[Bakemonogatari] Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo

【Monogatari Series】 Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo

The Deep Connection Between Monogatari and Tokyo

“Monogatari,” an anime produced by Shaft based on Nisio Isin’s original work, is beloved by many fans as the origin point of the Monogatari Series. While the original work features a fictional rural town, the anime adaptation employs numerous real locations within Tokyo as motifs, with many pilgrimage sites scattered particularly throughout Suginami, Setagaya, and Meguro wards.

Centered around the Seibu Shinjuku Line, which runs near Shaft Studio’s location, there are numerous places that appear in the live-action sequences of opening animations and important scenes throughout the series. In recent years, with the appearance of “Smart Slot Monogatari,” information about installation locations in Tokyo has become an important concern for pachislot fans.

This article provides a comprehensive explanation of Monogatari pilgrimage spots that fans should visit throughout Tokyo, pachislot installation information, and efficient route planning for site exploration.

Monogatari Pilgrimage Map Within Tokyo

Suginami Ward Area: Iogi and Igusa Surroundings

Iogi Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line)

The most emblematic location in Monogatari pilgrimage is Iogi Station. In particular, the live-action footage used in the opening “staple stable” for “Hitagi Crab” was filmed around this station.

Main Spots:

• Iogi Station South Exit: The setting for the scene where Koyomi Araragi appears in Episode 1 “Hitagi Crab Part 2”
• Shimoigusa 5 Intersection: An important scene where Hitagi Senjougahara encounters “Crab Weight”
• Residential Area Around Iogi Station: Live-action background frequently used in opening animation

Iogi Station is a regular stop on the Seibu Shinjuku Line, approximately 20 minutes from Shinjuku by train. The area around the station is a quiet residential neighborhood where the everyday scenery depicted in the anime remains largely unchanged.

Igusa Hachiman Shrine

Igusa Hachiman Shrine, located in Shimoigusa, Suginami Ward, Tokyo, serves as an important motif for shrines throughout the Monogatari Series. The atmosphere of the grounds, torii gate, and approach path are faithfully recreated in the anime, making it a must-visit pilgrimage site for fans.

Access Information:

• Approximately 12 minutes on foot from Iogi Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line
• Visiting hours: Open all day (office hours: 9:00-17:00)
• Address: 1-33-1 Zenpukuji, Suginami Ward, Tokyo

The areas around the shrine—Zenpukuji, Kamiigusa, and Shimoigusa—retain a strong atmosphere of the residential streets that frequently appear in the daily-life portions of the Monogatari Series.

Setagaya Ward and Meguro Ward Area

Komazawa Olympic Park (Setagaya Ward and Meguro Ward)

Komazawa Olympic Park, which served as the setting for an important battle scene in “Kizumonogatari Part II: Hot Blood,” is a vast metropolitan park spanning Setagaya and Meguro wards. Facilities used during the 1964 Tokyo Olympics remain today, characterized by distinctive Showa modernist architecture.

Highlights:

• Area around the Olympic Memorial Tower: Appears in battle scenes in the series
• Track and Field Stadium: Facilities used as background
• Walking paths within the park: Models for character movement scenes

Access:

• Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Komazawa University Station on the Tokyu Denentoshi Line
• Open hours: Always open
• Address: 1-1 Komazawa Park, Setagaya Ward, Tokyo

Since the park is vast, it is recommended to confirm the points you wish to visit on a map beforehand.

Kakinoki-zaka (Meguro Ward)

The Kakinoki-zaka area, which frequently appears beginning with “Suruga Monkey Part 1” throughout the Monogatari Series, is a quiet residential district along the Tokyu Toyoko Line. The place name Kakinoki-zaka itself is referenced in the series, making it an important pilgrimage site for fans.

Main Spots:

• Along the Tokyu Toyoko Line tracks: Scene featuring Sunguru Kanbaru in Suruga Monkey
• Near Inari Bridge: Bridge overlooking the tracks as depicted in the series
• Around Tokyo Electric Power Kakinoki-zaka Substation: Industrial landscape used as background

Access:

• Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Toritsudaigaku Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line
• Address: Kakinoki-zaka, Meguro Ward, Tokyo

The scenery along the tracks is a symbolic place of the series’ intersection of everyday and non-everyday atmospheres, visited by many fans. When photographing, consideration should be given to the residential nature of the area, taking care not to disturb residents.

Shibuya Ward and Shinjuku Ward Area

Shinjuku Station South Exit and Yoyogi Area

The Shinjuku Station area, which appears in the live-action sequences of the opening “staple stable” for “Hitagi Crab,” is a location that symbolizes the urban aspect of Monogatari.

Filming Spots:

• The bridge in front of Takashimaya south of the new south exit (Southern Terrace exit) of Shinjuku Station
• Pedestrian bridge overlooking toward Yoyogi Station
• Address: Around 5-24-2 Sendagaya, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo

This area is always crowded, so early morning visits are recommended. Many fans attempt to replicate the opening animation from the same angle.

Chiyoda Ward and Minato Ward Area

Odaiba and Yume no Ohashi Bridge (Minato Ward)

The Yume no Ohashi Bridge in Odaiba is the setting for the impressive scene where Koyomi Araragi and Black Hanekawa clash in “Tsubasa Cat Part 5.” The futuristic-design pedestrian bridge is known as the place symbolizing the tense scenes in the series.

Features:

• Approximately 360-meter-long pedestrian deck
• Spectacular view of Tokyo Bay and Rainbow Bridge
• Night views are particularly beautiful, evoking scenes from the series

Access:

• Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Tokyo International Cruise Terminal Station on Yurikamome
• Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Tokyo Teleport Station on Rinkai Line
• Address: Connecting Aomi, Koto Ward and Daiba, Minato Ward, Tokyo

The surrounding depictions of large facilities reminiscent of the Saitama Super Arena function the Odaiba area as a whole as the setting for “Tsubasa Cat.”

Harumi Pier (Chuo Ward)

Harumi Pier, where an object that served as the motif for the Araragi family bathroom is located, is a pilgrimage site known only among certain fans.

Access:

• Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Kachidoki Station on the Toei Oedo Line
• Address: Harumi, Chuo Ward, Tokyo

Smart Slot Monogatari Installation Information in Tokyo

“Smart Slot Monogatari,” introduced in 2024, has garnered attention from both anime and pachislot fans. Numerous stores throughout Tokyo have installed the game, with concentrations particularly in the Akihabara area.

Chiyoda Ward (Akihabara Area)

Big Apple Akihabara Shop

Installation Information:

• Number of machines: 30 units (as of February 2026)
• Exchange rate: 46 yen per 1,000 yen
• Address: 1-16-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
• Access: 3 minutes on foot from the Electric Town exit of JR Akihabara Station

Boasting the largest number of installed machines in the Akihabara area, the shop gets particularly crowded on holidays. Arriving early is recommended.

Esupasu Nittaku Akihabara Station Front Shop

Installation Information:

• Number of machines: 22 units
• Exchange rate: 46 yen per 1,000 yen
• Address: 1-15-6 Sotokanda, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
• Feature: All machines equipped with individual counters

With its convenient location in front of the station, it is popular with salarymen on their way home from work.

Island Akihabara Shop

Installation Information:

• Number of machines: 15 units
• Exchange rate: 47 yen per 1,000 yen
• Address: 4-3-3 Sotokanda, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
• Access: 5 minutes on foot from the Electric Town exit of JR Akihabara Station

Characterized by slightly favorable exchange rates.

Shinjuku Ward

Esupasu Nishi Shinjuku Kabukicho Shop

Installation Information:

• Address: 1-23-3 Kabukicho, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo
• Feature: Latest machines and equipment installed

If playing Monogatari in the Shinjuku area, this shop should be your first choice. Located in the heart of Kabukicho, it also operates late into the night.

Points to Consider When Finding Installation Shops

1. Confirm latest information on sites like DMM Pachi Town: Installation numbers change, making pre-visit confirmation essential
2. Weekday afternoons are ideal: Expect crowding on holidays and evenings
3. Compare exchange rates: The number of coins per 1,000 yen varies by shop
4. Take advantage of member card benefits: First-visit benefits and point returns can be utilized

Efficient Routes for Monogatari Site Exploration

One-Day Suginami Ward Concentrated Course

Duration: Approximately 5-6 hours

1. Iogi Station(9:00-10:30)

• Photography around south exit
• Shimoigusa 5 Intersection
• Opening animation live-action recreation

1. Igusa Hachiman Shrine(10:45-12:00)

• Shrine grounds exploration
• Prayer and photography

1. Lunch(12:00-13:00)

• Dining near Iogi Station

1. Zenpukuji and Kamiigusa Area Exploration(13:00-15:00)

• Enjoy the residential atmosphere

1. Shinjuku Station South Exit(15:30-16:30)

• Opening animation filming location

Two-Day Tokyo Complete Conquest Course

Day 1: Western Area (centered on Suginami Ward)

• Execute the above Suginami Ward concentrated course

Day 2: Southern and Seaside Areas

1. Komazawa Olympic Park(9:00-11:00)

• Setagaya Ward and Meguro Ward
• Kizumonogatari setting

1. Kakinoki-zaka(11:30-13:00)

• Access from Toritsudaigaku Station
• Tokyu Line exploration

1. Lunch(13:00-14:00)

• Jiyu ga Oka area

1. Odaiba and Yume no Ohashi Bridge(15:00-17:00)

• Tsubasa Cat setting
• Dusk photography recommended

1. Harumi Pier(17:30-18:30)

• Object photography

Important Notes for Pilgrimage

1. Manners in residential areas: Especially Iogi and Kakinoki-zaka are residential districts. Avoid loud conversation and prolonged stays
2. Photography permission: Obtain permission before photographing on private property or in shops
3. Traffic rules: Be careful not to impede traffic when photographing on roads
4. Take garbage with you: Keeping pilgrimage sites beautiful is also a fan’s responsibility
5. Confirm latest information: Landscapes may change due to redevelopment

Monogatari-Related Events and Tokyo

Anime Events

Monogatari Series-related events are held regularly throughout Tokyo.

• Ikebukuro Sunshine City: Standard venue for Monogatari Series exhibitions
• Akihabara UDX Gallery: Collaboration cafés and pop-up stores
• Movie Theaters in Shinjuku and Shibuya: Theatrical version screening events

Collaboration Shops

Past collaborations have included:

• Limited merchandise sales at Animate stores
• Campaigns at Lawson
• Collaboration rooms at karaoke shops

Accommodation Information: Hotels Convenient for Site Exploration

Around Suginami Ward

Hotels in Shinjuku Area

• Staying in Shinjuku, the starting point of the Seibu Shinjuku Line, provides convenient access to Iogi
• Wide selection from business hotels to city hotels
• Price range: 5,000-15,000 yen per night

Shibuya and Meguro Area

Around Shibuya Station

• Direct connection via Tokyu Toyoko Line to Toritsudaigaku Station (Kakinoki-zaka)
• Abundant dining options
• Price range: 7,000-20,000 yen per night

Odaiba Area

Hotels in the Seaside Area

• Yume no Ohashi Bridge within walking distance
• Resort-like experience with Tokyo Bay views
• Price range: 10,000-30,000 yen per night

Akihabara Area

Around Akihabara for Pachislot Purposes

• Multiple installation shops accessible on foot
• Anime-related shops abundant
• Price range: 6,000-15,000 yen per night

Cultural Impact of Monogatari and Tokyo

Pioneer of Anime Tourism

Monogatari is one of the pioneering works that led the “pilgrimage” culture of visiting real places that serve as anime settings. By elevating everyday Tokyo landscapes as stages for anime, it revealed to fans new charms of Tokyo.

Contribution to Regional Revitalization

Areas that were traditionally not tourist destinations, such as the Iogi Station surroundings and Kakinoki-zaka, now attract fans from across the country. Local shopping streets have begun implementing efforts with Monogatari fans in mind.

Influence of Shaft Studio

The fact that areas near Shaft’s location became settings for the work created a new form of culture: the connection between anime production studios and their regions. This influenced other works and established the concept of “production studio vicinity pilgrimage sites.”

The Entire Monogatari Series and Tokyo

In subsequent Monogatari Series works after Monogatari, various locations throughout Tokyo appear as settings.

Nisemonogatari

• Iogi and Igusa areas continue to appear
• Addition of new Tokyo locations

Kizumonogatari

• Komazawa Olympic Park as important setting
• More urban depiction of Tokyo

From Second Season Onward

• Diverse locations throughout Tokyo
• Reappearance of existing pilgrimage sites

Conclusion: Enjoying Monogatari and Tokyo

The relationship between Monogatari and Tokyo transcends a simple anime setting to create a unique phenomenon of fan culture and regional culture merging. Through pilgrimage, you can re-experience the anime’s world while discovering new charms of Tokyo.

For pachislot fans, the introduction of “Smart Slot Monogatari” has created an environment where they can immerse themselves in the anime world while visiting installation locations throughout Tokyo.

When visiting, remember to be considerate of local residents and practice good pilgrimage manners. While cherishing the world of Monogatari, fully enjoy the diverse charms Tokyo has to offer.

Confirming Latest Information

Installation shop information and pilgrimage site conditions may change. Before visiting, it is recommended to confirm the latest information on the following sites:

• DMM Pachi Town (Pachislot installation information)
• Pilgrimage Site Map (latest pilgrimage information)
• Various SNS (latest fan reports)

Please verify the charm of the Monogatari world and Tokyo with your own eyes.