[Saki] Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture

【Saki-Saki-】 Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture

The popular mahjong manga and anime “Saki-Saki-” is a work depicted with Nagano Prefecture as its main setting. The intense mahjong battles unfolding between various high schools in Nagano Prefecture, such as Kiyosumi High School, Tsuruga Academy, Kazoe Girls’ High School, and Ryumonbuchi High School that appear in the work, have captivated many fans. This article provides a thorough explanation of the “Saki-Saki-” sacred sites scattered throughout Nagano Prefecture and offers useful information for fans planning to visit these locations.

The Relationship Between Saki-Saki- and Nagano Prefecture

“Saki-Saki-” is a mahjong manga by Ritz Kobayashi, with serialization beginning in “Young Gangan” in 2006. In the Nagano Prefecture preliminary round arc of the National High School Mahjong Championship tournament that forms the center of the story, numerous real place names and landscapes within Nagano Prefecture appear.

All the major high schools appearing in the work are set in Nagano Prefecture. Kiyosumi High School is modeled after the Suwa and Chino area, Tsuruga Academy is modeled after Nagano City, Kazoe Girls’ High School is modeled after Iida City, and Ryumonbuchi High School is modeled after the Shiojiri area, with depictions reflecting the characteristics of each region.

The reason Nagano Prefecture was chosen as the setting is believed to be greatly influenced by the fact that the author is from Nagano Prefecture. The work depicts Nagano Prefecture’s abundant nature, historic streetscapes, and regional culture in detail, and it is a work that conveys affection for the hometown.

Kiyosumi High School Area: Sacred Sites in Suwa and Chino Cities

The model for Kiyosumi High School, which the protagonist Saki Miyanaga attends, is the Suwa region of Nagano Prefecture, particularly the area centered on Chino City and Hara Village. While the place name “Kiyosumi” does not actually exist in Nagano Prefecture, the backgrounds and landscapes in the work are modeled after actual places in the Suwa and Chino area.

Major Location Spots in Chino City

Chino City is the most important area for visiting locations related to Kiyosumi High School. The streetscapes and school routes appearing in the work are modeled after scenery around Chino Station.

The shopping street and residential area extending from the east exit of Chino Station frequently appear as backgrounds for daily scenes of the characters. In particular, the pedestrian bridge in front of the station and the intersection are important locations that can be confirmed in multiple scenes.

The natural landscape surrounding Hara Village also contributes to creating the atmosphere of the work. The open scenery of the highland area spreading at the foot of Mount Yatsugatake is an important element that evokes the location of Kiyosumi High School.

The Suwa Area Stages

Suwa City is also an indispensable place for visiting locations related to Kiyosumi High School. The landscape around Lake Suwa and historic structures such as Suwa Grand Shrine add depth to the work’s world.

The promenade and parks along Lake Suwa’s shore are sometimes used as backgrounds for scenes where characters relax. The scenery of mountains reflected on the lake surface adds color to the work as a beautiful landscape unique to Nagano Prefecture.

Tsuruga Academy Area: Sacred Site Pilgrimage in Nagano City

The model for Tsuruga Academy, depicted as one of the most powerful schools nationwide, is Nagano City, the prefectural capital of Nagano Prefecture. There is an actual place name “Tsuruga” within Nagano City, making it a region with clear connections to the work.

Sacred Site Visits Around Nagano Station

The area around the east exit of Nagano Station is where sacred sites related to Tsuruga Academy are most concentrated. While some of the current landscape has changed from the time of the work’s publication due to station redevelopment, the traces of the work can be found in many places.

The pedestrian bridge at Nagano Station’s east exit is an important location spot that appears multiple times in the work. It is used as a background for scenes where characters meet and have conversations. By comparing the view from the pedestrian bridge with depictions in the work, you can fully enjoy the charm of visiting these locations.

The commercial facilities in front of the station and surrounding buildings are important elements that form the urban image of Tsuruga Academy. As a contrast to the National Tournament scene in Tokyo, the setting of the center of a regional city is effectively expressed.

Zenkoji Temple Area and Surrounding

Zenkoji Temple, a representative tourist attraction of Nagano City, and its surroundings are also important places appearing in the work. The approach to Zenkoji from Zenkoji-shita Station and the historic streetscape around it function as backgrounds that add depth to the work.

The stone-paved approach of Zenkoji and the shopping street along the approach are used in scenes depicting the daily lives of Tsuruga Academy characters. The contrast between historic temples and shrines and contemporary student life enriches the work’s worldview.

The Hakoshimizu district is also an area worthy of attention for sacred site visits. Residential areas near Zenkoji and elementary schools can be confirmed as backgrounds in the work.

Akiba Shrine and Surrounding Spots

Akiba Shrine in Nagano City is also known as a place appearing in the work. This shrine, used as a cover illustration and background, is a small shrine cherished by local people but has become an important sacred site for fans.

Kazoe Girls’ High School Area: Stages in Iida City

Iida City, located in the southern part of Nagano Prefecture, is the model region for Kazoe Girls’ High School. “Kazoe” is an actual place name in Iida City, and Mount Kazoe also exists. In the work, it is depicted as a powerhouse school that won the prefectural tournament six consecutive years until the previous year.

Location Spots in Iida City

Iida City is a region with unique culture even within Nagano Prefecture, and its regional characteristics influence the character development of Kazoe Girls’ High School. The urban landscape and surrounding natural environment appear in the work.

The shopping street in the center of Iida City and public facilities are sometimes depicted as activity bases for Kazoe Girls’ characters. The calm atmosphere unique to Minami-Shinshu overlaps with the team’s color.

The natural rich environment surrounding Mount Kazoe is an important element that evokes the school’s location. The residential area spreading at the foot of the mountain and the Southern Alps mountains visible in the distance add color to the work as a landscape unique to Iida City.

Ryumonbuchi High School Area: Around Shiojiri City

Ryumonbuchi High School, depicted as an emerging powerhouse school, is said to be modeled after the Shiojiri area. The place name “Ryumonbuchi” also actually exists in Nagano Prefecture, suggesting a connection to the work.

Shiojiri City is located almost in the center of Nagano Prefecture and has developed as a transportation hub. In the work, it appears as a new force that broke Kazoe Girls’ consecutive victory record in the previous year, and its vigorous depiction overlaps with the image of Shiojiri City continuing to develop.

Model Courses for Sacred Site Pilgrimages in Nagano Prefecture

Here are model courses for efficiently visiting “Saki-Saki-” sacred sites scattered throughout Nagano Prefecture.

One-Day Course: Nagano City Concentrated Plan

This course centers on visiting spots related to Tsuruga Academy in Nagano City. Starting from Nagano Station, major locations can be visited by walking and public transportation.

In the morning, visit the pedestrian bridge and building groups around Nagano Station’s east exit to soak in the station area’s atmosphere. After lunch, move toward Zenkoji, walk along the approach from Zenkoji-shita Station while searching for scenes appearing in the work. After visiting Zenkoji Temple, visit the Hakoshimizu district and Akiba Shrine, allowing you to conquer the major sacred sites in Nagano City in a single day.

Two-Day Course: Nagano Prefecture Vertical Exploration Plan

On the first day, visit sacred sites related to Kiyosumi High School in the Suwa and Chino area. Starting from Chino Station, explore the shopping street and residential areas around the station, venture to the Hara Village area to enjoy landscapes at the foot of Mount Yatsugatake, spend the evening at Lake Suwa’s shore, and stay in Suwa City.

On the second day, move to Nagano City and visit sacred sites related to Tsuruga Academy. If time permits, you can extend your visit to Iida City to also visit the Kazoe Girls’ High School area.

Three-Day Course: Complete Conquest Plan

A course to completely conquer sacred sites throughout Nagano Prefecture: visit the Chino and Suwa area on the first day, Nagano City on the second day, and Iida City and Shiojiri City on the third day. You can take your time in each region and immerse yourself in the work’s worldview.

Points to Note and Etiquette When Visiting Sacred Sites

When conducting sacred site pilgrimages, consideration for local residents is essential. Please keep the following points in mind and practice courteous sacred site visiting.

Photography Considerations

Many of the locations appearing in the work are actual residential areas and shopping streets where people live. When taking photographs, do not enter private property, be careful not to obstruct traffic, and be considerate of residents’ privacy and follow basic etiquette.

Even if school facilities are models, do not enter the actual schools. Keep photography to external views only from public roads and be considerate not to interfere with school educational activities.

Contributions to the Community

When visiting sacred sites, you can contribute to the local economy by shopping at local stores or using restaurants. As fans visiting the regions that are the stages of “Saki-Saki-,” be aware of playing a role in energizing the community.

Nagano Prefecture has delicious local cuisine and specialty products. Enjoying regional food culture unique to the area, such as Shinshu soba, oyaki, and Nozawana vegetables, is one of the pleasures of sacred site pilgrimage.

Carrying Away Trash and Environmental Protection

Make efforts to leave the places you visit cleaner than when you arrived. Always carry away trash and be careful not to damage the natural environment or urban scenery.

The Charm of Nagano Prefecture and the World of Saki-Saki-

“Saki-Saki-,” with Nagano Prefecture as its stage, is a fascinating region where abundant nature and historic culture coexist. Learning about Nagano Prefecture through the work and actually visiting it deepens understanding of the work even further.

Scenic Views Throughout the Seasons

Nagano Prefecture is a region with vivid seasonal changes. Spring cherry blossoms, summer green highland vegetation, autumn foliage, and winter snowy landscapes—depending on when you visit, the region shows different faces. Visiting during the same season as the scenes in the work allows you to experience a reality closer to the work’s world.

Hot Springs and Tourism

Nagano Prefecture has numerous hot spring areas. The Suwa area has Kamihosuwa Hot Spring, and areas around Nagano City have Togakushi Hot Spring and Yudanaka Hot Spring, abundant hot springs where you can recover from the fatigue of sacred site visiting.

Visiting historic tourist spots such as Zenkoji Temple and Suwa Grand Shrine together with sacred site pilgrimages makes for a more fulfilling trip.

Recording and Sharing Sacred Site Visit Experiences

Recording memories of sacred site pilgrimages and sharing them with other fans is also one of the pleasures of visiting these locations.

Taking Comparison Photos

Photographs taken from the same angles as scenes in the work become valuable records of sacred site visits. By checking the original manga or anime screens on a smartphone or similar device and photographing with the same composition, you can enjoy the contrast between the work and reality.

Sharing on Social Media

When posting photographs and visit records on social media, use hashtags to share information with other fans. By using tags such as “#SakiSakiSacredSiteVisit” or “#SakiSakiNaganoPrefecture,” you can connect with fans sharing the same interests.

However, when posting information that can identify a location, confirm whether the place is not private property and whether it is acceptable to share it. In cases such as residential areas, it is necessary to exercise restraint in sharing detailed location information.

Deepening Understanding of the Work Through Nagano Prefecture’s Regional Characteristics

To deeply understand “Saki-Saki-,” knowing Nagano Prefecture’s regional characteristics is also important.

Nagano Prefecture’s High School Mahjong Culture

While the work depicts a world where high school mahjong is popular, mahjong is actually enjoyed as recreation in Nagano Prefecture. In hot spring areas, mahjong has long been enjoyed, and such cultural background may have influenced the work’s setting.

Sense of Distance Between Regions

Nagano Prefecture has a north-south elongated geography, and culture and dialect differ by region within the prefecture. The regions where each high school appearing in the work is located are actually considerable distances apart, with each possessing unique regional characteristics.

The Suwa and Chino area where Kiyosumi High School is located and Iida City where Kazoe Girls’ High School is located are approximately 100 km apart, about a two-hour drive. Understanding this geographic breadth allows you to feel the matches between schools in the prefectural tournament with greater vividness.

Sacred Site Visiting in the Digital Age

In recent years, digital tools supporting sacred site visits have also become more abundant.

Sacred Site Visiting Map Apps

By using sacred site visiting map apps utilizing smartphone GPS functions, you can efficiently visit sacred sites. Before your visit, list the places you wish to visit and plan an optimal route.

Utilizing Online Information

Sacred site visit reports and blogs created by other fans are extremely useful for gathering information before your visit. On platforms such as BOOTH, detailed digital versions of sacred site visiting guides are sold, allowing you to obtain more specialized information.

However, information is constantly updated, so checking the latest information, particularly regarding changes in buildings and landscapes, is recommended. Landscapes may have changed from when the work was published due to redevelopment or renovation work.

Saki-Saki- Sacred Sites Outside Nagano Prefecture

While the stages of “Saki-Saki-” center on Nagano Prefecture, Tokyo is also an important stage in the National Tournament arc.

National Tournament in Tokyo

The National Tournament in the work takes place in Tokyo, with various locations in the city appearing. Actual Tokyo landscapes are depicted, such as places where public viewings are held and areas around hotels where characters stay.

By visiting both the prefectural preliminary round arc in Nagano Prefecture and the National Tournament arc in Tokyo, you can experience the work’s world more completely.

Future Prospects for Sacred Site Visiting

“Saki-Saki-” is an ongoing work, and new stages may appear in the future. In spin-off works, high schools throughout the country become stages, and sacred sites outside Nagano Prefecture are increasing.

Within Nagano Prefecture as well, hidden sacred sites yet unknown to fans may exist. By carefully reading the original work and paying attention to the details of backgrounds, new discoveries may be possible.

As a region, efforts to utilize “Saki-Saki-” sacred sites as part of anime tourism are anticipated. The creation of official sacred site maps and collaboration with local events are among the initiatives where fans and regions can enjoy together, and we hope such efforts will expand.

Conclusion: Experience the Charm of Saki-Saki- and Nagano Prefecture

Nagano Prefecture, the stage for “Saki-Saki-,” is a special place for fans of the work. By visiting sacred sites scattered throughout the prefecture—the Kiyosumi High School area in Suwa and Chino, the Tsuruga Academy area in Nagano City, the Kazoe Girls’ area in Iida City, and the Ryumonbuchi High School area in Shiojiri City—understanding and affection for the work deepen further.

Sacred site visiting is not merely sightseeing but a special act of experiencing the point of contact between the work and reality. By actually walking the roads that the characters in the work walked and seeing the same landscapes, the work’s world becomes more tangible.

Encounters with Nagano Prefecture’s abundant nature, historic culture, and warm people make sacred site visiting an even richer experience. By visiting with respect for etiquette and the community, you can create wonderful memories both as a fan and as an individual traveler.

Please visit Nagano Prefecture to experience the world of “Saki-Saki-.” By actually visiting places you learned about through the work, new discoveries and moving experiences await you.