Introduction: Ibaraki Prefecture Becomes a “Holy Site” for “Love Live! Superstar!!”
In the third season of the TV anime “Love Live! Superstar!!” broadcast in 2024, newly introduced characters Natsumi Onitsuka and Tomari Onitsuka (sisters) are set as residents of Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture, with many scenes showing Liella! members visiting Ushiku City throughout the series. While previous Love Live series were primarily set within Tokyo, this marks the first time Ibaraki Prefecture has been depicted as a holy site, drawing significant attention from fans nationwide.
This article provides a thorough guide based on actual pilgrimage experiences to holy sites in Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture that appeared in the anime, including detailed information about each location, access methods, photography tips, and nearby attractions.
What is Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture? The Hometown of the Onitsuka Sisters
Ushiku City is located in southern Ibaraki Prefecture with a population of approximately 80,000. Located about 60 km from central Tokyo, it is accessible via JR Joban Line in about one hour from Ueno Station and approximately one hour and thirty minutes from Harajuku Station—a realistic distance that aligns with the series’ setting.
The city is known as an attractive tourist destination where history and culture converge, featuring the world’s largest bronze statue, the “Ushiku Daibutsu,” and “Ushiku Chateau,” Japan’s first full-scale wine brewery. In the anime, these landmarks serve as important settings where the Onitsuka sisters and Liella! members visit.
Ushiku Station: The Starting Point for Holy Site Pilgrimage
Notable Spots in the Station
JR Joban Line Ushiku Station serves as the gateway for holy site pilgrimage in Ibaraki Prefecture. Following the anime’s broadcast, life-size panels of the Onitsuka sisters were installed just outside the ticket gates, becoming a popular photography spot for fans.
The station building is divided into east and west exits. To reach Ushiku Daibutsu and Ushiku Chateau, use the east exit. The station scenery depicted in the anime is modeled after the actual Ushiku Station east exit, with the rotary and plaza layout matching the anime.
Access Information
From Tokyo area:
- Approximately 50 minutes via JR Joban Line express from Ueno Station
- Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes from Shinagawa Station
- Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Harajuku Station (transferring between Yamanote and Joban lines)
Fares:
- ¥990 one-way from Ueno Station (with IC card)
- Discounted tickets such as weekend excursion passes are also available
Facilities Around the Station
Ushiku Station’s east exit has a tourism information center where you can obtain holy site pilgrimage maps and surrounding tourism information. Convenience stores and restaurants are also well-established, making it convenient for pre-pilgrimage preparations.
Ushiku Daibutsu: A Holy Site of Impressive Scale
Appearances in the Series
Ushiku Daibutsu is one of the most memorable settings in “Love Live! Superstar!!” Season 3. It appears in scenes where the Onitsuka sisters guide Liella! members, with its overwhelming scale faithfully recreated in the anime. The scene where members like Keke are amazed at the size of the statue has become a memorable moment for many fans.
Basic Information about Ushiku Daibutsu
Ushiku Daibutsu is a world-class bronze statue standing 120 meters tall (including the pedestal) and is recognized in the Guinness World Records. Its formal name is “Ushiku Amida Daibutsu,” built in 1993 by the Higashi Honganji, the main temple of the Jodo Shinshu East Hongwanji sect.
Visiting hours:
- March–September: Weekdays 9:30–17:00, Weekends/holidays 9:30–17:30
- October–February: Weekdays 9:30–16:30, Weekends/holidays 9:30–17:00
Admission fees:
- Including statue interior: ¥800 for adults, ¥400 for children
- Garden only: ¥500 for adults, ¥300 for children
Photography Spots
For shots matching the anime, the view from the front approach is recommended. Especially on clear days, you can photograph the majestic statue against a blue sky. The angle from below the statue’s feet, also depicted in the anime, allows you to experience its grandeur.
The statue’s interior is five stories tall, and the observation deck offers a panoramic view of Ushiku City. On clear days, you can sometimes see Tokyo Skytree and Mt. Fuji, making it an enjoyable spot to combine with holy site pilgrimage.
Nearby Attractions
“Ushiku Joen,” where Ushiku Daibutsu is located, features gardens with flowers blooming in each season and a small animal park. Particularly beautiful are the cherry blossoms in spring, moss phlox, sunflowers in summer, and cosmos in autumn, each offering different seasonal scenery.
Ushiku Chateau: A Holy Site Filled with Historical Romance
The Birthplace of Japanese Wine
Ushiku Chateau was established in 1903 (Meiji 36) by Denbei Kamiya as Japan’s first full-scale wine brewery. In 2020, it was designated a National Important Cultural Property, preserving this historically valuable building.
In the anime, the Onitsuka sisters guide Liella! members to this historical structure, with the brick buildings and beautiful gardens appearing impressively throughout the scenes.
Visiting Points
Park hours:
- 10:00–16:00 (last admission 15:30)
- Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday), year-end and New Year holidays
Admission:
- Free (some facilities charge admission)
Within the Ushiku Chateau grounds, various buildings are scattered including the heavy brick brewing house, the Denbei Kamiya Memorial Hall, and the office building. The fountains plaza and building exteriors depicted in the anime match the actual scenery, allowing for photos that recreate anime scenes.
Photography Spots
You can tour the brick pathway from the main gate, the red brick walls of the brewery, the courtyard fountain, and other locations that appeared in the anime. Particularly in autumn foliage season, the contrast between the brick architecture and the colored trees is beautiful and ideal for photography.
Nearby Dining
On the grounds, there is a restaurant called “La Terrace d’Oenon,” where you can enjoy cuisine made with local ingredients. The gift shop sells wines and merchandise exclusive to Ushiku Chateau.
Other Holy Sites
Nanbu Coffee
Around Ushiku Station, there are several cafes and restaurants that may have appeared in the series. Nanbu Coffee is a beloved local coffee shop and many fans visit it as a rest stop during holy site pilgrimage.
Kashiwada Shrine Area
Several shrines and temples throughout Ushiku City are speculated to be models for scenes in the anime. These are recommended as strolling spots where you can feel the local atmosphere.
We Actually Toured Ushiku: Suggested Itineraries
Half-Day Course (About 4 hours)
9:00 Arrive at JR Ushiku Station, memorial photo with Onitsuka sisters panels
9:30 Bus to Ushiku Daibutsu from east exit (approximately 25 minutes)
10:00 Ushiku Daibutsu worship and photography (approximately 90 minutes)
11:30 Travel by bus to Ushiku Chateau
12:00 Ushiku Chateau tour and photography (approximately 90 minutes)
13:30 Return by bus to Ushiku Station
14:00 Lunch and souvenir shopping around the station
Full-Day Course (About 8 hours)
In addition to the half-day course above, this course includes touring other tourist spots in Ushiku City and places that may have appeared in the series. Using a rental bicycle allows for more efficient touring.
Ibaraki Prefecture sometimes offers discount tourism plans such as “1,000 yen rental car campaigns,” so checking beforehand is recommended.
Detailed Access to Ushiku
Access by Train
JR Joban Line is the most convenient access method. Using express trains allows smooth arrival from the Tokyo area.
Travel time from major stations:
- From Ueno Station: approximately 50 minutes (express)
- From Tokyo Station: approximately 1 hour (express, via Ueno)
- From Shinagawa Station: approximately 1 hour 10 minutes
- From Harajuku Station: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (Yamanote/Joban line transfer)
Access by Car
Using the Joban Expressway:
- Approximately 20 minutes from Sakura-Tsuchiura IC
- Approximately 30 minutes from Yatabe IC
Parking is available at both Ushiku Daibutsu and Ushiku Chateau.
Travel by Bus
Route buses operate from Ushiku Station’s east exit to Ushiku Daibutsu and Ushiku Chateau.
To Ushiku Daibutsu:
- Kanto Railway Bus “Ushiku Daibutsu/Ushiku Joen bound”
- Travel time: approximately 25 minutes
- Fare: approximately ¥500 one-way
To Ushiku Chateau:
- Approximately 15 minutes on foot, or taxi
Since schedules vary by season and day of the week, checking the Kanto Railway website in advance is recommended.
Accommodation and Recommended Areas
Accommodation in Ushiku City
There are several business hotels in Ushiku City that can serve as a base for holy site pilgrimage. However, with limited facilities, advance reservations are necessary during weekends and holidays.
Nearby Area Accommodation Options
Tsukuba City:
- Approximately 15 minutes from Ushiku Station by train
- Wide selection of hotels
- Good access to Tokyo area via Tsukuba Express
Tsuchiura City:
- Approximately 10 minutes from Ushiku Station by train
- Can also enjoy tourism around Lake Kasumigaura
Accommodation in Tokyo:
- Day trip pilgrimage is entirely feasible
- Can combine with other “Love Live! Superstar!!” holy sites (Harajuku/Shibuya area)
Holy Site Pilgrimage Etiquette and Tips
Basic Etiquette
- No trespassing on private property: Some locations that appear in the series are not open to the public. Be careful not to enter without permission.
- Consideration in residential areas: Avoid loud conversations and photography during early morning or late night hours, respecting the lives of local residents.
- Follow facility rules: Observe photography rules and usage regulations at facilities like Ushiku Daibutsu and Ushiku Chateau.
- Take trash with you: To keep holy sites beautiful, always take your trash with you.
- Pilgrimage in small groups: Especially in residential areas and narrow spaces, quiet pilgrimage in small groups is recommended.
Photography Tips
Time of day:
Choosing the same time of day and weather conditions as depicted in the anime allows for more atmospheric photos. Ushiku Daibutsu photographs beautifully in the morning’s direct sunlight.
Angles:
Saving anime screenshots and comparing them with actual locations while there is an efficient way to find the same angles.
Season:
Visiting during the season depicted in the series allows for an experience closer to the work’s world view.
Combined Plan with Tokyo Holy Sites
The main setting of “Love Live! Superstar!!” is within Tokyo (Harajuku, Yoyogi Park, Shibuya area). Combining a Ibaraki Prefecture pilgrimage with Tokyo holy sites allows for a more fulfilling pilgrimage trip.
2-Day Plan Example
Day 1: Tokyo Holy Sites
- Harajuku Station area (model area for Yuigaoka Academy)
- Yoyogi Park (setting for practice scenes)
- Takeshita Street, Omotesando
- Shibuya area
Day 2: Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture
- Morning: Ushiku Daibutsu
- Afternoon: Ushiku Chateau
- Evening: Ushiku Station area
With approximately 1 hour 30 minutes of access time from Harajuku to Ushiku, visiting both in one day is possible with sufficient time.
Ibaraki Prefecture’s Official Initiatives
Ibaraki Prefecture headquarters actively promotes collaboration with “Love Live! Superstar!!”. The official website releases holy site maps, and staff members have published reports of actually touring with the Onitsuka sisters panels.
Additionally, tourism campaigns and stamp rally events are regularly held, and checking Ibaraki Prefecture’s official tourism site before your visit allows you to obtain discount information and the latest event information.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Tsukuba City
Tsukuba City, known as the “City of Science,” is approximately 15 minutes from Ushiku City by train. There are plenty of attractions including Mt. Tsukuba and the JAXA Tsukuba Space Center.
Tsuchiura City
Facing Lake Kasumigaura, Tsuchiura City offers lakeside scenery and water village atmosphere. The Tsuchiura All-Japan Fireworks Competition (held in November) is one of Japan’s three major fireworks festivals.
Aqua World Ibaraki Prefectural Oarai Aquarium
Though some distance from Ushiku City, this is a representative tourist spot in Ibaraki Prefecture. Located in Oarai Town, which is also known as a holy site for “Girls’ Last Tour.”
Conclusion: The Appeal of Ibaraki Prefecture Holy Site Pilgrimage
Ibaraki Prefecture’s Ushiku City holy sites, newly added in “Love Live! Superstar!!” Season 3, have brought new charm to previously Tokyo-centered holy site pilgrimage. With abundant spots enjoyable for both anime fans and general tourists, such as the world’s largest Ushiku Daibutsu and the historic Ushiku Chateau, there is something for everyone.
Ushiku City, connected with the appealing Onitsuka sisters characters, will undoubtedly attract increasing attention as a holy site. The good accessibility from Tokyo and the manageable distance for day trips add to its appeal.
Visit the beautiful scenery depicted in the anime, immerse yourself in the work’s world view, and discover the charm of Ibaraki Prefecture through holy site pilgrimage. Please use this article as a reference to enjoy a fulfilling pilgrimage journey.
For detailed information about the locations toured and latest tourism guidance, you can check the Ibaraki Prefecture official website and Ushiku City Tourism Association website. Check seasonal event information and discount campaigns to realize the best holy site pilgrimage experience.
