My Dress-Up Darling Saitama Prefecture Pilgrimage Complete Guide: All Location Maps Centered on Iwatsuki
“My Dress-Up Darling” (hereafter, Kisekoi) is a popular anime series with Season 1 broadcast in January 2022 and Season 2 in July 2025. This youth romantic comedy featuring Wakana Gojo, who aspires to become a hina doll craftsman, and Marin Kitagawa, a cosplay enthusiast, has captivated many fans.
The biggest feature of this work is its faithful depiction of real locations centered on Iwatsuki Ward, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture. Iwatsuki is known as the “City of Dolls” dating back to the Edo period, and the model for Gojo-kun’s family doll shop actually exists. This article provides detailed explanations of pilgrimage sites within Saitama Prefecture, including routes, access methods, and precautions for actual visits.
Why Kisekoi’s Sacred Sites Are Concentrated in Saitama Prefecture
The work is set centered on Iwatsuki Ward, Saitama Prefecture, because original author Shinichi Fukuda conducted thorough location scouting and modeled it after real places. In particular, Iwatsuki has over 400 years of history as the “City of Dolls,” perfectly matching the setting of Gojo-kun aspiring to become a hina doll craftsman.
Many doll shops still line the streets of Iwatsuki, preserving a townscape where traditional crafts thrive. In the anime, this historical background beautifully merges with modern youth culture, creating a realistic stage setting.
Major Sacred Site Spots in the Iwatsuki Area
Around Iwatsuki Station
Tobu Urban Park Line Iwatsuki Station is an important starting point for Kisekoi pilgrimage. It appears many times in the work as the station Gojo-kun and Marin use for commuting to school. The exterior of the station building, areas around the ticket gates, and platform scenes are faithfully depicted in the anime.
Iwatsuki Station is on the Tobu Urban Park Line (formerly Noda Line), about 15 minutes by local train from Omiya Station. There is a “Doll Town Iwatsuki” sign in front of the station, enhancing the pilgrimage atmosphere.
Model for Gojo-kun’s Family Home: Iwatsuki Doll Shops
The model for Gojo-kun’s family home “Gojo Dolls” is based on established doll shops that actually exist in Iwatsuki. Specifically, Suzuki Dolls and Koji Dolls, among others, are said to be models.
These doll shops scattered within walking distance from Iwatsuki Station preserve traditional architectural styles dating from the Edo period, allowing you to fully experience the anime’s atmosphere. However, as these are actually operating stores, consideration is necessary during visits, limiting yourself to photographing exteriors so as not to disturb business.
Visiting the Iwatsuki Doll Museum as well will deepen your understanding of the hina doll world that Gojo-kun studies.
Gojo-kun’s School Route
The roads appearing in scenes where Gojo-kun commutes by bicycle are modeled after actual streets around Iwatsuki Station. Particularly the area around Jionji Bridge and roads passing through Iwatsuki’s residential areas can be explored while comparing with anime scenes.
The commuting scenes depict flat roads characteristic of Saitama and landscapes lined with residences. Many fans actually make pilgrimages by bicycle, experiencing Gojo-kun’s feelings on this popular route. However, as these are residential streets, follow traffic rules and be considerate of local residents while making your pilgrimage.
Higashi-Iwatsuki Station
Higashi-Iwatsuki Station, the neighboring station to Iwatsuki, is also an important location appearing in the work. It’s used in scenes where Gojo-kun and Marin meet up, with the station’s exterior and surrounding scenery faithfully recreated.
Higashi-Iwatsuki Station is smaller than Iwatsuki Station but located in a quiet residential area, offering a place to feel the everyday atmosphere of the work.
Sacred Site Spots in the Omiya Area
Around Omiya Station
Tobu Urban Park Line Omiya Station occupies an important position as the gateway to Iwatsuki. It connects with JR Omiya Station, and many fans visiting from afar pass through here.
Places modeled for scenes where Gojo-kun and Marin go shopping are scattered around the station area.
Near Excellent Omiya Building
Near Excellent Omiya Building, within walking distance from Omiya Station East Exit, appears in scenes where the two go shopping for cosplay costume materials. The atmosphere of Omiya’s downtown area is reflected in the work, merging modern urban landscapes with the work’s worldview.
This area has many commercial facilities and restaurants, making it suitable for breaks during pilgrimage.
Sacred Sites in Yashio and Shin-Misato Areas
Yashio City Abandoned Hospital Studio
Yashio City’s abandoned hospital studio was used as the filming location for scenes where Marin does photo shoots. Actually operated as a filming studio, it’s not open to the public, but the exterior can be viewed.
Tsukuba Express Yashio Station is the nearest station, but it’s quite far from the station, so access requires attention. As this facility is private property, entry onto the premises is strictly prohibited.
Shin-Misato Station
Shin-Misato Station, on the JR Musashino Line, is the nearest station to locations modeled for scenes where the two visit shopping malls. Large commercial facilities are concentrated around the station, allowing you to experience the atmosphere of shopping scenes in the work.
LaLaport Shin-Misato and IKEA are located here, where you can also enjoy searching for cosplay costume materials yourself.
Other Sacred Sites Within Saitama Prefecture
Kashiwanoha Area (Chiba Prefecture Border)
Strictly speaking in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture, the area around Kashiwanoha Campus Station near the Saitama border is also a sacred site. Particularly, there’s a school (with a different official name) that served as the model for Kashiwanoha High School, used as the exterior of the school the two attend.
Tsukuba Express Kashiwanoha Campus Station is nearest, but as the school is an actual educational institution, please limit viewing to outside the premises so as not to disturb classes.
Urawa and Kawaguchi Areas
Areas around Urawa and Kawaguchi stations also appear in some scenes. Urban landscapes and commercial facilities are particularly depicted, reflecting Saitama Prefecture’s diverse expressions in the work.
Efficient Pilgrimage Route Suggestions
As Kisekoi sacred sites are widely scattered throughout Saitama Prefecture, it’s difficult to visit them all in one day. Here are model routes for efficient pilgrimage.
1-Day Course: Iwatsuki Concentrated Route
Morning
- Meet at Omiya Station (9:00)
- To Iwatsuki Station via Tobu Urban Park Line (arrive 9:30)
- Photography around Iwatsuki Station
- Tour doll shops modeled after Gojo-kun’s family home
- Visit Iwatsuki Doll Museum
Afternoon
- Pilgrimage along Gojo-kun’s school route by bicycle or rental bike
- Around Higashi-Iwatsuki Station
- Return to Omiya Station, near Excellent Omiya Building
This route allows you to visit major sacred sites without strain.
2-Day Course: Complete Saitama Prefecture Route
Day 1: Iwatsuki/Omiya Area
- Same as the 1-day course above
Day 2: Yashio/Shin-Misato/Kashiwanoha Area
- View exterior of abandoned hospital studio from Yashio Station
- Commercial facilities around Shin-Misato Station
- Around Kashiwanoha Campus Station (school model)
This route covers almost all sacred sites within Saitama Prefecture appearing in the work.
Access Methods and Transportation
Access by Train
From Tokyo Direction
- To Omiya Station via JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, Utsunomiya Line, or Takasaki Line
- From Omiya Station to Iwatsuki Station via Tobu Urban Park Line (about 15 minutes)
From Chiba Direction
- Direct access to Iwatsuki Station via Tobu Urban Park Line
Along Tsukuba Express Line
- Direct access to Yashio Station, Shin-Misato Station, Kashiwanoha Campus Station
Access by Car
There are several paid parking lots around Iwatsuki, but not many. They may be crowded on weekends, so public transportation is recommended.
Tohoku Expressway Iwatsuki IC is the nearest interchange, but there’s some distance to the city center.
Rental Bicycles
Rental bicycle services are available around Iwatsuki Station, and making pilgrimages by bicycle like Gojo-kun is popular. The flat terrain makes bicycle travel comfortable. However, follow traffic rules and be mindful of safety.
Precautions and Manners During Pilgrimage
No Trespassing on Private Property
Many sacred sites including doll shops, schools, and residences are private property or operating facilities. Absolutely avoid entering premises without permission, and respect owners’ and users’ rights by photographing from public roads.
Consideration for Noise
Iwatsuki is a quiet residential area. Loud conversations or early morning/late night pilgrimages disturb nearby residents. Especially on residential streets like Gojo-kun’s school route, make your pilgrimage quietly.
Take Your Trash Home
Littering around sacred sites is strictly prohibited. Always take home trash from eating and drinking, or dispose of it in designated trash bins. Keeping sacred sites beautiful is also an important role as a fan.
Don’t Disturb Business
At operating locations such as doll shops and commercial facilities, be careful not to disturb customers or employees. Obtain permission before photographing inside stores and avoid long stays.
Comply with Traffic Rules
When making pilgrimages by bicycle, strictly observe traffic rules. Riding on sidewalks, ignoring signals, and riding side-by-side are dangerous and cause trouble for local people.
Iwatsuki Attractions to Enjoy with Pilgrimage
Iwatsuki Doll Museum
The Iwatsuki Doll Museum, opened in 2020, is a facility comprehensively introducing Japanese doll culture. You can deeply learn about the hina doll world that Gojo-kun studies, deepening understanding of the work. In addition to permanent exhibitions, special exhibitions are held regularly.
Iwatsuki Castle Ruins Park
A park developed on the site of Iwatsuki Castle, also known as a cherry blossom viewing spot. In spring, about 600 cherry trees bloom in full glory, attracting flower viewers. It’s a relaxing place where you can stroll while feeling history.
Iwatsuki Traditional Cuisine
Iwatsuki has traditional local dishes and Japanese sweets passed down since ancient times. Particularly dishes using “Iwatsuki leeks” and doll-shaped sweets from established Japanese confectionery shops are local gourmet foods you can enjoy between pilgrimages.
Doll Shop Tour
In addition to sacred site pilgrimage, visiting actual doll shops to observe craftsmen’s techniques is also recommended. Many shops display and sell hina dolls and May dolls, allowing you to feel the excellence of traditional crafts up close.
Newly Appearing Sacred Sites in Season 2
Season 2, which began broadcasting in July 2025, features new sacred sites. In addition to locations within Saitama Prefecture depicted in Season 1, even wider-ranging locations are being used.
Specific locations are becoming clear as broadcasting progresses, but Saitama Prefecture centered on Iwatsuki continues to be the main setting. Revisiting to seek new discoveries in conjunction with Season 2 broadcasts would also be enjoyable.
Accommodation Information for Pilgrimage
When visiting from afar, securing accommodation is also important. As there are few large hotels around Iwatsuki, using hotels around Omiya or Urawa stations as a base is recommended.
Hotels Around Omiya Station
Around Omiya Station, there are diverse accommodation facilities from business hotels to city hotels. Access to Iwatsuki is good at about 15 minutes via Tobu Urban Park Line.
Hotels Around Urawa Station
Accommodation around Urawa Station is also well-developed, with convenient access to Omiya Station. It’s a relatively quiet area where you can rest leisurely.
Pilgrimage Packing Checklist
To ensure comfortable pilgrimage, prepare the following items:
- Smartphone/Camera: Essential for photographing sacred sites. Spare battery recommended
- Map/Pilgrimage Map: Check sacred site locations in advance and plan efficient routes
- Work Materials: Anime screenshots or original manga make comparisons enjoyable
- Drinks/Snacks: As some areas around Iwatsuki have few convenience stores, prepare in advance
- Comfortable Shoes: As you’ll walk long distances, sneakers or other comfortable shoes are recommended
- Sunscreen/Hat: Heatstroke prevention is important for summer pilgrimages
- Raincoat/Umbrella: Prepare for weather changes
- Eco Bag: Convenient when purchasing souvenirs
Enjoying Pilgrimage by Season
Spring (March-May)
Cherry blossoms at Iwatsuki Castle Ruins Park reach full bloom, allowing you to enjoy both flower viewing and pilgrimage simultaneously. At doll shops, displays change from hina dolls to May dolls, letting you feel the changing seasons.
Summer (June-August)
This season coincides with Season 2 broadcasting, when many fans visit. Take thorough measures against heat and be careful of heatstroke while making your pilgrimage.
Autumn (September-November)
The comfortable climate makes this the optimal season for pilgrimage. Autumn leaves are also beautiful, making this a recommended time for photography.
Winter (December-February)
Being the same season as Season 1’s broadcast period, you can experience an atmosphere closer to the work. Hina doll displays begin at doll shops, making this the time when you can most feel Gojo-kun’s world.
History of Kisekoi Pilgrimage and Regional Promotion
“My Dress-Up Darling” was selected in 2024 for the first time for the “88 Anime Pilgrimage Sites in Japan You Want to Visit” chosen by the Anime Tourism Association. This officially recognized Iwatsuki Ward, Saitama City as an “anime sacred site.”
Iwatsuki Ward has been conducting various initiatives to utilize this opportunity for regional promotion. Movements are spreading where fans and the region together promote the work, including collaboration projects with doll shops and creation of tourism maps.
By merging doll-making, Iwatsuki’s traditional industry, with modern anime culture, a new form of cultural dissemination is being realized. Through sacred site pilgrimage, please rediscover the charms of this historic town.
Pilgrimage Community and SNS Utilization
The joy of sacred site pilgrimage also lies in interaction among fans who love the same work. Share your pilgrimage records using hashtags like “#KisekoiPilgrimage” and “#MyDressUpDarling” on SNS.
By referencing other fans’ posts, you can discover new sacred sites and learn about efficient routes. However, when posting to SNS, be mindful of privacy and copyright, and be careful not to cause trouble for others.
Summary: Rediscover Saitama’s Charms Through Kisekoi Pilgrimage
Sacred site pilgrimage for “My Dress-Up Darling” doesn’t stop at simply visiting anime filming locations. It’s a valuable opportunity to touch the culture of Iwatsuki Ward, Saitama Prefecture, a historic “City of Dolls,” and experience the world of traditional crafts that Gojo-kun seeks to inherit.
By visiting sacred sites scattered widely across areas centered on Iwatsuki, including Omiya, Yashio, and Shin-Misato, you can discover Saitama Prefecture’s diverse expressions. Don’t forget efficient route planning and consideration for local residents, and enjoy pilgrimage while observing proper manners.
With Season 2’s broadcast, even more fans are expected to visit. Why not take this opportunity to embark on a journey to discover new charms of Saitama Prefecture while immersing yourself in the work’s worldview? By tracing the paths walked by Gojo-kun and Marin, your love for the work will surely deepen further.
