【Zatsu Tabi -That’s Journey-】 Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture
“Zatsu Tabi -That’s Journey-” is a popular manga work by Kenta Ishizaka that depicts the main character Chika traveling freely around various parts of Japan. With a TV anime adaptation confirmed for 2025, the popularity of pilgrimage tourism to sacred sites is increasing even more. This article provides a thorough explanation of pilgrimage sites centered on Niigata Prefecture, particularly Awashima-ura Village, which serves as the stage for this work.
About Zatsu Tabi -That’s Journey-
“Zatsu Tabi -That’s Journey-” is a travel manga serialized in Dengeki Maoh, with 12 volumes currently published. The appeal of this work lies in following Suzugamori Chika, the protagonist, as she visits various places throughout Japan on a whim, enjoying her travels while accepting “failures” that don’t go as planned.
The work’s distinctive feature is its faithful depiction of real tourist destinations. The beautiful landscape artwork and rich emotional expressions of the characters captivate readers with a charm that makes them think “I want to actually go there.” The protagonist’s attitude of positively accepting travel happenings—such as the expected shop being closed or missing a planned train—embodies a contemporary travel style.
Episodes Featuring Niigata Prefecture
Niigata Prefecture appears multiple times in “Zatsu Tabi,” serving as an important setting. In Journey 5, Niigata Prefecture is depicted alongside Tochigi Prefecture, and in Journey 6, Niigata Prefecture and Tokyo are the main stages. Particularly impressive is the episode where the protagonist visits Awashima Island in Awashima-ura Village, Niigata Prefecture.
Awashima is a small island with a circumference of approximately 23 km, located in northern Niigata Prefecture, even further north than Sado Island, and is known as Niigata Prefecture’s only inhabited island. The entire island belongs to Awashima-ura Village, offering beautiful blue seas and rich natural beauty. The work depicts this island’s charm comprehensively.
Basic Information About Awashima-ura Village and Access Methods
About Awashima-ura Village
Awashima-ura Village is a small village with a population of approximately 300 people, floating in the Japan Sea with abundant natural features. Beautiful coastlines and peaceful rural landscapes spread throughout, allowing visitors to spend quiet time away from urban hustle and bustle. The island’s main settlements are divided between the Ura district on the east coast and the Kamaya district on the west coast.
The island’s industries center on fishing and tourism. Particularly from May to June during the spawning season, sea bream gather in nearby waters, and catches peak. The local specialty dish “wappa-ni” (a traditional cooking method) made with fresh sea bream from this season is known as Awashima’s signature gourmet.
Access Methods
Access to Awashima is via ferry or high-speed boat from Iwafune Port in Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture.
Access to Iwafune Port:
- Approximately 15 minutes by route bus from JR Murakami Station
- Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car from Niigata Airport
- Approximately 1 hour by car from Niigata City center
From Iwafune Port to Awashima Port:
- Ferry: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes travel time (2 round trips daily)
- High-speed boat: Approximately 55 minutes travel time (2 round trips daily, operates April-November)
Services may be suspended due to weather conditions, so it’s recommended to check operational status in advance. Particularly in winter, the sea tends to be rough, increasing the possibility of suspension. When planning pilgrimage tourism, it’s important to schedule with flexibility.
Detailed Pilgrimage Sites on Awashima
Ura District
The Ura district is located on the east coast of Awashima and is home to Awashima Port, the island’s main port. This area serves as the tourism hub, with accommodations and restaurants concentrated here.
Awashima Port functions as an important facility serving as the gateway to the island. The work features an impressive scene of the protagonist arriving at the island. The port area has a waiting room and information center where visitors can obtain island information.
Along the path from the port to the settlement, traditional old houses line the way, allowing visitors to feel the peaceful island atmosphere. Comparing the landscapes depicted in the work with actual scenery while walking is the essence of pilgrimage tourism.
Restaurants in the Ura District are scattered throughout as popular dining spots for locals and tourists. At one of the island’s oldest restaurants, visitors can enjoy dishes made with fresh seafood. Dishes featuring local catches of squid and sea bream are exceptional and appear in the work as famous gourmet offerings.
Kamaya District
The Kamaya district is located on the west coast of Awashima and is a settlement with fewer people than Ura, offering a more naturally rich environment. Visitors can enjoy the island’s pristine landscape in a quiet setting.
Access to Kamaya District from Ura is possible on foot or by bicycle. Route buses operate on the island, but with limited frequency, so rental bicycles are recommended. The distance from Ura to Kamaya is approximately 3 km, taking about 40 minutes on foot.
The west coast is known for its beautiful sunset, with the sun setting over the Japan Sea visible from this scenic spot. Impressive sunset scenes are depicted in the work, making this a must-see point for pilgrims.
Awashima Ranch
Awashima has a ranch where visitors can experience horse riding and carriage rides. This ranch, which appears in the work, is a popular tourism spot on the island.
The ranch offers beginner-friendly horse-drawn carriage experiences and horseback riding experiences for more experienced riders. Meeting horses amid the peaceful island scenery creates special memories that cannot be found in urban areas.
Operating hours and experience fees vary by season, so it’s recommended to verify before visiting. During summer vacation periods, the facility can get crowded, so advance reservations are advisable.
Awashima’s Famous Cuisine: Wappa-ni
When visiting Awashima, one must taste the local specialty “wappa-ni.” This dish appears in the work and is an important element of pilgrimage tourism.
What is Wappa-ni?
Wappa-ni is a bold fisherman’s dish where fresh fish and seafood are placed in a cedar bent-wood container (wappa) with miso-flavored broth, then boiled instantly by throwing in heated stones. This traditional Awashima cooking method is said to have originated from a dish eaten by fishermen on boats.
The heated stones cause a rapid boil, concentrating the fish’s umami in the soup, which is exquisite. Particularly wappa-ni made during the sea bream spawning season from May to June uses fresh, fatty sea bream and offers the finest flavor.
Where to Eat Wappa-ni
Wappa-ni is offered at restaurants and minshuku (family-run inns) in the Ura district. However, advance reservations are often necessary, so it’s recommended to contact your accommodation or restaurant beforehand to confirm.
Prices vary by establishment, but typically range from 2,000 to 3,000 yen per person. This luxurious dish using fresh local seafood is well worth the price.
Accommodations on Awashima
To fully enjoy pilgrimage tourism on Awashima, staying overnight on the island is recommended. While day trips are possible, with limited ferry operations, overnight stays are ideal for leisurely exploring the island.
Minshuku (Family Inns)
Awashima has several minshuku where visitors can experience island life in a homey atmosphere. Many minshuku serve cuisine using fresh seafood, allowing guests to enjoy Awashima specialties including wappa-ni.
Minshuku rates are typically around 8,000 to 12,000 yen per person with two meals included. During peak seasons (summer vacation, Golden Week, etc.), reservations become difficult to obtain, so early booking is recommended.
Campground
Awashima has a campground where visitors can enjoy camping in nature with their own tent. The starry sky is exceptional, offering views of a starry heaven not visible in urban areas.
Campground usage fees are relatively reasonable, typically around 500 to 1,000 yen per tent. However, facilities are minimal, so it’s better suited for experienced campers rather than beginners.
Pilgrimage Sites on the Niigata Mainland
“Zatsu Tabi” features locations on the Niigata mainland beyond Awashima. Incorporating these spots into your itinerary creates an even more fulfilling journey.
Murakami City
Murakami City, serving as the gateway to Awashima, is also an important setting in the work. Landscapes depicted in the work can be found scattered around Iwafune Port and Murakami City center.
Murakami City is famous as a sake town and has numerous restaurants serving salmon dishes. The townscape preserving elements of a castle town setting is also appealing, making even just walking around enjoyable.
Main Points of Interest:
- Landscapes around Iwafune Port
- Castle town area in Murakami City center
- Restaurants serving salmon cuisine
- Murakami Station (station building appearing in the work)
Other Niigata Prefecture Locations
Various places throughout Niigata Prefecture appear in the work. Creating your own unique pilgrimage route by referring to pilgrimage maps is another enjoyable aspect.
Unofficial pilgrimage support websites provide detailed map information, allowing visitors to identify locations appearing in each chapter of the work. Bringing a digital version of the volumes allows on-site comparison of the work with actual scenery, deepening pilgrimage enjoyment.
Planning and Preparation for Pilgrimage Tourism
How to Make Reservations
When planning pilgrimage tourism to Awashima, the following reservations are necessary:
- Ferry/High-speed boat reservations: During busy seasons, vessels may sell out, so early booking is recommended
- Accommodation reservations: With limited island accommodations, reservations one month in advance are ideal
- Bicycle rental reservations: Convenient for efficiently exploring the island (advance reservation may not be necessary but confirmation is recommended)
Some travel agencies organize pilgrimage tourism tours to Awashima. For those uncertain about individual arrangements, package tour options are worth considering.
Packing Checklist
As an island, Awashima doesn’t offer shopping as conveniently as the mainland. The following items are recommended:
- Volumes or e-books: Essential for pilgrimage tourism. Digital versions are convenient to carry
- Camera/Smartphone: For landscape photography. Bring extra batteries
- Sunscreen/Hat: Island sunlight is intense
- Comfortable walking shoes: Essential for exploring the island
- Rain gear: Weather changes frequently along the Japan Sea coast
- Medicines: No pharmacies on the island, so bring necessary medications
- Cash: No ATMs on the island, so bring sufficient cash
Best Seasons
The best season to visit Awashima varies by purpose:
Spring (April-June):
- Sea bream spawning season, when wappa-ni tastes best
- High-speed boats begin operating (from April)
- Mild weather, easy for tourism
Summer (July-August):
- Swimming in the sea is possible
- Peak tourist season
- Reservations are difficult to obtain, requiring early planning
Fall (September-November):
- Fewer tourists, quieter island experience
- High-speed boats operate through November
- Excellent seafood season
Winter (December-March):
- Fewest tourists
- Sea conditions rough, high suspension likelihood
- Can experience the island’s quiet atmosphere
For pilgrimage tourism, spring through fall are the most accessible seasons.
How to Enjoy Pilgrimage Tourism
Comparing the Work with Actual Scenery
One of “Zatsu Tabi’s” attractions is its faithful depiction of actual scenery. Bringing volumes or e-books along, comparing depicted scenes with actual landscapes allows re-experiencing the author’s perspective. Particularly, the beautiful coastline and peaceful village scenery of Awashima are depicted impressively in the work.
Taking photographs at the same angles and sharing on social media is another enjoyable aspect of pilgrimage tourism.
Following the Protagonist’s Footsteps
Retracing protagonist Suzugamori Chika’s route deepens immersion in the story world. Eating the same dishes at restaurants she visited or photographing the same locations deepens attachment to the work.
Fan sites like “VisitSuzugamori” allow tracing the protagonist’s footsteps on maps, helping plan pilgrimage itineraries.
Enjoying “Zatsu” (Casual) Travel Style
Incorporating the work’s theme of “zatsu” (casual) travel style into your journey is another enjoyment method. Rather than perfect planning, accepting some schedule changes and happenings as “part of the journey” aligns with the work’s worldview.
For example, if your intended restaurant is closed, explore alternatives. If you miss a planned bus, walk and explore. Such flexible attitudes lead to unexpected discoveries and encounters.
Pilgrimage-Related Goods and Information Sources
Official and Unofficial Pilgrimage Maps
Several useful resources exist for “Zatsu Tabi” pilgrimage tourism:
Official Site “Zatsu Map”:
The TV anime official website presents the “Zatsu Map,” introducing locations from the work with corresponding scenes from the series. Locations including Awashima and other tourist spots are featured.
Unofficial Pilgrimage Maps:
Non-official sites like “Map of That’s Journey” detail locations from volumes 1-12 in comprehensive maps. Integrated with Google Maps, they’re highly useful for actual pilgrimage planning.
Pilgrimage Doujinshi (Fan Publications)
At Comic Market and similar events, fan-created pilgrimage travel journals are distributed. The “Zatsu Tabi -That’s Journey- Pilgrimage Tourism” series has multiple volumes available on platforms like BOOTH.
These doujinshi feature experiences and photos from fans who actually visited sacred sites, providing valuable pilgrimage references. Standard formats are B5-sized, full-color, approximately 24-page volumes.
Collaboration Projects and Pamphlets
With the work’s growing popularity, regional collaborations have expanded. Awashima-ura Village and Niigata Prefecture tourism associations have created “Zatsu Tabi” collaboration pamphlets and maps.
These official collaboration goods can often be obtained at local visitor centers and accommodations. Limited-design items make for valuable pilgrimage souvenirs.
Explore Sacred Sites in Other Prefectures Too
Since “Zatsu Tabi” features locations throughout Japan, many sacred sites exist beyond Niigata Prefecture. Planning a long-term tour of nationwide sites offers unique enjoyment for work fans.
Major Sacred Sites List
The work features the following prefectures:
- Journey 1: Fukushima Prefecture
- Journey 2: Miyagi and Toyama Prefectures
- Journey 3: Toyama and Kagawa Prefectures
- Journey 4: Kyoto Prefecture
- Journey 5: Tochigi and Niigata Prefectures
- Journey 6: Niigata and Tokyo Prefectures
- Journey 7: Mie Prefecture
- Journey 8: Hiroshima Prefecture
- Journey 9: Aomori and Wakayama Prefectures
- Journey 10: Wakayama and Iwate Prefectures
- Journey 11-12: Shimane Prefecture
Shimane Prefecture particularly features across multiple chapters with scenic spots including Miho Shrine, Mihonoseki Lighthouse, and Izumo Grand Shrine depicted. Izumo Grand Shrine, enshrining Okuninushi no Kami, is renowned for matchmaking beliefs, with Miho Shrine as its head shrine. Mihonoseki Lighthouse, designated a registered cultural property, appears impressively in the work.
Planning Multi-Prefecture Tours
Efficiently touring geographically scattered sites recommends visiting by region. For example:
- Hokuriku Area: Combine Toyama Prefecture (Black Gorge Trolley Railway, etc.) with Niigata Prefecture
- Sanin Area: Tour various Shimane Prefecture sites over several days
- Shikoku Area: Visit Kagawa Prefecture’s Takamatsu area
Discovering each region’s unique attractions through the work represents “Zatsu Tabi’s” charm.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Expansion Through Anime Adaptation
The confirmed TV anime adaptation for 2025 has further boosted “Zatsu Tabi” pilgrimage tourism popularity. The anime renders the work’s beautiful landscapes even more appealing, becoming an attraction point for new fan demographics interested in pilgrimage tourism.
Changes Following Anime Broadcast
Anime adaptation increases interest in featured tourist locations, with actual visitor increases to sites. For small islands like Awashima-ura Village, tourism promotion stemming from anime adaptation holds significant importance.
Local areas actively engage in anime collaborations, potentially implementing ventures like limited merchandise sales and stamp rallies.
Value as Anime Tourism
“Zatsu Tabi” gains attention from the Anime Tourism Association, included in “Anime Sacred Sites 88.” The work receives high evaluation as featuring real tourist locations, representing ideal anime culture and regional promotion fusion.
Discovering previously unknown regional charm through the work and visiting sites contributes to local economies. Such cycles represent ideal anime tourism forms.
Etiquette and Precautions During Pilgrimage Tourism
Proper manners and consideration for residents are essential when enjoying pilgrimage tourism.
Basic Etiquette
- Never trespass on private property: Even if featured in the work, never enter private land
- Be mindful of noise: Act quietly in residential areas
- Take trash with you: Especially on islands where garbage disposal burdens residents
- Be considerate when photographing: Avoid including other tourists or residents without consent
- Respect operating businesses: Obtain permission before photographing inside shops
Awashima-Specific Precautions
The island operates with limited resources amid a small population:
- Conserve water: Island water is precious; avoid wasteful use
- Honor reservations: Always honor ferry and accommodation reservations
- Protect the natural environment: Don’t damage plants along coasts or mountain trails
- Contribute to local economy: Patronize local businesses when possible
Emergency Response
Limited medical facilities on islands require particular health management attention:
- Bring necessary medications: No pharmacies exist on the island
- Don’t overexert if feeling unwell: Consider returning to the mainland if necessary
- Note emergency contacts: Keep contact information for accommodations and village offices
Conclusion: Rediscovering Niigata’s Charm Through “Zatsu Tabi” Pilgrimage Tourism
Through “Zatsu Tabi -That’s Journey-” pilgrimage tourism, visitors deeply discover Niigata Prefecture’s Awashima-ura Village charm. Beautiful nature, fresh seafood, and warm encounters with island residents offer valuable experiences unavailable in urban settings.
The work’s perspective of enjoying “imperfect travel” offers fresh insights into contemporary travel styles. Enjoying journeys that don’t proceed as planned, such “zatsu tabi” spirit makes an excellent approach to Niigata pilgrimage tourism. Why not embark on a journey discovering Niigata’s new attractions?
The fact that Awashima, a small island, becomes known and visited by many through the work represents an excellent fusion of anime/manga culture and regional tourism. Experience the world of “Zatsu Tabi” yourself and discover Niigata Prefecture’s new charm.
Pilgrimage tourism isn’t mere sightseeing but should be undertaken with affection for the work and respect for the region. While observing proper etiquette, enjoy memorable travels like protagonist Chika’s, leaving lasting memories.
