“Shikanoko Nokonoko Koshitantan” Hino City, Tokyo Complete Pilgrimage Guide
The anime “Shikanoko Nokonoko Koshitantan,” which aired in summer 2024 and recorded a massive viral hit with over 10 million views on TikTok. This girls’ comedy centered on Shikanoko Noko, a mysterious girl with deer antlers, and Torako Koshi, a former delinquent, captivated many fans with its surreal worldview and catchy OP theme “Shika-iro Days.”
While many assume Nara Prefecture is the setting due to the appearance of deer, the main stage of the story is actually Hino City, Tokyo. This article comprehensively introduces all pilgrimage spots that appear in the anime and thoroughly explains efficient pilgrimage routes, access methods, and photography tips.
About the Setting of “Shikanoko Nokonoko Koshitantan”
Why Hino City is the Setting
Hino City, Tokyo, the setting of “Shikanoko Nokonoko Koshitantan,” is a nature-rich town located approximately 30km west of central Tokyo. While the Tama River and Asa River flow through it and much greenery remains in the hilly areas, it’s also a historic region known as the birthplace of Hijikata Toshizo, vice-commander of the Shinsengumi.
Many real locations within Hino City appear in the anime. Particularly in the OP scenes, iconic spots of Hino City are shown one after another as students’ commuting scenes, becoming a major topic among local residents and fans.
Nara Park Also Appears in the ED
While the main setting of the story is Hino City, the ED animation depicts Nara Park in Nara City, Nara Prefecture. Befitting a work themed around deer, scenery from Nara Park, where deer actually live, is incorporated. Fans aiming for authentic pilgrimage are recommended to visit both Hino City and Nara Park.
Pilgrimage Preparation and Access Methods
Access to Hino City
There are mainly two ways to access Hino City, Tokyo: by train and by bus. Hino City is close to central Tokyo and has a well-developed transportation network, making it easily accessible from various parts of the city.
Access by Train:
- JR Chuo Line: Approximately 35 minutes from Shinjuku Station to Hino Station by rapid express, approximately 40 minutes by rapid
- Tama Toshi Monorail: Approximately 10 minutes from Tachikawa Station to Takahatafudo Station, approximately 15 minutes to Hodokubo Station
- Keio Line: Approximately 35 minutes from Shinjuku Station to Takahatafudo Station by limited express
Access by Car:
- Approximately 15 minutes from Chuo Expressway “Kunitachi-Fuchu IC”
- Coin parking is available around each spot, but public transportation is recommended
Items Needed for Pilgrimage
- Smartphone/Camera: Device for comparison photography
- Mobile Battery: Prepare for long pilgrimages
- Comfortable Shoes: Hino City has many hilly areas and requires considerable walking
- Drinks/Light Snacks: Heat stroke countermeasures are essential, especially in summer
- Map Apps: Google Maps, NAVITIME, etc.
- Anime Screen Captures: For reference when photographing angles
Precautions During Pilgrimage
Many pilgrimage spots in Hino City include residential areas and public facilities. Pay attention to the following when photographing:
- Unauthorized entry onto private property is strictly prohibited
- Refrain from loud conversations or noise
- Always take trash with you
- Follow traffic rules and prioritize safety when photographing on roads
- Be considerate not to disturb local residents
Pilgrimage Model Courses
Two model course patterns for efficiently touring pilgrimage sites within Hino City are introduced.
Half-Day Course (Duration: Approximately 4 hours)
Route: Takahatafudo Station → Takahata Fudoson → Hodokubo Station → Nakahodokubo Bridge → JR Hino Station → Hino City Hall
- Start from Tama Toshi Monorail/Keio Line “Takahatafudo Station”
- Takahata Fudoson (approximately 5 minutes on foot)
- Return to Takahatafudo Station and take Tama Toshi Monorail to Hodokubo Station (approximately 5 minutes)
- Photograph school route scenes around Hodokubo Station (on foot)
- Nakahodokubo Bridge (approximately 5 minutes on foot)
- Move to JR Hino Station by Tama Toshi Monorail or bus
- JR Hino Station building/Hijikata Toshizo statue in front of station (immediately on foot)
- Hino City Hall (approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Hino Station)
Full-Day Course (Duration: Approximately 7 hours)
Route: Half-day course + Tama River Riverbed + Nanao Hills Walking Path Miharashi Park
In addition to the half-day course:
- From Hino City Hall to Tama River Riverbed (near Hino Bridge) by bus or on foot (approximately 20 minutes on foot)
- Break/Photography at Tama River Riverbed
- Move to Nanao Hills Walking Path area by bus
- Nanao Hills Walking Path Miharashi Park (steep slopes, for those confident in physical fitness)
Note: Nanao Hills Walking Path is known as a “difficult steep slope area,” and walking is quite hard. If concerned about physical fitness, using buses or taxis is recommended.
Detailed Guide to Major Pilgrimage Spots
Pilgrimage Site ①: Takahata Fudoson Niomon Gate
Address: 733 Takahata, Hino City, Tokyo
Access: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Takahatafudo Station
Visiting Hours: Temple grounds free (Halls 9:00-16:00)
Admission: Free (Okuden/Dainichido charged)
Takahata Fudoson Kongoji is a special head temple of the Shingon Chizan sect, counted among the three great Fudo temples in Kanto. It’s also known as the family temple of Hijikata Toshizo, vice-commander of the Shinsengumi, with a statue of Hijikata Toshizo erected on the grounds.
In the anime, the Niomon Gate appears in the OP scenes. The impressive vermilion-lacquered gate is a historic building representing Hino City and is popular as a photography spot. The spacious grounds allow enjoyment of seasonal nature, attracting many tourists besides pilgrims.
Photography Points:
- Niomon Gate is basically photographed from the front
- Early morning or weekday mornings are relatively uncrowded
- Be considerate not to disturb worshippers
- Photography is free on the grounds, but some hall interiors prohibit photography, so be careful
Pilgrimage Site ②: JR Hino Station
Address: 3-chome Hinohommachi, Hino City, Tokyo
Access: JR Chuo Line Hino Station
Operating Hours: Station building always open
JR Hino Station is an important spot that appears in the anime’s OP as students’ commuting scenes. The station building is relatively new with a modern design.
A statue of Hijikata Toshizo, vice-commander of the Shinsengumi, stands in front of the station, symbolizing Hino City as a place associated with Hijikata Toshizo. This statue also appears in the anime and has become a photography spot for fans.
Photography Points:
- Station exterior recommended from south exit
- Hijikata Toshizo statue is in station front rotary
- Avoid commuting hours due to congestion
- Obtain station staff permission for photography inside the station
Pilgrimage Site ③: Around Hodokubo Station/Nakahodokubo Bridge
Address: Hodokubo, Hino City, Tokyo
Access: Tama Toshi Monorail Hodokubo Station
The area around Hodokubo Station appears in the anime OP as the road students take to school. Exit the ticket gate, turn right, descend the stairs to the road, and head south to walk in the same direction as the students shown in the anime.
Walking south with the station at your back, you’ll find “Nakahodokubo Bridge (Nakahodokubobashi).” This bridge is also one of the pilgrimage sites appearing in the anime, with the surrounding area being residential.
Photography Points:
- Hodokubo Station is an elevated station, with the road after descending the stairs being the photography spot
- The view from on top of Nakahodokubo Bridge matches the anime
- As it’s a residential area, noise and disruptive behavior are strictly prohibited
- Early morning or weekday mornings are relatively quiet
Pilgrimage Site ④: Hino City Hall
Address: 1-12-1 Shimmei, Hino City, Tokyo
Access: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Hino Station, or immediately after getting off bus at “City Hall”
Office Hours: Weekdays 8:30-17:15 (closed Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)
The Hino City Hall building is depicted as a public facility appearing in the anime. It’s a modern building with maintained parks and plazas in the surrounding area.
The plaza in front of City Hall is an open space that’s easy to photograph. However, as it’s a public facility used by many citizens on weekdays, consideration is needed not to interfere with operations.
Photography Points:
- Building exterior from main entrance side
- Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, so exterior photography only
- Parking lot is for visitors, so refrain from use for pilgrimage purposes
- Surrounding parks can also be photographed
Pilgrimage Site ⑤: Tama River Riverbed (Near Hino Bridge)
Address: Hino, Hino City, Tokyo
Access: Approximately 20 minutes on foot from JR Hino Station, or by bus
The Tama River Riverbed is a nature-rich spot that appears as the anime’s background. Particularly the riverbed near Hino Bridge has an open landscape and is popular with local residents enjoying walks and picnics.
The promenade along the river is well-maintained, with many people enjoying jogging and cycling. On clear days, the Tanzawa mountain range and Mount Fuji can be seen in the distance.
Photography Points:
- The riverbed is vast, so finding the same angle as anime cuts may take time
- The view from Hino Bridge is also a photography spot
- Scenery at dusk is particularly beautiful
- The riverbed is freely accessible, but be careful during flooding
Pilgrimage Site ⑥: Nanao Hills Walking Path Miharashi Park
Address: Misawa, Hino City, Tokyo
Access: Approximately 25 minutes on foot from Tama Toshi Monorail Manganji Station (steep slopes), or bus use recommended
“Miharashi Park” on the Nanao Hills Walking Path is a park on a high ground with good views, as the name suggests. It appears in the anime as the background for impressive scenes.
However, access to this spot is known as a “difficult steep slope area,” and walking requires considerable physical fitness. Particularly in summer, the risk of heat stroke is high, so using buses or taxis is recommended without overdoing it.
Photography Points:
- The view from the park is wonderful, overlooking Hino City
- Relatively few visitors due to difficult access
- If lacking confidence in physical fitness, check bus timetables in advance
- As it’s a nature-rich area, don’t forget insect repellent measures
Efficient Transportation and Escape Routes
Utilizing Tama Toshi Monorail
For pilgrimage in Hino City, Tama Toshi Monorail is very convenient. It connects major pilgrimage site stations including Takahatafudo Station, Manganji Station, and Hodokubo Station.
Fare: From 160 yen initial fare
Operation Interval: Approximately 10-minute intervals during daytime
Operating Hours: First train around 5am – last train around 11pm
While no day passes or discount tickets are issued, IC cards (Suica, PASMO) can be used.
Utilizing Bus Routes
Keio Bus, Nishi-Tokyo Bus, and others operate in Hino City, convenient for accessing pilgrimage sites far from stations.
Main Routes:
- JR Hino Station – Hino City Hall – Tama Zoological Park
- Takahatafudo Station – Mogusaen Station – Seiseki-Sakuragaoka Station
Checking bus timetables in advance can reduce waiting time.
Steep Slope Escape Routes
In areas with continuous steep slopes like Nanao Hills Walking Path, use the following escape routes without overdoing it:
- Bus Use: Bus from Manganji Station to Misawadai area
- Taxi Use: Direct access by taxi from Takahatafudo Station or Hino Station
- Bicycle Rental: Bicycle rental services are available in Hino City (electric assist recommended)
If feeling unwell or if weather is bad, it’s important not to overdo it and change plans.
Attractions of Hino City to Enjoy Along with Pilgrimage
Places Associated with Shinsengumi
Hino City is the birthplace of Hijikata Toshizo, vice-commander of the Shinsengumi, with Shinsengumi-related spots scattered throughout the city, including Hijikata Toshizo Museum and Sekidenji Temple (Hijikata Toshizo’s grave).
Along with “Shikanoko” pilgrimage, enjoying historical walks is part of Hino City’s appeal.
Gourmet Spots
Around Hino Station:
- Many local set meal restaurants and coffee shops
- Station building has restaurants and cafes
Around Takahatafudo Station:
- Approach lined with soba shops and sweet shops
- Specialties like Takahata manju
Taking breaks with local gourmet food between pilgrimage is recommended.
Nature Spots
Hino City is a town rich in nature with the Tama River, Asa River, and hilly areas.
- Tama River Riverbed: Ideal for walks and picnics
- Kurokawa Seiryu Park: Park with beautiful spring water
- Mogusaen: Japanese garden known as a plum blossom spot
You can enjoy different landscapes each season, so there are new discoveries each visit.
Recommended Visiting Times by Season
Spring (March – May)
- Cherry blossoms at Takahata Fudoson are beautiful
- Mild climate ideal for walks
- Golden Week may be crowded
Summer (June – August)
- Can experience the same seasonal feeling as the anime broadcast period
- Heat countermeasures and heat stroke prevention essential
- Cool breezes blow at Tama River Riverbed
Autumn (September – November)
- Beautiful autumn leaves in Nanao Hills
- Comfortable climate ideal for long pilgrimages
- Chrysanthemum festival at Takahata Fudoson is also worth seeing
Winter (December – February)
- Few tourists, allowing leisurely photography
- Proper cold weather protection needed
- Early sunset, so act early
Summary: To Fully Enjoy Hino City Pilgrimage
Hino City, Tokyo, the setting of the anime “Shikanoko Nokonoko Koshitantan,” is an attractive town that harmonizes nature and history, easily accessible from central Tokyo.
Points to succeed in pilgrimage are as follows:
- Thorough Preparation: Prepare map apps, anime screen captures, transportation timetables, etc.
- Course Selection Based on Physical Fitness: Don’t overdo it, enjoy at your own pace
- Utilize Public Transportation: Use monorail and buses skillfully for efficient movement
- Observe Manners: Don’t forget consideration for local residents
- Fully Enjoy Hino City’s Charm: Enjoy not only pilgrimage but also Shinsengumi historic sites and nature spots
Pilgrimage where you can fully taste the worldview of “Shikanoko Nokonoko Koshitantan” while discovering the charm of Hino City. Using this article as reference, please enjoy a wonderful pilgrimage journey.
When you actually see the scenery depicted in the anime, your attachment to the work will deepen further. Please experience a special day immersed in the world of “Shikanoko” in Hino City.
