“Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club” (commonly known as Nijigasaki) is a popular work in the Love Live series set in Tokyo’s Rinkai Fukutoshin area. This article provides a detailed introduction to sacred pilgrimage spots within Tokyo featured in anime seasons 1 and 2, as well as the theatrical film “Final Chapter,” organized by district. We will provide thorough explanations of access information useful for actual pilgrimages, efficient routes, and photography points.
About Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club
“Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club” is a story about colorful school idols who come to life at the fictional high school “Nijigasaki Academy” located in Odaiba, Tokyo. As the third installment of the Love Live series, it started in Dengeki G’s Magazine in 2017, with the TV anime season 1 airing in 2020 and season 2 in 2022.
A major characteristic of the work is that it emphasizes “solo activities,” unlike previous series. The story depicts how each member pursues their individuality, sometimes as comrades and sometimes as rivals.
The Appeal of Tokyo’s Rinkai Fukutoshin Area, the Setting
The main stage of Nijigasaki is Tokyo’s Rinkai Fukutoshin area, centered on Odaiba. Many real facilities appear in the series, including Fuji Television headquarters, Tokyo Big Sight, Palette Town (※closed in 2022), and Ariake Garden. This area is popular as a tourist destination, and the major appeal is that you can enjoy sacred pilgrimages and sightseeing simultaneously.
The anime carefully depicts the beautiful scenery of Rinkai Fukutoshin, with many impressive scenes that make good use of locations, such as Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay’s evening views.
Basic Information and Access for Sacred Pilgrimages
Access Methods to Major Areas
Sacred pilgrimages for Nijigasaki are primarily divided into three districts:
Ariake District
- Yurikamome Line: “Ariake Station,” “Ariake Tennis no Mori Station,” “Kokusai Tenrankai Seimon Station”
- Rinkai Line: “Kokusai Tenrankai Station”
Aomi District
- Yurikamome Line: “Aomi Station,” “Telecom Center Station”
- Rinkai Line: “Tokyo Teleport Station”
Daiba District
- Yurikamome Line: “Daiba Station,” “Odaiba Kaihin Koen Station,” “Fune no Kagakukan Station”
- Rinkai Line: “Tokyo Teleport Station”
How to Plan an Efficient Pilgrimage Route
For efficient sacred pilgrimages, purchasing a Yurikamome all-day pass (820 yen) is recommended. Spots in each district are concentrated within walking distance, so you can cover almost all main spots in one day.
Recommended Route Example
- Ariake District (morning): Around Tokyo Big Sight, Ariake Garden
- Daiba District (midday): Diver City Tokyo, around Fuji Television
- Aomi District (afternoon): Palette Town former site, around Telecom Center
- Toyosu/Odaiba Kaihin Koen (evening): Evening view spots
Precautions and Etiquette for Pilgrimages
Keep the following in mind during sacred pilgrimages:
- Confirm facility hours in advance: Commercial facilities cannot be entered outside business hours
- Respect photography prohibition areas: Particularly in commercial facilities, follow photography rules
- Consideration for passersby: Be careful not to disturb others when photographing
- No trespassing on private property: Focus on photography from public roads and public spaces
- Take your trash with you: Maintain beautiful streetscapes and follow proper etiquette
Sacred Pilgrimage Spots in Ariake District
Ariake District is centered on Tokyo Big Sight, which served as a model for Nijigasaki Academy, and is the setting for many important scenes.
Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo International Exhibition Center)
The most important spot, appearing as the school building of Nijigasaki Academy. The characteristic inverted triangle conference building is frequently featured in the anime’s opening and ending credits.
Example Scenes
- Season 1 OP: As the exterior of Nijigasaki Academy
- Season 1, Episode 1: Around Setsuchiyo Kiyama’s live scene
- Each episode: Background of school daily life scenes
Photography Points
- In front of the conference building: From the plaza in front of the main entrance
- Entrance plaza: From an angle looking up at the conference building
- Center Promenade: Passage between east and west exhibition halls
Access
- Yurikamome “Kokusai Tenrankai Seimon Station” 3 minutes walk
- Rinkai Line “Kokusai Tenrankai Station” 7 minutes walk
Notes
General admission may be restricted when events are held. Exterior photography is possible, but interior photography is generally not allowed.
Ariake Garden
A large commercial facility that opened in June 2020, with increased appearances from anime season 2 onwards.
Example Scenes
- Season 2: Shopping scenes of members
- Season 2: Fountain plaza event scene
Points of Interest
- Entrance plaza: Features an open space
- Fountain area: A peaceful space with beautiful water and greenery
- Shopping mall: Stores visited by members in the story
Access
- Yurikamome “Ariake Station,” “Ariake Tennis no Mori Station” 4 minutes walk
Ariake Tennis no Mori Park
A green park area that appears in members’ practice scenes.
Example Scenes
- Season 1: Running scenes
- Season 2: Outdoor practice scenes
Photography Points
- Walking path: Walking trail surrounded by trees
- Grass square: Open space
Sacred Pilgrimage Spots in Aomi District
Aomi District is a particularly important area for Nijigasaki pilgrimages, serving as the setting for many impressive scenes.
Around Palette Town Former Site
Important Notice
Palette Town (Venus Fort, Palette Plaza, Ferris wheel, etc.) closed completely on August 31, 2022. Redevelopment is currently underway, and the former facilities no longer exist. However, the surrounding area is still accessible, and many fans visit as a place of memories.
Main Scenes That Previously Appeared
- Venus Fort church plaza: Important scene for Emma Verde
- Fountain plaza: Member gathering scenes
- Palette Plaza: Shopping scenes
- Ferris wheel: Appeared in the background of evening views
Diver City Tokyo Plaza
A large commercial facility marked by the life-size Unicorn Gundam statue. It frequently appears in the anime.
Example Scenes
- Season 1: Event scene at Festival Plaza
- Season 2: Shopping scenes
- Each episode: Frequently appears in backgrounds
Points of Interest
- Unicorn Gundam statue: Symbol of Festival Plaza (scheduled for removal in March 2024, but extended)
- 2nd floor deck: Photography spot overlooking Odaiba scenery
- Gamers: Abundant Love Live merchandise
Access
- Yurikamome “Daiba Station” 5 minutes walk
- Rinkai Line “Tokyo Teleport Station” 3 minutes walk
Aomi Kita Fuhead Park
A quiet park in the Odaiba area, featuring a seaside walking path.
Example Scenes
- Season 1: Member conversation scenes
- Season 2: Scenes gazing at the sea
Photography Points
- Seaside walking path: Overlooking Rainbow Bridge
- Bench area: Where characters sat
Around Telecom Center
Located on the east side of Aomi District, this is an area with futuristic buildings.
Example Scenes
- Season 1: Commute route scenes
- Season 2: Street-walking scenes
Points of Interest
- Telecom Center Building: Distinctive exterior
- Surrounding overpasses: Can be photographed in compositions appearing in the anime
Sacred Pilgrimage Spots in Daiba District
Daiba District is the central area of Odaiba, with many places that are popular tourist attractions now serving as pilgrimage sites.
Odaiba Kaihin Koen (Odaiba Marine Park)
A park with an artificial beach facing Tokyo Bay, one of Nijigasaki’s representative pilgrimage sites.
Example Scenes
- Season 1 OP/ED: Seaside scenes
- Season 1: Member gathering scenes, important conversation scenes
- Season 2: Evening view scenes
Photography Points
- Deck in front of Marine House: With Rainbow Bridge in the background
- Beach area: Statue of Liberty and Rainbow Bridge visible together
- Walking path: Seaside walking trail
- Observation deck: Panoramic view of Tokyo Bay from an elevated position
Access
- Yurikamome “Odaiba Kaihin Koen Station,” “Daiba Station” 3 minutes walk
Recommended Time
The evening is particularly beautiful and most captures the anime’s atmosphere. The golden hour is one hour before sunset.
Decks Tokyo Beach
A seaside shopping mall that appears in the anime.
Example Scenes
- Season 1: Shopping scenes
- Season 2: Event at the seaside mall
Points of Interest
- Seaside deck: Open space overlooking the sea
- Daiba 1-chome shopping street: Retro indoor area
- Various shops: Stores handling Love Live-related merchandise
Fuji Television Headquarters Building
A distinctive building with the spherical observation room “Hachitama.” It’s a landmark of Odaiba.
Example Scenes
- Each episode: Frequently appears in backgrounds
- Season 1: Streetscape scenes
Points of Interest
- Spherical observation room: View from 100 meters above ground (fee required)
- 1st floor plaza: Can photograph the entire building
Access
- Yurikamome “Daiba Station” 3 minutes walk
Aqua City Odaiba
A large shopping mall with a movie theater and full dining options.
Example Scenes
- Season 1: Shopping scenes
- Season 2: Member dining scenes
Points of Interest
- 3rd floor deck: Stunning view of Statue of Liberty and Rainbow Bridge
- Aqua City Shrine: Power spot for matchmaking
Sacred Pilgrimage Sites in Toyosu and Other Areas in Tokyo
Nijigasaki pilgrimage sites are found not only around Odaiba but scattered throughout Tokyo.
Toyosu Gururj Park
An important pilgrimage site used in the anime’s key visual.
Example Scenes
- Anime Season 1 key visual: Impressive cut with all members standing together
- Season 1: Seaside conversation scenes
- Season 2: Running scenes
Photography Points
- Seaside walking path: Same angle as the key visual
- Grass area: Open space
- Observation spot: View of Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Skytree
Access
- Yurikamome “Ichiba-mae Station” 1 minute walk
- Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line “Toyosu Station” 15 minutes walk
Why Toyosu Was Chosen
Although Nijigasaki Academy is set in Odaiba according to the story, Toyosu’s scenery was used for the key visual. This is likely because it’s an excellent location to see Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Skytree simultaneously.
Around Fune no Kagakukan (Museum of Maritime Science)
An area around a museum themed on maritime subjects.
Example Scenes
- Season 1: Scenes around the Antarctic observation ship “Soya”
- Season 2: Seaside walking scenes
Points of Interest
- Antarctic observation ship “Soya”: Can visit the actual observation ship (free)
- Outdoor exhibition area: Marine-related exhibits
Access
- Yurikamome “Fune no Kagakukan Station” 2 minutes walk
National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation
A museum where you can experience cutting-edge scientific technology.
Example Scenes
- Season 1: Around space-themed scenes
- Season 2: Inside museum scenes
Points of Interest
- Permanent exhibitions: Robots and space-related exhibits
- Symbol exhibit “Geo-Cosmos”: Earth display
Access
- Yurikamome “Fune no Kagakukan Station,” “Telecom Center Station” 5 minutes walk
Various locations in Tokyo appearing in Season 2 and the theatrical film
In anime season 2 and the theatrical film, various places throughout Tokyo besides Odaiba appeared.
Shinagawa Ward
- Tennozu Isle area: Appears in Season 2
- Around Shinagawa Station: Commute route scenes
Other Areas
- Shibuya: Shopping scenes
- Shinjuku: Street-walking scenes
- Akihabara: Gamers flagship store, etc.
Recommended Pilgrimage Spots by Character
Introducing spots with deep connections to each member.
Ayumi Uehara
- Odaiba Marine Park (place of childhood friend memories)
- Ariake Garden (shopping scenes)
Kasumi Nakasu
- Diver City Tokyo (cute things hunting scene)
- Decks Tokyo Beach (shopping scenes)
Shizuku Sakurazaka
- Aqua City Odaiba (theater-related scenes)
- Around Fuji Television (media-related topics)
Kaori Sakakibara
- Venus Fort former site (modeling activity scenes)
- Toyosu Gururj Park (photography spot)
Ai Miyashita
- Gamers (as a gamer character)
- Around Telecom Center (IT-related)
Kanata Konoe
- Odaiba Marine Park (relaxing atmosphere)
- Ariake Tennis no Mori Park (nap spot)
Setsuna Yuki
- Tokyo Big Sight (school idol festival)
- Akihabara (anime and game culture)
Emma Verde
- Venus Fort church plaza former site (important scene at transfer)
- Odaiba Marine Park (place to feel nature)
Rina Tennoji
- National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (interest in science and technology)
- Telecom Center (IT and tech-related)
Shiori Mikado (from Season 2)
- Tokyo Big Sight (student council activities)
- Ariake Garden (serious shopping)
Mia Taylor (from Season 2)
- Diver City Tokyo (international atmosphere)
- Odaiba Marine Park (open space)
Lanzhu (from Season 2)
- Diver City Tokyo (energetic place)
- Aomi Kita Fuhead Park (practice spot)
Information to Enhance Your Sacred Pilgrimage Experience
Love Live! MUSIC SCHOOL BUS
Official pilgrimage bus tours operate during limited periods. A cruising tour starting from Ariake Garden that takes approximately 45 minutes to tour the Rinkai Fukutoshin area stage.
Features
- Anime and PV music plays in the vehicle
- Efficient way to tour major spots
- Detailed explanations with a guide
Check the official site for the latest operational information.
Collaborative Events and Campaigns
Facilities in the Odaiba area regularly hold Love Live-related collaborative events.
Past Major Collaboration Examples
- Diver City Tokyo: Life-size panel displays, merchandise sales
- Ariake Garden: Stamp rally, photo spot installation
- Decks Tokyo Beach: Limited-time cafe
- Gamers various stores: Limited merchandise sales
Large-scale collaborations often take place around theatrical releases and anniversaries, so check the official site and SNS for the latest information.
Merchandise Purchase Spots
Gamers Akihabara Flagship Store
- Most extensive product lineup
- Many limited items
- Access: 5 minutes walk from JR Akihabara Station
Animate various stores
- Ikebukuro flagship store, Akihabara store, etc.
- Standard merchandise available
Shops inside Diver City Tokyo
- Accessible while touring Odaiba
- Limited merchandise available during events
Using Sacred Site Maps
Using sacred site maps created by fan communities allows for more efficient pilgrimages. Maps shared using Google Map’s My Map feature have been released to the public.
Information Included in Maps
- Location information for each spot
- Episode numbers and scenes
- Photography angle hints
- Access methods
Recommended Pilgrimage Plans by Season
Spring (March – May)
Recommended Points
- Mild weather and easy to walk
- Fresh greenery at Ariake Tennis no Mori Park is beautiful
- Relatively less crowded
Recommended Route
Morning: Toyosu Gururj Park → Ariake Garden → Tokyo Big Sight
Afternoon: Odaiba Marine Park → Diver City Tokyo → Decks Tokyo Beach
Summer (June – August)
Recommended Points
- Can experience the summer anime atmosphere
- Can enjoy the sea at Odaiba Marine Park
- Evening strolls are refreshing
Cautions
- Extremely hot during daytime; heat stroke precautions essential
- Don’t forget sunscreen, hat, and hydration
- Take breaks at indoor facilities while touring
Autumn (September – November)
Recommended Points
- Most suitable season for pilgrimages
- Beautiful evening views
- Many events
Recommended Route
Morning: Tokyo Big Sight → Ariake Garden
Afternoon: Diver City Tokyo → Odaiba Marine Park (aiming for evening views)
Evening: Dinner at Decks Tokyo Beach
Winter (December – February)
Recommended Points
- Illuminations are beautiful
- Clear air makes for beautiful photographs
- Winter anime atmosphere
Cautions
- Windy and cold along the coast
- Prepare for cold weather
- Pay attention to time management as sunset is early
Lodging and Dining Information
Recommended Accommodations
Around Odaiba
- Hilton Tokyo Odaiba: Luxury hotel with sea views
- Grand Nikko Tokyo Bay: Popular for Rainbow Bridge views
- Tokyo Bay Ariake Washington Hotel: Good value
Around Toyosu
- Mitsui Garden Hotel Toyosu Bayside Cross: New and comfortable
- APA Hotel : Reasonable
Dining Spots
Diver City Tokyo
- Food court: Various cuisines to choose from
- Restaurant floor: Relaxed dining
Decks Tokyo Beach
- Daiba Little Hong Kong: Authentic Chinese cuisine
- Seaside restaurants: Dining with sea view
Ariake Garden
- Diverse restaurants: Japanese, Western, and Chinese available
- Cafes: Perfect for breaks
Photography Techniques and Recommended Equipment
Basic Photography Tips
Composition
- Save screenshots of anime cuts beforehand
- Compare with images on-site while looking for the same angles
- Be conscious of horizontal and vertical alignment
Time of Day Selection
- Morning: Few people, easy to photograph
- Daytime: Bright and easy to photograph, but crowded
- Evening: Golden hour brings out atmosphere
- Night: Illuminations are beautiful
Recommended Equipment
Cameras
- Smartphone: Easy to use with sufficient image quality
- Mirrorless camera: For serious photography
- Action camera: Convenient for video recording
Useful Items
- Tripod/selfie stick: For stable photography
- Backup battery: Essential for long pilgrimages
- Lens cloth: Remove lens dirt
Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Nijigasaki Sacred Pilgrimage
A distinctive feature of “Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club” sacred pilgrimages is that they can be enjoyed in Tokyo’s Rinkai Fukutoshin area, which is also attractive as a tourist destination. A special experience can be had where the beautiful scenery of Odaiba and the anime world merge.
Points for Pilgrimage Success
- Review the anime beforehand to confirm featured scenes
- Use Yurikamome’s all-day pass for efficient travel
- Schedule with time to spare
- Enjoy the pilgrimage while following etiquette
- Check for collaborative event information
As the series continues with season 1, season 2, and the theatrical film, new pilgrimage sites continue to emerge. With many new discoveries each time you visit, Nijigasaki sacred pilgrimage. Please refer to this guide and enjoy your own special pilgrimage experience.
Lastly, sacred pilgrimages are possible only with the understanding and cooperation of local residents. By following etiquette and acting with consideration for the community, we hope that this wonderful sacred pilgrimage culture will continue into the future.
Create special memories at the places where Nijigasaki’s members shined. Aiming for excitement, let’s go on a sacred pilgrimage journey!
