on foot
Magarimatsushogai (Curved Pine Shopping Street) Area
Magarimatsushogai (Curved Pine Shopping Street)
Located in the center of Oarai Town, Magarimatsushogai is one of the places most frequently appearing in the work. In the anime, it’s depicted in detail in theatrical version street battle scenes, with many real shops appearing.
Each shop in the shopping street displays different character panels and posters, offering the fun of searching for favorite characters while strolling. With diverse shops including restaurants, souvenir shops, and bookstores, each carries Gal-Pun-related merchandise and limited products.
The “Shopping Street Stroll Map” created by the shopping street support group includes detailed information about shop locations and Gal-Pun-related information, which is useful for efficient sacred site pilgrimages. This map is distributed free at each shop and information centers in the shopping street.
Major Shops and Gal-Pun Merchandise
Various shops throughout the shopping street carry abundant Gal-Pun-related merchandise. Many shops also offer original merchandise, making them treasure troves for collectors.
- Bookstores: Wide range of Gal-Pun-related books, doujinshi, and merchandise
- Restaurants: Gal-Pun collaboration menu items and dishes themed after characters
- Souvenir Shops: Limited products collaborating Oarai specialties with Gal-Pun
- Model Shops: Plastic models of tanks appearing in the work and related merchandise
Many shops permit in-store photography, but always confirm first and be considerate of other customers.
Other Important Spots
Oarai Town Hall
Oarai Town Hall appears in the work as the exterior of Ooarai Girls’ Academy and functions as an actual government facility. Building exterior photography is possible, but care must be taken not to interfere with operations. A commemorative photo panel is installed in front of the town hall, allowing you to enjoy photography from the same angle as the anime.
Oarai Resort Outlet
An outlet mall adjacent to Oarai Port that also appears in the work. You can enjoy shopping while doing a sacred site pilgrimage, and with abundant restaurants, it’s also convenient as a rest spot.
Efficient Transportation Methods in Oarai Town
Utilizing Rental Bicycles
To efficiently explore sacred sites in Oarai Town, using rental bicycles is optimal. The town is relatively flat and well-suited for bicycle travel.
Main Rental Bicycle Facilities:
- Oarai Station Front Tourist Information Center
- Oarai Marine Tower
- Some hotels and inns
Fees: Around 500-1,000 yen per day
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (varies by facility)
Electric-assisted bicycles are also available, making long-distance travel and uphill slopes easy. Some facilities accept advance reservations, so reservation is recommended during busy periods.
Oarai Kaiyugou (Circulation Bus)
The “Oarai Kaiyugou,” a community bus circulating around Oarai Town, connects major tourist spots. Purchasing a one-day pass allows unlimited boarding and exiting for efficient sacred site pilgrimages.
Route: Oarai Station → Oarai Marine Tower → Aqua World Oarai → Oarai Isosakimaki Shrine → Oarai Station
Interval: Approximately every 30-60 minutes
Fare: 100 yen per ride, 300 yen for one-day pass
Timetables vary by season, so check the latest information on the Oarai Town Tourist Association website.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage on Foot
If you have plenty of time, strolling on foot is also recommended. There are discoveries obtainable only through slow-paced exploration, such as detailed scenery from the anime and interactions with local residents.
From Oarai Station to Magarimatsushogai is about a 15-minute walk, and from the shopping street to Oarai Marine Tower is about a 10-minute walk, with major spots concentrated within walking distance. However, to Oarai Isosakimaki Shrine from the station takes about 40 minutes on foot, so choose your transportation method in consultation with your physical condition and available time.
Gal-Pun Related Event Information
Regularly Held Events
Ankoh Festival (November)
The “Ankoh Festival,” Oarai Town’s largest event, is held every November. Many Gal-Pun collaboration projects are implemented, including voice actor talk shows, character itasha (decorated car) exhibitions, and limited merchandise sales.
The number of visitors typically exceeds 100,000, making it the busiest day of the year for Oarai Town. Accommodations often become fully booked several months in advance, so early reservations are essential if you plan to participate.
Oarai Spring Festival, Summer Festival, and Fall Festival
Gal-Pun-related projects are also implemented at festivals held each season. Special character panel exhibitions, stamp rallies, and collaboration menu offerings are among the fan-friendly content.
Stamp Rallies
Various stamp rallies are held year-round. Collecting stamps at designated spots throughout town earns you limited merchandise and commemorative items.
Stamp rally sheets are distributed free at Oarai Station Tourist Information Center, Oarai Gal-Pun Gallery, and participating shops. Completion bonuses are often limited-time offerings, so check the latest information before visiting.
Theatrical Release and Final Chapter Opening Commemorative Events
Special events are held to coincide with new releases. Panel display updates, new character merchandise sales, and limited-time collaboration café openings are among the projects implemented in conjunction with work developments.
Latest event information is continuously updated on the Oarai Town Tourist Association official website, the Gal-Pun official website, and various shop social media.
Access Methods and Travel Plans
Access from the Tokyo Area
Using Trains
Fastest Route (About 2 hours 30 minutes):
- JR Tokyo Station → JR Mito Station (using Limited Express Hitachi, about 70 minutes)
- JR Mito Station → Kashima Rinkai Railroad Oarai Station (about 15 minutes)
Budget-Friendly Route (About 3 hours):
- JR Tokyo Station → JR Mito Station (using Joban Line Rapid, about 2 hours)
- JR Mito Station → Kashima Rinkai Railroad Oarai Station (about 15 minutes)
Kashima Rinkai Railroad vehicles are sometimes wrapped in Gal-Pun designs, making the journey itself part of the sacred site pilgrimage.
Using a Car
Via Joban Expressway:
- Tokyo → Mito-Oarai IC (about 90 minutes) → Oarai Town (about 10 minutes)
- From Mito-Oarai IC via National Route 51 to Oarai Town center
Parking is available at Oarai Marine Tower, Oarai Resort Outlet, and town municipal parking lots. These may be crowded during busy periods, so using public transportation is also worth considering.
Highway Bus
Highway buses running from Tokyo Station Yaesu Exit to Oarai are also available. Fares are around 2,000 yen one-way, making it a convenient option to reach Oarai without transfers.
Accommodation
There are diverse accommodation options in Oarai Town, including hotels, inns, and lodges.
Gal-Pun Collaboration Accommodations
Some accommodations offer Gal-Pun collaboration rooms and special benefit plans. Character panel installations, original merchandise gifts, and collaboration menu offerings are among the special experiences available to fans.
Reservation Tips
- Accommodations fill up months in advance during events
- Weekday reservations are relatively easier to obtain
- Hotels in Mito City are also an option for easier reservations
- Staying with no-meal plans and enjoying restaurants throughout town is also recommended
Recommended Travel Plans
Day Trip Plan
Morning:
- 9:00 AM Arrive at Oarai Station, rent a bicycle
- 9:30 AM Stroll through Magarimatsushogai, purchase merchandise
- 11:00 AM View Oarai Marine Tower
Afternoon:
- 12:00 PM Lunch in shopping street (Ankoh cuisine or collaboration menu)
- 1:30 PM Visit Oarai Isosakimaki Shrine
- 3:00 PM Purchase souvenirs at Oarai Gal-Pun Gallery
- 4:00 PM Depart from Oarai Station
1-Night 2-Day Plan
Day 1:
- Morning: Arrive and check into accommodation
- Afternoon: Stroll through shopping street, visit major spots
- Evening: Watch sunset at Oarai Isosakimaki Shrine
- Night: Dine at shopping street restaurants
Day 2:
- Early morning: Watch sunrise at Isosakimaki Torii (depending on season)
- Morning: Visit remaining spots from previous day
- Afternoon: Visit Aqua World Oarai Aquarium (if time permits)
- Evening: Purchase souvenirs and depart
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Etiquette and Rules
Basic Etiquette
Oarai Town is where people actually live. When enjoying sacred site pilgrimages, observe the following etiquette:
- No Trespassing on Private Property: Even at photo spots, do not enter private land without permission
- Noise Consideration: Avoid loud conversations and activities early in the morning or late at night in residential areas
- Take Trash With You: Always take your own garbage with you
- Follow Traffic Rules: Observe traffic rules when traveling by bicycle or on foot
- Consideration at Shops: Get permission before photographing, aim to make purchases
Notes on Photography
- Be considerate so other tourists and local residents don’t appear in shots
- Choose locations where tripod use won’t obstruct pedestrian traffic
- Always get permission before photographing inside shops
- Check for photography-restricted areas at shrines and temples
- Drone photography requires permission at many locations, so check in advance
Sense of Community Contribution
When visiting Oarai Town, also be mindful of contributing to the local economy:
- Eat at local restaurants
- Shop in the shopping street
- Use paid facilities
- Purchase local specialty products
These actions help sustain Oarai Town as a sacred site and maintain good relationships between the work and fans going forward.
The Charm of Oarai Town: Tourism Resources Beyond Gal-Pun
Ankoh Cuisine
Oarai Town is also famous as the “Town of Ankoh (monkfish).” During winter months (November-March), fresh ankoh dishes such as hot pot and fried food can be enjoyed. Restaurants in the shopping street and around the port offer various ankoh dishes, and some even have Gal-Pun collaboration menus.
Aqua World Ibaraki Oarai Aquarium
A world-class aquarium with one of Japan’s largest collections, it has the highest number of shark species on display in Japan. With dolphin shows and penguin walks, it’s enjoyable for families. It’s worth visiting in conjunction with sacred site pilgrimages.
Swimming and Marine Sports
During summer, swimming is available at Oarai Sunbeach. The shallow water is safe even with children, and it’s equipped with beach volleyball courts and shower facilities. It’s also popular as a surfing spot, attracting marine sports enthusiasts.
Oarai History and Culture
Oarai Town has long prospered through fishing and marine transportation, functioning as an important port of the Mito Domain during the Edo period. There are many historic structures, including Oarai Isosakimaki Shrine, and historical exploration is also available.
Conclusion: The Future of Oarai Town and Gal-Pun
Oarai Town in Ibaraki Prefecture has become a success story of anime sacred site pilgrimage as the setting for “Girls & Panzer.” More than 10 years after the work’s initial broadcast, the good relationship between the region and fans is maintained, and new fans continue to visit.
As the final chapter releases continue, Oarai Town will continue walking alongside the work. The warm welcome from shops throughout the shopping street, tourist facilities, and residents is the greatest appeal of this sacred site.
When planning a sacred site pilgrimage, use this article’s introductions of spots, access methods, and etiquette to realize a fulfilling visit to Oarai Town. Visiting with love for the work and respect for the region will allow for a deeper experience.
Oarai Town is not only a special place for Gal-Pun fans but also an attractive tourist destination with beautiful seas and rich food culture. Through sacred site pilgrimages, fully enjoy both the work’s worldview and the town’s actual charm.
Reference Information:
- Oarai Town Tourist Association Official Website: Latest event information, tourist maps
- Girls & Panzer Official Website: Work information, merchandise information
- Oarai Town Chamber of Commerce: Information regarding sacred site pilgrimages, shopping street maps
We wish you a wonderful sacred site pilgrimage experience in Oarai Town. Panzer Vor!
