The “Anpanman Museum” at Kamishin City Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall, located in Kanihoku Town, Kami City, Kochi Prefecture, is a special art museum built in the hometown of Yanase Takashi, the creator of the nationally beloved character “Anpanman.” With the decision to broadcast the NHK asadora “Anpan” in the first half of 2025, it has attracted attention as a sacred pilgrimage site for anime fans and asadora drama fans, as a place associated with Yanase Takashi and his wife Noburu.
This article provides detailed information on everything needed to plan a sacred pilgrimage, from the appeal of the Anpanman Museum to practical visiting information.
What is the Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall? The Full Picture of Anpanman Sacred Ground
Kamishin City Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall is a complex cultural facility comprising three facilities: the “Anpanman Museum,” the “Poetry and Fairy Tale Picture Book Hall,” and “Annex,” along with the “Yanase Takashi Memorial Park.” On August 26, 2018, it was selected as one of “88 Japanese Anime Sacred Sites Worth Visiting” by the General Incorporated Association Anime Tourism Association and officially recognized as an anime sacred site.
Characteristics of the Anpanman Museum
The Anpanman Museum is located in a mountainous area surrounded by the rich nature of Kami City, Kochi Prefecture, where Yanase Takashi was born and raised. Unlike urban Anpanman Museums in Yokohama and Kobe, this is the only place where you can touch the origins of Yanase’s creative work.
No difficult art knowledge is required, and there is no set route. It is designed so that people of all ages, from children to adults, can enjoy the Anpanman world at their own pace. Inside the museum, visitors can view large tableau paintings specially drawn by Yanase for the memorial hall and valuable picture book original artwork.
The Charm of the Poetry and Fairy Tale Picture Book Hall
The “Poetry and Fairy Tale Picture Book Hall” allows visitors to experience works by Yanase Takashi other than Anpanman. Centered on collections themed around the magazine “Poetry and Fairy Tale,” which Yanase served as editor-in-chief for, the hall displays a diverse range of works including illustrations, poetry, picture books, and manga.
This valuable space allows visitors to understand Yanase Takashi as a whole creator, not just Anpanman, and is highly regarded by adult fans.
Museum Highlights | Must-See Spots for Sacred Pilgrimage
4th Floor “Yanase Takashi Gallery”
The 4th-floor gallery is the space where you can most feel Yanase Takashi’s artistry. The large tableau paintings created especially for this museum are impressive, allowing visitors to enjoy the Anpanman world from a new perspective. In the exhibition of original picture book artwork, visitors can see the subtlety of brushstrokes and colors up close, which cannot be conveyed through printing.
Exhibitions are also held regularly, making it appealing that there are new discoveries with each visit. It is recommended to check the latest exhibition information on the official website’s news page before visiting.
Basement “Anpanman World”
“Anpanman World,” which spreads across the basement level, is the most popular area with children. Large-scale dioramas recreate three-dimensionally the town where Anpanman and his friends live, starting with the bread factory.
Baikinman’s hideout, Shokupanman’s truck, Currypanman’s shop, and other places familiar from the anime are crafted intricately, allowing visitors to feel as though they have entered the world of Anpanman. It is an ideal photo spot for enjoying encounters with the characters.
Yanase Takashi Memorial Park
In the outdoor Yanase Takashi Memorial Park, character statues of Anpanman are scattered throughout. Against the backdrop of the beautiful nature of the Shikoku Mountains, visitors can take commemorative photos with Anpanman and his friends—an excellent photo spot. Since you can enjoy the changing natural scenery with each season, you can have a fresh experience no matter how many times you visit.
Admission Fees and Hours of Operation | Basic Information to Know Before Visiting
Admission Fees
Kamishin City Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall employs the following fee structure.
Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall Combination Ticket
- Adults: 1,000 yen
- Junior and senior high school students: 700 yen
- Children (ages 3 to elementary school): 500 yen
- Under age 3: Free
By purchasing a combination ticket, you can enter both the “Anpanman Museum” and “Poetry and Fairy Tale Picture Book Hall.” The QR code or ticket is valid until 5:00 PM on the day indicated by the date stamp, and re-entry is possible. However, when re-entering, you must present the QR code or ticket with the date stamp to staff.
Hours of Operation and Closed Days
Hours of Operation
- 9:30 AM–5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
Closed Days
- Tuesdays (if a holiday, the following day)
- Other temporary closures may occur
It is strongly recommended to check the latest information on closed days and temporary closures on the official website’s hours of operation page before visiting. Especially during consecutive holidays and long vacations, the opening schedule may differ from the usual schedule.
Access | How to Get to Kochi Prefecture’s Kami City
By Car
The museum is approximately 25 minutes by car from “Nankoku IC” on the Kochi Expressway. The parking lot is free to use, making it convenient to visit by rental car or personal vehicle. From Kochi City, it takes approximately 40 minutes via National Route 195.
Because it is located in a mountainous area, use car navigation or a smartphone map app to search for “Kamishin City Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall” or “Anpanman Museum Kochi” to get there.
By Public Transportation
From JR Dosan Line “Tosayamada Station,” take the JR Bus Ohtochi Line to “Anpanman Museum Station” and you’re there. However, since bus service is limited, it is necessary to check the timetable in advance.
If considering access from Kochi Ryoma Airport or Kochi Station, renting a car is the most efficient option. Travel by public transportation alone requires a schedule with plenty of time to spare.
Sacred Pilgrimage Points | Touring Yanase Takashi-Related Locations
Connection to the Asadora “Anpan”
The NHK asadora “Anpan,” scheduled to air in the first half of 2025, is a story modeled on Yanase Takashi and his wife Noburu. With this broadcast decision, Kami City as a whole has been re-spotlighted as the sacred ground of the Yanase world.
The Anpanman Museum has become the central sacred pilgrimage spot in Kanihoku Town, Kami City, Yanase’s hometown, and will be a must-visit place for asadora fans.
Nearby Sacred Pilgrimage Spots
Throughout Kami City, there are various locations connected to Yanase Takashi.
Anpanman Street
In the shopping district of Kami City, many objects and murals inspired by Anpanman characters are installed. The entire street is colored with the Anpanman worldview, making it enjoyable just to stroll around.
Ryugado Cave
Ryugado Cave, one of Japan’s three largest stalactite caves, is also located within Kami City. By visiting it along with the Anpanman Museum, you can enjoy both the nature and culture of Kochi Prefecture.
How to Enjoy Sacred Pilgrimage
At the Anpanman Museum, selected as one of 88 anime sacred sites, visitors can enjoy commemorative photos at various places in the museum. There are many Instagram-worthy spots, and by posting with hashtags such as “#YanaseTakashiMemorialHall,” “#AnpanmanMuseumKochi,” and “#AnimeSacredPilgrimage” on Instagram and Twitter, you can interact with other pilgrims.
Official pamphlets and institutional magazines can also be obtained at the memorial hall, and it is recommended to take them home as mementos of your visit. These materials contain detailed information about the exhibits and Yanase’s creative secrets, making the memories of sacred pilgrimage deeper.
How to Spend Time in the Museum | For a More Fulfilling Experience
Estimated Time Needed
If you plan to thoroughly view both the Anpanman Museum and Poetry and Fairy Tale Picture Book Hall, it is recommended to set aside 2 to 3 hours. When visiting with children, the time spent in the Anpanman World tends to be longer, so it is better to have more time in reserve.
Museum Shop
The museum shop sells limited-edition goods available only here and Kochi Prefecture specialty products. Products featuring Yanase Takashi’s handwritten illustrations and original Anpanman Museum goods are popular as mementos of sacred pilgrimage.
Dining Facilities
There are limited dining facilities around the memorial hall, so it is recommended to use the cafe or restaurant inside the facility or complete your meal beforehand. Kami City has restaurants using local ingredients, so you can also enjoy Kochi Prefecture’s food culture.
Notes on Visiting and Etiquette
Photography
Photography inside the museum is generally allowed, but there are some areas and works where photography is prohibited. Follow the staff’s instructions and be mindful not to interfere with other visitors’ viewing. Flash photography is often prohibited for artwork protection, so caution is necessary.
Accessibility
The memorial hall is equipped with barrier-free access, and entry with a wheelchair is possible. However, some areas may have steps, so it is recommended to check with staff in advance.
Crowding
Crowding is expected during long vacation periods such as Golden Week, summer vacation, and year-end/new year holidays. Also, after the start of the asadora “Anpan” in 2025, even more visitors are expected. By aiming for weekdays or time slots right after opening, you can view exhibits relatively leisurely.
The Appeal of Kami City, Kochi Prefecture | A Town Where Nature and Culture Merge
The Natural Environment of Kami City
Kanihoku Town, Kami City, Kochi Prefecture, is a region rich in nature, surrounded by beautiful mountains in the Shikoku Mountains. The landscape woven by clear streams and gorges is said to have greatly influenced Yanase Takashi’s creative activities.
It is thought that Anpanman’s spirit of “non-reversible justice”—offering food to those in trouble and those who are hungry—was cultivated in this rich nature and the warmth of the people.
Sightseeing Spots in Kami City
In addition to the Anpanman Museum, Kami City has many appealing sightseeing spots.
Befu Gorge
A beautiful gorge surrounded by clear streams and greenery where you can enjoy hiking and river play.
Monobe River
One of Shikoku’s three major rivers, known for its clear water. In summer, it bustles with people enjoying river play and camping.
Ryugado Cave Museum
A museum where you can learn about the history and geology of stalactite caves. It is recommended to visit it together with Ryugado Cave.
Yanase Takashi’s Worldview | The Thoughts Behind Anpanman
The Philosophy of “Non-Reversible Justice”
Anpanman, created by Yanase Takashi, is not merely a character for children. The setting of “feeding his own face to people in trouble” contains Yanase’s deep philosophy.
Justice may change depending on the era or position, but giving food to a hungry person is an absolute good and “non-reversible justice.” This universal message is one reason Anpanman continues to be loved across generations.
The Origins of Creation
Yanase had experience with war and knew the suffering of starvation firsthand. That experience led to the creation of Anpanman, an ultimate hero figure. The sensibility of Yanase, who grew up in the nature of Kami City, and the worldview gained from his war experience merged to create the world of Anpanman.
Latest Information and Events | Information to Check Before Visiting
Exhibition Information
Throughout the year, Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall hosts various planned exhibitions and special exhibitions. In addition to Yanase’s works, exhibitions of related artists’ works may be held.
The official website’s “Exhibitions” and “News” pages are updated regularly with the latest exhibition and event information. It is recommended to check before visiting and plan your visit to coincide with special exhibitions or event dates.
Institutional Magazine and Pamphlets
The memorial hall regularly publishes institutional magazines containing commentary on Yanase’s works and reports on the hall’s activities. Along with pamphlets, these materials become valuable keepsakes of the sacred pilgrimage and important resources for reflecting on the visit afterwards.
Conclusion | The Special Experience Gained from Sacred Pilgrimage
Kamishin City Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall Anpanman Museum is not merely a tourist facility but a special place where you can touch the origins of Yanase Takashi’s life and creative work. Selected as one of 88 anime sacred sites and gaining further attention as the setting for the 2025 asadora “Anpan,” its value as a sacred pilgrimage site continues to rise.
In Kanihoku Town, Kami City, Kochi Prefecture, surrounded by rich nature, immerse yourself in the world of Anpanman and feel the message of “non-reversible justice” that Yanase imbued in his works. This memorial hall, enjoyable from the perspective of both children and adults, is sure to provide special memories to all who visit.
By confirming opening information, closed days, hours of operation, and admission fees in advance and making a plan with plenty of time to spare, you can realize a more enriching sacred pilgrimage experience. Inside the museum, enjoy a journey soaked in the Yanase Takashi world at your own pace.
