“Your Lie in April” Complete Tokyo Pilgrimage Guide | Must-See Location Map and Photo Spots for Fans
Introduction: The Appeal of “Your Lie in April” and Pilgrimage Sites
The manga work “Your Lie in April” by Naoshi Arakawa was adapted into an anime in 2014, captivating many fans with its beautiful musical depictions and poignant coming-of-age story. The story’s setting, centered around protagonist Arima Kousei and heroine Miyazono Kaori, is modeled after real locations primarily in Nerima Ward, Tokyo.
This article introduces in detail pilgrimage sites where you can experience the world of the work. By actually visiting, you can have a special experience of retracing the paths walked by the characters while recalling scenes from the series.
About the Setting of “Your Lie in April”
Main Setting of the Work: Nerima Ward, Tokyo
The story of “Your Lie in April” unfolds primarily in the fictional town “Sumiya,” modeled after Nerima Ward, Tokyo. Nerima Ward is located in the northwestern part of Tokyo’s 23 wards, characterized by quiet residential areas and abundant greenery. The schools, parks, shopping streets, and stations appearing in the series are based on places that actually exist within Nerima Ward.
Why Nerima Ward Was Chosen
Original author Naoshi Arakawa is said to have had connections to Nerima Ward, and the work depicts local scenery in detail. The streetscapes that evoke peaceful daily life while maintaining good access to the city center made it the perfect setting for depicting the protagonists’ youth.
Detailed Guide to Major Pilgrimage Spots
1. Hikarigaoka Park (Nerima Ward)
Scenes in the Work
Hikarigaoka Park is one of the most iconic locations in the series. It serves as the setting for numerous memorable scenes, including the cherry blossom-lined path where Kousei and Kaori first meet, the bench where they discuss music, and important scenes that form the story’s climax.
Features of the Actual Park
Hikarigaoka Park is a vast metropolitan park of approximately 60 hectares, attractive for its abundant nature and open spaces. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom in profusion, and you can actually see the beautiful cherry-lined paths like those in the series. The park contains plazas, baseball fields, tennis courts, barbecue areas, and serves as a place of relaxation for local residents.
Pilgrimage Points
- Cherry-lined Path: Visit in spring (late March to early April) to recreate the scene where Kaori and Kousei met
- Keyaki Plaza: The plaza modeled after the scene where the two performed
- Benches in the Park: Try to find the benches where the characters conversed
Access Information
- 8-minute walk from “Hikarigaoka Station” on the Toei Oedo Line
- 15-minute walk from “Narimasu Station” on the Tobu Tojo Line
- Address: 4-1-1 Hikarigaoka, Nerima-ku, Tokyo
- Admission: Free
- Opening Hours: Always open (except certain facilities)
2. Nerima Cultural Center
Importance in the Work
The Nerima Cultural Center is the model for the venue where piano competitions are held in the series. As the setting for important scenes where Kousei confronts the piano again, it holds symbolic meaning in the story.
Facility Overview
A comprehensive cultural facility with a 1,190-seat main hall and a 250-seat small hall, where classical music concerts and recitals are frequently held. For fans of the work, attending a classical concert here would allow you to more deeply savor the atmosphere from the series.
Points for Visiting
- Hall interior accessible only during performances
- Lobby and exterior can be freely viewed
- Performance schedule available on the official website
Access Information
- 1-minute walk from the north exit of “Nerima Station” on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line and Toei Oedo Line
- Address: 1-17-37 Nerima, Nerima-ku, Tokyo
3. Shakujii Park (Nerima Ward)
Depiction in the Work
Shakujii Park appears in scenes where Kousei and Kaori go on dates and in everyday scenes with their friends. The scenery around Shakujii Pond in particular is depicted repeatedly as background in the series.
Park Characteristics
A nature-rich park centered around two large ponds: Shakujii Pond and Sanpoji Pond. You can enjoy nature throughout the four seasons, including boating on Shakujii Pond and bird watching around Sanpoji Pond.
How to Enjoy the Pilgrimage
- Walk around the ponds while recalling scenes from the series
- Enjoy the view from the water by taking a boat (fee required)
- Autumn foliage season is particularly beautiful
Access Information
- 7-minute walk from “Shakujii-koen Station” on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line
- Address: 1-26-1 Shakujiidai, Nerima-ku, Tokyo
- Admission: Free
4. Stations Along the Seibu Ikebukuro Line
Nerima Station
The model for the station used by the main characters in the series. The shopping streets around the station and the scenery in front of the station appear in the work. While redevelopment is currently progressing, some places still retain the atmosphere of that time.
Oizumi-gakuen Station
A station that appears in several scenes in the series. The rotary in front of the station and shopping streets are depicted.
5. Locations Modeled After Schools
The “Sumiya Junior High School” in the series is not modeled after a specific school, but is said to reference the atmosphere of junior high schools in Nerima Ward. Since actual schools are private property, only view the exterior from a distance and absolutely avoid entering the premises.
6. Shopping Streets and Streetscapes
Shopping Streets Around Nerima Station
The model for the shopping streets where Kousei and friends walk daily. The scenery of traditional shops lined up is just like the atmosphere in the series.
Photo Points
- Shopping street arcades
- Rotary in front of the station
- Alleys in residential areas
Efficient Pilgrimage Route Suggestions
Half-Day Course (About 4 Hours)
Morning Start Plan
- Meet at Nerima Station (9:00)
- Explore around the station, walk the shopping streets (30 minutes)
- Nerima Cultural Center (9:30)
- Exterior photography, lobby tour (30 minutes)
- Move to Hikarigaoka Park (10:00)
- Take Toei Oedo Line to Hikarigaoka Station (10 minutes)
- Stroll through Hikarigaoka Park (2 hours)
- Tour cherry-lined paths, Keyaki Plaza, benches, etc.
- Lunch (12:00)
- Around Hikarigaoka Station or Nerima Station (1 hour)
Full-Day Course (About 8 Hours)
Leisurely Plan from Morning to Evening
- Shakujii Park (10:00-12:00)
- Walk touring the two ponds
- Boating (optional)
- Lunch (12:00-13:00)
- Around Shakujii-koen Station
- Around Nerima Station (13:30-15:00)
- Tour Nerima Cultural Center
- Shopping street stroll
- Streetscape photography around the station
- Hikarigaoka Park (15:30-17:30)
- Leisurely tour main spots
- Photography at dusk
Recommended Visiting Times by Season
Spring (Late March to Early April)
The most recommended season. Cherry blossoms at Hikarigaoka Park and Shakujii Park are in full bloom, allowing you to actually experience the iconic cherry blossom scenes from the series. The cherry-lined path at Hikarigaoka Park is a must-see.
Summer (June to August)
You can enjoy lush green scenery full of vitality. Boating at Shakujii Park is pleasant during this season. However, heat countermeasures are essential.
Autumn (October to November)
A season with beautiful autumn foliage, particularly spectacular around Sanpoji Pond at Shakujii Park. The comfortable climate is ideal for strolling.
Winter (December to February)
The clear air is suitable for photography. With fewer crowds, you can take your time on the pilgrimage. Be sure to dress warmly.
Photography Techniques for Pilgrimage
Comparison Photography with Anime Scenes
What to Prepare
- Smartphone or camera
- Anime screenshots (for reference)
- Spare battery
Photography Tips
- Match the Angle: Adjust your position while looking at screenshots to recreate the anime’s perspective
- Consider Time of Day: Visit at the same time as scenes in the series for similar lighting
- Utilize Weather: Enjoy the atmosphere of both sunny and cloudy conditions
- Include People: If visiting with friends, recreating character poses is also fun
Photo Spots for Social Media
- Cherry-lined path at Hikarigaoka Park (spring only)
- Pond and tree scenery at Shakujii Park
- Exterior of Nerima Cultural Center
- Shopping street scenery
Pilgrimage Manners and Rules
Basic Manners
While pilgrimage is an enjoyable experience, the places you visit are where people actually live. Be sure to observe the following manners.
Manners in Residential Areas
- Don’t make loud noise
- Don’t enter private property without permission
- Be considerate not to disturb residents
- Always take your trash with you
- Avoid visits during early morning and nighttime
Manners Around Schools
- Absolutely do not enter the premises
- Avoid students’ commuting hours
- Refrain from telephoto lens photography
- Don’t interfere with school events
Manners at Public Facilities
- Follow facility rules
- Don’t disturb other users
- Don’t photograph in photography-prohibited areas
- Be considerate of surroundings when using tripods
Photography Precautions
- Photograph in places that don’t obstruct traffic
- Be considerate not to include others in photos (if included, be considerate when posting on social media)
- Get permission for photography at shops
- Never photograph in dangerous places (roads, railways, etc.)
Surrounding Tourist Spots and Gourmet Information
Other Tourist Spots in Nerima Ward
Former Toshimaen Site (Currently Under Development)
Site of a long-beloved amusement park. Future development is attracting attention.
Makino Memorial Garden
Former residence of Dr. Tomitaro Makino, the father of Japanese botany. You can enjoy seasonal plants year-round.
Recommended Gourmet Spots
Around Nerima Station
- Locally popular ramen shops
- Traditional coffee shops
- Many options from chain stores to privately-owned restaurants
Around Hikarigaoka Station
- Restaurant area inside Hikarigaoka IMA Shopping Center
- Cafes and fast food restaurants
Around Shakujii-koen Station
- Cafes to visit after strolling the park
- Local set meal restaurants
Access and Transportation Information
Access from Central Tokyo
By Train
- From Ikebukuro: About 10 minutes to Nerima Station, about 15 minutes to Shakujii-koen Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line
- From Shinjuku: About 20 minutes to Nerima Station, about 25 minutes to Hikarigaoka Station on the Toei Oedo Line
- From Shibuya: About 25 minutes to Nerima Station on the Fukutoshin Line
By Car
There are multiple coin parking lots in Nerima Ward, but using public transportation is recommended. Parking lots are especially crowded on weekends.
Transportation Within the Ward
Train
- Seibu Ikebukuro Line: Nerima Station ⇔ Shakujii-koen Station (about 5 minutes)
- Toei Oedo Line: Nerima Station ⇔ Hikarigaoka Station (about 10 minutes)
Bus
- Seibu Bus and Kokusai Kogyo Bus operate within the ward
- Routes connecting major spots available
Walking/Bicycle
- About 30-minute walk from Nerima Station to Hikarigaoka Park
- Rental bicycles are also convenient (rental bicycle ports around stations)
Accommodation Information
Accommodations in Nerima Ward
While there are few large hotels in Nerima Ward, business hotels and private lodging facilities are available.
Accommodation in Surrounding Areas
Ikebukuro Area
Good access to Nerima with abundant hotel options. You can also enjoy sightseeing and shopping.
Shinjuku/Shibuya Area
Accessible in about 30 minutes by train from major central areas.
“Your Lie in April” Related Event Information
Past Events
Nerima Ward has previously held “Your Lie in April” related events and stamp rallies.
How to Obtain Latest Information
- Nerima Ward Tourism Association official website
- Nerima Animation Site
- Official social media accounts
- Fan communities
Interaction with Fan Communities
Sharing Information on Social Media
Sharing your pilgrimage experiences on social media allows you to interact with other fans.
Recommended Hashtags
- #YourLieInApril
- #YourLieInAprilPilgrimage
- #KimiUsoPilgrimage
- #NerimaPilgrimage
Meetups and Pilgrimage Tours
Participating in pilgrimage tours and meetups organized among fans is also an enjoyable experience. Check information on social media and fan sites.
To Enjoy the Work More Deeply
Preparation Before Pilgrimage
Rewatching the Anime
Rewatching the anime before the pilgrimage makes impressions of each location more vivid. Check scenes where backgrounds are depicted in detail.
Reading the Original Manga
There are different depictions from the anime and episodes that weren’t animated.
Listening to the Soundtrack
Familiarizing yourself with the classical music performed in the series will make concert viewing at Nerima Cultural Center more enjoyable.
How to Enjoy During Pilgrimage
While Listening to Music
Listening to the work’s soundtrack during pilgrimage allows deeper immersion in the world of the work. However, pay close attention to safety around you.
Keeping a Pilgrimage Journal
Recording visited places, impressions, and photos increases the enjoyment of looking back later.
Summary: Experience the World of the Work Through Pilgrimage
The “Your Lie in April” pilgrimage is a valuable opportunity to actually experience the beautiful world depicted in the work. The pilgrimage sites centered in Nerima Ward, Tokyo, have good access from central Tokyo, and you can tour the major spots in one day.
Visiting during the cherry blossom season in spring allows you to relive iconic scenes from the series. The cherry-lined paths of Hikarigaoka Park, the quiet ponds of Shakujii Park, the solemn atmosphere of Nerima Cultural Center—each place will remind you of Kousei and Kaori’s story.
Pilgrimage not only deepens your love for the work but also brings new discoveries and encounters. Observe manners, don’t forget consideration for local residents, and enjoy a wonderful pilgrimage journey.
We hope this article will assist you in your “Your Lie in April” pilgrimage. Try retracing the paths walked by Kousei and Kaori with your own feet. Your feelings for the work will surely deepen further.