【Non Non Biyori】 Hitachi-Omiya City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Hitachi-Omiya City in Ibaraki Prefecture is known as the model location for the popular anime “Non Non Biyori,” and many anime fans visit the city for pilgrimage to sacred sites. Surrounded by abundant nature and clear streams, this region features rural landscapes that perfectly match the anime’s world, making it a valuable spot where visitors can experience the work’s setting firsthand. This article provides a detailed explanation of the charm of Hitachi-Omiya City from the perspective of sacred site pilgrimage, comprehensively introducing tourist spots and gourmet information.
The Relationship Between Non Non Biyori and Hitachi-Omiya City
“Non Non Biyori” is a manga work by Atto that enjoys high popularity as a daily-life anime set at a rural branch school. Ibaraki Prefecture’s Hitachi-Omiya City is considered one of the model locations for the work’s setting, with motifs of landscapes and buildings appearing in the story scattered throughout various parts of the city.
The Work’s World and the Charm of Hitachi-Omiya City
Hitachi-Omiya City is located in the northwestern part of Ibaraki Prefecture, a nature-rich region where two clear streams—the Kuji River and the Naka River—flow. It was established on October 16, 2004, through the merger of Omiya Town, Yamakatacho Town, Miwa Village, Ogawa Village, and Gozenyama Village, and is known as a place of “mountain purples and water clarity.” The clear streams where sweetfish and salmon swim upstream, the spreading rural landscapes, and the scattered satoyama hills are exactly the world of “Non Non Biyori.”
Approximately 40,000 people live in the city, where calm time flows far from urban hustle and bustle. This environment truly embodies the “charm of rural living” depicted in the work, providing visitors with healing and a sense of nostalgia.
Major Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spots in Hitachi-Omiya City
Former Kose Elementary School (Abandoned School)
This is believed to be one of the models for the branch school featured in the work. Hitachi-Omiya City has several closed schools and small-scale schools, with buildings that convey the work’s atmosphere remaining. Abandoned school buildings scattered throughout areas such as Kamiose and Konuki districts are must-see spots for anime fans.
Rural Landscapes and Farm Roads
The greatest charm of Hitachi-Omiya City is the vast rural landscape reminiscent of scenes in the work. Particularly in areas such as Kamimuraden, Shimomuraden, Terudan, and Teruyama, beautiful agricultural village landscapes spread across the seasons. Spring’s fresh greenery, summer’s lush rice plants, autumn’s golden rice fields, and winter’s quiet snowy scenery present different faces with each season.
The Clear Streams of the Kuji and Naka Rivers
Clear streams that evoke scenes of river play depicted in the work flow through the city. The Kuji River and Naka River have good water quality and are bustling with people enjoying sweetfish fishing and river play in summer. In areas along the rivers such as Tatsunokouchi and Kunitaga, visitors can enjoy beautiful ravine scenery.
Yamakatacho Freshwater Fish Museum
A small aquarium that primarily displays freshwater fish inhabiting the Kuji River. As a facility where visitors can learn about the region’s natural environment, it is an ideal spot to visit during sacred site pilgrimage. With displays enjoyable for both children and adults, it allows visitors to experience everyday rural life like that depicted in the work.
Detailed Tourism Guide to Hitachi-Omiya City
Hanadachi Nature Park
Hanadachi Nature Park is a representative natural park of Hitachi-Omiya City, a popular spot where cherry blossoms and azaleas bloom magnificently in spring. Positioned at high elevation, the view from the observation deck overlooking the city is spectacular. Well-maintained hiking courses allow visitors to enjoy nature walks.
The park features playground equipment and camping facilities, making it popular with families. Autumn foliage is beautiful, making it worth visiting throughout all four seasons. It is an ideal place for spending leisurely time while feeling the world of “Non Non Biyori.”
Funanatten Factory Tour
“Funanatten” natto is a famous specialty product of Hitachi-Omiya City and an old-established natto maker with over 100 years of history. The factory tour allows visitors to learn the traditional natto-making process and purchase freshly made natto. Ibaraki Prefecture ranks among the top nationally in natto production, and Hitachi-Omiya City carries on this tradition. Natto made with local soybeans is flavorful and popular as souvenirs.
Gozenyama Dam Surroundings
The Gozenyama area features a large-scale dam, with the surrounding area developed as a nature-rich recreation zone. Around the dam lake, visitors can enjoy fishing and boating, while cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage create beautiful scenery. The dam’s observation deck offers magnificent views and is a popular photography spot. Nearby hot spring facilities allow visitors to relieve travel fatigue.
Historical and Cultural Spots
Hitachi-Omiya City has many prefectural-designated cultural properties, with historical temples and shrines scattered throughout. There are also temples with connections to Saint Shinran, offering elements that appeal to history enthusiasts. Historic streets and historical buildings remain in areas such as Kitashioji, Minamishioji, and Kitamachi.
Gourmet Information for Hitachi-Omiya City
Shiojiya Shokudo
A local favorite eatery where simple, nostalgic ramen can be enjoyed. It is well-regarded among tourists visiting Hitachi-Omiya City, known for its nostalgic flavors. Located in the Kitashioji district, this beloved restaurant is cherished by locals.
Kabaya Golf Club Restaurant
A golf club in the Kunitaga district offers both golf and dining. Dishes prepared with Ibaraki prefecture ingredients are served, and golf course usage vouchers are also popular as local tax return gifts.
Dishes Using Local Ingredients
In Hitachi-Omiya City, visitors can enjoy dishes using sweetfish and river fish caught in the Kuji and Naka Rivers, along with locally grown vegetables and rice. Fresh local ingredients can also be purchased at roadside stations and agricultural product direct sales shops. Particularly in areas such as Akita, Ishizawa, and Uruno, farm-operated restaurants and direct sales shops are scattered throughout.
Practical Advice for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Access Methods
By car is the most convenient way to access Hitachi-Omiya City. From the Tokyo area, use the Joban Expressway and travel approximately 30 minutes from either the Naka IC or Hitachi Minami-Oda IC. When using public transportation, JR Suigun Line’s Hitachi-Omiya Station is the nearest station.
From the station, visitors use route buses or rental cars, though since sacred site pilgrimage spots are scattered throughout the city, traveling by car is most efficient.
Recommended Pilgrimage Routes
For a one-day course, it is recommended to visit tourist spots near the city center in the morning and tour the rural and riverside areas in the afternoon. A popular route involves enjoying scenery at Hanadachi Nature Park, then driving through rural areas such as Kamimuraden, Ogura, and Nagata, concluding at the Yamakatacho Freshwater Fish Museum.
For those able to stay two days, visiting major tourist spots on the first day and surrounding natural spots and hot springs on the second day creates a more fulfilling trip.
Photography Manners and Precautions
When taking photographs during sacred site pilgrimage, it is important to be considerate of residents’ daily lives. Particularly around schools and private homes, pay careful attention to privacy and avoid entering properties without permission.
Farmland and fields are precious workplaces for farmers. When traveling on farm roads, be mindful not to interfere with farm work, and always take trash with you. Maintaining good relationships with community members is key to enjoying sacred sites for a long time.
Accommodation Information
Hitachi-Omiya City has minshuku (family-run inns) and hot spring accommodations. Nearby Mito City and Naka City have many business hotels, which can serve as a base. For those wanting to relax in nature, camping grounds and cottages in the city are also recommended.
Enjoying Hitachi-Omiya City Throughout the Four Seasons
Spring (March-May)
Spring is cherry blossom season. Cherry blossoms bloom magnificently at Hanadachi Nature Park and various locations throughout the city. The rural landscape beginning rice-planting season is beautiful, and fresh greenery is dazzling. Mountain cherry blossoms can also be enjoyed in areas such as Takasu and Higashino.
Summer (June-August)
Summer is river-play season. The Kuji and Naka Rivers become busy with sweetfish fishing season openings and many anglers. The rural landscape with lush rice plants swaying in the breeze is exactly like the summer scenes of “Non Non Biyori.”
Autumn (September-November)
Autumn is harvest season, with golden rice fields glowing beautifully. Fall foliage is also spectacular, and mountainous areas offer colorful autumn scenery. It is also a season when locally grown delicious foods such as new rice and autumn vegetables are abundantly available.
Winter (December-February)
Winter features quiet rural landscapes. Snow sometimes falls, and snow-covered satoyama hills create a mystical scenery. Clear air makes it ideal for stargazing. Warming up in hot springs while passing leisurely time is recommended.
Local Tax Gifts and Regional Revitalization
Hitachi-Omiya City offers a rich selection of local tax return gifts. These include the regional specialty Funanatten natto, fresh vegetables and rice, golf course usage vouchers, and more diverse options. These are handled on major sites such as Satofull and JRE MALL Local Tax Gifts, allowing support of Hitachi-Omiya City from distant locations.
Supporting the region through local tax gifts is an important means of preserving sacred sites. As anime fans, consider supporting the region not just through visits but also through these methods.
Combining Tourism with Surrounding Areas
A more fulfilling trip results from combining Hitachi-Omiya City visits with nearby tourist destinations.
Mito City
The prefectural capital Mito City is rich in attractions including Kairakuen Garden and the Mito Art Museum. Located about 40 minutes by car from Hitachi-Omiya City, it is enjoyable even as a day trip.
Fukuroda Falls (Daigo Town)
One of Japan’s three famous waterfalls, Fukuroda Falls is located about 30 minutes north of Hitachi-Omiya City. The waterfall’s beautiful appearance across all seasons is must-see, with the winter ice cascade being particularly spectacular.
Naka City and Hitachinaka City
These cities on the Pacific side offer ocean delicacies. The National Hitachi Seaside Park’s nemophila and kochia are famous, making them worth visiting depending on the season.
Interaction with Local Residents
Interacting with local community members is one of the delights of visiting Hitachi-Omiya City. Roadside stations and direct sales shops provide opportunities to converse with local farmers. The warmth of the welcoming local people provides valuable experiences unobtainable in urban areas.
Local residents take pride in their region being recognized as the model location for “Non Non Biyori.” Respectful and grateful interaction creates deeper connections.
The Future of Hitachi-Omiya City and Tourism Promotion
Hitachi-Omiya City positions anime tourism as one pillar of regional revitalization, undertaking various initiatives. It aims for sustainable regional development while maintaining balance between natural environment preservation and tourism development.
In various city districts such as Kamiiwase, Kitatoyoda, and Kyuryu, development of tourism resources reflecting each area’s characteristics progresses. In the future, a system warmly welcoming “Non Non Biyori” fans and other tourists will continue to be developed.
Conclusion: Experience the World of Non Non Biyori in Hitachi-Omiya City
Ibaraki Prefecture’s Hitachi-Omiya City is a precious sacred site where the world of “Non Non Biyori” can be experienced. Beautiful rural landscapes, clear stream flows, and warm interactions with community members provide healing time that makes one forget urban hustle and bustle.
Beyond sacred site pilgrimage, Hitachi-Omiya City offers diverse enjoyment including nature tourism, gourmet dining, and historical exploration. Please visit once and experience the special moment where anime world and reality intersect. Beautiful scenery across all seasons awaits you.
When visiting, remember to be considerate of the region and follow proper etiquette, thereby contributing to preserving this wonderful sacred site for the long term. May your memories from Hitachi-Omiya City add special color to your life.
