【Non Non Biyori】Repeat Ibaraki Prefecture
Many people searching for the sacred sites of “Non Non Biyori Repeat” search for Ibaraki Prefecture. However, in reality, the main sacred sites of this anime are not in Ibaraki Prefecture, but rather exist in Saitama Prefecture, Wakayama Prefecture, Niigata Prefecture, and other locations. This time, we will explain why there is confusion with Ibaraki Prefecture and introduce the actual sacred site pilgrimage spots in detail.
What is Non Non Biyori? Overview of the Work
“Non Non Biyori” is a manga work by Atto that depicts the daily life of children attending a rural branch school in a heartwarming anime style. The first season aired in 2013, and the second season “Non Non Biyori Repeat” aired from July to September 2015. Later, in 2021, the third season “Non Non Biyori Nonstop” was also produced.
The setting of the work is a small “Asahioka Branch School” with only five students in total. The rural landscape surrounded by abundant nature has earned high praise as a work that provides viewers with nostalgia and healing.
Why Confusion with Ibaraki Prefecture Occurs
Similarity of Rural Landscapes in the Kanto Region
There are several reasons why many people consider the sacred sites of “Non Non Biyori Repeat” to be in Ibaraki Prefecture. First, the rural landscape depicted in the work is very similar to the agricultural areas of Ibaraki Prefecture. Although Ibaraki Prefecture is in the Kanto region, many areas retain abundant nature and rural landscapes, which overlap with the atmosphere of the anime.
Image of a Rural Area Near the Kanto Region
The setting of the work has a strong image of being “a rural area in the Kanto region,” which easily brings to mind Saitama Prefecture, Ibaraki Prefecture, Tochigi Prefecture, Gunma Prefecture, and others. In fact, Ogawa Town in Saitama Prefecture, which is a major sacred site, is located relatively close to the border with Ibaraki Prefecture, and geographical confusion is also an easy source of confusion.
Existence of Closed Schools and Branch Schools
Many closed schools and dormant branch schools exist within Ibaraki Prefecture. The consolidation of schools due to declining birthrates is a nationwide phenomenon, and the same situation is seen in Ibaraki Prefecture. For this reason, many people associate Ibaraki Prefecture with the keyword “rural branch school.”
The Actual Sacred Sites Are Not in Ibaraki Prefecture
In conclusion, the main sacred sites of “Non Non Biyori Repeat” do not exist in Ibaraki Prefecture. The author Atto used his hometown and locations he researched as models, and many of these are distributed in Saitama Prefecture, Wakayama Prefecture, Niigata Prefecture, Chiba Prefecture, and other areas.
Major Sacred Site ①: Ogawa Town, Saitama Prefecture “Ogawa Town Ogawa Elementary School Shimosato Branch School”
The School That Became the Model for Asahioka Branch School
The most important sacred site in the “Non Non Biyori” series is the “Ogawa Town Ogawa Elementary School Shimosato Branch School” located in Hiki County, Ogawa Town, Saitama Prefecture. It is the model for the “Asahioka Branch School” that appears in the work. It was founded in Meiji 7, closed in Heisei 15, and was formally closed in Heisei 23.
Currently, it is not open to the general public, and visitors can only see the exterior. However, it is a valuable sacred site where one can feel the atmosphere of the school building that appears in the anime as it is. Many fans visit this place as a location that embodies the worldview of the work, with its wooden school building, schoolyard, and surrounding pastoral landscape.
Characteristics of the School Building and Schoolyard
The Shimosato Branch School building has an exterior very similar to the Asahioka Branch School depicted in the anime. The wooden two-story school building, schoolyard equipment, and surrounding nature reproduce the atmosphere of the work in great detail. In particular, the windows and entrance of the school building boast high fidelity when compared to anime cuts.
Playground equipment such as horizontal bars and swings remain in the schoolyard, and visitors can imagine scenes of Renge and others playing. However, since it is private property, entry onto the grounds is prohibited. Respectful viewing is required.
Access Method
The nearest station is “Ogawa Town Station” on the Tobu Tojo Line and JR Hachioji Line. From the station to the Shimosato Branch School is approximately 7 kilometers, which takes about 1.5 hours on foot. Using a rental bike takes approximately 20-30 minutes. Rental bike services are available around Ogawa Town Station, and electric-assisted bicycles can also be rented.
If accessing by car, it takes about 15 minutes from the Ran-yama Ogawa IC on the Kan-Etsu Expressway. However, there are no parking lots in the vicinity of the branch school, so street parking should be avoided and consideration should be given to not inconveniencing neighbors.
Nearby Cafe “Mozart”
Near the Shimosato Branch School is the cafe “Mozart,” which is a renovated old private house. It is a famous spot among Non Non Biyori fans and is used as a rest stop for sacred site pilgrimages. Homemade sweets and light meals can be enjoyed in the shop, where visitors can spend a relaxed time.
Since operating days are limited, it is recommended to check operating information before visiting.
Major Sacred Site ②: Tenno no Sato, Katsurugi Town, Wakayama Prefecture
Water Wheel and Pastoral Landscape
The water wheel that appears in Episode 2 of “Non Non Biyori Repeat” is modeled after “Tenno no Sato” in Itu County, Katsurugi Town, Wakayama Prefecture. This place with beautiful terraced rice paddies and a water wheel became the setting for important scenes in the work.
Tenno no Sato is located at the foot of Koyasan, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range,” and features a landscape of historic agricultural villages. The scenery around the water wheel shows beauty throughout the seasons, with new greenery in spring and golden rice ears in autumn captivating visitors.
Access and Viewing Points
From JR Wakayama Line “Kasada Station,” it takes about 20 minutes by bus or taxi. Since public transportation is limited, visiting by rental car is convenient. The water wheel is currently preserved, and the surrounding area can be freely explored.
As it is an agricultural area, care should be taken not to interfere with farming work, and unauthorized entry onto private property should be avoided. Respect for the area as a place of residents’ lives is required.
Major Sacred Site ③: JR Tadami Line “Former Kakinoki Station,” Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture
Unmanned Station on JR Tadami Line
“Non Non Biyori Repeat” features the “Kakinoki Station” (currently a closed station) on the JR Tadami Line in Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture. The atmosphere of a rural unmanned station perfectly fits the worldview of the work, and the station building and surrounding scenery were depicted in the anime.
The JR Tadami Line runs through a heavy snowfall area, and the surroundings are a natural environment surrounded by mountains. In winter, it is covered with deep snow, allowing visitors to actually experience the snowy landscapes depicted in the work.
Points to Note When Visiting
The Tadami Line was partially closed following heavy rain disaster in 2011, and restoration work has been carried out. Full-line operations resumed in 2022, but the number of trains is extremely limited, so visiting plans need to be made carefully.
Winter is a region with extremely heavy snowfall, so sufficient equipment and preparation are necessary for winter visits.
Other Sacred Site Spots
Candy Store in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo
The actual candy store “Takahashi Shop” in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, is the model for the candy store “Kagaya” that appears in the work. The interior of this old-fashioned candy store, lined with traditional candies, has the same atmosphere as the anime.
Access is about a 10-minute walk from “Ohana Chaya Station” on the Keisei Line. Recommended to check in advance as business hours may be irregular.
Landscapes in Minami-Boso City, Chiba Prefecture
In Minami-Boso City, Chiba Prefecture, there are places that served as models for the pastoral landscapes and coastlines used as backgrounds in the work. The natural environment of the Boso Peninsula has an atmosphere perfect for the setting of the work.
Around Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture
In the Chichibu area adjacent to Ogawa Town, there are scattered locations that became models for landscapes appearing in the work. The natural environment surrounded by mountains is an important element in shaping the worldview of the work.
Preparation and Etiquette for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Prior Preparation
When going on a sacred site pilgrimage, it is good to make the following preparations:
- Confirm Access Methods: Public transportation schedules, reservations for rental cars or bikes
- Prepare Maps: Smartphone map apps or paper maps
- Comparison Materials: Anime screenshots or sacred site pilgrimage guides
- Season-Appropriate Equipment: Particularly important for visits to snowy regions like Niigata Prefecture
- Check Business Information: If visiting cafes or shops
Etiquette to Follow
On sacred site pilgrimages, always follow this etiquette:
- No Unauthorized Entry onto Private Property: Especially Shimosato Branch School is private property
- Consideration for Residents: Don’t raise your voice, don’t litter
- Photography Caution: Don’t obstruct passage, be mindful of others appearing in photos
- Respect for Farm Work: Don’t enter fields, don’t touch farm equipment
- Compliance with Traffic Rules: Don’t park on the street, drive safely
Always be conscious that these are places where residents live, and act in ways that won’t cause inconvenience. If visitors who don’t follow etiquette increase, access to sacred sites may be restricted.
Highlights by Season
Spring (March – May)
Spring is the season of new greenery, and is one of the most beautiful times for pastoral landscapes. During cherry blossom season, cherry blossoms can be enjoyed around Ogawa Town as well. At Tenno no Sato in Wakayama Prefecture, rice paddies filled with water before planting create beautiful mirror-like scenery.
Summer (June – August)
Summer, when the work is set, is an ideal season for sacred site pilgrimage. Green rice paddies, the chirping of cicadas, and summer clouds allow visitors to experience the landscapes depicted in the anime as they are. However, heat countermeasures and heat stroke prevention are essential.
Autumn (September – November)
Autumn, the season of rice harvesting, features pastoral landscapes dyed golden. At Tenno no Sato in Wakayama Prefecture, rice ears on terraced paddies create a beautiful gradient, perfect for photography. The climate is also mild, making autumn an ideal season for sacred site pilgrimage.
Winter (December – February)
Around the Tadami Line in Niigata Prefecture, winter scenery covered in deep snow can be enjoyed. Landscapes unique to snow country evoke winter episodes from the work. However, traffic impacts from snowfall and cold weather preparation are necessary. Even in Ogawa Town, Saitama Prefecture, winter scenes from the work can be recreated if snow falls.
Nearby Tourist Spots
Around Ogawa Town
Ogawa Town is known as the “Washi Paper Village” and is a traditional handmade washi paper production area. The Saitama Traditional Crafts Hall offers washi papermaking experiences. Additionally, there are restaurants near Ogawa Town Station that use local ingredients and can be enjoyed alongside sacred site pilgrimages.
Extending to the Chichibu area, there are many tourist spots including Chichibu Shrine and the Nagatoro Gorge.
Around Katsurugi Town, Wakayama Prefecture
Koyasan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is nearby, and as a sacred site of Japanese Buddhism, there are many temples and Buddhist lodges. A plan that combines visiting Koyasan with visiting Tenno no Sato is recommended. Additionally, Katsurugi Town is active in fruit cultivation, and fruit picking by season is also enjoyable.
Around Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture
The Uonuma region is one of Japan’s leading Koshihikari rice production areas, where delicious rice and sake can be enjoyed. Additionally, there are many hot spring areas, and combining a Tadami Line trip with hot spring tours is also a good option. Ski resorts operate during winter.
Ways to Enjoy Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Comparison Photography with Anime
Saving anime screenshots to a smartphone or tablet and taking photos from the same angle at the location, called “comparison photography,” is the highlight of sacred site pilgrimage. Understanding how well the anime and actual landscapes match deepens understanding of the work.
Combining Multiple Sacred Sites
While it’s difficult to visit all sacred sites in one day, grouping them by region allows for efficient pilgrimage. For example, visiting Ogawa Town and the Chichibu area in one day, and Tenno no Sato and Koyasan in one day are possible plans.
Enjoying Local Cuisine
Enjoying regional specialties and local dishes is also an important element of sacred site pilgrimage. In Ogawa Town, dishes using local vegetables; in Wakayama Prefecture, persimmon leaf sushi and pickled plums; in Niigata Prefecture, Uonuma Koshihikari rice and sake—each region offers unique flavors to savor.
Places in Ibaraki Prefecture Where Similar Atmosphere Can Be Enjoyed
While not actual sacred sites, there are places in Ibaraki Prefecture where the atmosphere of “Non Non Biyori” can be felt.
Agricultural Areas of Ibaraki Prefecture
Northern and western Ibaraki Prefecture have many areas with beautiful pastoral landscapes. Particularly in semi-mountainous areas like Hitachi Ota City and Daigo Town, rural landscapes like those depicted in the work remain.
Facilities Using Closed Schools
Several facilities in Ibaraki Prefecture use closed schools as experience centers or cafes. While not actual sacred sites, visiting these places to feel the atmosphere of branch schools is interesting.
Conclusion
The sacred sites of “Non Non Biyori Repeat” are not in Ibaraki Prefecture but are primarily distributed in Ogawa Town, Saitama Prefecture; Katsurugi Town, Wakayama Prefecture; and Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture. Confusion with Ibaraki Prefecture is thought to arise from similarities in rural landscapes in the Kanto region and geographical proximity.
When conducting sacred site pilgrimages, confirm access methods to each location in advance, remember to be considerate of local residents, and act with proper etiquette. By actually visiting the beautiful pastoral landscapes that became the setting for the work, deeper understanding of the anime will develop, and new discoveries will surely follow.
The secret to a fulfilling sacred site pilgrimage is enjoying the pilgrimage while simultaneously appreciating the charm of each region where the sacred sites are scattered. While experiencing the relaxed passage of time, try to experience the world of “Non Non Biyori.”
