In autumn 2018, P.A.WORKS produced the original anime “Irozuku: The World in Colors.” Set in a slightly mysterious world where magic remains, the story follows Hitomi Tsukishiro, a girl who has lost her color vision, as she time-slips to Nagasaki 60 years in the past and grows through encounters with members of the photography club.
The greatest appeal of this work is the meticulous depiction of Nagasaki’s beautiful landscapes down to the finest details. The production staff spent several days surveying Nagasaki City and faithfully recreated actual locations. This article comprehensively covers all spots featured in the anime, from model courses for efficient pilgrimage to photography tips, providing thorough guidance on information necessary for pilgrimage locations.
What is “Irozuku: The World in Colors”?
“Irozuku: The World in Colors” is a coming-of-age fantasy anime set in Nagasaki. The protagonist, Hitomi Tsukishiro, is a high school second-year student who lost her ability to see color in her childhood. Through magic by her grandmother Kohaku Tsukishiro, she time-slips from 2078 to 2018 in Nagasaki.
In Nagasaki 60 years in the past, she meets Yisho Aoi, Kurumi Kawai, Shota Yamabuki who belong to the photography club, and her grandmother Kohaku in her youth. When Hitomi touches Yisho’s drawings, she experiences “color” for the first time. Through interaction with her photography club friends, Hitomi gradually opens her heart and recovers the colors she had lost.
The setting of Nagasaki City, where the story takes place, is a sloped town full of exotic charm. Numerous real tourist attractions such as Glover Garden, Olanda Slope, and Nagasaki Waterfront Forest Park appear in the anime, creating a mysterious world where small magic remains in everyday life.
Preparation and Basic Information for Pilgrimage
Access Methods
The main access methods to Nagasaki City are as follows:
Airplane
- Nagasaki Airport to Nagasaki Station: Approximately 45 minutes by limousine bus
- Direct flights available from major cities to Nagasaki Airport
JR
- Hakata Station to Nagasaki Station: Approximately 2 hours by limited express “Kamome”
- If using Shinkansen, transfer at Takeo Onsen Station
Highway Bus
- Direct buses available from Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Sasebo, and other cities
Transportation Within the City
For pilgrimage purposes, the streetcars in Nagasaki City are extremely convenient. A one-way fare is 130 yen, and purchasing a one-day pass (600 yen) allows unlimited boarding and alighting. Most major pilgrimage spots are within walking distance of streetcar stops.
Since there are many sloped areas, comfortable walking shoes are essential. For access to elevated areas like the Nabeyama Lookout Point, you can also utilize funicular railways such as Glover Sky Road.
Best Seasons for Pilgrimage
While autumn in Nagasaki is beautifully depicted in the anime, pilgrimage locations can be enjoyed year-round.
- Spring (March-May): Cherry blossom season, mild climate
- Autumn (September-November): Same season as the anime, autumn foliage also enjoyable
- Winter (December-February): Peak season for night views
- Summer (June-August): Heat precautions necessary, but lush greenery is beautiful
Model Pilgrimage Courses
Waterfront Forest Park to Higashiyamate Course (Approximately 3 hours)
This course efficiently covers spots that appear frequently from the early to mid-story of the anime.
Start: Shinchi Chinatown Stop
Nagasaki Waterfront Forest Park
The place where Hitomi and Yisho first meet, and where numerous important scenes in the story were filmed. A spacious area along the sea with the Venus Bridge visible across the water.
In Episode 1, immediately after Hitomi arrives in 2018 Nagasaki, she walks along the promenade of this park looking confused. Scenes of her sitting on benches overlooking the sea appear in Episodes 3 and 8. The landscape, especially at dusk, captures the anime’s atmosphere perfectly.
Filming Points: Seaside promenade, benches, composition overlooking Venus Bridge from the lawn
Oranda Bridge
A small bridge near Shinchi Chinatown Stop where a conversation scene between Hitomi and Yisho appears. It retains the atmosphere of the time, with railings and surrounding buildings matching the anime.
Higashiyamate Koutjuusanban Mansion
A district lined with Meiji-era Western buildings. The Koutjuusanban Mansion is a historical structure open to public viewing. In the anime, its exterior is depicted carefully, appearing as a symbol of the exotic atmosphere unique to Nagasaki.
The building’s interior is free to view with displays recreating life from that era. The sloped road in front of the building is also a popular photography spot.
Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: Year-end/New Year period
Olanda Slope
One of Nagasaki’s representative tourist spots that appears repeatedly in the anime. The cobblestone slope and Western buildings on both sides are beautiful, depicted as a road the characters pass while returning from school.
In Episode 5, a scene of Hitomi and Kurumi conversing while walking, and in Episode 9, a scene of photography club members gathering. There are many impressive scenes. Especially during evening light hours, you can take photos close to the anime’s atmosphere.
Goal: Ishibashi Stop
Minami-yamate to Nabeyama Course (Approximately 4 hours)
A course covering many climactic scenes from the anime and emotionally moving spots.
Start: Ishibashi Stop
Glover Sky Road
A 160-meter funicular railway that easily navigates the steep slopes of Minami-yamate. In Episode 4, there’s a scene where Hitomi and Yisho ride it, with the glass-walled interior beautifully depicting the Nagasaki cityscape.
Free to use and part of daily life for locals. The view from inside the elevator is also a filming point.
Operating Hours: 6:00-23:00
Glover Garden
A representative tourist attraction in Nagasaki and an important setting in the anime. A vast garden with Glover Mansion, designated as a National Important Cultural Property, and scattered Meiji-era Western buildings.
The scene in Episode 10 where Hitomi and Yisho visit alone is an unforgettable memorable moment for fans. The landscape overlooking Nagasaki Harbor from the garden, the cobblestones in front of the buildings, flower beds—all are faithfully recreated in fine detail.
Especially, the view from the terrace in front of the old Glover residence is a must-see. You can take photos from the same composition as the anime.
Operating Hours: 8:00-18:00 (varies by season)
Admission: 620 yen for adults
Oura Observation Park
A small park on the highlands of Minami-yamate with an overview of Nagasaki Harbor. A breathtaking spot that appears in Episode 7 when Hitomi visits alone to confront her feelings.
The composition of sitting on a bench overlooking the sea is one of the important motifs of the anime. A hidden gem with few tourists, allowing peaceful enjoyment of the scenery. The dusk hours are particularly beautiful, strongly evoking the anime’s atmosphere.
Kinensaka Slope
A cobblestone slope on the route from Glover Garden to Nabeyama Lookout Point. A quiet path through a residential area that appears in scenes where the characters walk daily.
The view of Nagasaki’s cityscape and sea visible from the slope’s midpoint is beautiful, with several points along the way that tempt you to stop and photograph.
Nabeyama Lookout Point
A lookout offering panoramic views of Nagasaki’s night scene, one of the anime’s most important locations. It appears in Episode 12 (the final episode) as the place where Hitomi and Yisho reunite.
From the 169-meter-high lookout, you can see 360 degrees: Nagasaki Harbor, Inasayama, and the city center. Particularly the night view, called “10 million dollar night view,” is a representative spectacular view of Nagasaki. The nighttime scenes are impressively depicted in the anime, making this spot the highlight of the pilgrimage.
The lookout is accessible by bus from Ishibashi Stop or on foot (approximately 30 minutes, quite steep).
Access: From Ishibashi bus stop, approximately 10 minutes by bus, 5-minute walk from the lookout entrance
Goal: Ishibashi Stop
Ishibashi to Izumo Neighborhood Park Course (Approximately 2.5 hours)
A course covering areas where photography club activities and everyday scenes frequently appear.
Izumo Neighborhood Park
Appearing frequently as a gathering place for photography club members conducting photoshoots or meeting after school. The photography scene in Episode 6 is particularly impressive.
A quiet park in a residential area where the slides, benches, and other play equipment remain in the same layout as depicted in the anime. Although an ordinary neighborhood park where local children play, it’s an important spot for pilgrimage enthusiasts.
Nagasaki Minami High School Surroundings
The model for the high school where Hitomi and friends attend, which has a magical science department. The actual Nagasaki Minami High School is, of course, off-limits to the general public, but its exterior and surrounding landscape are visible in the anime.
The school is sometimes open to the public during cultural festivals, offering rare opportunities to enter the campus. However, at regular times, photography should be limited to outside the grounds, with consideration for students and nearby residents.
Forest Witch Café
“Forest Witch Café,” run by Hitomi’s grandmother Kohaku Tsukishiro, is an important setting in the story. While the actual model location hasn’t been specified, it’s believed multiple cafés in Nagasaki City served as inspiration.
In the anime, it’s depicted as a café in a house surrounded by forest, with warm interior design and Kohaku’s homemade sweets being impressive. It’s also where the magic transporting Hitomi from the present to the past is activated.
Various old-house cafés and retro tea shops with similar atmospheres are scattered throughout Nagasaki City, making them recommended stops to rest during pilgrimage.
Other Important Spots
Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium
A aquarium that photography club members visit for photography in Episode 2. The actual Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium serves as the model, with the facility’s exhibits and penguin behavior faithfully recreated.
Particularly, the Penguin Beach scene is deeply moving when visiting in person. Being able to watch penguins swim in the natural sea is rare even in Japan.
Operating Hours: 9:00-17:00
Admission: 520 yen for adults
Access: Approximately 30 minutes by shuttle bus from Nagasaki Station
Iwo Island
A remote island that becomes an important setting in Episode 11. Located approximately 30 minutes by boat from Nagasaki Harbor, it’s characterized by beautiful coastline and a church.
In the anime, Hitomi and Yisho visit together and have an important conversation. The lighthouse area’s landscape is impressively depicted. It can be visited in a day trip with well-developed resort facilities.
Access: Approximately 19 minutes by fast boat from Nagasaki Harbor, or accessible by car via bridge
Shinchi Chinatown
One of Japan’s three major Chinatowns, with a scene in Episode 4 where photography club members visit. The colorful Chinese restaurants lining the street are beautifully depicted from Hitomi’s perspective as she recovers her color vision.
Also ideal as a lunch or dinner break spot. You can enjoy Nagasaki specialties like champon and saimin noodles.
Spectacles Bridge
Japan’s oldest arched stone bridge and a Nagasaki tourist attraction. It appears in the anime as a background, with scenes of Hitomi and friends using it as a school route.
Named for how its reflection in the river resembles eyeglasses, searching for heart-shaped stones is also part of the tourist experience.
Complete Night View Spot Guide
In “Irozuku: The World in Colors,” Nagasaki’s beautiful night views play an important role in the story.
Inasayama Lookout Point
Counted among the world’s three new largest night views, representing Nagasaki’s iconic nightscape. While there are few direct appearances in the anime, it serves as reference for scenes overlooking Nagasaki’s night view overall.
From the 333-meter-high lookout, the entire Nagasaki city center is visible 360 degrees. Accessible by ropeway, the period from dusk to night is particularly crowded.
Operating Hours: 9:00-22:00
Ropeway Fare: 1,250 yen round trip
Nabeyama Lookout Point (Night View)
As mentioned previously, the final episode’s important setting. Closer to the city center than Inasayama, offering a more immersive night view experience.
The lookout is open 24 hours, freely accessible even at night. However, during night hours, lighting is minimal, so bringing a flashlight is recommended.
Glover Garden (Night Opening)
During specific periods, nighttime openings are conducted where you can enjoy illuminated Western buildings alongside Nagasaki’s night view. The most closely matching anime’s fantastic atmosphere can be experienced here.
Photography Tips and Etiquette
Comparative Photography Pointers
The essence of pilgrimage lies in comparing anime scenes with actual landscapes. Saving anime screenshots to your smartphone or tablet and searching for the same angle on location is efficient.
- Match the time of day: Visiting during the same time as the anime scene makes lighting more similar
- Be conscious of seasons: Since the anime is set in autumn, visiting in September-November brings landscapes closer to the anime
- Camera height: Anime camera angles are typically slightly lower than eye level
Monochrome Photography Enjoyment
To experience Hitomi’s perspective, some fans photograph certain shots in monochrome. Shooting in both color and monochrome for comparison deepens appreciation of the anime’s world view.
Pilgrimage Etiquette
- Don’t trespass on private property: Special care is needed around schools
- Remain quiet in residential areas: Avoid loud conversations and visits during early morning or late nights
- Follow traffic rules: Don’t become so absorbed in photography that you run into streets
- Always take your trash with you: Keeping pilgrimage sites beautiful is key to sustained pilgrimage
Nagasaki Cuisine and Souvenirs
Cuisine to Enjoy Between Pilgrimages
Champon and Saimin Noodles
Nagasaki’s representative noodle dishes. Enjoy authentic flavors at Shinchi Chinatown and Chinese restaurants throughout the city.
Castella Cake
Nagasaki’s signature confection. Numerous long-established shops like Bunmeido and Fukusaya exist.
Turkish Rice
Nagasaki-originated Western dish where pilaf, spaghetti, and pork cutlet are served on one plate—a hearty creation.
Milk Shake
In Nagasaki, served not as a drink but as sherbet-like sweets.
Recommended Souvenirs
- “Irozuku: The World in Colors” Related Goods: Available at select bookstores and tourist information centers in Nagasaki
- Nagasaki Castella Cake: A classic must-have delicacy
- Yoriryori: Fried sweets available at Chinatown
- Nagasaki Champon (Gift Version): Enjoy Nagasaki flavors at home
Accommodation and Access Information
Recommended Accommodation Areas
Nagasaki Station Surroundings
Convenient transportation access with abundant options from business hotels to luxury hotels. Easy access to streetcars and buses.
Shianjibashi and Douza Surroundings
Close to entertainment districts with abundant dining options. Tourist spots within walking distance.
Inasayama Surroundings
Recommended for those wanting to enjoy night views. Quiet environment for leisurely relaxation.
Convenient One-Day Passes
Streetcar One-Day Pass: 600 yen
Unlimited riding on streetcars. Covers almost all major pilgrimage spots.
Nagasaki City One-Day Tourist Pass: 800 yen
Streetcar access plus selected bus routes.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring (March-May)
Cherry blossom season makes Glover Garden and Izumo Neighborhood Park particularly beautiful. Though not depicted in the anime, cherry blossoms and new greenery create attractive contrast.
Summer (June-August)
Events unique to Nagasaki like the Nagasaki Peron Championship (July) and Shooryou-nagashi (August 15th) occur. While heat precautions are necessary, experience lively Nagasaki.
Autumn (September-November)
Same season as the anime, the most suitable pilgrimage period. Nagasaki Kunchi (October 7-9), Nagasaki’s largest festival, makes this time particularly lively. Autumn foliage is beautiful, ideal for photography.
Winter (December-February)
Peak season for beautiful night views. Clear air makes Nabeyama Lookout and Inasayama views exceptional. Nagasaki Lantern Festival (old lunar new year period) dramatically illuminates Chinatown.
Conclusion: A Journey to Experience the World in Color
Pilgrimage to “Irozuku: The World in Colors” isn’t merely visiting an anime’s setting—it’s a journey to deeply know Nagasaki’s charms. As Hitomi recovered her colors, visitors discover their own vibrant hues in Nagasaki’s beautiful landscapes.
A sloped town, exotic atmosphere, beautiful night views, warm people—Nagasaki overflows with reasons to be the story’s setting. Using the spots and model courses introduced in this article, plan your own pilgrimage journey.
Walking Nagasaki’s streets recalling anime’s memorable scenes will surely leave vivid memories in your heart. Follow the path Hitomi and Yisho walked, visit places where photography club members spent time, and embark on a special journey to experience the “world in colors.”
