[Detective Conan] The 14th Target – Umihotal, Chiba Prefecture

住所	〒292-0008 千葉県木更津市中島地先海ほたる
公式 URL	https://www.umihotaru.com/

Detective Conan Movie 2 “The Fourteenth Target” was released in April 1998. The model for the marine entertainment facility “Aqua Crystal” that appears in this film is the “Umi Hotaru” Parking Area on the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line located in Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture.

This article provides a comprehensive pilgrimage guide to Umi Hotaru, a sacred site that every Conan fan should visit at least once, with detailed explanations from access methods to shooting spots and comparisons with scenes from the movie.

The Relationship Between “The Fourteenth Target” and Umi Hotaru

Basic Information About the Work

“The Fourteenth Target” depicts a series of consecutive attacks on people around Moori Kogorou, targeted in the order of numbers on playing cards that match their names. The climax of the story takes place at “Aqua Crystal,” a marine entertainment facility floating in Tokyo Bay.

Work Data

Release Date: April 18, 1998
Director: Kodama Kanetsugu
Screenplay: Kouchi Kazunari
Theme Song: ZARD “Konna Yō ni Modottai”
Box Office Revenue: 1.85 billion yen

“Umi Hotaru,” the Model for Aqua Crystal

The “Aqua Crystal” that appears in the film is depicted as a state-of-the-art marine entertainment facility floating in Tokyo Bay. The model for this facility is the “Umi Hotaru” Parking Area, which had just opened in December 1997.

At the time of the movie’s release, Umi Hotaru was a talked-about new facility only about four months after opening. Located at the midpoint of the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line and positioned on an artificial island floating in the sea, its novel structure perfectly matched the film’s setting.

Scenes Featuring the Location in the Film

Aqua Crystal appears as an important setting from the latter half of the story.

Main Appearance Scenes:

Sawaki Kohei’s Invitation: The sommelier Sawaki Kohei invites Conan and his friends to Aqua Crystal
Underwater Restaurant: A party scene in the facility’s underwater restaurant
Climax Setting: Important scenes depicting the confrontation with the culprit and Ran’s heroic actions
End Credits: Actual footage of Umi Hotaru and the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line is used

Particularly in the end credits, footage of the actual Umi Hotaru’s exterior and the scenery of the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line are shown, providing decisive evidence for sacred site pilgrimage.

Basic Information About Umi Hotaru

Facility Overview

Umi Hotaru is a parking area located approximately at the center of the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, at the midpoint between Kawasaki City and Kisarazu City.

Basic Data:

Location: Umi Hotaru, Nakajima District Offshore, Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture
Operating Hours: 24 hours (excluding some shops)
Parking Spaces: Approximately 400
Structure: 5 stories (4 above ground + rooftop level)
Length: Approximately 650m
Width: Approximately 100m

Facility Features

Umi Hotaru is not merely a parking area but a comprehensive complex with observation decks, restaurants, and shops.

Floor Configuration:

5th Floor (Rooftop): Observation Deck “Umi Megane”
4th Floor: Restaurant Floor, Observation Deck
3rd Floor: Food Court, Cafe, Shops
2nd Floor: Parking
1st Floor: Parking, Information

From a height of approximately 15 meters above sea level, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view. On clear days, you can see Mount Fuji, the Boso Peninsula, and the Miura Peninsula at a glance.

Access Methods to Umi Hotaru

Access by Private Vehicle

From Kawasaki:

Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line via “Kawasaki Ukishima JCT” on the Shonan-Shinjuku Line
Travel Time: Approximately 15 minutes
Toll: 800 yen for regular vehicles (with ETC)

From Kisarazu:

Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line via “Kisarazu Kaneda IC” on the Tateyama Expressway
Travel Time: Approximately 5 minutes
Toll: 800 yen for regular vehicles (with ETC)

Points to Note:

Since Umi Hotaru is on the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, direct access from regular roads is not possible
U-turns are possible, and you can return without passing through the toll booth

Access by Public Transportation

Even without a car, you can access Umi Hotaru by local bus.

From Kawasaki Station:

Board Keihin Kyuko Bus “to Kisarazu Station” from “Kawasaki Station East Exit”
Get off at “Umi Hotaru” bus stop
Travel Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Fare: 720 yen one way (as of 2024)
Frequency: Approximately 7-8 buses per day

From Kisarazu Station:

Board Keihin Kyuko Bus “to Kawasaki Station” from “Kisarazu Station West Exit”
Get off at “Umi Hotaru” bus stop
Travel Time: Approximately 25 minutes
Fare: 700 yen one way (as of 2024)
Frequency: Approximately 7-8 buses per day

Bus Utilization Tips:

Since the number of buses is limited, it is recommended to check the timetable in advance
The number of buses may increase on weekends and holidays
Check the latest information on the Keihin Kyuko Bus official website

Utilizing Tours

Some travel agencies operate Tokyo Bay sightseeing tours that pass through Umi Hotaru. This is recommended for those who want to efficiently visit multiple spots.

Sacred Site Pilgrimage: Complete Photography Guide

Outdoor Photography Spots

5th Floor Observation Deck “Umi Megane”

The observation deck on the top floor of Umi Hotaru is an excellent photography spot where you can see the entire facility.

Photography Points:

360-degree panoramic view of Tokyo Bay
Aqua-Line tunnel entrances and exits
Mount Fuji in the background on clear days
Photography at dusk is especially recommended

Photographing while comparing scenes from the movie where Aqua Crystal’s exterior appears will enhance the feeling of sacred site pilgrimage.

4th Floor Observation Deck

An observation deck one level higher than the 3rd floor, where you can feel the structure of Umi Hotaru floating in the sea.

Photography Points:

The atmosphere of a facility floating in the sea
Ships navigating Tokyo Bay
Also ideal for night photography

Indoor Photography Spots

Restaurant Floor

An area where you can photograph while imagining Aqua Crystal’s underwater restaurant.

Recommended Shops:

Seafood Restaurant: Serving fresh fish and shellfish from Tokyo Bay
Cafe: Window seating overlooks the sea
Food Court: Enjoy food casually

While different from the glamorous party scenes in the movie, the atmosphere of enjoying meals while overlooking the sea is similar.

Near Aqua-Line Tunnel Entrances and Exits

At both ends of Umi Hotaru are entrances and exits to the Aqua-Line tunnels. This structure overlaps with the setting of Aqua Crystal in the film.

Recommended Photography Times by Time of Day

Early Morning (6:00-8:00)

Illusory scenery as the sunrise illuminates Tokyo Bay
Few tourists, allowing leisurely photography
Misty atmospheres that create a mystical mood

Daytime (10:00-15:00)

Mount Fuji appears clearly on sunny days
Beautiful contrast between blue sky and sea
Peak tourist hours

Dusk (16:00-18:00)

A spectacular sunset over Tokyo Bay
Sky and sea tinted orange
Romantic atmosphere ideal for photography

Nighttime (18:00 onward)

Facility lighting illuminates the area
Night scenery of Kawasaki and Kisarazu across the bay
Starry sky photography possible (weather permitting)

Comparison of Film Scenes with Actual Location

Comparison of Exteriors

Aqua Crystal in the film is depicted as a futuristic-designed facility floating in the sea. The actual Umi Hotaru shares the commonality of being an artificial island floating in the center of Tokyo Bay.

Similarities:

Structure floating in the sea
Located in the center of Tokyo Bay
Multi-story building
Views from observation decks

Differences:

Aqua Crystal is depicted as a more luxurious entertainment facility
The actual Umi Hotaru functions primarily as a parking area
The building design in the film is more futuristic

Underwater Restaurant Setting

In the film, Aqua Crystal has an underwater restaurant where diners can view underwater scenes like an aquarium while eating.

The actual Umi Hotaru does not have an underwater restaurant, but the restaurant floor on the 4th floor allows you to enjoy meals while overlooking the sea. Window-side seating offers magnificent views of Tokyo Bay and evokes the atmosphere of the film.

Live-Action Footage in End Credits

The end credits of “The Fourteenth Target” use actual footage of Umi Hotaru and the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line. This serves as clear evidence that the production team modeled the facility after Umi Hotaru.

Locations Appearing in End Credits:

Exterior of Umi Hotaru
Tunnel sections of the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line
Tokyo Bay scenery as seen from Umi Hotaru
Aqua-Line Connection Road

By photographing these locations from the same angles as the footage, you can experience a sacred site pilgrimage closer to the film.

Ways to Enjoy Umi Hotaru

Cuisine

Umi Hotaru has numerous restaurants and shops where you can enjoy fresh seafood from Tokyo Bay and local specialties from Chiba and Kanagawa.

Recommended Food:

Seafood Bowl and Sushi: Fresh fish and shellfish caught in Tokyo Bay
Asari Man: Kisarazu specialty bun-style light food
Umi Hotaru Burger: Original hamburger
Soft Serve Ice Cream: Tastes even better on the observation deck
Boso Craft Beer: Craft beer from Chiba Prefecture

Enjoying local flavors between sacred site pilgrimage activities is also recommended.

Souvenirs

Popular Souvenirs:

Umi Hotaru Original Goods: Key chains, T-shirts, etc.
Chiba Prefecture Peanuts: Standard Chiba souvenir
Boso Marine Products: Dried fish, condiments, etc.
Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line Goods: As mementos
Local Sake and Beer: Spirits from Chiba and Kanagawa

Official Conan goods are not sold here, but many fans purchase Umi Hotaru original goods as mementos of their sacred site pilgrimage.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

Combine your visit to Umi Hotaru with nearby tourist attractions.

Chiba Side:

Mitsui Outlet Park Kisarazu: Approximately 15 minutes by car
Mother Farm: Approximately 30 minutes by car
Kamogawa Sea World: Approximately 60 minutes by car

Kanagawa Side:

Yokohama Chinatown: Approximately 40 minutes by car
Hakkeijima Sea Paradise: Approximately 30 minutes by car
Kamakura: Approximately 50 minutes by car

Precautions and Etiquette for Sacred Site Pilgrimage

Photography Precautions

Follow etiquette while photographing:

Don’t Disturb Other Tourists: Avoid long-term spot reservations during crowded times
Don’t Enter Restricted Areas: Photograph only in designated places for safety
Be Considerate With Tripods: Use them where they don’t obstruct traffic
Get Permission for Photography Inside Shops: Avoid unauthorized photography
Be Considerate When Posting on Social Media: Blur out other people if they appear in your photos

Safety Precautions

Precautions Specific to Seaside Facilities:

Caution During Strong Winds: Observation decks can be windy
Don’t Lean Over Railings: Don’t get too absorbed in photography
Don’t Take Your Eyes Off Children: Extra caution required at seaside facilities
Heat Stroke Prevention in Summer: Limited shade areas, so hydrate
Cold Protection in Winter: Dress warmly as ocean breezes are cold

Access Precautions

When Using Highways:

Umi Hotaru is on a highway, so it cannot be reached on foot or by bicycle
U-turns are possible, but passing through a toll booth incurs a toll
When using buses, confirm the timetable in advance as the number of buses is limited

Other Sacred Sites in “The Fourteenth Target”

Besides Umi Hotaru, “The Fourteenth Target” has multiple sacred sites.

Within Tokyo

Tokyo Tower

Appears in the early part of the film
Location where Inspector Megure is attacked
Access: 5 minutes walk from “Akasaka” Station on the Oedo Line

Rainbow Bridge

Appears as Tokyo Bay scenery
Can be visited on the way back from Umi Hotaru
Access: Yurikamome Line “Odaiba Kaihin Koen Station”

Kanagawa Prefecture

Yokohama Port Area

Model for harbor scenes in the film
Yamashita Park, Red Brick Warehouse, etc.
Access: Minato Mirai Line “Motomachi-Chukagai Station”

Saitama Prefecture

Saitama New Urban Center

Urban scenery appears in some scenes
Access: JR “Saitama Shintoshin Station”

If you have time, combining pilgrimage to these sacred sites is recommended.

How to Watch “The Fourteenth Target”

Watching or rewatching the film before or after your sacred site pilgrimage will deepen your enjoyment.

Video Streaming Services

Services with Availability (as of 2024):

Hulu: Many Conan theatrical series available
Netflix: Limited-time distribution occasionally
Amazon Prime Video: Available for rental/purchase
d Anime Store: Broad Conan content library
U-NEXT: Available for rental/purchase

Streaming availability varies, so check the latest information on each service.

Physical Media

Blu-ray/DVD:

Single versions
Detective Conan Theatrical Series Box Sets
Limited editions (with special features)

Physical media is recommended for those who want to own a collection.

Theater Screening

When a new film is released each spring, limited-time screenings of past films occasionally take place. Watching on a large screen is a special experience.

Sacred Site Pilgrimage Model Courses

Day Trip Course (by Car)

Duration: Approximately 6 hours

9:00 Depart from Kawasaki Ukishima JCT
9:15 Arrive at Umi Hotaru, photograph observation deck
10:00 Explore and photograph the facility
11:30 Lunch at a restaurant
13:00 Purchase souvenirs
14:00 Depart toward Kisarazu area
14:30 Shopping at Mitsui Outlet Park Kisarazu
16:00 Head home

Day Trip Course (by Bus)

Duration: Approximately 5 hours

10:00 Depart from Kawasaki Station by bus
10:30 Arrive at Umi Hotaru
10:45 Photograph observation deck
11:30 Explore the facility
12:30 Lunch
13:30 Purchase souvenirs
14:30 Final photography
15:00 Board bus to Kawasaki Station

When using buses, planning around the limited timetable is crucial.

One-Night, Two-Day Course

Day 1:

Morning: Umi Hotaru sacred site pilgrimage
Afternoon: Kisarazu and Tateyama area sightseeing
Overnight: Hotel or inn in southern Boso

Day 2:

Morning: Sightseeing such as Kamogawa Sea World
Afternoon: Yokohama area sacred site pilgrimage
Evening: Head home

Recommended for those who want to take their time and visit multiple sacred sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is Umi Hotaru Really the Model for Aqua Crystal?

A1: While not officially stated, the use of actual Umi Hotaru footage in the end credits, the release timing coinciding with Umi Hotaru’s opening, and the matching setting of a facility floating in Tokyo Bay make it nearly certain that it is the model.

Q2: Can I Go Without a Car?

A2: Yes, local buses operate from Kawasaki Station or Kisarazu Station. However, the number of buses is limited (approximately 7-8 per day), so it is recommended to check the timetable in advance and plan your visit accordingly.

Q3: What Time of Day is Best for Photography?

A3: Mid-morning to early afternoon on a clear day is recommended. Mount Fuji is visible clearly, and the blue of Tokyo Bay stands out. Dusk also offers beautiful sunset photography. For avoiding crowds, early morning on weekdays is ideal.

Q4: How Long Should I Plan to Stay?

A4: Two to three hours is sufficient to enjoy the observation deck photography, facility exploration, and dining. If you want to photograph thoroughly or dine leisurely, plan for three to four hours.

Q5: Are Conan Goods Sold Here?

A5: Unfortunately, official Conan merchandise is not sold at Umi Hotaru. For commemorative souvenirs of sacred site pilgrimage, purchasing Umi Hotaru original goods or Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line related items is recommended.

Q6: Can I Do Night Photography?

A6: Yes, it is possible. Since Umi Hotaru operates 24 hours, you can access the observation deck at night. The night scenery of Kawasaki and Kisarazu across the bay and the facility’s illumination are beautiful, making it a popular night photography spot.

Q7: Can I Enjoy It on Rainy Days?

A7: The observation deck is outdoors, so photography is difficult on rainy days. However, indoor restaurants and shops can be enjoyed, and a rainy Tokyo Bay has its own charm. On rainy days, focus on window photography.

Q8: Can I Combine This With Sacred Sites From Other Conan Films?

A8: Yes, it is possible. Multiple sacred sites from other films are located in the Yokohama area, easily accessible from Umi Hotaru. With a one-night, two-day schedule, you can efficiently visit sacred sites from multiple films.

Conclusion

Umi Hotaru, the sacred site of Detective Conan theatrical film “The Fourteenth Target” in Chiba Prefecture, is a fascinating spot where you can experience the unique location of an artificial island floating in Tokyo Bay and the world of the film.

Key Points for Umi Hotaru Sacred Site Pilgrimage:

Confirmed sacred site with actual footage used in end credits
Accessible by car or bus
360-degree panoramic view from observation deck is spectacular
Enjoy gourmet food and shopping at this comprehensive complex
Conveniently located to combine with nearby tourist attractions

Though released in 1998, more than a quarter century later, Umi Hotaru remains a popular sacred site visited by many Conan fans. Watching the film again before visiting will allow you to enjoy it more deeply.

Umi Hotaru, where you can simultaneously enjoy the beautiful scenery of Tokyo Bay and the world of Detective Conan. Please visit this sacred site at least once. The emotions of the film will resurface, and you will discover new things.

[Detective Conan] Complete Sacred Site Pilgrimage Guide for All Theatrical Films
[Detective Conan] Summary of Sacred Sites in Chiba Prefecture
[Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line] Complete Guide to Umi Hotaru
[The Fourteenth Target] Film Commentary, Analysis, and Trivia
[Detective Conan] Sacred Site Pilgrimage Model Courses in the Kanto Region