Complete Guide to Laid-Back Camp (Yuru Camp△) Series Tokyo Pilgrimage Sites: Thorough Explanation of Movie Locations
The hugely popular anime “Laid-Back Camp” (Yuru Camp△) depicts the leisurely camping life of high school girls. Since the first season aired in 2018, this series has continued to drive the camping boom, and showed new developments in the movie released in 2022. The sight of Nadeshiko and friends as working adults active in Tokyo captured the hearts of many fans.
This article provides complete coverage of pilgrimage sites in Tokyo that were particularly important locations in the movie version of the “Laid-Back Camp” series. We deliver information useful not only for anime fans’ pilgrimages but also for those interested in actual camping and outdoor activities.
About the Movie “Laid-Back Camp”: Why Tokyo Became the Setting
The movie “Laid-Back Camp” is a work depicting the five characters—Kagamihara Nadeshiko, Shima Rin, Saito Ena, Inuyama Aoi, and Oogaki Chiaki—as working adults after time has passed from the TV anime series. The protagonist Nadeshiko lives in Akishima City, Tokyo, and while working at an outdoor shop, she rushes about with her friends to create a campground using an abandoned school.
While previous series were mainly set in Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures, the movie features numerous Tokyo locations. As pilgrimage sites easily accessible from the city center, many fans have visited them.
Major Pilgrimage Spots in Tokyo
Akishima Outdoor Village (Moripark Outdoor Village)
The most important pilgrimage site in the movie “Laid-Back Camp” is “Moripark Outdoor Village,” directly connected to Akishima Station. It’s the facility that served as the model for the outdoor shop where Nadeshiko works as an adult, and appears in the key visual.
Facility Features
Moripark Outdoor Village opened in 2015 as an outdoor specialty commercial facility. About 30 outdoor brands are gathered here, handling products for a wide range of outdoor activities from camping gear to climbing and canoeing.
The facility also has areas where you can actually experience climbing walls and canoeing, allowing you to enjoy hands-on activities beyond shopping. You can experience an atmosphere similar to the scenes where Nadeshiko serves customers in the movie.
Access
- About 3 minutes walk from JR Ome Line “Akishima Station” north exit
- About 5 minutes on the Ome Line from Tachikawa Station on the Chuo Line
- About 1 hour on the Chuo Line from Tokyo Station
It’s very easily accessible from within Tokyo, and popular as a pilgrimage site you can casually visit by train. The fact that it’s possible to make a pilgrimage without a car due to its station-front location is a major attraction.
Photo Spots
The building exterior used in the movie’s key visual can be photographed from near the facility’s main entrance. Also, many locations in the shop area inside the facility match scenes from the work, allowing you to shop while imagining Nadeshiko working.
Tama Bridge and Surrounding Riverbed
The “Tama Bridge” impressively depicted in the key visual of the movie “Laid-Back Camp” is a bridge spanning the Tama River connecting Akishima City and Fussa City. The beautiful scenery at dusk was effectively used in the work and has become a popular photography spot among fans.
Highlights of Tama Bridge
From Tama Bridge, you can see Mt. Fuji in the distance on clear days. The scenery visible from the bridge is impressively depicted in the movie’s key visual, and many pilgrims visit to try photographing from the same angle.
The riverbed spreading below the bridge has become a relaxation spot for locals, where you can see people enjoying walks and jogging. The riverbed also appears in scenes in the work, depicted as part of Nadeshiko’s daily life.
Access
- About 30 minutes walk from JR Ome Line “Akishima Station”
- About 10 minutes by bus from Akishima Station, get off at “Tama Bridge” bus stop
- Recommended to combine with Akishima Outdoor Village pilgrimage
If walking, it’s a bit of a distance, but by heading there while walking along the Tama River promenade, you can more deeply savor the atmosphere from the work. Access by bicycle is also comfortable, and many pilgrims use rental bicycles.
Best Time for Photography
If you want to photograph scenery at dusk similar to the key visual, about 1 hour before sunset is recommended. While sunset times vary by season, from autumn to winter the probability of seeing Mt. Fuji more clearly is higher.
Akishima Station Surrounding Area
The area around Akishima Station, which appears as the town where Nadeshiko lives in the movie, also appears in detailed shots. The station-front rotary and shopping streets add color to the work through everyday scenery.
Features of Akishima Station
Akishima Station is on the Ome Line, located two stations west from Tachikawa Station. Commercial facilities are concentrated around the station, making it the center of local residents’ lives. In the movie, the station area appears in scenes such as Nadeshiko commuting and shopping after work.
The north exit has the aforementioned Moripark Outdoor Village, while the south exit has a shopping street. Stores that served as models for convenience stores and restaurants appearing in the work are also scattered about, so those who want to enjoy detailed pilgrimage should explore the station area.
Travel Route from Tokyo to Yamanashi Prefecture: Dangozaka SA
The movie “Laid-Back Camp” also depicts scenes heading from Tokyo to campgrounds in Yamanashi Prefecture. Appearing in these is the Chuo Expressway’s “Dangozaka Service Area.”
Role of Dangozaka SA
Dangozaka SA is used by many drivers as an important rest point when heading from Tokyo direction to Yamanashi direction. In the movie, there’s a scene where members creating the campground stop by on their way to Yamanashi, and in actual pilgrimage it can also be used as a rest spot when moving from Tokyo to pilgrimage sites in Yamanashi Prefecture.
Inside the facility are shops handling Yamanashi Prefecture specialties and restaurants where you can enjoy local gourmet food, allowing you to enjoy Yamanashi flavors during your journey. Also, from the observation area you can view the surrounding mountains, heightening anticipation for heading to the campground.
Access and Usage
Since Dangozaka SA is on the Chuo Expressway, access is basically by car. There are service areas on both the up line (Tokyo direction) and down line (Yamanashi direction), with different facility configurations.
When heading from Tokyo to pilgrimage sites in Yamanashi Prefecture (Lake Motosu, Minobu, Minobu Nature Village, etc.), taking a break at Dangozaka SA allows you to relieve fatigue from the long drive.
Model Pilgrimage Courses Starting from Tokyo
Day Trip Course: Tokyo Concentration Plan
Duration: About 4-5 hours
- Arrive at Akishima Station (10:00)
- Go to Akishima Station via JR Chuo/Ome Lines
- Check spots around the station appearing in the work
- Moripark Outdoor Village (10:30-12:30)
- Tour the model of Nadeshiko’s workplace
- Check camping goods at outdoor shops
- Lunch inside the facility
- Move to Tama Bridge (13:00-14:30)
- Move on foot or by bicycle (about 30 minutes)
- Photograph from the same angle as the key visual
- Stroll the riverbed
- Explore Akishima Station Area (15:00-16:00)
- Visit shopping streets and convenience stores appearing in the work
- Break at a cafe
This course is accessible by train only and is a pilgrimage plan that even camping beginners or those without cars can easily enjoy.
1 Night 2 Day Course: Tokyo + Yamanashi Prefecture Tour Plan
Day 1: Tokyo
- Morning: Akishima Station area and Moripark Outdoor Village
- Afternoon: Tama Bridge and riverbed
- Evening: Dinner around Akishima Station
- Accommodation: Hotel in Tachikawa or Hachioji
Day 2: Yamanashi Prefecture
- Early morning: Depart for Yamanashi direction in rental car
- Morning: Rest at Dangozaka SA, to pilgrimage sites in Yamanashi Prefecture
- Afternoon: Lake Motosu, Minobu, Minobu Nature Village, etc.
- Evening: Return to Tokyo
This course allows you to efficiently visit both the Tokyo pilgrimage sites from the movie and the Yamanashi Prefecture pilgrimage sites that are the main setting of the TV anime series.
Precautions and Etiquette for Pilgrimage
Photography Etiquette
Akishima Outdoor Village is an operating commercial facility. When photographing, please note the following:
- Obtain permission before photographing inside stores
- Be considerate not to disturb other customers
- Don’t photograph products without permission
- Avoid using tripods during busy times
Tama Bridge and the riverbed are public places, but they’re also living spaces for locals. Please be mindful not to make loud noise or occupy spaces for long periods.
Traffic Safety Considerations
Tama Bridge is a bridge where vehicles pass. Please be very careful not to step into the roadway while absorbed in photography. Also, when going down to the riverbed, watch your footing and don’t approach during high water or bad weather.
Environmental Protection Awareness
One of the themes of “Laid-Back Camp” is coexistence with nature. When making pilgrimages, always take your trash with you and be conscious of protecting the natural environment. Especially on riverbeds, care is needed not to damage vegetation.
Differences Between Tokyo and Yamanashi/Shizuoka Prefecture Pilgrimage Sites
Characteristics of Tokyo Pilgrimage Sites
The Tokyo pilgrimage sites appearing in the movie mainly center on “daily life” scenes. There are many scenes of Nadeshiko’s workplace, commuting routes, and living area, characterized by an urban atmosphere different from campgrounds or outdoor fields.
Easy access by train and major spots concentrated within walking distance from the station make it easy for pilgrims without cars. Also, the attraction is that since commercial facilities are central, you can enjoy it even in rainy weather.
Combining with Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefecture Pilgrimage Sites
The main pilgrimage sites in Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures, which are the main settings of the TV anime series, center on nature-rich campgrounds and tourist spots like Lake Motosu, Fumotoppara, and Minobu. The characteristic is that you can enjoy pilgrimage while actually camping, allowing deeper experience of the anime’s worldview.
The ideal pilgrimage is a plan to visit Tokyo movie spots and then extend your trip to pilgrimage sites in Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures. This allows you to experience both the “present” of Nadeshiko and friends as working adults and the “past” of their high school days.
Points to Enjoy Pilgrimage More
Preparation/Review of the Work
Before pilgrimage, we recommend watching (or rewatching) the movie “Laid-Back Camp.” Understanding which locations appeared in which scenes will double your emotion at the actual sites.
If possible, saving screenshots from the work to your smartphone or tablet will make it easier to photograph from the same angles.
Information Gathering on SNS
By searching hashtags like “#YuruCampPilgrimage” or “#AkishimaOutdoorVillage” on Twitter (X) or Instagram, you can learn latest information and photography tips from other pilgrims. You can also check seasonal scenery changes and congestion conditions in advance.
Enjoying Local Gourmet
There are many restaurants popular with locals around Akishima City. Enjoying local gourmet between pilgrimages is also a pleasure of the journey. There are also cafes and restaurants inside Moripark Outdoor Village where you can dine while experiencing the outdoor atmosphere.
Combining Pilgrimage with Actual Camping
Expansion to Minobu Nature Village
In the movie “Laid-Back Camp,” scenes heading from Tokyo to “Minobu Nature Village” in Yamanashi Prefecture also appear. A plan to actually stay at a campground in Yamanashi Prefecture after finishing pilgrimage in Akishima is a way to maximally enjoy the work’s worldview.
Minobu Nature Village is a campground located at the foot of Mt. Minobu, where you can view Mt. Fuji from the mountain sites. In the movie, it appears as a place Nadeshiko and friends visit for reference in creating their campground, with beautiful natural environment impressively depicted.
Preparation for Camping Beginners
Many people have become interested in camping through “Laid-Back Camp.” Akishima Outdoor Village has abundant items for camping beginners, and you can gather necessary equipment while consulting with staff.
It’s recommended to start with day camping and gradually step up to overnight camping. The characters in the work are also depicted growing while repeating failures at first.
Seasonal Pilgrimage Charms
Spring (March-May)
Cherry blossoms bloom on the Tama River riverbed, allowing you to feel spring’s arrival. The climate is also mild, making walking comfortable. Golden Week periods may be crowded, so weekday visits are recommended.
Summer (June-August)
Greenery deepens, and you can feel coolness from the waterside on the riverbed. However, since temperatures are high during the day, heat stroke countermeasures are necessary. Pilgrimage utilizing early morning or evening hours is recommended.
Autumn (September-November)
Many autumn scenes also appear in “Laid-Back Camp.” During foliage season, trees along the Tama River turn colors and you can enjoy beautiful scenery. Also, since the air is clear, the probability of seeing Mt. Fuji from Tama Bridge becomes higher.
Winter (December-February)
The season closest to the work’s atmosphere. Though the cold is harsh, it’s also a time when you can feel winter camping’s appeal. With proper cold protection, experience the same winter air as in the work.
Linkage with “Laid-Back Camp” Pilgrimage Sites Outside Tokyo
Major Pilgrimage Sites in Yamanashi Prefecture
- Lake Motosu: Where Rin and Nadeshiko met in episode 1
- Fumotoppara: Popular campground with Mt. Fuji views up close
- Around Minobu Station: Appears as Nadeshiko’s school route
- Kouan Campground: Popular campground on Lake Motosu shore
Major Pilgrimage Sites in Shizuoka Prefecture
- Asagiri Plateau: Mt. Fuji scenic spot
- Roadside Station Asagiri Plateau: Appears many times in the work
- Lake Tanuki: Diamond Fuji photography spot
Pilgrimage Sites in Nagano Prefecture
- Jinbagatayama Campground: Scenic spot appearing in SEASON 2
By combining these pilgrimage sites with Tokyo spots, comprehensive pilgrimage covering the entire “Laid-Back Camp” series becomes possible.
Linkage with Official Events
Official events like “Laid-Back Camp” pilgrimage touring rallies are also held regularly. In these events, about 20 checkpoints are set mainly in Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures, and participants can receive benefits.
Tokyo pilgrimage sites are often not included in official event checkpoints, but by combining them with individual pilgrimage, you can gain a more fulfilling experience.
Summary: The World of “Laid-Back Camp” Beginning from Tokyo
The Tokyo pilgrimage sites newly added in the movie “Laid-Back Camp” provide a new form of pilgrimage combining accessibility and urban appeal. Spots like Akishima Outdoor Village and Tama Bridge can be casually visited by train and are ideal for first-time pilgrimages.
By actually walking the streets where Nadeshiko works as an adult, you can discover new aspects of the work. And if you expand your journey from Tokyo pilgrimage sites to nature-rich campgrounds in Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures, you can more deeply experience the worldview of the entire “Laid-Back Camp” series.
Through anime pilgrimage, you may touch the appeal of actual camping and outdoor activities, and a new world of hobbies may open up. Please experience for yourself the “leisurely and comfortable time” that “Laid-Back Camp” depicts.