[Girls & Panzer] Oarai Town, Higashi-Ibaraki District, Ibaraki Prefecture

【Girls & Panzer】 Oarai Town, Higashi-Ibaraki District, Ibaraki Prefecture

“Girls & Panzer Final Chapter” (commonly known as Garupan), the holy site of this work is well-known throughout Japan as Oarai Town, Ibaraki Prefecture. More than 10 years have passed since the anime’s broadcast began, and even now, many fans visit this sacred pilgrimage spot for a two-dimensional work, creating a unique landscape where local communities and anime, manga, and gaming culture have fused.

In October 2023, Final Chapter Episode 4 was released, and Episode 5’s release is scheduled for 2026. We thoroughly explain the charm of sacred pilgrimage tours around the stage of this ever-evolving work, divided by area, along with actual scenery.

Girls & Panzer’s Stage: What is Oarai Town, Ibaraki Prefecture?

The Deep Connection Between the Work and Oarai Town

The stage of “Girls & Panzer” is Oarai Town, Higashi-Ibaraki District, Ibaraki Prefecture. The Prefectural Oarai Girls Academy, attended by the main characters, is located in a city on the deck of a giant academy ship, with Oarai Port serving as its home port in the story.

Numerous actual locations in Oarai Town appear in the work, including shopping streets, shrines, coastlines, and municipal offices, making the area a “sacred site” with special meaning for anime fans. This work stands out not merely as an anime holy site but has attracted attention from across the nation as a successful example of regional revitalization.

New Holy Sites Appearing in Final Chapter

In Final Chapter, new holy sites different from the TV series and theatrical versions have also appeared. Particularly from Episode 2 onwards, more detailed regional depictions have increased, including narrow alleyways, small shops, and coastal scenery within Oarai Town, diversifying the ways to enjoy sacred pilgrimages.

With the release through Episode 4, the holy site checklist has become even richer. Among fans, a culture of sharing new “discoveries” has also taken root.

To Oarai! Access Methods and Transportation

Access by Train

From Tokyo Area

• Approximately 70 minutes to “Mito Station” on JR Joban Line (with limited express)
• Transfer to Kashima Rinkai Railway Oarai-Kashima Line from Mito Station
• Approximately 15 minutes to “Oarai Station”

The Charm of Kashima Rinkai Railway

The Kashima Rinkai Railway itself arriving at Oarai Station is special for Garupan fans. The station interior displays numerous character panels and posters, allowing you to experience the atmosphere of a sacred pilgrimage from the moment of arrival.

Access by Car

• Approximately 15 minutes from “Mito-Oarai IC” on the Joban Expressway
• Approximately 20 minutes from “Mito Minami IC” on the Kita-Kanto Expressway

Parking lots become congested on weekends and during events like the Oarai Anko Festival, so public transportation is recommended.

Oarai Station: The Starting Point of Sacred Pilgrimage

Oarai Station is the gateway to sacred pilgrimage tours. The station building itself appears in the work, and life-size character panels of Miho Nishi and others are installed in front of the station.

Items to Obtain at the Station

• Sacred pilgrimage map (free distribution at tourist information center)
• Garupan collaboration stamp seal (popular as a souvenir)
• Limited merchandise (station gift shops)

Holy Site Map: Complete Area-by-Area Guide

The holy sites in Oarai Town can be classified into five major areas. To tour efficiently, grasp the characteristics of each area and representative spots.

❶ Oarai Station Area

Main Spots

Oarai Station Building

• Episodes appearing in: TV Series Episode 1, Final Chapter Episode 1
• Points of interest: Station exterior, station front roundabout
• Photography point: Angle looking up at the station building from the front

Oarai Station Front Shopping Street Entrance

• The stage where Miho Nishi and others first walk through Oarai
• Multiple character panels installed
• Dining options abound in the surrounding area

Tourist Information Center

• Essential stop on the sacred pilgrimage
• Distribution of latest holy site maps
• Garupan merchandise sales
• Stamp rally booklets available

❷ Shopping Street Area

The Oarai shopping street is the area that appears most frequently in the work. Many individual shops sell Garupan-related decorations and merchandise, with the entire street functioning as an anime holy site.

Magarimmatsu Shopping Street

This has become the stage for numerous memorable scenes, such as when Miho Nishi and others eat crepes while walking.

• Sakanaya Honten: A treasure trove of anko and Garupan merchandise
• Onuki Store: Character panels installed
• Morita Suisan: Sea products and Garupan merchandise sales

Characteristics of Each Store

Each shop on the shopping street showcases a different character as their “favorite,” with character panels and tank panels installed at storefronts, valuing interaction with fans.

Oarai Maiwai Market

• Market with fresh seafood
• Garupan merchandise corner permanently installed
• Dining space to enjoy local cuisine

Garupan Café “Panzer Vor”

• Must-visit Garupan fan collaboration café
• Menus inspired by characters
• Interior decorated with work-related merchandise

❸ Oarai Sunbeach Area

The coastal scenery is one of the important stages of Garupan. Particularly in Final Chapter, many everyday scenes at the beach are depicted.

Oarai Sunbeach

• Episodes appearing in: TV Series Episode 4, Final Chapter Episode 2
• Points of interest: Vast sandy beach, coastal scenery
• Best season: Summer swimming, otherwise quiet sacred pilgrimage possible

Oarai Marine Tower

• Observation room 60 meters above ground with panoramic view of Oarai Town
• Garupan gallery attached
• Allows you to look down at the town appearing in Final Chapter battle scenes

Oarai Seaside Station

• Shopping mall familiar to local residents as well
• Oarai Garupan Gallery (permanent exhibition facility)
• Merchandise shops and dining options well-equipped
• Ideal for obtaining latest merchandise

❹ Outlet Area

Oarai Resort Outlet

• Commercial facility appearing in the work
• Garupan collaboration shops with limited-time installations
• Convenient rest stop for sacred pilgrimages

Nearby Attractions

• Oarai Wakuwaku Science Museum (near Aqua World Ibaraki Oarai Aquarium)
• Shiokaze-yu (day-use hot spring facility)

❺ Oarai Town Hall Area

Oarai Town Hall

• Episodes appearing in: TV Series Episode 10, Final Chapter Episode 1
• Appears as the Sensha-do tournament operations headquarters in the work
• Character panels installed in front of the building
• Tourism department provides Garupan-related information

Oarai Isomaki Shrine

One of the most popular spots for sacred pilgrimage tours. This is the stage of a memorable scene where the Anko Team and Pravda High School tanks race down stone steps in an exhibition match.

• Isomaki Torii Gate: The torii gate standing on coastal rocks is Oarai’s symbol
• Stone Steps: Photography in the same composition as in the work is possible
• Shrine Grounds: Numerous Garupan prayer plaques are dedicated here
• Goshuin (Shrine Seal): Garupan collaboration seals are also popular

Photography Tips

• Early morning visits recommended (avoiding crowds, beautiful sunrise photos)
• Looking down angle from the top of the stone steps is best for recreating the work
• The Isomaki Torii Gate’s best photography timing is at low tide

Sacred Pilgrimage Report: Actually Touring

1-Day Model Course

Morning (9:00-12:00)

9:00 Arrive at Oarai Station, obtain materials at tourist information center
9:30 Photography in Oarai Station area
10:00 Begin shopping street exploration
11:00 Seafood lunch at Oarai Maiwai Market

Afternoon (12:00-17:00)

12:30 Visit and photograph Oarai Isomaki Shrine
14:00 Oarai Sunbeach area
15:00 Visit Oarai Marine Tower and Garupan Gallery
16:00 Purchase merchandise at Oarai Seaside Station
17:00 Dinner at shopping street

The Charm of Oarai Realized Through Sacred Pilgrimage

When you actually visit, the scenery you saw in anime spreads out before your eyes. Particularly impressive is the atmosphere of the entire community welcoming Garupan. On the shopping street, locals cheerfully strike up conversations, teaching you, “This scene was photographed here.” The warm exchange between the community and fans makes Oarai’s sacred pilgrimage something special.

Seasonal Enjoyment Methods

Spring (March-May)

• Cherry blossom season, beautiful around shrines
• Comfortable climate ideal for walking tours

Summer (June-August)

• Swimming at Oarai Sunbeach
• Summer festival events held
• Heat protection essential

Autumn (September-November)

• Oarai Anko Festival (November): Largest Garupan event
• May coincide with Final Chapter new episode releases
• Crowded but most exciting period

Winter (December-February)

• Anko hot pot season
• Relatively fewer tourists, allowing leisurely pilgrimages
• Thorough cold-weather preparation needed

Garupan Merchandise & Gourmet Information

Must-See Garupan Merchandise

Oarai Garupan Gallery (inside Oarai Seaside Station)

• Largest selection of latest merchandise
• Numerous limited products
• Original artwork display corner

Original Merchandise from Individual Shopping Street Stores

• Individual items unique to each store
• One-of-a-kind handmade pieces
• Conversation with shop owners also part of the fun

Popular Merchandise Ranking

1. Character acrylic stands
2. Tank models (Oarai limited colors)
3. Collaboration T-shirts
4. Goshuin notebooks (Oarai Isomaki Shrine)
5. Stickers and can badges

Oarai Gourmet: Garupan and Anko

Anko Cuisine

Anko fish cuisine, a winter specialty of Oarai, is must-try even for non-Garupan fans.

• Anko Hot Pot: Provided by various dining establishments (November-March)
• Anko Dobu-jiru: Characterized by rich flavor
• Fried Anko: Some shops provide year-round

Garupan Collaboration Menus

• Tank Curry: Provided by multiple dining establishments
• Character Cakes: Limited-time offerings at cafés
• Garupan Ramen: Popular shop on shopping street

Seafood Gourmet

Fresh seafood unique to a port town also showcases Oarai’s appeal.

• Seafood bowl
• Fresh whitebait bowl (spring-autumn)
• Grilled clams
• Oarai dried fish products

Stamp Rallies & Event Information

Permanent Stamp Rally

Oarai Town runs “Garupan Sacred Pilgrimage Stamp Rally” year-round.

How to Participate

1. Obtain stamp rally booklet at Oarai Station tourist information center
2. Collect stamps placed at various locations in town
3. Completion reward: Original merchandise gift

Stamp Installation Locations (Partial List)

• Oarai Station
• Oarai Town Hall
• Oarai Marine Tower
• Oarai Isomaki Shrine
• Various cooperating shops

Major Events

Oarai Anko Festival (November)

• Large-scale event with over 100,000 visitors
• Voice actor talk shows from Garupan
• Limited merchandise sales
• Pain car displays
• Numerous cosplayers

Garupan Final Chapter Release Commemorative Events

• Held in conjunction with new episode releases
• Screenings, exhibitions, merchandise sales
• Details announced on official site

Kaiakuen Festa (Summer)

• Event to enjoy summer Oarai
• Beach events, fireworks display
• Garupan collaboration projects

Lodging Facilities and Access Information

Lodging Facilities in Oarai Town

Oarai Hotel

• Long-established beachside hotel
• Garupan collaboration rooms (limited time)
• Hot spring facilities complete

Oarai Park Hotel

• Location overlooking the Pacific Ocean
• Rich anko cuisine plans

Minshuku/Guesthouses

• Homey atmosphere
• Some accommodations offer Garupan fan services
• Relatively reasonable prices

Cautions During Large Events Like Anko Festival

Lodging facilities sell out months in advance during large events.

Countermeasures

• Early reservations (3-6 months in advance)
• Consider lodging in nearby cities like Mito
• Day-trip plans also an option

Sacred Pilgrimage Etiquette and Manners

Consideration for Local Residents

Oarai Town is a tourist destination while also being the living space of local people.

Manners to Observe

• No trespassing on private property
• Avoid loud voices and noise in early mornings and late nights
• Take all trash with you
• Contribute to the community through shopping and dining on shopping streets
• Confirm safety around you before photographing
• Speak before photographing storefronts

Photography Precautions

• Road photography should not impede traffic
• Ask before photographing storefronts
• Be mindful of other tourists and fans
• Be careful with location information when posting on social media

“Protecting the Sacred Site”

Oarai’s Garupan holy sites exist because of good relationships between fans and the community. Each person’s proper conduct helps preserve this special place for the future.

Latest Information Acquisition Methods

Official Information Sources

Girls & Panzer Final Chapter Official Site

• Latest episode release information
• Event announcements
• Merchandise information

Oarai Town Tourism Association Official Site

• Event calendar
• Latest holy site maps
• Lodging and gourmet information

Oarai Town Chamber of Commerce SNS

• Twitter/X: @oarai_info
• Real-time event information
• Latest store information

Fan Communities

Share latest sacred pilgrimage information through hashtags on various social media.

• #ガルパン聖地巡礼
• #大洗聖地巡礼
• #ガルパン最終章

Conclusion: The Charm of Garupan Sacred Pilgrimage

The Garupan sacred pilgrimage of Oarai Town, Ibaraki Prefecture, transcends mere anime location visits. The emotion of seeing scenes from the work in person, warm exchanges with community members, and bonds with fellow fans who love the same work. All of these fuse into this special place here in Oarai.

Until Final Chapter concludes, and beyond, the story of Oarai and Garupan continues. Oarai’s town displays new discoveries with each visit and shows different faces with each season.

Please visit this sacred site once, or better yet, many times. At the moment when the scenery you saw in anime spreads before your eyes, you too will become part of the Garupan world.

Panzer Vor! Experience the ultimate sacred pilgrimage at Oarai.

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Access Information Summary

• Address: Oarai Town, Higashi-Ibaraki District, Ibaraki Prefecture
• Nearest Station: “Oarai Station” on Kashima Rinkai Railway
• By Car: Approximately 15 minutes from “Mito-Oarai IC” on the Joban Expressway
• Tourist Information: Inside Oarai Station, Oarai Town Hall
• Official Site: Oarai Town Tourism Association https://www.oarai-info.jp/

※ Information is as of 2025. Please confirm latest information before visiting.