[There Are Too Many Losing Heroines!] Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture
Broadcasting began in July 2024, and a second season has also been decided for the anime “There Are Too Many Losing Heroines!” (Nickname: Makein). Set in Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture, the birthplace of original author Takibi Amemori, this youth romantic comedy has become a popular pilgrimage destination visited by many fans.
This article provides detailed introductions to the sacred sites featured in the anime, thoroughly explains efficient pilgrimage routes, access methods, and local collaboration information. Toyohashi City is easily accessible at approximately 20 minutes by bullet train from Nagoya, making it an ideal location for first-time sacred site pilgrimages.
The Relationship Between “There Are Too Many Losing Heroines!” and Toyohashi City
“There Are Too Many Losing Heroines!” is a work that won the 15th Shogakukan Light Novel Award Gagaga Prize. Because original author Takibi Amemori is from Toyohashi City, the city was chosen as the setting for the work. In the anime, actual facilities, restaurants, Toyohashi Railroad stations and vehicles, and Tetetsu Bus vehicles are faithfully recreated, making it a precious place for fans to experience the world of the work.
Toyohashi City is actively collaborating with the work, implementing initiatives to boost sacred site pilgrimages such as JR East’s “Oshi Tabi Campaign” and the installation of banners and signage at various locations throughout the city.
How to Access Toyohashi
Using the Shinkansen
From the Tokyo area, the Tokaido Shinkansen “Kodama” takes approximately 90 minutes to JR Toyohashi Station, and from Nagoya, the “Kodama” takes approximately 20 minutes. Using the shinkansen allows day trips for sacred site pilgrimages even from the city center.
Using Local Trains
From Nagoya, the JR Tokaido Main Line rapid or local trains take approximately 60 minutes. The fare is cheaper than the shinkansen and is recommended for those with time to spare.
Using a Car
Approximately 20 minutes from Tomei Expressway “Toyokawa IC,” or approximately 30 minutes from Shin-Tomei Expressway “Shinshiro IC.” There are multiple coin parking lots throughout the city.
Sacred Sites Around JR Toyohashi Station
JR Toyohashi Station
JR Toyohashi Station appears frequently in the anime, including in opening scenes and scenes where characters meet up. The station exterior, ticket gates, concourse, and station plaza are all faithfully depicted.
Access: Right outside Toyohashi Station on all lines
Pilgrimage Points: Station plaza clock tower, areas around ticket gates, exteriors of east and west exits
Signage and banners for “There Are Too Many Losing Heroines!” are installed in and around the station, creating an atmosphere that enhances the sacred site pilgrimage experience. The display of many related goods in visible locations is a point where you can feel the local community’s love for the work.
Toyohashi City Hall
The exterior and surroundings of city hall appear in the anime. The 13th floor observation lobby provides a panoramic view of Toyohashi City and is recommended as a stopping point during pilgrimage activities. The observation lobby is free to use.
Access: Approximately 10 minutes on foot from JR Toyohashi Station, or directly below Tetetsu City Line “City Hall” stop
Hours: Weekdays 8:30 AM – 5:15 PM (observation lobby also open on weekends and holidays)
Mizukami Building
A commercial building in front of Toyohashi Station that appears in the anime. It is characterized by its retro atmosphere and is known as a valuable building preserving Showa-era appearance. It is popular as an exterior photography spot.
Access: Approximately 3 minutes on foot from JR Toyohashi Station
Pilgrimage Points: Building exterior, surrounding townscape
Toyohashi Railroad and Tetetsu Bus Sacred Sites
Toyohashi Railroad (Tetetsu) Vehicles and Stations
Trains and buses of Toyohashi Railroad appear frequently in the anime and are recreated with great accuracy. The Tetetsu Group has officially announced its appearance in the work, making it a highlight of sacred site pilgrimages.
Major Appearing Stations:
- Ekimae Station (Toyohashi Station Front)
- Shinkawa Station
- Undokouen-mae Station
- Other stations on the city line
The Toyohashi Railroad city line is a streetcar that runs through Toyohashi City and is a valuable means of transportation. Using a one-day pass (600 yen for adults) allows for efficient sacred site pilgrimages.
Tetetsu Bus
Tetetsu Bus vehicles also appear in the anime. In particular, the exterior and interior of local route buses running through the city are faithfully depicted, allowing you to experience the world of the work by actually riding them.
Major Appearing Bus Stops:
- Toyohashi Station Front
- Iwaya Park Entrance
- Other locations throughout the city
Tetetsu Bus also sells one-day passes, which are convenient for sacred site pilgrimages.
Major Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spot Details
Toyohashi Underground Resources Museum
An important location appearing in episodes 3 and 4 of the anime. This facility teaches about Toyohashi City’s underground resources, with the museum’s exhibits and exterior depicted in the anime. Staff are accustomed to responding to sacred site pilgrims and may explain the locations featured in the work using facility leaflets.
Access: Get off at Iwaya Park Entrance bus stop on Tetetsu Bus, approximately 5 minutes on foot
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed: Mondays (if a holiday, the next weekday), year-end and New Year holidays
Admission: Free
Pilgrimage Points: Exhibition halls, entrance, exterior
Nonhoi Park (Toyohashi Comprehensive Zoo and Botanical Garden)
Appears as a place characters visit on dates. A comprehensive park combining a zoo, botanical garden, amusement park, and natural history museum, it is enjoyable not only for sacred site pilgrimages but also as a tourist destination.
Access: Approximately 20 minutes by Tetetsu Bus from JR Toyohashi Station bound for “Nonhoi Park”
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM)
Closed: Mondays (if a holiday, the next weekday), year-end and New Year holidays
Admission: Adults 600 yen, elementary and middle school students 100 yen
Yoshida Shrine
A historic shrine in Toyohashi City that appears in the anime. The shrine grounds’ atmosphere, torii gate, approach path, and other features are depicted, making it a popular quiet sacred site pilgrimage location.
Access: Toyohashi Railroad city line “Toyohashi Park Front” station, approximately 5 minutes on foot
Pilgrimage Points: Torii gate, shrine grounds, approach path
Seibunsukan Bookstore Toyohashi Main Branch
The bookstore’s exterior and interior appear in the anime. The original light novels and comics of “There Are Too Many Losing Heroines!” are actually sold here, allowing you to have the special experience of purchasing the work at a sacred site.
Access: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from JR Toyohashi Station
Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (hours may vary)
Michi no Eki Toyohashi
A roadside station where you can enjoy local specialties and regional cuisine, which also appears in the anime. It is an ideal stopping point during sacred site pilgrimages and allows you to fully enjoy Toyohashi’s appeal.
Access: Approximately 15 minutes by car from JR Toyohashi Station
Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (hours vary by store)
Gourmet Spots
Bon.Senga
A locally popular restaurant that appears in the anime. While Yanami is depicted as a girl who often eats here, Toyohashi has many delicious restaurants, and the character setting makes sense.
Access: Toyohashi City (please confirm details on official information)
Pilgrimage Points: Restaurant exterior, interior atmosphere
Coffee and Canelé
A stylish café that appears in a scene of the anime. Coffee and canelés are specialties, making it perfect for a break during sacred site pilgrimages.
Access: Toyohashi City (please confirm details on official information)
Other Restaurants
There are multiple actual family restaurants and dining establishments throughout Toyohashi City that appear in the anime. Refer to official pilgrimage maps and local information to enjoy Toyohashi cuisine while experiencing the world of the work.
Efficient Sacred Site Pilgrimage Model Courses
One-Day Course (Centered on Station Area)
9:00 Arrival at JR Toyohashi Station and photography around the station
9:30 Mizukami Building area exploration
10:00 Toyohashi City Hall and observation lobby visit
11:00 Move to Yoshida Shrine by Toyohashi Railroad city line
12:00 Lunch at local restaurant
1:30 PM Seibunsukan Bookstore Toyohashi Main Branch
2:30 PM Move to Toyohashi Underground Resources Museum by Tetetsu Bus
4:00 PM Return to station area and purchase souvenirs
Two-Day Course (Including Outlying Areas)
Day 1: Sacred sites centered around the station area
Day 2: Nonhoi Park, Michi no Eki Toyohashi, and other outlying spots
Official Collaboration and Event Information
JR East “Oshi Tabi Campaign”
A sacred site pilgrimage support campaign implemented by JR East, with “There Are Too Many Losing Heroines!” as a featured work. Special stamp rallies and commemorative item distributions may be held.
Tetetsu Group Collaboration Projects
Toyohashi Railroad and Tetetsu Bus implement various collaboration projects including vehicle wrapping and commemorative ticket sales. Check official websites for the latest information.
Displays and Banners Throughout the City
Signage and banners for the work are installed throughout the city, including at Toyohashi Station. These are also part of the enjoyment of sacred site pilgrimages.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Precautions and Etiquette
Basic Etiquette
- No trespassing on private property: Photography should be done from public roads
- Be mindful of noise: Act quietly in residential areas
- Always take trash with you: Keep sacred sites clean
- Follow traffic rules: Do not enter streetcar tracks as it is dangerous
- Be considerate in operating businesses: Obtain permission before photography
Photography Precautions
- Be considerate so as not to inconvenience other tourists or local residents
- Confirm surrounding safety when using tripods
- Do not use flash in areas where flash photography is prohibited
Facility Usage Precautions
- Check hours and closed days in advance
- Follow facility rules
- Do not photograph in areas where photography is prohibited
Convenient Information for Sacred Site Pilgrimages
Official Pilgrimage Map
The official anime website offers a sacred site pilgrimage map. Check it in advance as it contains information on major locations and access methods.
Toyohashi City Tourism Information
Toyohashi City’s tourism association also provides information related to sacred site pilgrimages. You can obtain detailed information unique to the local area.
Information Gathering via SNS
Searching for hashtags such as “#There Are Too Many Losing Heroines” and “#Makein Pilgrimage” on Twitter and Instagram will help you find pilgrimage reports and latest information from other fans.
Recommended Items to Bring
- Smartphone/camera (chargers as well)
- Official pilgrimage map (printed or saved on smartphone)
- Commuter IC card
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Drinks and towel (especially in summer)
- Mobile battery
Charms of Toyohashi City
History and Culture
Toyohashi City is the central city of the Higashi-Mikawa region and has prospered as a transportation hub since ancient times. There are many historical attractions including Yoshida Castle ruins and Futagawa Shuku Honjin.
Gourmet
You can enjoy local cuisine unique to Toyohashi including Toyohashi curry udon, Yamasa chikuwa, and Toyohashi Black Thunder. In addition to sacred site pilgrimages, savor Toyohashi’s food culture.
Nature
There are many spots rich in nature such as Omohama Beach and Ishimaki Mountain. At Nonhoi Park you can also interact with animals and plants.
Accommodation Information
For visitors from distant areas, it is convenient to use lodging facilities in Toyohashi City or nearby.
Hotels Around Toyohashi Station
The area around the station has a variety of accommodations from business hotels to city hotels. It is ideal as a base for sacred site pilgrimages.
Hot Spring Facilities
Extending a little further, you can also enjoy hot springs in Higashi-Mikawa such as Gamagori Onsen and Yutani Onsen.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Gamagori City
Approximately 20 minutes by train from Toyohashi, Gamagori City has popular tourist attractions such as Laguna Tenbosu and Takeshima Aquarium.
Tahara City
Located at the tip of the Atsumi Peninsula, Tahara City offers beautiful coastlines and rapeseed flower fields.
Seasonal Attractions
Spring (March – May)
During cherry blossom season, Toyohashi Park and Iwaya Ryokuchi are beautifully colored. The comfortable climate is ideal for sacred site pilgrimages.
Summer (June – August)
The season is packed with events including Toyohashi Gion Festival (July) and Toyohashi Minato Festival (July). Heat protection is essential.
Fall (September – November)
Autumn foliage is beautiful during this season. You can enjoy nature’s colors at Nonhoi Park and Iwaya Ryokuchi.
Winter (December – February)
The climate is relatively mild, but do not forget cold protection measures. Be careful about facility closures during year-end and New Year holidays.
Souvenir and Merchandise Information
Anime-Related Merchandise
Original light novels, comics, and related merchandise are sold at Seibunsukan Bookstore Toyohashi Main Branch and bookstores around the station.
Toyohashi Specialties
- Yamasa chikuwa
- Toyohashi curry udon (retort)
- Toyohashi Black Thunder
- Jiro persimmons (seasonal, autumn limited)
- Shiso (perilla) related products
Prospects After Second Season Decision
With the announcement of the second season production, it is expected that the number of sacred site pilgrims will increase further. New locations may appear in the work, providing an opportunity for more people to learn of Toyohashi City’s appeal.
Expanded local collaboration projects are expected, which should allow for increasingly fulfilling sacred site pilgrimage experiences.
In Closing
Toyohashi City in Aichi Prefecture, the sacred site of “There Are Too Many Losing Heroines!”, is a charming city not only for anime fans but also for general tourists. Faithfully recreated scenery, warm local welcomes, delicious cuisine, and rich history and nature. All of these provide special sacred site pilgrimage experiences.
As fans who love the work, enjoy sacred site pilgrimages while respecting etiquette and fully savor the charms of Toyohashi as a city. By actually walking through this Toyohashi where Yanami and others spent their time, your understanding and affection for the work will deepen further.
Since Toyohashi’s sacred sites are concentrated around the station area, even first-time sacred site pilgrimages have relatively low difficulty levels, and fulfilling pilgrimages are possible in just one day. By all means, visit in person and experience the world of “There Are Too Many Losing Heroines!” yourself.
Continuously check official websites and local tourism information to obtain the latest collaboration and event information, and enjoy more fulfilling sacred site pilgrimages. And confirm with your own eyes in Toyohashi the story of the Makein heroines who “lose and shine brightly.”