[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 unfolded by various high schools in Nagano Prefecture—such as Kiyosumi High School, Tsuruga Academy, Kazekoushi Girls’ High School, and Ryumonbuchi High School—that appear in the work have captivated many fans. This article thoroughly explains the “Saki -Saki-” pilgrimage sites scattered throughout Nagano Prefecture and provides useful information for fans planning their location scouting.

The Relationship Between Saki -Saki- and Nagano Prefecture

“Saki -Saki-” is a mahjong manga by Ritz Kobayashi, and serialization began in “Young Gangan” in 2006. In the story’s arc covering the Nagano Prefecture preliminary tournament of the National High School Mahjong Championship, many real place names and landscapes within Nagano Prefecture appear.

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

The reason Nagano Prefecture was chosen as the setting is greatly influenced by the fact that the author is from Nagano Prefecture. The work contains carefully drawn details of Nagano Prefecture’s abundant nature, historic townscapes, and regional culture, creating a work where affection for the hometown can be felt.

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

Kiyosumi High School, which the protagonist Saki Miyanaga attends, is modeled after 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 Locations in Chino City

Chino City is the most important area for location scouting related to Kiyosumi High School. The townscapes and commute route backgrounds appearing in the work frequently use views from around Chino Station.

The shopping streets and residential areas extending from Chino Station’s east exit frequently appear as backgrounds in daily life scenes of the characters. In particular, the pedestrian bridge in front of the station and intersections are important locations where multiple scenes can be confirmed.

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

Suwa Area Stages

Suwa City is also an indispensable place for location scouting in the Kiyosumi High School area. The scenery around Lake Suwa and historic structures such as Suwa Grand Shrine give depth to the work’s world.

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

Tsuruga Academy Area: Location Scouting in Nagano City

Tsuruga Academy, depicted as one of the strongest schools in the nation, is modeled after Nagano City, the prefectural capital of Nagano Prefecture. Since there is an actual place name “Tsuruga” in Nagano City, this is an area with clear relevance to the work.

Location Scouting Around Nagano Station

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

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

The commercial facilities in front of the station and surrounding building groups are important elements that form the urban image of Tsuruga Academy. The setting of being in the center of a regional city is effectively expressed in contrast with the National Championship scenes in Tokyo.

Zenkoji Temple Area

Zenkoji Temple, a representative tourist attraction of Nagano City, and its surroundings are also important places appearing in the work. The approach to Zenkoji Temple from Zenkojishita Station and the historic townscape in the surrounding area function as backgrounds that give depth to the work.

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

The Hakushimizu district is also a noteworthy area for location scouting. Residential areas near Zenkoji Temple and elementary schools can be confirmed as backgrounds in the work.

Akiba Shrine and Surrounding Spots

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

Kazekoushi Girls’ High School Area: Iida City Stage

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

Locations in Iida City

Iida City is a region with unique culture even within Nagano Prefecture, and this regional character influences the character designs of Kazekoushi Girls’ High School. The landscape of the urban area and the surrounding natural environment appear in the work.

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

The naturally rich environment around Mount Kazekoushi is an important element that suggests the location of the school. Residential areas 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, is modeled after the area around Shiojiri City. The place name “Ryumonbuchi” also actually exists in Nagano Prefecture, suggesting its relevance to the work.

Shiojiri City is located nearly in the center of Nagano Prefecture and has developed as a transportation hub. In the work, it appears as a new power that stopped Kazekoushi’s consecutive championship record in the previous year, and the vigorous depiction overlaps with the image of the developing Shiojiri City.

Model Courses for Location Scouting in Nagano Prefecture

We introduce model courses for efficiently visiting the “Saki -Saki-” sacred sites scattered throughout Nagano Prefecture.

1-Day Course: Nagano City Concentration Plan

A course centered on Tsuruga Academy-related spots in Nagano City. Starting from Nagano Station, you can visit major locations by walking and using public transportation.

In the morning, tour the pedestrian bridge and building groups around Nagano Station’s east exit and enjoy the atmosphere of the station area. After lunch, move toward Zenkoji Temple, walk from Zenkojishita Station down the main approach while searching for landscapes appearing in the work. After visiting Zenkoji Temple, visit the Hakushimizu district and Akiba Shrine, completing a visit to the major sacred sites in Nagano City in one day.

2-Day Course: Nagano Prefecture Vertical Traverse Plan

On Day 1, visit the Kiyosumi High School-related spots in the Suwa and Chino area. Starting from Chino Station, stroll the shopping streets and residential areas around the station and extend your journey to Hara Village to enjoy the scenery at the foot of Mount Yatsugatake. Spend the evening at Lake Suwa and stay in Suwa City.

On Day 2, move to Nagano City and visit the sacred sites related to Tsuruga Academy. If time allows, you can extend your trip to Iida City to also visit the Kazekoushi Girls’ High School area.

3-Day Course: Complete Conquest Plan

A course to completely conquer the sacred sites in Nagano Prefecture, visiting the Chino and Suwa area on Day 1, Nagano City on Day 2, and Iida City and Shiojiri City on Day 3. You can take your time in each region and immerse yourself in the work’s worldview.

Precautions and Etiquette for Location Scouting

When conducting pilgrimage scouting, consideration for local residents is essential. Keep the following points in mind and practice courteous location scouting.

Considerations When Photographing

Many of the places appearing in the work are residential areas and shopping streets where people actually live. When photographing, do not trespass on private property, be careful not to obstruct passage, and be considerate of residents’ privacy while following basic etiquette.

Even if school facilities are models, do not enter the actual schools. Keep photography to the exterior visible from public roads, and be considerate so as not to interfere with the school’s educational activities.

Contributing to the Community

When conducting location scouting, you can contribute to the local economy by shopping at local stores and using restaurants. As a fan visiting the region that served as the stage for “Saki -Saki-,” be conscious of contributing to the community’s vitality.

Long each region of Nagano Prefecture has delicious local cuisine and specialty products. Enjoying regional food culture unique to the area, such as Shinshu soba, mochi pancakes, and Nozawana pickled vegetables, is one of the pleasures of pilgrimage scouting.

Taking Out Trash and Environmental Conservation

Make it a point to leave visited places cleaner than when you arrived. Always take your trash with you and be careful not to damage the natural environment or landscape of the town.

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

Nagano Prefecture, which serves as the stage for “Saki -Saki-,” is a charming region where abundant nature and historical culture coexist. Learning about Nagano Prefecture through the work and actually visiting deepens your understanding of the work.

Landscapes of the Four Seasons

Nagano Prefecture is a region with distinct seasonal changes. Spring cherry blossoms, summer green highlands, autumn foliage, and winter snow scenery—the region shows different faces depending on the season you visit. By visiting during the same season as the scenes in the work, you can have an experience closer to the work’s world.

Hot Springs and Tourism

Nagano Prefecture has numerous hot spring areas. The Suwa area has Kami-Suwa Hot Spring, and areas around Nagano City have Togakushi Hot Spring and Yunaka Hot Spring, etc., with abundant hot springs to soothe the fatigue of location scouting.

Historical tourist attractions such as Zenkoji Temple and Suwa Grand Shrine can make for a more fulfilling trip when visited in combination with location scouting.

Recording and Sharing Location Scouting Experiences

Documenting and sharing memories of location scouting with other fans is one of the pleasures of pilgrimage scouting.

Taking Comparison Photos

Photos taken at the same angle as scenes in the work become valuable records of location scouting. By checking the original manga or anime scenes on a smartphone while photographing with the same composition, you can enjoy the contrast between the work and reality.

Sharing on Social Media

When sharing photos and visit records on social media, use hashtags to share information with other fans. By using tags such as “#咲Saki聖地巡礼” (Saki -Saki- Pilgrimage) and “#咲Saki長野県” (Saki -Saki- Nagano Prefecture), you can connect with other fans with the same interests.

However, when sharing information that can identify a location, confirm whether that location is private property or if it is okay to publicize it. In cases of residential areas, it is necessary to be considerate by refraining from sharing detailed location information.

Regional Character of Nagano Prefecture to Deepen Work Understanding

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

High School Mahjong Culture in Nagano Prefecture

While the work depicts a world where high school mahjong thrives, mahjong is also an entertainment enjoyed in actual 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 geographically elongated shape, and culture and dialect differ by region within the prefecture. The areas where each high school appearing in the work is located are actually considerable distances apart and have their own regional characteristics.

The Suwa and Chino area where Kiyosumi High School is located and Iida City where Kazekoushi Girls’ High School is located are about 100km apart, roughly a 2-hour drive. Understanding such geographic spread allows the matches between schools in the prefecture tournament to be felt with greater realism.

Location Scouting in the Digital Age

In recent years, digital tools supporting location scouting have become more abundant.

Location Scouting Map Apps

By using location scouting map apps utilizing GPS features of smartphones, you can visit sacred sites efficiently. Plan ahead by listing locations you want to visit and determine the optimal route.

Using Online Information

Pilgrimage scouting reports and blogs created by other fans are extremely helpful for gathering information before your visit. On platforms like BOOTH, digital editions of detailed location scouting books are also sold, allowing you to obtain more specialized information.

However, information is constantly updated, so it is recommended to check the latest information, especially regarding changes in buildings or scenery. The landscape may have changed from when the work was first published due to redevelopment or renovation projects.

Sacred Sites of Saki -Saki- Outside Nagano Prefecture

While the stage of “Saki -Saki-” centers 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, and various locations in the city appear. Places where public viewings are held and areas around hotels where characters stay are drawn from actual Tokyo landscapes.

By visiting both the prefecture preliminary tournament arc in Nagano Prefecture and the national tournament arc in Tokyo, you can experience the work’s world more completely.

Future Prospects of Location Scouting

“Saki -Saki-” is an ongoing work, and new stages may appear in the future. Spin-off works feature high schools from various regions as settings, and sacred sites outside Nagano Prefecture are increasing.

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

As a region, initiatives to utilize “Saki -Saki-” sacred sites as part of anime tourism are expected. The creation of official sacred site maps and collaborations at regional events that both fans and the community can enjoy are hoped to expand.

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

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

Location scouting is not merely tourism but a special act of experiencing the intersection between the work and reality. By actually walking the roads the characters in the work walked and seeing the same scenery, the work’s world becomes more immediate.

The abundant nature of Nagano Prefecture, its historic culture, and encounters with warm people make the pilgrimage scouting an even richer experience. By respecting proper etiquette and visiting with respect for the community, you can create wonderful memories both as a fan and as a traveler.

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