【”My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As I Expected” Series】 Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo Metropolis

【’My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As I Expected’ Series】 Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo

“My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As I Expected” (OreGairu) is a youth romantic comedy light novel by Watari, which achieved a place in the “This Light Novel Is Amazing!” hall of fame and is an extremely popular series. Three seasons of anime have been produced, and because many real locations centered in Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture appear in the story, it has become a popular sacred site pilgrimage destination.

This article provides thorough explanations of the routes and photography points for efficiently visiting sacred sites in Chiba Prefecture where Hachiman Hikigaya, Yukino Yukinoshita, and Yui Yuigahama spent their youth.

Basic Knowledge of ‘OreGairu’ Sacred Site Pilgrimage

The Relationship Between the Work and Chiba Prefecture

The setting of “My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As I Expected” is Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture. Since author Watari himself is from Chiba Prefecture, many Chiba-related elements appear in the work. The story is characterized by faithful depictions of real locations, including Soubu High School where the main characters attend, the location of the Service Club’s activities, dating spots, and backgrounds in everyday scenes.

Interestingly, while the surnames of the characters are derived from city names and place names in Kanagawa Prefecture, the setting of the story itself is in Chiba Prefecture.

Optimal Seasons and Access for Sacred Site Pilgrimage

Sacred site pilgrimage in Chiba Prefecture is possible throughout the year, but there are particularly recommended seasons:

Spring (March–May): The cherry blossom season, with beautiful scenery around Inage Sengen Shrine
Summer (July–August): The time of the Chiba Minato Festival fireworks display, when you can recreate scenes of the fireworks show
Autumn (September–November): Mild climate, ideal for extended pilgrimage time
Winter (December–February): A season to recall Christmas and prom scenes

Access is convenient with the Sobu Line Express from Tokyo Station taking approximately 40 minutes to Chiba Station as a base. Major sacred sites are concentrated in Inage Ward, Chiba City, and you can efficiently visit them by using the JR Sobu Line, Keisei Line, and Chiba Urban Monorail.

Soubu High School Area: The Heart of the Story

Chiba Municipal Inage High School (Model for Soubu High School)

The model for Soubu High School, which Hachiman Hikigaya, Yukino Yukinoshita, and Yui Yuigahama attend, is Chiba Municipal Inage High School. The exterior of the school building, school gate, and grounds that appear in the anime are faithfully reproduced.

Address: 3-1-1 Takahama, Mihama Ward, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture
Access: Approximately 10 minutes by bus from JR Inage Station or Keisei Inage Station
Photography Points: In front of the main gate, school building exterior (entry to school grounds is strictly prohibited)

Notes: Since it is a currently operating school facility, avoid visiting during class hours, and refrain from making noise or behaving suspiciously. Photography should be limited to outside the school grounds, and care must be taken not to disturb students and staff.

Surrounding Areas of the Service Club’s Activity Base

While the Service Club’s activity room is set inside the school building, real scenery is used in the depictions of surrounding areas. The residential areas and school routes around the school also appear in the work, making it an area where you can feel the everyday life of Hachiman and the others.

Inage Area: Living Spaces of Main Characters

Keisei Inage Station

Keisei Inage Station, which appears multiple times as a station used by Hachiman and Yukino, is an important hub for sacred site pilgrimage. The exterior of the station building, ticket gates, and platforms are depicted faithfully in the anime.

Address: 3-16-1 Inagoe, Inage Ward, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture
Photography Points: Station front rotary, station building exterior, platform (be mindful not to disturb other users during photography)

Inage Overpass

The Inage Overpass, which Hachiman passes while cycling to school, is used in an impressive scene in the work. In Season 2, it also becomes the setting for an important conversation between Yukino and Hachiman.

Address: Inagoe, Inage Ward, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture
Access: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Keisei Inage Station
Photography Points: Views from the overpass, angles looking up at the overpass

Inage Sengen Shrine

Inage Sengen Shrine, the setting for New Year’s visit scenes and important conversations between Yukino and Hachiman, is an unmissable sacred site for OreGairu fans. The atmosphere of the grounds, stone steps, torii gate, and other elements appear in the work.

Address: 1-15-10 Inage, Inage Ward, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture
Access: Approximately 3 minutes on foot from Keisei Inage Station
Photography Points: Stone steps, main hall, views from the grounds
Visiting Hours: Grounds open at all times (shrine office approximately 9:00–17:00)

When photographing at the shrine, be mindful not to disturb visitors and remember the sacred nature of the place.

Inage Park

Inage Park, which appears in scenes where Hachiman talks with Komachi, is an ordinary park where local people relax, but you can feel the atmosphere of the work.

Address: 1-10 Inage, Inage Ward, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture
Access: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Keisei Inage Station

Inage Kaigan Area: Important Seaside Spots

Inage Kaigan Station

Inage Kaigan Station, which appears when heading to seaside scenes, is also depicted multiple times in the work. The commercial facilities around the station, including the immediate surroundings, allow you to feel the living spaces of the characters.

Address: 3-10 Takasu, Mihama Ward, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture
Access: JR Keiyo Line Inage Kaigan Station

Inage Kaihin Park

Inage Kaihin Park, where the building that became the model for the self-organized prom venue produced by Hachiman is located in Anime Season 3 “Conclusion,” is one of the most moving sacred sites for OreGairu fans.

Address: 7-1-1 Takahama, Mihama Ward, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture
Access: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Inage Kaigan Station, or by bus
Photography Points: Inage Memorial Hall (model for the prom venue), waterfront promenade

The Inage Memorial Hall is also used as a wedding venue, and while exterior photography is possible, the interior may not be open to the public. It is recommended to confirm the facility’s operational status before visiting.

Inage no Hama

Inage no Hama, which appears in the important conversation scene between Hachiman and Yukino, memory scenes with Yui, and climactic moments of the story, is especially recommended for photography at dusk.

Address: Takahama, Mihama Ward, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture
Access: Within Inage Kaihin Park
Photography Points: Sandy beach, coastline, sunset

Chiba Minato Area: Dating Spots

Chiba Port Tower

Chiba Port Tower, which appears as a dating spot visited by Hachiman, Yukino, and Yui, is a representative tourist facility of Chiba Prefecture. The observation deck views, parks surrounding the tower, and other elements are depicted in the work.

Address: Chuo Port 1, Chuo Ward, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture
Access: Approximately 12 minutes on foot from Chiba Minato Station on the Chiba Urban Monorail
Operating Hours: 9:00–21:00 (last admission 20:30)
Admission: Adults ¥420
Photography Points: Views from the observation deck, tower exterior, surrounding parks

From the observation deck, you can see panoramic views of Chiba city and Tokyo Bay, and the night scenery is also beautiful, making a visit from late afternoon into the evening recommended.

Chiba Minato Station Surroundings

The area around Chiba Minato Station on the Chiba Urban Monorail also appears in the work. Including views from the monorail, you can enjoy urban scenery.

Chiba Station Area: Shopping and Entertainment Districts

Perie Chiba

Perie Chiba (a commercial facility directly connected to JR Chiba Station) appears in shopping scenes with the characters. As a station building with high convenience, it is also ideal as a rest spot during sacred site pilgrimage.

Address: 1-1-1 Shin-Chiba, Chuo Ward, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture
Access: Directly connected to JR Chiba Station
Operating Hours: Varies by store (generally around 10:00–21:00)

Sogou Chiba Store

Sogou Chiba Store, a department store that also appears in shopping scenes in the work, is a central commercial facility in front of Chiba Station. You can feel the everyday life of the characters.

Address: 1000 Shin-cho, Chuo Ward, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture
Access: Approximately 1 minute on foot from JR Chiba Station
Operating Hours: 10:00–20:00 (varies by floor)

Censity Tower

Censity Tower, a high-rise building near Chiba Station, also appears as a background. It is a building symbolizing Chiba City’s urban landscape.

Address: 1000 Shin-cho, Chuo Ward, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture
Photography Points: Exterior, views from the direction of Chiba Station

Tsudanuma and Funabashi Area: Sub-Spots

LaLaport TOKYO-BAY

The model for the place Hachiman visits with Komachi to kill time during a fight in Episode 3 of Season 2 is LaLaport TOKYO-BAY. It is depicted as a large shopping center with 40 specialty shops and a movie theater.

Address: 2-1-1 Hamachi, Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture
Access: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from JR Minami-Funabashi Station
Operating Hours: 10:00–21:00 (varies by store)

Tsudanuma Station Surroundings

The area around Tsudanuma Station and its commercial facilities and townscape also appear in the work. It is depicted as an area where young people gather, including Parco and Morisia.

Efficient Sacred Site Pilgrimage Model Routes

1-Day Course: Inage-Centered Route

We present a model route for efficiently visiting OreGairu sacred sites in Chiba Prefecture in one day.

9:00 AM Depart from JR Chiba Station
↓ Sobu Line for approximately 10 minutes
9:30 AM Arrive at Inage Station → Take bus to Inage High School

Chiba Municipal Inage High School (exterior photography)

10:30 AM Keisei Inage Station Area

Keisei Inage Station
Inage Overpass
Inage Sengen Shrine
Inage Park

12:00 PM Lunch (around Keisei Inage Station)

1:30 PM Move to Inage Kaigan Area

Inage Kaigan Station
Inage Kaihin Park
Inage Memorial Hall (prom venue model)
Inage no Hama

4:00 PM Move to Chiba Minato Area

Chiba Port Tower (dusk to night scenery recommended)

6:30 PM Around Chiba Station

Perie Chiba
Sogou Chiba Store

7:30 PM Goal at Chiba Station

2-Day Course: Complete Chiba Conquest Route

For those with extra time, we recommend taking two days to visit more thoroughly.

Day 1: Inage and Inage Kaigan Area Intensive
Morning: Inage High School, Keisei Inage Station surroundings, Inage Sengen Shrine
Afternoon: Inage Kaihin Park, Inage Memorial Hall, leisurely photography at Inage no Hama

Day 2: Chiba Station, Chiba Minato, and Tsudanuma/Funabashi Area
Morning: Chiba Port Tower, Chiba Minato surroundings
Afternoon: Chiba Station area commercial facilities, Tsudanuma and Funabashi area

Photography Techniques and Etiquette for Sacred Site Pilgrimage

Photography Points for Recreating Scenes from the Work

The joy of sacred site pilgrimage lies in taking photographs that recreate scenes from the anime and original work. Keep the following points in mind:

Research Angles: Prepare screenshots from the anime beforehand and search for the same angles
Time of Day: Choose times of day that match the scenes—morning, afternoon, dusk, or night
Seasonal Feel: Visit at times that match the seasons—cherry blossoms, summer sea, winter cold
Comparison Photography: Take photos so anime images and live-action can be compared side by side

Manners and Rules for Sacred Site Pilgrimage

When enjoying sacred site pilgrimage, always follow these manners:

Precautions at School Facilities

Absolutely no unauthorized entry to school grounds
Avoid visiting during class hours
Do not speak loudly or make noise
Never photograph students or staff

Precautions at Public and Commercial Facilities

Do not disturb other users
Do not occupy facilities for extended periods
Obtain facility permission before using tripods
Obtain permission before photographing inside stores

Precautions at Shrines

Visitors taking prayer have priority
Be mindful of the sacred nature of the place
Do not make noise
Always take your trash with you

Precautions in Residential Areas

Respect residents’ privacy
Do not trespass on private property
Avoid visiting early morning or late at night

Tips for Enjoying Sacred Site Pilgrimage More

Collaboration Projects with Chiba City

Collaboration campaigns between Chiba City and the work are held periodically in conjunction with the broadcast of “My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As I Expected: Conclusion.” Stamp rallies, limited merchandise sales, and panel exhibitions may be held, so check the official website and Chiba City tourism information before visiting.

Chiba Culture and Customs Appearing in the Work

The work also features culture and customs unique to Chiba Prefecture:

Chiba Dialect: Occasionally seen in Hachiman’s speech
Peanuts: Mentioned as a Chiba specialty in the work
Mihama-Makuhari: Appears in backgrounds as a symbol of Chiba’s urban development
Chiba Lotte Marines: Reference to the local baseball team

Being aware of these elements allows for a deeper enjoyment of the work’s world.

Chiba Cuisine to Enjoy Along with Sacred Site Pilgrimage

Enjoy Chiba Prefecture’s cuisine while on sacred site pilgrimage:

Namerau and Sanga-yaki: Chiba regional dishes
Peanut Sweets: Confections using Chiba’s specialty peanuts
Seafood Cuisine: Fresh seafood
Chiba Ramen: Unique styles such as Takeoka-style ramen

There are many restaurants around Inage and Chiba stations, making them ideal rest stops during pilgrimage.

Important Sacred Sites by Season and Series

Anime Season 1 Sacred Sites

Season 1 is primarily centered around the school and Inage areas:

Chiba Municipal Inage High School (Soubu High School)
Keisei Inage Station
Inage Overpass
Inage Sengen Shrine

Anime Season 2 “Continuation” Sacred Sites

Season 2 expands the scope of activity, with various locations throughout Chiba City appearing:

LaLaport TOKYO-BAY
Chiba Port Tower
Chiba Station area commercial facilities
Inage Kaigan area

Anime Season 3 “Conclusion” Sacred Sites

Season 3 features important locations as the story reaches its climax:

Inage Memorial Hall (prom venue)
Inage no Hama (important confession scene)
Inage Kaihin Park
Chiba Port Tower surroundings

In particular, the prom scene at Inage Memorial Hall and the conversation scene between Hachiman and Yukino at Inage no Hama have become the most moving sacred sites for fans.

Packing Checklist for Sacred Site Pilgrimage

Prepare the following items for a comfortable sacred site pilgrimage:

Essential Items

Smartphone (map app, camera)
Mobile battery
Transit IC card
Drinks
Towel and handkerchief

Convenient Items

DSLR camera (if doing serious photography)
Original work books and anime screenshots
Sacred site pilgrimage maps (printed or saved on phone)
Sunscreen and hat (summer)
Folding umbrella (rain protection)
Notebook and pen (for visit records)

Recommended Apps

Google Maps (navigation)
Transit app (route searching)
Camera app (with comparison features)
Social media posting apps

Accommodation Information and Access Bases

Recommended Accommodation Areas

For those visiting from afar, the following areas are convenient for accommodation:

Around Chiba Station
Ideal as a central hub for sacred site pilgrimage. Many business hotels with reasonable prices.

Mihama-Makuhari Area
Good access to Inage Kaigan area sacred sites, with resort atmosphere.

Funabashi and Tsudanuma Area
Convenient for focusing on sacred sites around LaLaport.

Access from Tokyo

Train

JR Sobu Line Express: Tokyo Station → Chiba Station (approximately 40 minutes)
JR Keiyo Line: Tokyo Station → Mihama-Makuhari Station (approximately 30 minutes)
Keisei Main Line: Nippori Station → Keisei Chiba Station (approximately 60 minutes)

Car

Higashi-Kanto Expressway: Tokyo → Chiba (approximately 40 minutes)

※Confirm parking availability at each facility

When sharing sacred site pilgrimage memories on social media, utilize these hashtags:

#俺ガイル
#俺ガイル聖地巡礼
#やはり俺の青春ラブコメはまちがっている
#千葉聖地巡礼
#アニメ聖地巡礼

This also helps with interaction and information exchange with other fans.

Ways to Keep Pilgrimage Records

Photo Albums: Organized by visited location
Pilgrimage Diary: Recording impressions and discoveries
Comparison Images: Comparing anime and live-action
Stamp Rally: Participate in collaboration projects if available

Conclusion: The Appeal of OreGairu Sacred Site Pilgrimage

Sacred site pilgrimage for “My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As I Expected” is an experience beyond mere sightseeing. By actually walking the paths where Hachiman Hikigaya, Yukino Yukinoshita, and Yui Yuigahama traveled, you gain a deeper understanding of the work and can feel the characters’ emotions more intimately.

The appeal of the sacred sites centered in Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture, lies in being able to enjoy diverse landscapes including urban areas, seaside, shrines, and schools. The reason many fans continue to visit even after the anime’s three seasons concluded is the shared empathy with the carefully depicted Chiba scenery in the work and the story of youth told there.

Please visit Chiba Prefecture’s sacred sites while recalling the growth of Hachiman and the others through their Service Club activities. You will surely find “the real thing.”

Through sacred site pilgrimage, deepen your appreciation of the work’s world, enjoy interaction with fellow fans who love the same work, and create wonderful memories. Please enjoy a fulfilling sacred site pilgrimage while remembering to follow manners and show consideration for the local community.