Director Makoto Shinkai’s blockbuster hit ‘Weathering with You’ is a work set in real locations in Tokyo, and many fans visit as pilgrims to sacred sites. Among them, the south exit of Tabata Station is an impressive location that appears in an important scene where the protagonist, Hodaka, begins his life in Tokyo.
In this article, we provide detailed information useful for those planning sacred site pilgrimages, including the depiction of the south exit of Tabata Station in ‘Weathering with You’, how to visit in person, shooting points, and attractions in the surrounding area.
The Importance of Tabata Station’s South Exit in Weathering with You
Appearance Scenes in the Work
The south exit of Tabata Station plays an important role early in the story of ‘Weathering with You’. It is depicted as a place through which the protagonist, Hodaka Morishima, who has run away from home and come to Tokyo, passes when beginning his life in Tokyo after meeting Keisuke Suga.
Through Director Shinkai’s characteristic detailed background depiction, the landscape of Tabata Station’s south exit is reproduced almost identically to the actual scenery, making it a place where many fans who watched the movie feel moved, saying “This is it!”
Characteristics of Tokyo Depiction in Shinkai’s Works
Director Shinkai has previously set his works in real locations in Tokyo in ‘Your Name’ and ‘The Garden of Words’. In ‘Weathering with You’ in particular, he carefully depicts the downtown areas of Tokyo and places full of everyday life, and the Tabata Station area is one of them.
Tabata is a town with a Yamanote Line station, but it is not a tourist destination—it is a place for everyday life that local people use daily. This “ordinariness” is an important element that supports the worldview of Shinkai’s works.
How to Access Tabata Station’s South Exit
Access by Train
Tabata Station is located in Kita Ward, Tokyo, and multiple train lines are available.
JR Yamanote Line
- About 20 minutes from Tokyo Station
- About 15 minutes from Shinjuku Station
- About 7 minutes from Ikebukuro Station
- About 5 minutes from Ueno Station
JR Keihin-Tohoku Line
- About 20 minutes from Tokyo Station
- About 30 minutes from Shinagawa Station
- About 40 minutes from Omiya Station
Since both the Yamanote Line and Keihin-Tohoku Line stop here, access from various locations throughout the city is very convenient. It’s an ideal location as a base for sacred site pilgrimages.
How to Get to the South Exit from Inside the Station
Tabata Station is a relatively small station with a simple internal structure.
- Exit through the ticket gate (there is only one gate)
- After exiting the ticket gate, proceed to the right
- Take the stairs or elevator to ground level
- Head to the south exit
Even first-time visitors should be able to reach the south exit without getting lost. The travel time from the ticket gate is approximately 2-3 minutes.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spots at Tabata Station’s South Exit
Station Front Rotary
The rotary that spreads out immediately upon exiting the south exit of Tabata Station is a place depicted in the work. With taxi stands and bus stops, an everyday landscape where local people come and go spreads out.
Photography Tips
- Angles with the station building as a background
- Positions where you can see the entire rotary
- How the light changes depending on the time of day
With Shinkai director’s characteristic “light expression” in mind, visiting in the early morning or evening hours allows you to photograph scenes closer to the atmosphere of the work.
Entrance to the Station Front Shopping Street
The entrance to the shopping street that continues from the south exit is also a place where you can feel the atmosphere of the work. The street lined with old-fashioned shops retains a strong sense of Tokyo’s downtown atmosphere.
Points of Interest
- Shops with retro signage still remaining
- Locally-focused restaurants
- Streets full of everyday life
Slopes Around the Station
The area around Tabata Station has uneven terrain with several slopes. These slopes are also places where you can feel the Tokyo scenery depicted in the work.
Precautions and Etiquette When Shooting
Consideration for Local Residents
The area around Tabata Station is not a tourist destination but a place where local people go about their daily lives. When visiting for sacred site pilgrimages, please pay attention to the following:
- Avoid loud conversations and noise
- Do not enter private property without permission
- Be considerate not to obstruct passage
- Always take your trash with you
- Avoid visiting early morning or late night
Rules for Photography
When taking photographs, please follow the following etiquette:
- Be thoughtful so that pedestrians don’t appear in your photos
- Obtain permission before photographing shops
- If using a tripod, use a location that doesn’t inconvenience others
- Be careful about sharing location information when posting on SNS
Things to See Around Tabata Station
Tabata Bunshi Village Memorial Hall
A cultural facility located about a 5-minute walk from Tabata Station. In the past, Tabata was home to many writers and artists, including Ryunosuke Akutagawa.
Facility Information
- Hours: 10:00-17:00
- Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday)
- Admission: Free
- Exhibits: Materials and works of writers who lived in Tabata
Tabata Hachiman Shrine
A shrine beloved by local people where you can worship in a quiet atmosphere. It’s also recommended to stop by during sacred site pilgrimages.
Exploring Toward Komagome
From Tabata Station, one station away on the Yamanote Line, the Komagome area has tourist attractions such as Rikugien Garden. It’s also good to enjoy Tokyo sightseeing combined with sacred site pilgrimages.
Gourmet Spots in the Area
Restaurants Near the Station
There are many restaurants around Tabata Station that are loved by local people.
Recommended Genres
- Traditional set meal restaurants
- Ramen shops
- Coffee shops
- Izakayas
In addition to chain restaurants, there are many individually-owned stores where you can enjoy Tokyo’s downtown cuisine.
Taking a Break at a Café
It’s also recommended to take a break at a café around the station during your sacred site pilgrimage. You can spend a leisurely time immersed in the lingering atmosphere of the work.
Combining with Other Weathering with You Sacred Sites
Nearby Sacred Sites
When you visit Tabata Station, you can also visit other ‘Weathering with You’ sacred sites.
Sacred Sites Along the Yamanote Line
- Shinjuku (Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku Gyoen area)
- Ikebukuro (East exit area)
- Yoyogi (Tenki Shrine)
- Tamachi/Shinagawa area
Efficient Pilgrimage Route
When visiting multiple sacred sites in one day, an efficient route using the Yamanote Line is recommended.
Example Model Route
- Morning: Tabata Station South Exit → Komagome/Sugamo area
- Afternoon: Ikebukuro → Shinjuku area
- Evening: Yoyogi/Shinjuku Gyoen area
Best Seasons and Times to Visit
Recommended Seasons
Although ‘Weathering with You’ is set in summer, Tabata Station can be visited regardless of season.
Spring (March-May)
- Pleasant weather
- Cherry blossom season makes area exploration enjoyable too
Summer (June-August)
- Experience the same seasonal feel as the work
- Weather changes evoke memories of the work
Autumn (September-November)
- Ideal weather for photography
- Autumn foliage season makes area exploration beautiful
Winter (December-February)
- Clear air is ideal for photography
- Fewer tourists allow for peaceful pilgrimages
Recommended Times of Day
Morning (7:00-9:00)
- Feel local life during commute hours
- Morning light is beautiful
Midday (11:00-14:00)
- Bright and easy to photograph
- Surrounding facilities are open
Evening (16:00-18:00)
- Atmosphere unique to Shinkai works during dusk
- Magic hour light is beautiful
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Packing Checklist
Essential Items
- Smartphone/camera (chargers and spare batteries)
- Transit IC card (Suica, PASMO, etc.)
- Beverage
- Map app (prepare for offline use as well)
- Work materials (screenshots, etc.)
Handy Items to Have
- Folding umbrella (prepared for weather changes, true to Weathering with You)
- Notebook and pen (to record memories)
- Mobile battery
- Coins (for vending machines and small shops)
- Eco-bag (for souvenir purchases)
History and Characteristics of Tabata Station
Origins of the Station
Tabata Station opened in 1896 (Meiji 29). While it’s a relatively inconspicuous station on the Yamanote Line, it has played an important role as a railway junction.
Popular with Railroad Enthusiasts
Near Tabata Station is the Tabata Depot where many vehicles are stationed. It’s a well-known location among railroad enthusiasts, and it’s possible to enjoy railroad photography combined with sacred site pilgrimages.
Cultural Background
As mentioned before, from the Taisho to early Showa period, Tabata was known as the “Tabata Bunshi Village” where many writers and artists lived. This cultural foundation continues to influence the character of the town today.
Information Collection and Sharing on SNS
Hashtag Usage
When visiting for sacred site pilgrimages, it’s recommended to gather information on SNS.
Main Hashtags
- #WeatheringwithYou
- #WeatheringwithYouSacredSitePilgrimage
- #TabataStation
- #MakotoShinkai
- #SacredSitePilgrimage
Precautions When Posting
When posting records of your pilgrimage, please note the following:
- Be considerate of local residents’ privacy
- Be cautious about sharing detailed location information
- Show consideration for other pilgrims in your comments
- Use images with copyright in mind
A Message to Fans of Makoto Shinkai’s Works
The south exit of Tabata Station is a place that, through the work ‘Weathering with You’, allows us to rediscover the everyday beauty that exists within the large metropolis of Tokyo.
Director Shinkai’s works find beauty not in special tourist destinations but in the scenery of everyday life around us. By visiting Tabata Station, not only will your worldview of the work change, but your way of seeing the scenery in your own daily life may change as well.
Sacred site pilgrimages are a wonderful experience that gives form to your love for a work. At the same time, don’t forget to show respect for those who live in those places and enjoy them while following proper etiquette.
Summary: Experience the World of Weathering with You at Tabata Station’s South Exit
Tabata Station’s south exit, a sacred site of ‘Weathering with You’, is a place you can visit easily with good access. You can see and feel the everyday Tokyo scenery that Director Shinkai depicted with your own eyes.
Key Points for Visiting Tabata Station’s South Exit
- Excellent access via Yamanote Line and Keihin-Tohoku Line
- Conduct respectful pilgrimages with consideration for local life
- Enjoy different expressions at different times of day—morning, afternoon, and evening
- Combine with surrounding cultural facilities and other sacred sites
- Photography while not forgetting consideration for surroundings
Tabata Station’s south exit where you can feel the world of ‘Weathering with You’ and also discover the charm of Tokyo’s downtown. Please use this article as a reference to enjoy your sacred site pilgrimage.
By visiting with affection for the work and respect for the area, the experience will be deeper. Walk the streets of Tokyo that Hodaka and Hina walked, on your own feet. Your understanding and affection for the work will surely deepen even further.
