About Haremi-cho Shopping Street
Haremi-cho Shopping Street is a historic shopping street in Fuchu, Tokyo that has continued since 1960 (Showa 35). It is characterized by an L-shaped street that runs parallel to the Kokubunji Kaido and connects to Fuchu Kaido, and is known as the model location for the shopping street around Tracen Academy in the anime and game works of “Uma Musume Pretty Derby.”
From butcher shops, vegetable stores, and fresh fish shops to popular bakeries, long-established restaurants, soba restaurants, and modern-day penny candy stores, it retains a nostalgic shopping street atmosphere with diverse shops. This nostalgic townscape was adopted as an important stage for expressing the worldview of Uma Musume.
Basic Information
- Location: Haremi-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo
- Access: About 12 minutes walk from “Fuchu Station” on the Keio Line
- Business Hours: Varies by store (many around 10:00-19:00)
- Closed Days: Varies by store
- Parking: Coin parking available in the surrounding area
Appearances of Haremi-cho Shopping Street in Uma Musume
Appearances in the Anime
Haremi-cho Shopping Street appears repeatedly in Uma Musume anime seasons 1 and 2, as well as “Oath of the BNW.” Set near Tracen Academy, it is depicted as a background for scenes of Uma Musume characters shopping and going about their daily lives.
Particularly in anime season 3, cuts of the shopping street appear multiple times, with compositions shot from the Keimushokotohigashi intersection being used impressively. The everyday scenes of characters walking through the shopping street give the work warmth and a sense of reality.
Appearances in the Game
In the game version of “Uma Musume Pretty Derby,” the shopping street appears as an important stage in event stories of characters like Nice Nature and Haru Urara. Particularly impressive are the event scenes where characters visit the shopping street, with meticulous detail in the background depictions.
In the game version, the distinctive street lamp design and building layout of Haremi-cho Shopping Street are faithfully recreated, becoming a topic of discussion among sacred location pilgrimage fans.
Sacred Location Pilgrimage Points
Distinctive Street Lamp Design
The greatest feature of Haremi-cho Shopping Street is its unique umbrella-shaped street lamp design. This rare street lamp design is adopted in the background illustrations of the game version and serves as the most important matching point for sacred location pilgrimages.
Street lamps are installed throughout the shopping street, and their distinctive silhouettes can be confirmed even during the day. The sight of them lighting up from evening through night evokes the atmosphere of the anime.
Photography Spots
Keimushokotohigashi Intersection
Known as the photography location of the cut that appeared in anime season 3. Photographing the shopping street area from this intersection allows you to recreate a composition similar to the scene in the work. As this is a location with traffic, please pay sufficient attention to safety around you when photographing.
Near the Shopping Street Entrance
The entrance area of the L-shaped shopping street is an optimal spot for capturing the overall atmosphere. It’s good to cover both the angle from the Kokubunji Kaido side and the angle from the Fuchu Kaido side.
Street with Lined Street Lamps
The street with characteristic umbrella-shaped street lamps lined up is the place where you can feel the Uma Musume worldview the most. Photographing in the soft afternoon light allows you to capture photos with the warmth of the anime.
Notes on Photography
Haremi-cho Shopping Street is an actual operating shopping street. When enjoying sacred location pilgrimage, please note the following:
- Be considerate so as not to bother shops or passersby
- Refrain from unauthorized photography inside shops
- Avoid loud conversations and noise
- Always take garbage with you
- Trespassing on private property is strictly prohibited
- Follow traffic rules
Sacred location pilgrimage is made possible through the understanding and cooperation of the local community. Let’s enjoy it while following proper manners.
Access Method from Fuchu Station
Access by Walking
From Keio Line “Fuchu Station” to Haremi-cho Shopping Street is about 12 minutes on foot.
- Exit from the north exit ticket gate at Fuchu Station
- Proceed left through the station front rotary
- Go straight along Keyaki-lined Avenue
- Turn right when you reach Kokubunji Kaido
- After proceeding about 200m, you will arrive at the entrance to Haremi-cho Shopping Street
The route is flat and easy to walk, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Keyaki-lined avenue.
Access by Bus
If using the bus from Fuchu Station, take the bus heading to “Haremi-cho” from the Fuchu Station North Exit bus stop and get off at “Haremi-cho” bus stop. The travel time is about 5 minutes.
Access by Car
About 15 minutes from “Inagi IC” or “Fuchu Smart IC” on the Chuo Expressway. As there is no dedicated parking lot around the shopping street, please use nearby coin parking. There are also multiple parking lots around Fuchu Station.
Nearby Sacred Location Pilgrimage Spots
Once you visit Haremi-cho Shopping Street, be sure to visit nearby Uma Musume sacred locations as well.
Tokyo Racecourse
Located about 2km from Haremi-cho Shopping Street, approximately 25 minutes on foot, Tokyo Racecourse is the most important sacred location for Uma Musume. Many race scenes, starting with anime season 1, are modeled after Tokyo Racecourse.
On race days, you can actually watch races and experience the Uma Musume worldview realistically. Throughout the vast facility, there are many locations that appear in the anime.
Access: On foot from Fuchu Station, or get off at Keio Line “Fuchu Racecourse Main Gate Station”
Around Fuchu Station
Fuchu Station and the surrounding area are also known as sacred locations for Uma Musume. Inside the station ticket gates, the station front rotary, Keyaki-lined Avenue, and other model locations that appear in the work are scattered about.
In particular, the landscape north of Fuchu Station is believed to have been referenced when expressing the atmosphere of the area around Tracen Academy.
Tamagawa River Riverbed
The riverbed of the Tamagawa River flowing through Fuchu City is used as a model location for scenes where Uma Musume characters train. The spacious riverbed is bustling with people actually enjoying running and cycling, allowing you to feel the atmosphere of the work.
Access: About 20 minutes on foot from Fuchu Station, or about 15 minutes on foot from Keio Line “Fuchu Honmachi Station”
History and Charm of Haremi-cho Shopping Street
History of the Shopping Street
Haremi-cho Shopping Street is a historic shopping street established in 1960. It grew together with the development of Fuchu City during the period of high economic growth and has played an important role in supporting the lives of local residents.
Over more than 60 years of history, while adapting to the changes of the times, it continues to cherish the warmth of traditional shopping streets. This history and tradition create a unique atmosphere that matches the worldview of Uma Musume.
Shopping Street Loved by the Community
Haremi-cho Shopping Street functions not merely as a place to shop but as the center of the community. It is characterized by a close distance between shop owners and customers, with familiar relationships being built.
Events and festivals are held each season, becoming a gathering place for local people. This attitude of cherishing connections between people enhances the charm of the shopping street.
Distinctive Shops
The shopping street features unique shops lined side by side. From long-established shops founded decades ago to shops with new sensibilities, the diversity of shops coexisting is the charm of Haremi-cho Shopping Street.
In particular, a popular bakery bustles with customers seeking freshly baked bread from early morning. Also, in traditional soba restaurants and set meal restaurants, you can enjoy authentic flavors at reasonable prices.
How to Enjoy Sacred Location Pilgrimage
Enjoyment by Time of Day
Morning (9:00-12:00)
A time when the shopping street begins to come alive. The sight of shops preparing to open and morning shoppers bustling about allows you to feel the daily appearance of the shopping street. At the bakery, freshly baked bread is displayed and a pleasant aroma fills the air.
Afternoon (12:00-17:00)
The time of day with the most foot traffic and the most animated shopping street atmosphere. The brightness is suitable for photography, and the street lamp design can be clearly confirmed. Since restaurants become crowded during lunch hours, shifting the timing slightly is recommended if you want to enjoy dining.
Evening to Night (17:00-20:00)
A time when street lamps begin to light up and the atmosphere becomes like the anime. The “magic hour” where the soft evening light mixes with the glow of street lamps is a particularly good chance to take beautiful photos. However, as more shops close during this time, if you want to enjoy shopping, arriving earlier is recommended.
Highlights by Season
Spring
The Keyaki-lined avenue on the way from Fuchu Station is beautiful with fresh green, creating a refreshing season. In the shopping street too, products using spring ingredients line the shops, allowing you to enjoy the seasonal feel.
Summer
Summer festivals may be held in the shopping street, allowing you to feel the vitality of the community. Since it’s hot, don’t forget to hydrate while on your pilgrimage.
Autumn
A pleasant climate makes this the ideal season for sacred location pilgrimage. The autumn foliage of the Keyaki-lined avenue is beautiful, and shops handling autumn flavors increase.
Winter
While foot traffic decreases, there is the advantage of being able to photograph quietly. Illuminations may be installed, allowing you to enjoy winter-specific atmosphere.
Utilization of Sacred Location Pilgrimage Maps
To enjoy sacred location pilgrimage efficiently, it is recommended to prepare a map in advance. Maps covering sacred locations in Fuchu City including Haremi-cho Shopping Street are made available on multiple fan sites.
Installing a map app on your smartphone makes navigation from your current location to each spot easy. Searching for “Haremi-cho Shopping Street” in Google Maps will display accurate location information and route guidance.
Combining with Other Sacred Locations in the Kanto Region
Nakayama Racecourse (Chiba Prefecture)
Nakayama Racecourse in Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture, about 1 hour by train from Haremi-cho Shopping Street, is also an important sacred location for Uma Musume. It is accessible on foot from Funabashi Hotten Station, and it is possible to visit both in a single day.
Kichijoji and Harajuku Omotesando Area
Kichijoji, which appears in game event scenes, and the Harajuku Omotesando area, which appears in the anime, are also within reach for sacred location pilgrimage on the same day as Haremi-cho Shopping Street. Combining spots in Musashino City and Shibuya Ward makes for an enriching sacred location pilgrimage tour.
Methods to Record Sacred Location Pilgrimage
Photography Tips
Photography is essential for preserving memories of sacred location pilgrimage. Keeping the following points in mind will allow you to take better photos:
- Comparison photos: Comparison photos placing anime or game screenshots alongside actual locations are popular on SNS
- Study of composition: Searching for the same angles as cuts in the work and photographing them creates more realism
- Consider weather: Clear days allow bright photos, while cloudy days create atmospheric photos with soft light
- Include people: If visiting with friends, remember to take commemorative photos
Sharing on SNS
When sharing records of sacred location pilgrimage on SNS such as Twitter and Instagram, make use of hashtags. Using tags like “#ウマ娘聖地巡礼,” “#晴見町商店街,” “#ウマ娘” allows you to connect with people sharing the same interests.
However, caution is necessary when sharing location information. While being considerate of privacy, share the fun aspects of your pilgrimage.
Consideration for the Community and Manners
Sacred location pilgrimage is an activity that is made possible through the understanding and cooperation of the community. Remember that Haremi-cho Shopping Street is not a tourist destination but a place of daily life for residents, and follow the following manners:
Basic Manners
- Keep noise down: Keep loud conversations and shouting to a minimum
- Don’t bother others: Be considerate so as not to hinder shop operations or the passage of people
- Maintain cleanliness: Always take garbage with you and keep the shopping street clean
- Get permission: Always ask for permission before photographing inside shops
- Respect privacy: Be careful that residents and passersby do not appear in photos
Contribution to the Community
When you visit through sacred location pilgrimage, it is also important to contribute to the local economy within your means. By shopping at shops in the shopping street or using restaurants, you can build positive relationships with the community.
Try to act in a way that makes people think, “We’re happy that Uma Musume fans came to visit.”
Summary: The Charm of Haremi-cho Shopping Street
Haremi-cho Shopping Street is a precious sacred location where you can experience the worldview of Uma Musume Pretty Derby. The atmosphere of a traditional shopping street with over 60 years of history, the distinctive umbrella-shaped street lamp design, and the warm community rooted in the area enhance the charm of the work.
The accessibility within walking distance of Fuchu Station and proximity to other sacred locations such as Tokyo Racecourse are also appealing. By actually visiting locations you saw in anime and games, your understanding of the work deepens, and you may make new discoveries.
Through sacred location pilgrimage, enjoy the world of Uma Musume more deeply while discovering the charm of the community. Please enjoy a memorable sacred location pilgrimage while following proper manners.
Why not visit Haremi-cho Shopping Street on your next day off and immerse yourself in the world of Uma Musume?
