【Tamayura】 Takehara City, Hiroshima Prefecture

住所	〒725-0026 広島県竹原市中央１丁目２−４

What is Tamayura? A Healing Anime Set in Takehara City, Hiroshima Prefecture

“Tamayura” is a Japanese anime work directed by Junichi Sato, set in Takehara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, telling a heartwarming story. It depicts the protagonist Kaede Sawatari (沢渡楓) growing up while taking photographs around the town of Takehara with a “Rolleiflex” camera left by her late father.

An OVA “Tamayura” was released in 2010, and the TV anime first season “Tamayura ~hitotose~” aired in 2011. Subsequently, the second season “Tamayura ~moa gressive~” was released in 2013, and a four-part theatrical series was released from 2015 to 2016, becoming a work beloved by many fans.

The greatest charm of the work is that the actual scenery of Takehara City is depicted carefully. The old town streets, the calm seascapes of the Seto Inland Sea, and the warmth of local people envelop the entire work, providing viewers with deep comfort and healing.

About Takehara City, Hiroshima | The Little Kyoto of the Seto Inland Sea

History and Culture of Takehara City

Takehara City is a quiet town with a population of approximately 25,000 located in the southern part of Hiroshima Prefecture along the Seto Inland Sea coast. Also called the “Little Kyoto of Aki,” it retains a historic townscape that thrived in salt production and sake brewing from the Edo period to the present day.

In particular, the “Takehara Town Preservation District” has been designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings, maintaining a beautiful landscape with merchant houses with latticed windows, white-walled earthen storehouses, and temples and shrines standing side by side. This historic townscape was a major reason why “Tamayura” was chosen as its setting.

Access

By Train

Get off at JR Kure Line “Takehara Station”
Approximately 45 minutes from Hiroshima Station, approximately 20 minutes from Mihara Station
Approximately 15 minutes walk from the station to the town preservation district

By Car

Approximately 20 minutes from “Kawachi IC” on the Sanyo Expressway
Approximately 25 minutes from “Hongo IC” on the Sanyo Expressway
Parking is available at Michi no Eki Takehara and municipal parking lots

By Bus

Approximately 30 minutes from Hiroshima Airport by Geiyo Bus

Tamayura Pilgrimage | Main Location Spots

Takehara Town Preservation District

The historic townscape area that became the central stage of the work. The cobblestone streets where Kaede and friends walked in their daily lives, old houses with latticed windows, and white-walled storehouses all exist in reality, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery exactly as it appears in the anime.

Points of Interest

Honmachi Street: The main street featured in many scenes
Kodō: Model of the place where Kaede and friends gathered
Shōren-ji Temple: Beautiful views of the townscape from the temple grounds

Shōkei no Michi (The Path of Longing)

The largest event in Takehara City held every late October. The entire town preservation district is illuminated by approximately 1,000 bamboo lanterns, enveloped in a fantastical atmosphere. It is also the setting for important scenes in the “Tamayura” storyline, and after the work was released, many anime fans began visiting.

Takehara Kaijō no Eki (Takehara Sea Station)

A tourism facility facing the Seto Inland Sea that appears in the work. Fresh local seafood and local specialty products can be purchased here, and the restaurant offers dishes made with Seto Inland Sea seafood. The seaside scenery epitomizes the healing atmosphere of the work.

Saihō-ji Temple and Fumei-kaku Pavilion

A representative tourist attraction of Takehara City that appears as an important location in “Tamayura.” From the Fumei-kaku Pavilion located on a high ground, you can see a panoramic view of Takehara’s townscape and the Seto Inland Sea, reminiscent of the scenes where Kaede took photographs in the work. The view is especially breathtaking at dusk.

Viewing Information

Viewing hours: 9:00–17:00
Viewing fee: 200 yen for adults
Required time: approximately 30 minutes

Asahi Mountain

A model of the observation spot that Kaede and friends often visited. From the summit, you can overlook Takehara city and the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, and on clear days, you can even see Shikoku. The hiking trail is well-maintained and can be climbed in approximately 30 minutes one way.

Michi no Eki Takehara (Takehara Roadside Station)

A roadside station along National Route 185, convenient as a base for sightseeing in Takehara. Local agricultural products and specialty goods are available, and tourism information can also be obtained. A similar location appears in the work and has become a stop-by spot for fans.

Takehara Station

The station where Kaede arrived from Yokohama in the work. A small station on the JR Kure Line, but it is the starting point of the pilgrimage for fans of the work. There is a tourism information office in front of the station where you can obtain a pilgrimage map.

Tamayura Pilgrimage Map

The Takehara City Tourism Association distributes a “Tamayura” pilgrimage map. This detailed map allows visitors to compare locations that appeared in the work with actual filming locations, enabling efficient pilgrimage. It can be obtained at the tourism information office in front of Takehara Station or at Michi no Eki Takehara.

Collaboration with Local Shopping Streets

When the work was broadcast, the shopping streets in the town preservation district collaborated with “Tamayura,” with character panels being set up and original merchandise being sold. Even now, some stores handle related products, and interaction with fans continues.

Events and Fan Activities

Tamayura City has regularly held events for “Tamayura” fans. Voice actor talk shows, stamp rallies, photo exhibitions, and other events have been held, strengthening the connection between the work and the community.

Takehara City Cuisine | Foods Featured in Tamayura

Taketsuru Sake Brewery

A sake brewery that appears as an important location in “Tamayura.” It is also known as the birthplace of Masataka Taketsuru, the main character of the NHK asadora “Massan.” The sake “Kozasaya Taketsuru” is highly regarded nationwide, and brewery tours and tastings are available.

Viewing Information

Viewing hours: Reservation required
Direct sales store hours: 9:00–16:30
Closed: Sundays and holidays

Fujii Sake Brewery

Another representative sake brewery of Takehara. It manufactures the renowned sake “Ryūsei” and offers brewery tours and sake tasting experiences. Located within the town preservation district, it also has value as a historic structure.

Local Seafood Cuisine

Takehara, facing the Seto Inland Sea, offers fresh seafood. Oysters, octopus, and sea bream are particularly famous local specialties, reminiscent of the dining scenes that appear in the work.

Recommended Establishments

Restaurant within Takehara Kaijō no Eki
Dining establishments around the town preservation district
Local teashop restaurants

Takehara Bamboo Crafts and Local Specialties

Bamboo crafts made from bamboo, the namesake of Takehara, are a specialty. Small bamboo craft items and bamboo charcoal products are popular as souvenirs. Additionally, “Kaijin no Moshio” (sea salt) born from the salt field history is also famous, and scenes of salt-making appear in the work.

Best Seasons for Pilgrimage and Sample Courses

Recommended Seasons

Spring (March–May)
Cherry blossom season makes the townscape even more beautiful, and the mild weather is perfect for strolling.

Autumn (October–November)
Late October, when “Shōkei no Michi” is held, is the peak season. The autumn leaves are also beautiful, and this is the time when the atmosphere of the work can be felt most deeply.

Summer (June–August)
The season when the blue sea and sky of the Seto Inland Sea are most beautiful. However, heat precautions are essential.

Winter (December–February)
Few tourists visit, allowing for quiet pilgrimage. The cold is not severe, and the winter townscape has a unique charm.

One-Day Sample Course

Morning

9:00 Arrival at Takehara Station, obtain pilgrimage map at tourism information office
9:30 Visit Saihō-ji Temple and Fumei-kaku Pavilion for a panoramic view of the townscape
10:30 Stroll through the town preservation district (Honmachi Street, Kodō, etc.)
11:30 Tour of Taketsuru Sake Brewery or Fujii Sake Brewery

Afternoon

12:30 Lunch at a local restaurant
14:00 Enjoy the Seto Inland Sea views at Takehara Kaijō no Eki
15:00 Climb Asahi Mountain (depending on fitness level)
16:30 Shop for souvenirs at Michi no Eki Takehara
17:00 Depart from Takehara Station

Accommodation Plan

Several inns and hotels are available in Takehara City, making longer stays possible. A one-night stay allows you to also enjoy the quiet townscape at dusk and early morning, allowing you to immerse yourself more deeply in the world of “Tamayura.”

The Impact of Tamayura on Takehara City

A Success Story of Anime Tourism

“Tamayura” has drawn attention as a successful example of how anime works contribute to regional revitalization. After the broadcast, the number of tourists visiting Takehara City increased significantly, particularly among younger visitors.

Good Relationship Between Community and Fans

The relationship between Takehara City and “Tamayura” fans is very positive, with local residents warmly welcoming anime fans. This mutual respect has created a sustainable pilgrimage culture.

Increased Interest in Town Preservation

Through the work, the value of Takehara’s historic townscape was reappreciated, and interest in preservation activities also increased. It has become an opportunity for younger generations to take interest in Japan’s traditional townscapes.

Pilgrimage Etiquette and Requests

Consideration for Residents

The town preservation district is both a tourist destination and the living space of local residents. Please observe the following etiquette:

Do not make loud noise
Do not trespass on private property without permission
Show consideration when taking photographs
Always take trash with you
Avoid visiting very early in the morning or late at night

Photography Precautions

Obtain permission before photographing stores or houses
Show consideration if people appear in the shot
Use of tripods should not cause inconvenience to others
Street photography should not obstruct traffic

Contribution to the Local Economy

During pilgrimage, you can contribute to the local economy by using local restaurants and shops. Through souvenir purchases and meals, you can discover even more of the charm of Takehara City.

Other Attractions of Takehara City

Historic Structures

Former Matsusaka Family Residence: A merchant’s mansion from the Edo period
Former Kasai Residence: A merchant house that prospered in the salt production industry
Shōren-ji Temple: The oldest temple in Takehara

Natural Scenery

Bamboo Joy Highland: A park themed around bamboo
Matoba Beach: A calm beach on the Seto Inland Sea
Kamo River Promenade: Enjoy nature in all four seasons

Cultural Experiences

Bamboo Craft Workshops: Touch on traditional crafts
Sake Brewery Tours: Learn about sake brewing
Salt-Making Experience: Experience the history of salt production

Nearby Tourist Spots

Ōkunoshima (Rabbit Island)

Approximately 15 minutes by ferry from Tadaumi Port in Takehara City. Popular both domestically and internationally as a tourist destination where wild rabbits inhabit the island. It appears in “Tamayura,” with a scene of Kaede and friends visiting.

Onomichi City

Located approximately 40 minutes by car from Takehara, this is a town famous for its steep slopes. It is also known as a setting for anime and films, and many fans visit both locations.

Kure City

Known as a naval town, Kure City is approximately 30 minutes by train from Takehara. It offers many attractions including the Yamato Museum and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Kure History Museum.

Conclusion | The Lasting Bond Between Tamayura and Takehara City

“Tamayura” is a work that depicts connections between people through photography, growth, and healing, set in the actual town of Takehara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Through the work’s careful depiction, the beautiful townscape and warm atmosphere of Takehara City became known throughout the country.

Through pilgrimage, anime fans can actually experience the world of the work, while simultaneously touching the history and culture of Takehara City and the warmth of local people. This is not mere tourism but a special cultural exchange fostered together by the work and the region.

When visiting Takehara City, like Kaede in “Tamayura,” walk through the town slowly, gaze at the calm seascapes of the Seto Inland Sea, and cherish encounters with local people. You will surely feel “Tamayura”—the moment of incomparable brilliance—that the work sought to convey.

Takehara City, along with the anime “Tamayura,” will continue to provide healing and emotion to many people. Please visit this beautiful Little Kyoto of the Seto Inland Sea at least once and discover your own “Tamayura.”