Yama no Susume Sacred Site Pilgrimage Complete Guide | All Spots and Access Methods in Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture
The Deep Connection Between Yama no Susume and Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture
“Yama no Susume” is a popular manga series themed around mountain climbing by Shiro, which has been serialized since 2011 and has been adapted into anime multiple times. The fourth season, “Yama no Susume Next Summit,” aired in 2022. The most distinctive feature of this work is that numerous real locations centered around Hanno City in Saitama Prefecture appear throughout the series.
Hanno City is located in the southwestern part of Saitama Prefecture, with approximately 75% of the city’s area covered in forests, making it a naturally rich region. It was chosen as the setting for the work due to its combination of excellent accessibility—about one hour from central Tokyo via the Seibu Ikebukuro Line—and a rich natural environment. The main character Aoi and other characters living in Hanno City enjoy mountain climbing on nearby mountains such as Tenran Mountain and Touno Mountain, as depicted in the series.
With the work’s popularity, Hanno City has gained attention from fans nationwide as an “anime sacred site.” Spots featured in the series are scattered throughout the city, and many pilgrims visit on weekends. Hanno City is also actively developing collaborations with the work and is working on regional revitalization.
Access to Hanno City
Access from Tokyo
The main access to Hanno City in Saitama Prefecture is via the Seibu Ikebukuro Line. From Ikebukuro Station, board the Seibu Ikebukuro Line, and you’ll arrive at Hanno Station in approximately 50 minutes to one hour. If you use the limited express Red Arrow train, you can arrive in about 40 minutes for comfortable travel.
- Regular trains: Ikebukuro Station → Hanno Station (approximately 50-60 minutes)
- Limited Express Red Arrow: Ikebukuro Station → Hanno Station (approximately 40 minutes, limited express ticket required)
- Fares: Regular 470 yen, limited express adds 700 yen for the limited express ticket
Access by Car
If you’re visiting by car, the nearest interchanges are “Sayama Hidaka IC” or “Ome IC” on the Kan-Etsu Expressway. It takes approximately one hour via the Metropolitan Expressway and Kan-Etsu Expressway. Several coin parking lots are available around Hanno Station, with daily maximum charges around 500-800 yen.
However, if you plan to walk around the downtown area for sacred site pilgrimage, public transportation is recommended. This eliminates parking concerns and allows you to experience the work’s atmosphere more fully.
Sacred Sites Around Hanno Station
Hanno Station North Exit
Hanno Station North Exit, the starting point for sacred site pilgrimage, is an important location that appears from the first episode of the first season of the work. Many impressive scenes are depicted here, including the scene where Aoi and Hinata reunite. The station plaza and station building exterior are faithfully recreated, and visiting in person allows you to strongly feel the work’s world.
Inside the station, life-sized panels and posters of “Yama no Susume” are displayed, making it a must-visit spot for memorial photos for fans. The tourist information office also distributes sacred site pilgrimage maps, so it’s recommended to stop by first.
Hanno Ginza Shopping Street
Hanno Ginza Shopping Street, located about a 3-minute walk from Hanno Station North Exit, is a shopping street that frequently appears in the work. It’s depicted as a place where Aoi and others go shopping and as a scenery they walk through daily.
Many stores in the shopping street collaborate with the work, displaying character panels and posters. The traditional sweets shop “Yamaichiiya” is particularly well-known for appearing in the work and selling Yama no Susume collaboration products. Walking through the shopping street allows you to experience the characters’ daily lives.
Hanno Central Park
Located about a 10-minute walk from Hanno Station, Hanno Central Park appears many times in the work as an important location. Benches, play equipment, cherry trees, and other features are faithfully depicted, and the beautiful scenery of cherry blossoms can especially be enjoyed in spring.
The entrance to the hiking trail to Tenran Mountain is also near the park, and like in the work, it’s used as a meeting place before mountain climbing. The spacious grassy area also makes it an ideal rest spot for sacred site pilgrimage.
Seiho Gakuen
The private Seiho Gakuen in Hanno City is the model for the high school attended by the main characters in the work. Located about a 15-minute walk from Hanno Station, the school building’s exterior and surrounding scenery appear in the work.
However, since Seiho Gakuen is an actual school facility in operation, entry to the school grounds is prohibited. When doing sacred site pilgrimage, it’s advisable to view the exterior only from the school gate and surrounding public roads, taking care not to disturb students and school staff. Photography should only be done from public roads, and be especially quiet during class times.
Sacred Sites in the Tenran Mountain Area
Tenran Mountain Trailhead
Located about a 20-minute walk from Hanno Station, or accessible by bus from Hanno Station North Exit to the “Tenran Mountain Below” stop, the Tenran Mountain trailhead is one of the most important sacred sites in the work. It’s the stage where Aoi takes on a mountain climbing challenge for the first time.
Around the trailhead, there are signs and guide boards that appear in the work, allowing you to compare with actual anime scenes while doing pilgrimage. The route from the trailhead to the summit is approximately 15-20 minutes and is a beginner-friendly course where you can enjoy mountain climbing casually, just like in the work.
Tenran Mountain Summit (elevation 197m)
Tenran Mountain Summit is a scenic spot offering a panoramic view of Hanno City, with many impressive scenes depicted in the work. The view from the summit where Aoi and Hinata first climbed together is a must-visit place for fans.
There’s an observation deck at the summit, and on clear days, you can see as far as Tokyo Skytree and the high-rise buildings of Shinjuku. The same benches depicted in the work are installed, allowing you to enjoy the scenery from the same perspective as the characters. Though the elevation is low, it’s a charming spot offering a sense of accomplishment and beautiful scenery.
Mikaeri Slope
Mikaeri Slope, encountered on the way from Tenran Mountain to Touno Mountain, is a place that appeared impressively in the first season of the work. It’s a steep stone stairway, and the scene of Aoi struggling to climb is depicted.
When you actually visit, you can experience the steep gradient as depicted in the work. Though it’s a bit challenging for beginners, climbing while recalling the work’s scenes allows you to empathize with the characters’ feelings.
Sacred Sites at Hanno Riverbed
Hanno Riverbed
Located about a 15-minute walk from Hanno Station South Exit, Hanno Riverbed is a place of recreation for citizens along the Arakawa River. In the work, it appears as the setting for summer barbecue scenes and camping scenes, with characters enjoying water play.
The riverbed has spacious areas where you can actually enjoy barbecues and camping (reservation and fee required). In summer, it’s crowded with many families, and water play is also possible. Like in the work, it’s a charming spot where you can enjoy outdoor activities in nature.
Wariage Bridge
The red suspension bridge “Wariage Bridge” spanning the Hanno Riverbed is a symbolic place appearing many times in the work. The view from the bridge and the bridge’s exterior are faithfully depicted, making it a popular photography spot.
The swaying sensation when crossing the bridge and the beauty of the clear stream seen from above are charms that can only be experienced by actually visiting. Especially during the fresh green season and autumn foliage, you can enjoy beautiful scenery in harmony with the surrounding nature.
Sacred Sites in the Naguri Lake Area
Access to Naguri Lake (Arima Dam)
Naguri Lake is an artificial lake located in the farthest interior of Hanno City and is an important sacred site appearing in Yama no Susume Season 4. From Hanno Station, take the Kokusai Kogyo bus bound for “Naguri Garage” or “Yunosawa,” arriving in about one hour.
- Bus route: Hanno Station North Exit → Naguri Garage (approximately 50 minutes) → Sawarabi no Yu (approximately 5 minutes)
- Fare: One way approximately 900 yen
- Operation frequency: About 5-7 buses per day (varies by season)
Since the number of buses is limited, it’s important to check the schedule in advance and plan accordingly. It’s recommended to allocate more than half a day when considering round-trip time.
Highlights of Naguri Lake
Naguri Lake (Arima Dam) is a dam operated by Saitama Prefecture completed in 1968, surrounded by rich natural scenery. In the work, it appears in Season 4 Episode 6, with scenes of Aoi and others enjoying hiking.
Hiking trails are well-maintained around the lake, and there’s also a hiking course that circles the entire lake. You can enjoy nature’s seasonal changes, with the fresh green season and autumn foliage being particularly scenic. The mountains reflected on the lake’s surface are also popular photography spots.
Sawarabi no Yu
The day-trip hot spring facility “Sawarabi no Yu” near Naguri Lake is ideal for healing the fatigue of sacred site pilgrimage. It appears in the work as a hot spring facility, with scenes of characters enjoying hot springs after mountain climbing.
- Operating hours: 10:00-18:00 (final acceptance 17:00)
- Closed: Wednesdays (if a holiday, the following day)
- Bathing fee: Adults 900 yen, children 450 yen
- Spring quality: Alkaline simple hot spring
You can relax in the open-air bath while viewing the Naguri natural scenery, and a dining area using local ingredients is also available. It’s accessible immediately from the “Sawarabi no Yu” bus stop.
Efficient Sacred Site Pilgrimage Model Courses
Half-Day Course (Around Hanno Station)
For those with limited time, this half-day course efficiently covers major walkable spots centered around Hanno Station.
Duration: Approximately 4-5 hours
- Hanno Station North Exit (memorial photo, obtain maps from tourist information office)
- Hanno Ginza Shopping Street (3-minute walk)
- Hanno Central Park (10-minute walk)
- Tenran Mountain Trailhead (15-minute walk)
- Tenran Mountain Summit (20 minutes climbing)
- Hanno Riverbed/Wariage Bridge (20-minute walk after descent)
- Hanno Station (15-minute walk)
This course allows you to efficiently visit the major sacred sites in the work. Since it includes climbing Tenran Mountain, wear movable clothing and appropriate shoes.
Full-Day Enjoyment Course
A course that comprehensively covers Hanno City’s sacred sites over a full day.
Duration: Approximately 8-9 hours
- Hanno Station (8:00 departure)
- Hanno Ginza Shopping Street
- Around Seiho Gakuen (exterior only)
- Tenran Mountain and Touno Mountain climbing (approximately 3 hours)
- Lunch break at Hanno Riverbed
- Hanno Central Park
- Detailed spot visits in the city
- Hanno Station (around 17:00)
If you have the stamina, you can extend to Touno Mountain (elevation 271m) for a more fulfilling climbing experience.
Naguri Lake Expedition Course
A course focusing on Naguri Lake and extending to the interior of Hanno City.
Duration: 1 day (early morning departure recommended)
- Hanno Station (8:00 departure by bus)
- Naguri Lake arrival (around 9:00)
- Naguri Lake area exploration and hiking (2-3 hours)
- Bathing and meals at Sawarabi no Yu (12:00-14:00)
- Return bus to Hanno Station (around 15:00 departure)
- Lightly visit sacred sites around Hanno Station (16:00-17:00)
It’s necessary to check the bus schedule in advance and be careful not to miss your bus. In the Naguri Lake area, since there are few commercial facilities, bring beverages and light snacks for peace of mind.
How to Enjoy Sacred Site Pilgrimage and Etiquette
Photography Tips
In Yama no Susume sacred site pilgrimage, photographing “stage comparisons” with anime scenes from the same angles is popular. Preparing screenshots from the anime in advance makes it easier to find the same composition on site.
The Hanno City Tourism Association’s website offers downloadable official pilgrimage maps with detailed location information for each spot. Using this with your smartphone’s GPS function allows efficient pilgrimage.
Etiquette to Follow
Sacred site pilgrimage takes place within residents’ living areas, making it extremely important to follow proper etiquette.
- No unauthorized entry onto private property: Particularly for school facilities like Seiho Gakuen, do not enter the grounds
- Be considerate of noise: Avoid loud voices in residential areas, refrain from pilgrimage during early morning or late night hours
- Take all trash with you: Always take trash with you to protect the natural environment
- Follow traffic rules: Be careful of vehicles when photographing on roads, do not obstruct foot traffic
- Shop at shopping streets: Have awareness of contributing to the local economy
Good relationships with residents are essential for sacred site pilgrimage to continue. Each person should follow etiquette and protect the image of the work and its fans.
Hanno City’s Yama no Susume Collaboration Information
Collaboration Facilities in the City
Hanno City is actively developing collaborations with “Yama no Susume,” implementing collaboration projects throughout the city.
Hanno City Tourist Information Office sells original merchandise and distributes pilgrimage maps. Limited-edition goods are popular and often sell out early, so early visits are recommended.
Multiple stores in Hanno Ginza Shopping Street sell Yama no Susume collaboration menus and original products. The collaboration sweets from the traditional sweets shop “Yamaichiiya” are popular as souvenirs.
Event Information
Throughout the year, Hanno City hosts Yama no Susume-related events.
- Yama no Susume Stamp Rally: An event collecting stamps at city sacred sites (held in spring and fall)
- Anime Tourism Partnership Events: Voice actor talk shows, panel exhibitions, etc.
- Hanno Festival: November city festival with Yama no Susume collaboration booths
The latest event information can be found on the Hanno City Tourism Association’s official website and official Twitter.
Hometown Tax Return Merchandise
Hanno City’s hometown tax returns offer Yama no Susume collaboration goods as return items. Sunglasses, towels, and other exclusive merchandise available nowhere else are offered. For fans, this is an attractive system allowing support for the work while contributing to the region.
Nearby Mountain Climbing Spots
Touno Mountain (271m elevation)
Touno Mountain is a popular climbing spot accessible by traversing from Tenran Mountain. It appears in the work and offers more authentic mountain climbing than Tenran Mountain. The view from the summit is even better than Tenran Mountain, overlooking Hanno City and the Okumusashi mountains.
The traverse from Tenran Mountain to Touno Mountain takes about one hour and is an approachable course for beginners. The typical descent route goes toward Mitake Hachiman Shrine.
Bonoori Mountain (Bonoori Ridge)
Bonoori Mountain, with an elevation of 969m, is a serious climbing spot accessible from the Naguri Lake area. It appears in the work and features a beautiful stream-side course.
The trailhead is near “Sawarabi no Yu,” with a round-trip course taking 5-6 hours. The course includes stream climbing elements and remains cool even in summer for enjoyable climbing. Though an experienced-level course, it’s a mountain fans of the work should attempt.
Izu Peak
Izu Peak, with an elevation of 851m, can be climbed from Maruishi Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line and also appears in the work. It features a thrilling chain-climbing course suitable for beginners to intermediate climbers.
The summit view is excellent, and on clear days, you can see Mount Fuji. Maruishi Station, the nearest station to the trailhead, is about 15 minutes by train from Hanno Station.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring (March-May)
Spring in Hanno City is a beautiful season for cherry blossoms and fresh greenery. The cherry blossoms at Hanno Central Park are spectacular, with cherry blossom scenes also appearing in the work. Tenran Mountain and Touno Mountain display beautiful fresh green foliage, offering refreshing hiking.
The temperature is also mild, making spring the perfect season for sacred site pilgrimage. However, avoid Golden Week when it’s crowded; weekday visits are recommended.
Summer (June-August)
Summer is when Hanno Riverbed is most lively. It’s crowded with families enjoying water play and barbecues, and you can experience water-side activities just like in the work.
Mountain climbing requires heat precautions, but early morning or evening hikes are relatively comfortable. The Naguri Lake area is cooler than the city and is popular as a summer retreat.
Autumn (September-November)
Autumn is the season of autumn foliage, when Hanno City’s nature is most beautifully colored. Tenran Mountain, Touno Mountain, and the Naguri Lake area are known as famous autumn foliage spots, with peak viewing from late October to mid-November.
The weather is also ideal for climbing, making autumn the peak season for sacred site pilgrimage. The Hanno Festival is held in November, and you can also enjoy Yama no Susume collaboration events.
Winter (December-February)
Winter in Hanno City has clear air and the best visibility from Tenran Mountain. Snow rarely accumulates but requires cold-weather preparation.
With fewer tourists, you can leisurely do sacred site pilgrimage. However, since sunset is early, start early.
Accommodation and Dining Information
Accommodation Facilities in Hanno City
There are several business hotels and inns in Hanno City. For visitors from distant areas, staying one night and enjoying sacred site pilgrimage the next day is recommended.
- Marroad Inn Hanno: Conveniently located hotel 3 minutes walk from Hanno Station North Exit
- Kyuka Mura Okumusashi: Accommodation surrounded by nature in the Naguri area
- Minshuku and Pensions: Small accommodations scattered throughout the Naguri area
Options are available depending on budget and purpose. Early reservations are advisable since weekends and holidays are crowded.
Recommended Dining
Hanno City has numerous gourmet spots utilizing local ingredients.
Suieto Poteto is a popular café near Hanno Station that appears in the work. Sweet potato and cakes are delicious, perfect for a break during sacred site pilgrimage.
Gusto Hanno also appears in the work and is known among fans as “sacred site Gusto.” You can dine affordably at this standard spot.
Hanno Ginza Shopping Street is lined with traditional diners and sweets shops where you can enjoy local flavors. The sweets from “Yamaichiiya” are especially suitable as souvenirs.
To Deepen Your Enjoyment of the Work
Differences Between Original Manga and Anime
“Yama no Susume” differs in depiction and production between the original manga and anime. Checking both before sacred site pilgrimage allows you to enjoy the work’s world more deeply.
The anime has four seasons, and the sacred sites appearing vary by season. Especially in Season 4 “Next Summit,” many new sacred sites appear, so viewing up to the latest episode is recommended.
Basic Mountain Climbing Knowledge
“Yama no Susume” is a work themed on mountain climbing, and actually experiencing climbing deepens understanding of the work. Though Tenran Mountain is beginner-friendly, basic equipment and knowledge are necessary.
- Clothing: Movable clothing, layering for varying temperatures
- Shoes: Trekking shoes or non-slip sneakers
- Belongings: Beverages, towel, rain gear, map
- Safety measures: Weather confirmation, avoid solo climbing, don’t overdo it
Like the characters in the work, fans can also begin climbing safely and enjoyably while learning the basics.
Conclusion: The Charm of Yama no Susume Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture, is a precious place where you can actually experience the world of “Yama no Susume.” With excellent accessibility—approximately one hour from Tokyo—and a rich natural environment, you can visit numerous spots featured in the work.
Scattered throughout the city are various sacred sites, from downtown spots around Hanno Station to mountain climbing spots like Tenran and Touno Mountains, to remote areas around Naguri Lake. You can enjoy sacred site pilgrimage at your own pace from half a day to a full day.
Through sacred site pilgrimage, not only does your affection for the work deepen, but you can also discover the joys of mountain climbing and outdoor activities and the charm of the region. While following etiquette, fully experience the work’s world and enjoy Hanno City’s nature and culture.
Why not experience the charm of mountain climbing and anime in Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture, the sacred site of Yama no Susume? Beautiful nature for all seasons and the work’s world await you.
