Kamisama Hajimemashita Complete Pilgrimage Guide in Kawagoe, Saitama | Detailed Map of All Locations
“Kamisama Hajimemashita” (commonly known as “Kamihaji”), a popular shoujo manga by Julietta Suzuki, is a romantic comedy about Momozono Nanami, a high school girl who loses her home and becomes a land god, living her days as a deity alongside her familiar, Tomoe. The setting for this anime is Kawagoe City in Saitama Prefecture. Known as “Little Edo,” Kawagoe retains a strong Edo-period atmosphere and serves as the perfect pilgrimage site embodying the work’s worldview, attracting many fans.
This article provides a thorough explanation of all spot details, access methods, photography points, and efficient pilgrimage routes for those considering a pilgrimage to “Kamisama Hajimemashita” locations.
What is “Kamisama Hajimemashita”? The Work’s Appeal and Why Kawagoe Became the Setting
“Kamisama Hajimemashita” is a shoujo manga by Julietta Suzuki serialized in “Hana to Yume” from 2008 to 2016. The story follows high school girl Momozono Nanami, who loses her home due to her father’s gambling debts, receives the position of land god from a mysterious man named Mikage, and begins life as a deity with her fox familiar, Tomoe.
The anime’s first season aired in 2012, and the second season, “Kamisama Hajimemashita◎,” aired in 2015. Episode 2 and Episode 6 of the second season particularly depict Kawagoe City in detail. The unique atmosphere of Kawagoe, where mystical shrines and temples coexist with modern streetscapes, perfectly matches the worldview of a work that traverses between the human world and the realm of gods.
What Kind of Place is Kawagoe? The Charm of Little Edo
Kawagoe City in Saitama Prefecture is a historic city that prospered as a castle town of the Kawagoe Domain during the Edo period. Affectionately known as “Little Edo,” it still preserves Edo-period streetscapes such as kurazukuri (warehouse-style) buildings and the Bell of Time.
With access of about 30 minutes by train from central Tokyo, it has become a popular tourist destination attracting over 7 million visitors annually. The unique atmosphere where traditional streetscapes harmonize with modern commercial facilities was the ideal stage to embody the world of “Kamisama Hajimemashita.”
How to Get to Kawagoe | 30 Minutes from the City Center
Here are access methods to Kawagoe City, the starting point for your pilgrimage.
Access by Train
Hon-Kawagoe Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line)
- About 45 minutes by limited express or 60 minutes by rapid train from Seibu-Shinjuku Station
- Most convenient access to pilgrimage spots
- Koedo Loop Bus operates from in front of the station
Kawagoe Station (JR Kawagoe Line/Tobu Tojo Line)
- About 30 minutes by Tobu Tojo Line rapid from Ikebukuro Station
- JR Saikyo Line and Kawagoe Line also available
- About 15 minutes on foot to Hon-Kawagoe Station
Kawagoe-shi Station (Tobu Tojo Line)
- About 35 minutes from Ikebukuro Station
- Located between Kawagoe Station and Hon-Kawagoe Station
Recommended Transportation
The “Koedo Loop Bus” is convenient for pilgrimages. With a one-day free boarding pass (500 yen), you can efficiently visit major pilgrimage spots. Riding this retro-styled bus, which also appears in the anime’s opening, becomes part of the pilgrimage itself.
Additionally, since Kawagoe’s downtown is relatively compact, walking is quite feasible. Allow about half a day to a full day for your visit.
“Kamisama Hajimemashita” Complete Pilgrimage Spot Guide
Now let’s introduce specific spots that appeared in the work.
Model for Mikage Shrine: “Fujimi Yagura Ruins (Ontake Shrine)”
Scenes in the Work
The most important pilgrimage site, serving as the model for “Mikage Shrine,” the land god’s shrine entrusted to Nanami by Mikage. It appears many times in the anime as the shrine where Nanami and Tomoe live. The atmosphere of the shrine building at the top of the stairs perfectly recreates the work’s worldview.
About the Actual Location
The Fujimi Yagura Ruins are remnants of Kawagoe Castle, the site of a turret from which Mount Fuji could once be viewed. Currently, a small shrine called Ontake Shrine stands there, located on an elevated area reached by climbing stairs. The arrangement of stone steps, torii gate, and shrine building is reproduced almost exactly as depicted in the anime, making it a moving experience for fans.
Access Information
- Address: 2-13-1 Kuruwa-machi, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture
- About 15 minutes on foot from Hon-Kawagoe Station
- About 25 minutes on foot from Kawagoe Station
- 5 minutes on foot from “Museum” stop on Koedo Loop Bus
Pilgrimage Points
Photography from the bottom of the stairs gives the same angle as anime cuts. The atmosphere at dusk is particularly close to the work’s worldview and is a recommended time. However, since this is an actual shrine where people worship, please be quiet and observe proper etiquette during your pilgrimage.
Model for Ujigami High School: “Saitama Prefectural Kawagoe High School”
Scenes in the Work
This is the model for Ujigami High School, which Nanami attends. The school building’s exterior and gate appear in the anime and are frequently depicted in Nanami’s school life scenes.
About the Actual Location
Saitama Prefectural Kawagoe High School is a historic boys’ school established in 1899. Its distinctive brick construction and dignified exterior served as the model for Ujigami High School in the anime.
Access Information
- Address: 2-6 Kuruwa-machi, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture
- About 13 minutes on foot from Hon-Kawagoe Station
- About 3 minutes on foot from Fujimi Yagura Ruins
Pilgrimage Points
As this is an active school facility, entry onto the premises is strictly forbidden. Limit yourself to photographing the gate and exterior from public roads. Weekends are recommended to avoid student commuting times on weekdays. Since it’s located near Fujimi Yagura Ruins, you can visit both as a set.
Model for the Ayakashi World: “Confectionery Lane (Kashiya Yokocho)”
Scenes in the Work
This served as the model for the ayakashi world depicted in the anime, the mysterious shopping street where yokai gather. Its retro atmosphere and unique worldview beautifully express the otherworldly atmosphere where gods and yokai live.
About the Actual Location
Kashiya Yokocho is an approximately 80-meter alley where dagashi (traditional candy) shops dating from the Meiji period line up. Over 20 nostalgic candy shops stand along the cobblestone path, with the savory aroma of burning soy sauce wafting through the air. It’s an atmospheric spot also selected as one of the “100 Fragrance Landscapes.”
Access Information
- Address: 2-chome Motomachi, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture
- About 20 minutes on foot from Hon-Kawagoe Station
- About 25 minutes on foot from Kawagoe Station
- About 3 minutes on foot from “Fuda-no-tsuji” stop on Koedo Loop Bus
Pilgrimage Points
Weekday mornings are relatively uncrowded, allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere at leisure. Weekends and holidays are bustling with many tourists, but that liveliness can also be enjoyable. Strolling while actually purchasing dagashi will immerse you more deeply in the work’s worldview.
“Kawagoe Castle Nakano-mon Moat Ruins” Where Nanami and Tomoe Wait for the Bus in the OP
Scenes in the Work
An important spot appearing in the opening of the anime’s second season, where Nanami and Tomoe wait for a bus. The image of the two waiting for a bus in front of the moat ruins is depicted impressively.
About the Actual Location
The Kawagoe Castle Nakano-mon Moat Ruins are remains of a moat used as a defensive facility for Kawagoe Castle. Currently, restored earthworks and moat remain, with the “Fuda-no-tsuji” bus stop located nearby. You can see scenery exactly matching the composition depicted in the anime.
Access Information
- Address: 1-chome Kuruwa-machi, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture
- About 18 minutes on foot from Hon-Kawagoe Station
- Right at “Fuda-no-tsuji” stop on Koedo Loop Bus
Pilgrimage Points
You can experience the same situation as the anime while waiting for the Koedo Loop Bus at the “Fuda-no-tsuji” stop. Photography with the moat ruins in the background is recommended. Since Kashiya Yokocho is nearby, visit them together.
Appearing in OP and as School Route: “Kawagoe Ichibangai (Kurazukuri Streetscape)”
Scenes in the Work
The main street of Kawagoe appears many times in the anime’s opening and as the school route for Nanami and others. The scenery of kurazukuri buildings lining up symbolizes the Kawagoe-like quality of the work’s setting.
About the Actual Location
Kawagoe Ichibangai is a representative tourist spot of Kawagoe, where over 30 kurazukuri merchant houses dating from the Edo period stand in a row. The kurazukuri buildings with thick black plaster walls and double doors create a landscape that seems like time-slipping to the Edo period.
Access Information
- About 15 minutes on foot from Hon-Kawagoe Station
- Right at “Ichibangai” stop on Koedo Loop Bus
Pilgrimage Points
While walking along Ichibangai, try finding the same angles as the anime opening footage. The area around the “Bell of Time” is particularly popular as a photography spot. Weekday mornings and evenings have fewer people, allowing leisurely strolling.
Kawagoe’s Symbol: “Bell of Time (Toki no Kane)”
Scenes in the Work
In the anime “Kamisama Hajimemashita,” the Bell of Time frequently appears as a structure symbolizing Kawagoe’s streetscape. It’s a spot often depicted in the background as a landmark representing Kawagoe’s picturesque appearance.
About the Actual Location
The Bell of Time is a symbol of Kawagoe that has announced the time to the castle town since the early Edo period. The current bell tower is the fourth generation, rebuilt in 1893, standing about 16 meters tall. Even now, it rings four times daily (6 AM, noon, 3 PM, and 6 PM) and is selected as one of the “100 Soundscapes of Japan to Be Preserved.”
Access Information
- Address: 15-7 Saiwai-cho, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture
- About 15 minutes on foot from Hon-Kawagoe Station
- About 1 minute on foot from “Ichibangai” stop on Koedo Loop Bus
Pilgrimage Points
The area around the Bell of Time is in the center of Kawagoe Ichibangai and is always crowded with many tourists. Early morning and dusk have relatively fewer people, allowing calm photography. Visiting when the bell rings is also recommended.
Model for Kojiro’s Part-time Sweet Shop: “Hayashiya Kawagoe Store”
Scenes in the Work
This is the model for the sweet shop where the character Kojiro works part-time in the work. The calm Japanese-style atmosphere is recreated in the work as well.
About the Actual Location
Hayashiya is a popular sweet shop in Kawagoe. It serves traditional Japanese sweets and desserts, and the interior atmosphere resembles the sweet shop depicted in the anime. You can actually enjoy meals and sweets while immersing yourself in the work’s worldview.
Access Information
- Within walking distance from Hon-Kawagoe Station
- Around Kawagoe Ichibangai
Pilgrimage Points
Since this is an operating restaurant, refrain from photographing inside and focus mainly on enjoying your meal. Trying local specialties such as sweets using Kawagoe’s famous sweet potatoes is recommended.
Other Pilgrimage Spots
Kurazukuri Honpo Shintomi-cho Store
A long-established Japanese confectionery shop in Kawagoe that also appears in the anime. You can purchase Kawagoe’s famous sweet potato confections, making it recommended as a souvenir spot.
Kumano Shrine
A shrine known for its foot massage health path that appears in the anime. It’s also popular as a power spot for matchmaking, and many people worship here in conjunction with their pilgrimage.
Hon-Kawagoe Station
The starting point for pilgrimages, this station also appears in the anime’s opening. The Koedo Loop Bus departing from in front of the station is also depicted in the anime, making riding the bus itself part of the pilgrimage.
Efficient Pilgrimage Model Course
Here’s a model course covering major spots in half a day.
Morning Start Course (Duration: Approximately 4-5 hours)
9:00 Arrive at Hon-Kawagoe Station
- Purchase Koedo Loop Bus one-day pass
- Depart on the bus that appeared in the anime OP
9:20 Fujimi Yagura Ruins (Ontake Shrine)
- Worship at the model for Mikage Shrine (30-minute stay)
9:50 Saitama Prefectural Kawagoe High School
- View exterior (15-minute stay)
10:15 Kawagoe Castle Nakano-mon Moat Ruins
- Recreate OP bus-waiting scene (15-minute stay)
10:45 Kashiya Yokocho
- Stroll through the ayakashi world (45-minute stay)
11:45 Kawagoe Ichibangai/Bell of Time
- Stroll through kurazukuri streetscape (60-minute stay)
- Listen to the noon bell
13:00 Lunch at Hayashiya
- Rest at sweet shop (60-minute stay)
14:00 Return to Hon-Kawagoe Station
This course allows you to efficiently visit major pilgrimage spots. Those with time to spare can also add Kumano Shrine or Kita-in Temple.
Pilgrimage Precautions and Etiquette
Photography Manners
- School Facilities: Saitama Prefectural Kawagoe High School is an active school. Absolutely avoid entering the premises and limit yourself to photography from public roads
- Shrines and Temples: At shrines like Fujimi Yagura Ruins, observe quietly so as not to disturb worshippers
- Shopping Streets: In Kashiya Yokocho and Ichibangai, be considerate not to obstruct passage
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
Since Kawagoe is a popular tourist destination, weekends and holidays are very crowded. Weekday visits are recommended for those who want to enjoy their pilgrimage leisurely. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are particularly uncrowded.
For time of day, early morning (before 9 AM) or evening (after 4 PM) are good targets. The quiet morning atmosphere allows an experience closer to the anime’s worldview.
Seasonal Enjoyment
Spring (March-May)
- The cherry blossom season makes Kawagoe’s streetscape even more beautiful
- Comfortable climate ideal for strolling
Summer (June-August)
- The Kawagoe Hyakumanto Summer Festival in July is a must-see
- Be sure to take heat precautions
Autumn (September-November)
- The Kawagoe Festival in October is one of the Kanto Three Great Festivals
- Beautiful contrast between autumn leaves and kurazukuri streetscape
Winter (December-February)
- Fewer tourists, allowing leisurely pilgrimage
- Cold weather precautions necessary, but clear air suitable for photography
Anime Tourism Association Certified “88 Anime Pilgrimage Sites in Japan You Want to Visit”
Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, the setting for “Kamisama Hajimemashita,” is selected as one of the “88 Anime Pilgrimage Sites in Japan You Want to Visit” certified by the Anime Tourism Association. This means it’s officially recognized as an attractive pilgrimage site that anime fans actually want to visit.
Kawagoe City also prepares maps and pamphlets for pilgrims, available at tourist information centers. Since the city promotes anime tourism, an accessible environment for fans is in place.
Kawagoe Gourmet to Enjoy Along with Your Pilgrimage
It’s also recommended to enjoy Kawagoe’s unique gourmet food between pilgrimages.
Kawagoe Specialty Sweet Potato Sweets
Kawagoe is famous as a sweet potato production area, with abundant sweets using sweet potatoes. Menus perfect for eating while walking include sweet potato chips, sweet potato chips, and sweet potato soft-serve ice cream.
Eel Cuisine
Kawagoe has been known as an eel production area since the Edo period. There are many long-established eel restaurants around Ichibangai, ideal for pilgrimage lunches.
Dagashi
At Kashiya Yokocho, you can purchase nostalgic dagashi. Handmade dagashi such as bekko-ame (amber candy) and Kintaro-ame offer flavors unique to Kawagoe.
Ways to Preserve Pilgrimage Memories
Collecting Goshuin (Temple Stamps)
You can receive goshuin at Kawagoe’s shrines and temples. Collecting goshuin at shrines around Fujimi Yagura Ruins or Kumano Shrine is one of the pleasures of pilgrimage. Special goshuin commemorating the Anime Tourism Association’s pilgrimage site certification may be available.
Sharing on SNS
Posting on Instagram or Twitter with hashtags like “#KamisamaHajimemashitaPilgrimage” or “#KawagoePilgrimage” allows you to interact with fellow fans. Other fans’ posts can also be helpful.
Creating a Pilgrimage Notebook
Compiling photos, tickets, and pamphlets of visited spots in a notebook creates a wonderful memory record. Pasting photos comparing anime scenes with actual locations is also recommended.
Summary: Rediscover Kawagoe’s Charm Through “Kamisama Hajimemashita” Pilgrimage
Kawagoe City in Saitama Prefecture, the pilgrimage site for “Kamisama Hajimemashita,” is a wonderful place embodying the anime’s worldview. Actually visiting spots that appeared in the work—such as Mikage Shrine at Fujimi Yagura Ruins, the ayakashi world of Kashiya Yokocho, and the kurazukuri streetscape of Kawagoe Ichibangai—will deepen your understanding and attachment to the anime.
Kawagoe has good access from central Tokyo, allowing you to visit major pilgrimage sites in half a day to a full day. The picturesque Little Edo streetscape has charm sufficient to enjoy as a tourist destination, not just for pilgrimages.
Please use this article as a reference and set out on a pilgrimage journey immersed in the world of “Kamisama Hajimemashita.” A special experience awaits you in the Kawagoe streets where Nanami and Tomoe spent their time, where you can feel the work’s worldview firsthand.
