【A Place Further Than the Universe】Tatebayashi City, Gunma Prefecture
The television anime “A Place Further Than the Universe” (commonly known as “Yorimoi”), which aired in 2018, is a youth romance work set primarily in Tatebayashi City, Gunma Prefecture. The story follows four high school girls, including protagonist Kimari Tamaki, as they aim for Antarctica, and has captured the hearts of countless anime fans. Tatebayashi City has been selected six consecutive years for “88 Anime Pilgrimage Sites in Japan Worth Visiting.”
This article provides a comprehensive explanation of pilgrimage spots for “A Place Further Than the Universe” in Tatebayashi City, Gunma Prefecture, covering access methods, efficient pilgrimage routes, and ways to enjoy the area like a local.
The Relationship Between “A Place Further Than the Universe” and Tatebayashi City, Gunma Prefecture
“A Place Further Than the Universe” tells the story of protagonists attending high school in Gunma Prefecture who set out for Antarctica to find their missing mother, meeting classmates who are heading to Antarctica as civilian members of an Antarctic observation team. The title derives from words spoken by former astronaut Mamoru Mohri about Antarctica’s Showa Base, saying it is “farther than space.”
Many real locations in Tatebayashi City appear throughout the work, particularly in episodes 1-5. Beyond major tourist attractions such as Tatebayashi Station, Tsutsuji-ga-oka Park, Morin-ji Temple, and the area around Shiro Lake, everyday streetscapes and shopping streets are depicted with care, making it a work that resonates with local residents as well.
Tatebayashi City’s Anime Initiatives
After the broadcast, Tatebayashi City has actively promoted anime tourism. The four main characters (Kimari Tamaki, Shirase Kobuchizawa, Hinata Miyake, and Yuki Shiraishi) have been appointed as “Tatebayashi Anime Ambassadors” and promote Tatebayashi in various contexts.
Pilgrimage maps are distributed at various locations throughout the city, creating an environment where fans can easily visit. Regular collaboration events and stamp rallies are held, and even years after the broadcast, interaction between the region and anime fans continues.
Access Methods to Tatebayashi City
Access by Train
Access to Tatebayashi City is convenient via Tobu Railway.
From Tokyo:
- About 70 minutes via Tobu Isesaki Line (Tobu Skytree Line) on the Limited Express Ryomo from Asakusa Station
- About 90 minutes using the rapid train
- Can also board from Kitasenju Station
From Saitama:
- About 30 minutes via Tobu Isesaki Line from Kuki Station
From Tochigi:
- About 20 minutes via Tobu Sano Line from Sano Station
Tatebayashi Station is an important location in the work and appears multiple times, making it an ideal starting point for pilgrimage.
Access by Car
Using Highways:
- About 10 minutes from “Tatebayashi IC” on the Tohoku Expressway to the city center
- About 20 minutes from “Ota-Kiryu IC” on the Kita-Kanto Expressway
Many tourist spots in the city have free parking, and car-based pilgrimage is comfortable. However, since major spots are relatively compact, walking or cycling around the station area is recommended.
Utilizing Rental Bicycles
Free rental bicycles called “Pon-Chari” are available in Tatebayashi City. Rental and return stations are located in front of Tatebayashi Station and at several locations throughout the city, making them extremely convenient for pilgrimage. Electric-assisted bicycles are also available, allowing easy travel over long distances and slopes.
Pilgrimage Spots Around Tatebayashi Station
Tatebayashi Station
Tatebayashi Station, which serves as the starting point for pilgrimage, is an important location appearing from episode 1 of the work.
Highlights:
- Character banners for “Yorimoi” are installed just outside the west exit
- The station plaza appears in episode 1 where Kimari runs
- The station has a pilgrimage map distribution point where you can obtain necessary information
An information desk is also located in front of the station, where you can confirm the latest event information and collaboration project details.
Tatebayashi Station Front Street Shopping District
The shopping district extending south from the station is depicted as an everyday streetscape in the work.
Highlights:
- The roads and intersections where Kimari and friends walked
- Real shops and buildings (some have closed)
- Pilgrimage map distribution points are installed in the shopping district
Local gourmet spots are scattered throughout, allowing you to enjoy Tatebayashi specialties between pilgrimages.
Area Around Tatebayashi City Hall
The streetscape around city hall also appears in the work. In particular, episode 2 depicts surrounding roads and buildings in scenes where Shirase runs.
Pilgrimage Sites Around Tsutsuji-ga-oka Park
Tsutsuji-ga-oka Park
Tsutsuji-ga-oka Park is where important scenes unfold in the work and is a representative tourist spot of Tatebayashi City.
Highlights:
- The pavilion (azumaya) in the park is a location where Kimari and Shirase have an important conversation
- The scenery facing Shiro Lake is beautifully depicted in the work
- In spring, approximately 10,000 azaleas of about 100 varieties bloom, including ancient trees over 800 years old
Access:
- About 20 minutes walk from Tatebayashi Station
- About 10 minutes by rental bicycle
- Parking available (paid during azalea season)
The park is large, so it’s recommended to allow sufficient time. Searching for specific angles from the work while strolling is one way to enjoy it.
Shiro Lake
Shiro Lake, adjacent to Tsutsuji-ga-oka Park, is depicted as a beautiful waterside landscape in the work. The walking path along the lake is ideal for strolling and offers different scenery each season.
Pilgrimage Sites Around Morin-ji Temple
Morin-ji Mae Station
Morin-ji Mae Station on the Tobu Isesaki Line is an important spot appearing in episode 1 where Kimari misses a train.
Highlights:
- The humble atmosphere of the unmanned station is faithfully recreated as in the work
- The view from the platform also appears in the work
- The station building is popular as a photography spot
Access:
- One station from Tatebayashi Station on the Tobu Isesaki Line (about 3 minutes)
- About 15 minutes by bicycle from Tatebayashi Station
Morin-ji Temple
Morin-ji is a Soto Zen temple known for the legend of the Bunbuku Chagama (a magical teapot), and appears in the work.
Highlights:
- 21 tanuki statues lining the approach (depicted in the work)
- The temple atmosphere matches the depiction in the work
- Exhibits related to the Bunbuku Chagama legend
Access:
- About 5 minutes walk from Morin-ji Mae Station
- About 20 minutes by bicycle from Tatebayashi Station
The tanuki statues along the approach each have different expressions and poses, making them popular photography spots. It’s an enjoyable tourist destination even for non-anime fans.
Streetscape Around Morin-ji Temple
From Morin-ji Mae Station to Morin-ji Temple, residential areas and rural landscapes appearing in the work spread out. You can immerse yourself in the work’s world while experiencing the peaceful atmosphere of the region.
Other Pilgrimage Spots in Tatebayashi City
Chiaki Mukai Memorial Children’s Science Museum
A science museum commemorating astronaut Chiaki Mukai, a native of Tatebayashi, related to the work’s theme of “space.” While not directly appearing in the work, it is worth visiting to understand the meaning of the title “A Place Further Than the Universe.”
Facility Information:
- Planetarium and exhibits on space and science
- Interactive exhibits enjoyable for children and adults
- Admission: ¥330 for adults, free for middle school and under
Former Old Two-Industry Mizugumiassociations Office
A historic building that served as a model for a structure appearing in the work. While it may not always be open to the public, the exterior allows you to feel the work’s atmosphere.
Tatebayashi Streetscape
In the work, not only specific tourist spots but also everyday streetscapes, intersections, and shops are carefully depicted. Walking through town with a pilgrimage map, searching for scenes from the work, is another way to enjoy it.
However, since years have passed since the broadcast, some shops have closed and streetscapes have changed. Still, many places retain the atmosphere from when the work was made, making it a valuable experience for fans.
Efficient Pilgrimage Model Courses
Half-Day Course (Walking/Bicycle)
Duration: About 4-5 hours
- Tatebayashi Station (starting point, obtain pilgrimage map)
- Tatebayashi Station Front Street Shopping District (5 minutes walk)
- Tsutsuji-ga-oka Park/Shiro Lake (10 minutes by bicycle/20 minutes walk)
- Morin-ji Mae Station (15 minutes by bicycle/train available)
- Morin-ji Temple (5 minutes walk)
- Tatebayashi Station (return)
This course allows you to efficiently visit major pilgrimage sites. Using a bicycle makes it possible to complete in half a day.
Full-Day Course (Thorough Pilgrimage)
Duration: About 7-8 hours
- Tatebayashi Station (start at 9:00)
- Tatebayashi Station Front Street Shopping District (including gourmet exploration)
- Area Around City Hall
- Tsutsuji-ga-oka Park/Shiro Lake (lunch break)
- Chiaki Mukai Memorial Children’s Science Museum
- Morin-ji Mae Station
- Morin-ji Temple
- Other Streetscape Spots
- Tatebayashi Station (return at 5:00 PM)
The full-day course allows you to thoroughly visit even detailed spots appearing in the work. You can also allocate time for photography and enjoying local cuisine.
Pilgrimage Tips
- Use pilgrimage maps: Maps distributed at Tatebayashi Station and shopping districts are essential
- Utilize bicycles: Using free rental bicycles “Pon-Chari” allows efficient travel
- Consider seasons: Tatebayashi is known for extremely hot summers. Spring and autumn visits are recommended
- Confirm operating hours: Some facilities have specific days off and hours, so advance confirmation is important
Enjoying Tatebayashi Gourmet While Pilgrimage
Tatebayashi Udon
Gunma Prefecture is also known as “Udon Prefecture,” and Tatebayashi has many delicious udon restaurants. Enjoying local udon between pilgrimages is recommended.
Tatebayashi Specialty Sweets
Tatebayashi has several established Japanese confectioner shops, perfect for souvenirs. Traditional sweets using local soy sauce are particularly popular.
Shopping District Cafes and Restaurants
The station front shopping district has cafes and restaurants beloved by locals scattered throughout. They can be used as rest spots during pilgrimage.
Latest Event Information and Collaboration Projects
Regularly Held Events
Tatebayashi City regularly holds collaboration events with “A Place Further Than the Universe.”
- Stamp Rally: Stamp rallies visiting various city locations held irregularly
- Panel Exhibitions: Character panel displays at stations and tourist facilities
- Collaboration Merchandise Sales: Limited merchandise sales events
Information Gathering Methods
Latest event information can be confirmed at:
- Tatebayashi City’s official website special pages
- Tatebayashi Tourism Association official social media
- Tatebayashi Station information desk
Visiting during event periods provides experiences beyond regular pilgrimage.
Pilgrimage Precautions and Etiquette
Basic Etiquette
- No trespassing on private property: Some locations in the work are on private land. Unauthorized entry is strictly prohibited
- Consideration when photographing: Be careful not to obstruct pedestrians or vehicle traffic
- Take trash with you: Always take trash with you to preserve the beautiful streetscape
- Maintain quiet: Be mindful of noise in residential areas and show consideration for local residents
Precautions at Morin-ji Temple
Morin-ji is an active religious facility. Follow worship etiquette and conduct yourself quietly within the temple grounds. Photography inside the main hall may be prohibited.
Heat Stroke Prevention in Summer
Tatebayashi City is sometimes known as “Japan’s hottest city.” For summer pilgrimages:
- Adequate water intake
- Use of hats and umbrellas
- Frequent breaks
- Visiting during cooler morning and evening hours
should be observed.
Accommodation Information and Nearby Tourism
Accommodation Facilities in Tatebayashi City
Tatebayashi City has several accommodation facilities, mainly business hotels. Consider staying if you want to visit thoroughly or are coming from far away.
Nearby Tourist Spots
Ashikaga City (Tochigi Prefecture):
- About 30 minutes by car from Tatebayashi
- Famous for Ashikaga Flower Park’s wisteria
Ota City:
- Adjacent city, castle town of Fuji Heavy Industries (now SUBARU)
- Subaru Visitor Center, etc.
Sano City (Tochigi Prefecture):
- Famous for Sano ramen
- Sano Premium Outlet
You can enjoy tourism in surrounding areas along with pilgrimage.
The Appeal of “A Place Further Than the Universe” Pilgrimage
What makes “A Place Further Than the Universe” pilgrimage special is not simply visiting anime settings, but the entire region warmly welcoming fans.
Even years after broadcast, Tatebayashi City continues collaboration with anime and works on regional revitalization. Local hospitality is high, and many fans feel “I want to live in Tatebayashi.”
The work’s themes of “courage to take one step” and “bonds with friends” can be felt more deeply by actually visiting Tatebayashi. Walking the same paths Kimari and friends walked and seeing the same scenery becomes a valuable experience of immersion in the work’s world.
Summary: Tips for Successful “A Place Further Than the Universe” Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage to “A Place Further Than the Universe” locations in Tatebayashi City, Gunma Prefecture, is an unforgettable experience for anime fans. The compact city allows you to visit major spots in half a day to one day, making it perfect for first-time pilgrimage.
Keys to Pilgrimage Success:
- Advance Preparation: Confirm pilgrimage maps and latest event information
- Transportation: Efficient travel by utilizing rental bicycles
- Seasonal Choice: Comfortable spring and autumn seasons are recommended
- Etiquette Compliance: Don’t forget consideration for local residents
- Local Cuisine: Enjoy Tatebayashi’s food culture
“A Place Further Than the Universe” is a story aiming for Antarctica, a distant place, but Tatebayashi, its starting point, is far from distant. It’s even possible to visit from Tokyo as a day trip.
Pilgrimage to Tatebayashi is recommended for all fans who love the work. Why not take the first step in Tatebayashi that Kimari and friends took?
Visiting the actual location deepens understanding of the work and brings new discoveries. You’ll also touch the charm of Tatebayashi itself. “A Place Further Than the Universe” pilgrimage is a special experience created together by anime and the region.
