The anime “There Are Too Many Losing Heroines!” (nickname: Makein), which began broadcasting in July 2024 with a second season already in production, is set in Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture, the hometown of original author Amemori Takibi. This coming-of-age romantic comedy has become a popular pilgrimage destination with many fans visiting the sacred sites. In this article, we will provide detailed introductions to the sacred sites that appear in the anime, explain efficient pilgrimage routes, access methods, and local collaboration information. Toyohashi City is easily accessible, being about 20 minutes from Nagoya by bullet train, making it an ideal location for first-time sacred site pilgrimages.
The Relationship Between “There Are Too Many Losing Heroines!” and Toyohashi City
“There Are Too Many Losing Heroines!” is a work that won the 15th Shogakukan Light Novel Award Gagaga Prize. Because the original author, Amemori Takibi, is from Toyohashi City, the city was chosen as the setting for the work. In the anime, existing facilities, restaurants, stations and vehicles of Toyohashi Railroad, and Tōtetsu Bus vehicles are faithfully reproduced, making it a valuable place for fans to experience the world of the work.
Toyohashi City is also actively collaborating with the work, implementing efforts to enliven sacred site pilgrimages such as JR Central’s “Favorite Destination Campaign” and the installation of banners and signage throughout the city.
How to Access Toyohashi
By Shinkansen (Bullet Train)
From the Tokyo area, it takes approximately 90 minutes on the Tokaido Shinkansen “Kodama” to JR Toyohashi Station; from Nagoya, it takes approximately 20 minutes on the “Kodama.” By using the shinkansen, day trips for sacred site pilgrimages are possible even from the urban center.
By Conventional Train
From Nagoya, it takes approximately 60 minutes on JR Tokaido Main Line rapid or regular trains. Fares are cheaper than the shinkansen, making it recommended for those with flexible schedules.
By Car
From the Tomei Expressway “Toyokawa IC,” it takes approximately 20 minutes; from the Shin-Tomei Expressway “Shinshiro IC,” it takes approximately 30 minutes. There are multiple coin parking lots in the city.
Sacred Sites Around JR Toyohashi Station
JR Toyohashi Station
JR Toyohashi Station frequently appears in the opening scenes and in scenes where characters meet up. The station’s exterior, ticket gates, concourse, and station plaza are all faithfully depicted in various scenes.
Access: Right at Toyohashi Station on all lines
Pilgrimage Points: Station plaza clock tower, areas around ticket gates, exterior of east and west exits
Signage and banners for “There Are Too Many Losing Heroines!” are installed in and around the station, enhancing the atmosphere of sacred site pilgrimage. The fact that many related merchandise is displayed in easily noticeable locations is a point where you can feel the local love for the work.
Toyohashi City Hall
The exterior of city hall and surrounding scenery appear in the anime. The observation lobby on the 13th floor offers panoramic views of Toyohashi City, and it’s also recommended to stop by during sacred site pilgrimages. The observation lobby is free to use.
Access: About 10 minutes walk from JR Toyohashi Station, or directly at “City Hall” stop on the Tōtetsu Municipal Line
Opening Hours: Weekdays 8:30 AM–5:15 PM (observation lobby also open on weekends and holidays)
Mizukami Building
A commercial building in front of Toyohashi Station that appears in the anime. It is characterized by a retro atmosphere and is known as a valuable architectural structure retaining the remnants of the Showa era. It is popular as an exterior photography spot.
Access: About 3 minutes walk from JR Toyohashi Station
Pilgrimage Points: Building exterior, surrounding streetscape
Sacred Sites of Toyohashi Railroad and Tōtetsu Bus
Toyohashi Railroad (Tōtetsu) Vehicles and Stations
Toyohashi Railroad trains and buses frequently appear in the anime and are reproduced with great accuracy. The Tōtetsu Group has officially announced the work’s appearance, making it a highlight of sacred site pilgrimages.
Main Appearing Stations:
- Ekimae Station (in front of Toyohashi Station)
- Shinkawa Station
- Undōkōen-mae Station
- Other stations on the Municipal Line
The Toyohashi Railroad Municipal Line is a streetcar running through Toyohashi City and is a valuable means of transportation. Using a one-day pass (600 yen for adults) allows for efficient sacred site pilgrimages.
Tōtetsu Bus
Tōtetsu Bus vehicles also appear in the anime. In particular, the exterior and interior of local route buses are depicted with accuracy, and by actually riding them, you can experience the world of the work.
Main Appearing Bus Stops:
- Toyohashi Station
- Iwaya Kōen-kuchi
- Other locations throughout the city
Tōtetsu Bus also sells one-day passes, which are convenient for sacred site pilgrimages.
Detailed Major Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spots
Toyohashi Underground Resource Museum
An important location appearing in anime episodes 3 and 4. This facility allows visitors to learn about Toyohashi City’s underground resources, with the museum’s exhibits and exterior depicted in the anime. Staff members are accustomed to responding to sacred site pilgrims and sometimes explain the appearance points in the work through facility leaflets.
Access: Get off at “Iwaya Kōen-kuchi” bus stop on Tōtetsu Bus, about 5 minutes walk
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM
Closed: Mondays (or the following weekday if a holiday), year-end and New Year holidays
Admission: Free
Pilgrimage Points: Exhibition rooms, entrance, exterior
Nonhoi Park (Toyohashi General Zoo, Botanical Garden, and Museum)
Appearing as a location where characters visit on dates. This comprehensive park combines a zoo, botanical garden, amusement park, and natural history museum, and can be enjoyed not only for sacred site pilgrimages but also as a tourist destination.
Access: About 20 minutes by Tōtetsu Bus “Nonhoi Park” bound from JR Toyohashi Station
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM (admission until 4:00 PM)
Closed: Mondays (or the following weekday if a holiday), year-end and New Year holidays
Admission: Adults 600 yen, Elementary and middle school students 100 yen
Yoshida Shrine
A historic shrine in Toyohashi City that also appears in the anime. The atmosphere of the grounds, torii gate, and approach are depicted, making it a popular quiet sacred site pilgrimage spot.
Access: Get off at “Toyohashi Kōen-mae” on Toyohashi Railroad Municipal Line, about 5 minutes walk
Pilgrimage Points: Torii gate, grounds, approach
Seibunkan Bookstore Toyohashi Main Store
The bookstore’s exterior and interior appear in the anime. The original light novels and comics of “There Are Too Many Losing Heroines!” are also sold here, offering the special experience of purchasing the work at the sacred site.
Access: About 5 minutes walk from JR Toyohashi Station
Business Hours: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM (subject to change)
Michi-no-Eki Toyohashi
A roadside station where visitors can enjoy local specialties and cuisine, which also appears in the anime. It’s ideal as a rest stop during sacred site pilgrimages and offers the chance to fully experience Toyohashi’s appeal.
Access: About 15 minutes by car from JR Toyohashi Station
Business Hours: 9:00 AM–7:00 PM (varies by store)
Gourmet Spots
Bon.Chiga
A locally popular restaurant that appears in the anime. While Yanami is portrayed as a girl who eats well, Toyohashi has many delicious restaurants, which makes sense with the character setting.
Access: Throughout Toyohashi City (please check official information for details)
Pilgrimage Points: Store exterior, interior atmosphere
Coffee and Cannelé
An elegant café that appears in one scene of the anime. Cannelé and coffee are specialties, making it perfect for a break during sacred site pilgrimages.
Access: Throughout Toyohashi City (please check official information for details)
Other Restaurants
There are several real restaurants and eateries appearing in the anime throughout Toyohashi City. Refer to the official sacred site pilgrimage map and local information to enjoy Toyohashi cuisine while experiencing the world of the work.
Efficient Sacred Site Pilgrimage Model Courses
One-Day Course (Centered Around the Station)
9:00 AM Arrival at JR Toyohashi Station · photography around the station
9:30 AM Exploration around Mizukami Building
10:00 AM Visit Toyohashi City Hall · observation lobby
11:00 AM Move to Yoshida Shrine by Toyohashi Railroad Municipal Line
12:00 PM Lunch at a local restaurant
1:30 PM Seibunkan Bookstore Toyohashi Main Store
2:30 PM Move to Toyohashi Underground Resource Museum by Tōtetsu Bus
4:00 PM Return to the station, purchase souvenirs
Two-Day Course (Including Suburbs)
Day 1: Sacred site pilgrimage centered around the station area
Day 2: Nonhoi Park, Michi-no-Eki Toyohashi, and other suburban spots
Official Collaboration and Event Information
JR Central “Favorite Destination Campaign”
A sacred site pilgrimage support campaign implemented by JR Central, with “There Are Too Many Losing Heroines!” as one of the featured works. Special stamp rallies and commemorative item giveaways may be held.
Tōtetsu Group Collaboration Projects
Toyohashi Railroad and Tōtetsu Bus implement various collaboration projects including vehicle wrapping and commemorative ticket sales. Check the official website for the latest information.
Displays and Banners Throughout the City
Signs and banners for the work are installed in various locations throughout the city, including Toyohashi Station. These are also part of the fun of sacred site pilgrimages.
Notes and Etiquette for Sacred Site Pilgrimages
Basic Etiquette
- No trespassing on private property: Conduct exterior photography from public roads
- Be mindful of noise: Act quietly in residential areas
- Always take your trash with you: Keep sacred sites clean
- Follow traffic rules: Do not enter streetcar tracks as it is dangerous
- Be considerate at operating businesses: Obtain permission before photographing
Photography Precautions
- Be considerate of other tourists and local residents
- Confirm surrounding safety when using tripods
- Do not use flash in areas where flash photography is prohibited
Facility Usage Precautions
- Confirm opening hours and closed days in advance
- Follow facility rules
- Do not photograph in photography-restricted areas
Useful Information for Sacred Site Pilgrimages
Official Sacred Site Pilgrimage Map
The anime’s official website publishes a sacred site pilgrimage map. Major location information and access methods are listed, so check it in advance.
Toyohashi City Tourism Information
Toyohashi City’s tourism association also provides information related to sacred site pilgrimages. You can obtain detailed information unique to the local area.
Information Gathering via SNS
Searching hashtags like “#负けヒロインが多すぎる” and “#マケイン聖地巡礼” on Twitter and Instagram reveals pilgrimage reports and latest information from other fans.
Recommended Items to Bring
- Smartphone/camera (and chargers)
- Official sacred site pilgrimage map (printed or saved on smartphone)
- Transit IC card
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Drinks and towel (especially in summer)
- Mobile battery
Attractions of Toyohashi City
History and Culture
Toyohashi City is the central city of the Higashi-Mikawa region and has prospered as a transportation hub since ancient times. There are many historical attractions such as Yoshida Castle ruins and Futagawa-juku Honjin.
Cuisine
You can enjoy local cuisine such as Toyohashi curry udon, Yamasa chikuwa, and Toyohashi Black Thunder. Combined with sacred site pilgrimages, savor Toyohashi’s food culture.
Nature
There are many natural spots such as Omohama Beach and Ishimaki Mountain. At Nonhoi Park, you can also interact with animals and plants.
Accommodation Information
For visitors from afar, using accommodation facilities in or near Toyohashi City is convenient.
Hotels Around Toyohashi Station
Around the station, there are various accommodations from business hotels to city hotels. It’s ideal as a base for sacred site pilgrimages.
Hot Spring Facilities
By extending your trip slightly, you can also enjoy hot springs in the Higashi-Mikawa area such as Gamagori Onsen and Yugaya Onsen.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Gamagori City
About 20 minutes from Toyohashi by train, Gamagori City has popular tourist spots such as Laguna Tenbosu and Takeshima Aquarium.
Tahara City
Located at the tip of the Atsumi Peninsula, Tahara City offers beautiful coastlines and rapeseed flower fields.
Highlights by Season
Spring (March–May)
During the cherry blossom season, Toyohashi Park and Iwaya Ryokuchi are beautifully colored. The pleasant weather makes it ideal for sacred site pilgrimages.
Summer (June–August)
Events abound such as Toyohashi Gion Festival (July) and Toyohashi Minato Festival (July). Heat protection is essential.
Autumn (September–November)
A season of beautiful autumn foliage. Nonhoi Park and Iwaya Ryokuchi showcase the colors of nature.
Winter (December–February)
The climate is relatively warm, but do not forget cold weather protection. Be careful of facility closures during the year-end and New Year holidays.
Souvenir and Goods Information
Anime-Related Goods
Original light novels, comics, and related merchandise are sold at Seibunkan Bookstore Toyohashi Main Store and bookstores around the station.
Toyohashi Specialties
- Yamasa chikuwa
- Toyohashi curry udon (retort)
- Toyohashi Black Thunder
- Jiro persimmon (seasonal, autumn)
- Great perilla (shiso) related products
Outlook After Season 2 Announcement
With the decision to produce a second season of the anime, it is expected that the number of sacred site pilgrims will increase further. New locations may appear in the work, providing an opportunity for more people to learn about the charm of Toyohashi City.
Expanded local collaboration projects are anticipated, and it is expected that more fulfilling sacred site pilgrimage experiences will become possible.
In Conclusion
Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture, the sacred site of “There Are Too Many Losing Heroines!”, is charming not only for anime fans but also for general tourists. Faithfully reproduced scenery, warm local welcome, delicious cuisine, and rich history and nature. All of these provide a special sacred site pilgrimage experience.
As a fan of the work, enjoy sacred site pilgrimages while following etiquette and fully savor the charm of Toyohashi as a city. By actually walking through Toyohashi where Yanami and the others spent time, your understanding of and affection for the work will deepen further.
Since sacred sites are concentrated around the station in Toyohashi City, even first-time sacred site pilgrimages are relatively easy, and you can have a fulfilling experience in just one day. By all means, visit in person and experience the world of “There Are Too Many Losing Heroines!”
Regularly check the official website and local tourism information to obtain the latest collaboration and event information, and enjoy a more fulfilling sacred site pilgrimage. And in Toyohashi, confirm the story of Makein and the others who “shine by losing” with your own eyes.
