【’Amagami SS’ Series】 Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture
‘Amagami SS’ is a popular work that was adapted into an anime in 2010 and 2012, based on a romance simulation game. In Chiba Prefecture, where the story is set, there are numerous sacred sites with special meaning for fans. This article provides a thorough explanation of the sacred pilgrimage spots in the ‘Amagami SS’ series, introducing in detail the locations related to each heroine, access methods, and precautions to take during pilgrimages.
The Story Setting of ‘Amagami SS’ and Its Relationship to Chiba Prefecture
The story of ‘Amagami SS’ unfolds centered around the fictional “Kihi-Higashi High School.” The actual locations that served as models for this high school and its surrounding area are real places within Chiba Prefecture. The production staff conducted location scouting in Chiba Prefecture and constructed the work’s world based on actual landscapes and buildings.
The work features six main heroines (Haruka Morishima, Tsukushi Ayatsuji, Ai Nanasaki, Rihoko Sakurai, Kaoru Tanamachi, and Sae Nakatada), with different Chiba Prefecture locations depicted in each heroine’s route. In the anime, each heroine’s story unfolds in a four-episode omnibus format, and visiting each sacred site deepens understanding of the work.
The Model School for Kihi-Higashi High School and Surrounding Areas
Chiba Prefectural Kemigawa High School
The exterior model for Kihi-Higashi High School, which appears in ‘Amagami SS’, is Chiba Prefectural Kemigawa High School located in Mihama Ward, Chiba City. The appearance of the school building and the atmosphere of the school gate are strikingly similar to the depictions in the work, making it a representative sacred site visited by many fans.
Access:
- About 15 minutes walk from “Kemigawa Hama Station” on the JR Keiyo Line
- About 10 minutes by bus from “Shin-Kemigawa Station” on the JR Sobu Line, get off at “Kemigawa High School”
Pilgrimage Notes:
As it is a functioning high school, avoid class times and club activity hours, limiting yourself to photographing the exterior only. Unauthorized entry into school grounds is strictly forbidden. Visits during non-school activity hours such as weekends, early mornings, or evenings are recommended.
Kemigawa Hama Station Area
Kemigawa Hama Station is an important location that appears in the work. The atmosphere of the station plaza and shopping street is reflected in the work, frequently appearing in daily scenes of the main characters. The path from the station to the coast also overlaps significantly with depictions in the work, allowing you to trace the characters’ footsteps.
Detailed Sacred Sites by Each Heroine
Ai Nanasaki Route Sacred Sites: Coastal and Marine Park Areas
Ai Nanasaki is a sports-loving swimming club member, and scenes at the sea and coastline are depicted impressively in her route.
Kemigawa no Hama (Inage Beach)
The coastline appearing in important scenes with Ai Nanasaki is believed to be modeled after Inage Seaside Park and Kemigawa Beach. The sunset scene on the beach is one of the work’s highlights, and visiting in person allows you to experience the work’s atmosphere.
Access:
- About 15 minutes walk from “Inage Kaigan Station” on the JR Keiyo Line
- About 15 minutes by bus from “Inage Station” on the JR Sobu Line, get off at “Inage Seaside Park Pool”
Recommended Visit Time:
Visiting during twilight hours (around 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM) allows you to recreate the impressive scenes in the work. The sunset amid clear winter air is particularly spectacular.
Inage Seaside Park
Inage Seaside Park, with its vast grounds, appears in dating scenes with Ai Nanasaki. Within the park are grassy areas and pool facilities (summer operation), a spot where you can leisurely spend time while savoring the work’s atmosphere.
Tsukushi Ayatsuji Route Sacred Sites: Shrine and Residential Area
In the route of Tsukushi Ayatsuji, the student council president and exemplary student, a shrine and quiet residential streets become important settings.
Kemigawa Shrine
The shrine that appears in initial shrine visit scenes with Tsukushi Ayatsuji is believed to be modeled after Kemigawa Shrine. Located in Hanamigawa Ward, Chiba City, this historic shrine beloved by local residents well recreates the work’s atmosphere.
Access:
- About 10 minutes walk from “Shin-Kemigawa Station” on the JR Sobu Line
Visiting Etiquette:
The shrine is also a place of local faith. Respect shrine visiting etiquette and be considerate of other visitors. Photography should be restrained, and it is preferable to refrain from photography during religious ceremonies.
Residential Area Slopes
The slopes in residential neighborhoods depicted as the area around Tsukushi’s home are believed to be modeled after the residential areas in the Kemigawa district. As this is a quiet residential area, avoid noise and extended stays, conducting your pilgrimage with consideration for residents’ lives.
Haruka Morishima Route Sacred Sites: Shopping Street and Park Areas
In the route of the bright and innocent senior character Haruka Morishima, scenes at shopping streets and parks appear frequently.
Shin-Kemigawa Station Area Shopping Street
The shopping street appearing in shopping date scenes with Haruka Morishima is modeled after the shopping street around Shin-Kemigawa Station. It retains the atmosphere of an old-fashioned shopping street, allowing you to experience the daily feel of the work.
Access:
- Direct access from “Shin-Kemigawa Station” on the JR Sobu Line
Hanagawa Cycling Road
The cycling road along the Hanagawa River appearing in cycling scenes with Haruka Morishima is the cycling course that runs about 22 km. This course can be enjoyed by anyone, not just fans of the work, and is a popular cycling spot in Chiba.
Rihoko Sakurai Route Sacred Sites: Library and Public Facility Areas
In the route of book-loving and serious Rihoko Sakurai, libraries and quiet public facilities become the stage.
Chiba City Libraries (Libraries in Each Ward)
Scenes meeting Rihoko in the library in the work are believed to be modeled after multiple libraries in Chiba City. In particular, the library in Mihama Ward has an atmosphere close to the work’s depiction.
Usage Etiquette:
Libraries are quiet spaces for study and reading. During sacred site pilgrimages, maintain appropriate manners as a library user, and follow facility rules for photography. Since most libraries restrict in-building photography, photographing only the exterior is recommended.
Kaoru Tanamachi Route Sacred Sites: Pool and Sports Facility Areas
In the route of childhood friend character Kaoru Tanamachi, scenes at pools and sports facilities are impressive.
Inage Seaside Park Pool
The pool appearing in summer episodes is believed to be modeled after the pool facility within Inage Seaside Park. Operating only in summer, visiting during the open season allows you to fully enjoy the work’s summer atmosphere.
Operating Period:
Generally mid-July to early September (varies by year)
Sae Nakatada Route Sacred Sites: School Vicinity and Residential Areas
In the route of junior character Sae Nakatada, daily scenes around school and residential neighborhoods are central.
The Commute Route from Kemigawa Hama Station to School
The route depicted in scenes of commuting with Sae is believed to be modeled after the actual commute from Kemigawa Hama Station toward Kemigawa High School. Walking in the morning or evening allows you to re-experience the commute scenes in the work.
Efficient Sacred Site Pilgrimage Model Courses
Half-Day Course (approximately 4 hours)
- JR Kemigawa Hama Station Meeting Point (9:00 AM)
- Chiba Prefectural Kemigawa High School exterior viewing (9:15 AM–9:45 AM)
- Kemigawa Beach / Inage Seaside Park exploration (10:00 AM–11:30 AM)
- Shin-Kemigawa Station Area shopping street exploration and lunch (12:00 PM–1:00 PM)
- Kemigawa Shrine visit (1:15 PM–1:45 PM)
This course efficiently covers major sacred sites and is beginner-friendly.
Full-Day Course (approximately 8 hours)
- JR Shin-Kemigawa Station Meeting Point (9:00 AM)
- Kemigawa Shrine visit (9:15 AM–9:45 AM)
- Shin-Kemigawa Station Area Shopping Street exploration (10:00 AM–10:30 AM)
- Chiba Prefectural Kemigawa High School exterior viewing (11:00 AM–11:30 AM)
- Lunch (12:00 PM–1:00 PM)
- Kemigawa Hama Station Area exploration (1:30 PM–2:00 PM)
- Inage Seaside Park leisurely time (2:30 PM–4:00 PM)
- Kemigawa Beach sunset viewing (4:30 PM–5:30 PM)
This course comprehensively covers all heroines’ sacred sites for a fulfilling plan.
Cycling Course (approximately 6 hours)
Using a rental bicycle allows more efficient coverage of a wider area.
- JR Shin-Kemigawa Station bicycle rental (9:00 AM)
- Kemigawa Shrine (9:15 AM–9:45 AM)
- Chiba Prefectural Kemigawa High School (10:00 AM–10:30 AM)
- Hanagawa Cycling Road riding (11:00 AM–12:30 PM)
- Lunch (12:30 PM–1:30 PM)
- Inage Seaside Park (2:00 PM–3:30 PM)
- Kemigawa Beach (3:45 PM–4:30 PM)
- Shin-Kemigawa Station return bicycle (5:00 PM)
Convenient Accommodations for Sacred Site Pilgrimages
When undertaking ‘Amagami SS’ sacred site pilgrimages in Chiba Prefecture, accommodations in the following areas are convenient.
Hotels in the Makuhari / Kemigawa Area
- APA Hotel & Resort: Large-scale hotel with full facilities
- Hotel Springs Makuhari: Reasonable prices and station-adjacent
- Hotel New Otani Makuhari: Luxury hotel for comfortable stays
Hotels around Chiba Station
- Mitsui Garden Hotel Chiba: Directly connected to Chiba Station for convenience
- Daiwa Roynet Hotel Chiba Ekimae: Business hotel type
- Hotel Port Plaza Chiba: Reasonably priced
Pilgrims from outside the prefecture can use these hotels as a base to efficiently tour sacred sites.
Pilgrimage Packing Checklist
Prepare the following items for a comfortable sacred site pilgrimage.
Essential Items:
- Smartphone (map app and camera functions)
- Mobile battery
- Transportation IC card (Suica/PASMO)
- Drinks and light snacks
- Hat and sunscreen (summer)
- Warm clothing (winter)
Handy Items:
- ‘Amagami SS’ Blu-ray/DVD or screenshots
- Sacred site pilgrimage notebook (for recording)
- Camera (for serious photography)
- Picnic sheet (for resting in parks)
- Folding umbrella (during uncertain weather)
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Etiquette and Precautions
Basic Etiquette
- Unauthorized entry to private land or school grounds is strictly forbidden
- Photograph exteriors from public roads
- Respect boundary lines
- Be mindful of noise
- Act quietly in residential neighborhoods
- Avoid loud conversation or shouting
- Always take trash with you
- Keep sacred sites beautiful
- Show consideration for local residents
- Follow traffic rules
- Thoroughly check safety when photographing roads
- Don’t obstruct pedestrian traffic on sidewalks
- Behave appropriately as a customer in commercial facilities
- Don’t photograph in photography-prohibited areas
- Maintain etiquette when using stores
Photography Precautions
- Be mindful of people appearing in photos: Respect others’ privacy
- Blur vehicle license plates: Especially important when posting on SNS
- Choose locations for tripod use: Use in places that don’t obstruct traffic
- Use flash modestly: Show consideration for surroundings
To Avoid Trouble
If corrected by local residents, comply willingly and apologize. Sacred site pilgrimages depend on community understanding and cooperation. Remember that inappropriate behavior by some fans damages the image of all, and maintain responsible conduct.
Recommended Pilgrimage Seasons
Spring (March–May)
Recommended Points:
- Inage Seaside Park is beautiful during cherry blossom season
- Pleasant weather makes extended exploration comfortable
- The new school year atmosphere aligns with the work
Notes:
- Pollen countermeasures may be necessary
- Golden Week may be crowded
Summer (June–August)
Recommended Points:
- Inage Seaside Park Pool operates (summer episode recreation)
- Coastal sunsets are beautiful
- The season suits summer clothing cosplay
Notes:
- Heat countermeasures and heat stroke prevention are essential
- Sunscreen and a hat are must-haves
- Frequent hydration is important
Autumn (September–November)
Recommended Points:
- Most comfortable weather
- Autumn foliage season offers photogenic scenery
- Cultural festival season aligns with the work’s atmosphere
Notes:
- Typhoon season (September) requires weather attention
- Earlier sunsets require time management attention
Winter (December–February)
Recommended Points:
- Christmas and New Year shrine visit scenes can be recreated
- Clear air makes sunset over the sea beautiful
- Fewer tourists allow for peaceful pilgrimage
Notes:
- Cold weather countermeasures are essential
- Earlier sunsets require earlier action
- Special attention to cold weather at the beach
‘Amagami SS’ Related Event Information
Past Official Events
The ‘Amagami SS’ series has hosted various events during its broadcasts and anniversary celebrations. Voice actor talk shows, screenings, fan meetings, and sacred site pilgrimage tours organized in Chiba Prefecture have been held.
Fan-Organized Pilgrimage Meetups
On SNS and fan communities, fan meetups for sacred site pilgrimages are held irregularly. Searching on Twitter and Pixiv reveals opportunities to meet fellow enthusiasts.
Participation Notes:
- Contact the organizer beforehand if first-time attending
- Arrive on time at designated meeting place
- Maintain group etiquette
Detailed Access and Transportation Information
Access from Tokyo
By Train:
- About 30 minutes on JR Sobu Line from Tokyo Station to Shin-Kemigawa Station
- About 35 minutes on JR Keiyo Line from Tokyo Station to Kemigawa Hama Station
By Car:
- About 10 minutes from “Makuhari IC” on the Metropolitan Expressway Bayshore Route
- About 10 minutes from “Makuhari IC” on the Keiyo Road
- Paid parking at Inage Seaside Park is convenient
Access from Narita Airport
For those arriving by plane from afar:
- About 1 hour from Narita Airport via JR Narita Line / Sobu Line to Shin-Kemigawa Station
- Limousine bus via Kaihama Makuhari Station also available
Local Transportation
Bus Routes:
Chiba Seaside Bus and Keisei Bus operate major routes
Bicycle Rental:
Rental shops available near Shin-Kemigawa Station and Kemigawa Hama Station
Approximately 500 yen to 1,000 yen per day for rental
Taxi:
Taxi stands at each station
Estimated fare: around 1,000 yen between Shin-Kemigawa Station and Kemigawa Hama Station
Nearby Tourist Attractions and Dining Information
Spots to Enjoy Along With Sacred Site Pilgrimages
Makuhari Messe
A large-scale event venue famous for hosting various events. Anime-related events are frequently held.
Mitsui Outlet Park Makuhari
A large outlet mall for shopping. Convenient for breaks and souvenir shopping.
Chiba Marine Stadium (ZOZO Marine Stadium)
Home stadium of the Chiba Lotte Marines. Baseball viewing is also possible.
Local Cuisine and Recommended Restaurants
Shin-Kemigawa Station Area:
- Ramen Dai: Popular local ramen shop
- Tonkatsu Katsu-kichi: Generous tonkatsu portions
- Café de Crié: Perfect café for breaks
Kemigawa Hama Station Area:
- Kaisen Ryori Hama no Ie: Enjoy fresh seafood
- Italian Belmare: Italian restaurant with sea views
- Doutor Coffee: Casual café
Inage Kaigan Station Area:
- Sushi Choshi Maru: Popular Chiba sushi chain
- Saizeriya: Affordable Italian family restaurant
Recording Pilgrimages and SNS Usage Tips
Photography Tips for Effective Results
- Find the same angle as scenes in the work
- Prepare anime screenshots in advance
- Comparison photos are enjoyable with the same composition
- Focus on timing
- Choose times matching the work’s scenes (morning, noon, evening)
- Timing is especially important for sunset scene recreation
- Be conscious of seasons
- Visit during the same season as the work’s episodes
- Incorporate seasonal elements like cherry blossoms or autumn leaves
Effective Hashtags for SNS Posts
Example hashtags:
- #アマガミSS
- #アマガミSS聖地巡礼
- #聖地巡礼
- #千葉県
- #検見川
- #アニメ聖地
- #アマガミ
- (Heroine names) e.g., #森島はるか #絢辻詞
Using these hashtags helps connect with fans sharing the same interests.
Ways to Record Pilgrimages
Digital Recording:
- Record visited locations using Google Maps’ My Maps feature
- Create albums with photo management apps
- Create detailed reports on blogs or note
Analog Recording:
- Create a “sacred site pilgrimage notebook”
- Save tickets and photos in scrapbook format
- Record handwritten impressions and memories
‘Amagami SS’ Work Information Review
Original Game
‘Amagami’ is a romance simulation game for PlayStation 2 released by Enterbrain in 2009. With the concept of “a gentle world where no one cries,” it featured a structure where you could reach happy endings with all six heroines.
Anime Series
‘Amagami SS’ (Season 1)
- Broadcast: July–December 2010
- 25 episodes plus one special episode
- Four-episode omnibus format per heroine
‘Amagami SS+ plus’ (Season 2)
- Broadcast: January–March 2012
- 13 episodes total
- Two episodes per heroine with continuation episodes
Voice Actors
- Junichi Tachibana (protagonist): Tomoaki Maeno
- Haruka Morishima: Shizuka Itou
- Tsukushi Ayatsuji: Yoshie Natsuka
- Ai Nanasaki: Yukana
- Rihoko Sakurai: Yoshiko Shintani
- Kaoru Tanamachi: Toshina Satou
- Sae Nakatada: Hiromi Konno
The talented voice cast’s performances are also a highlight of the work.
For Long-Time Fans: Sacred Site Changes and Preservation
More than ten years have passed since ‘Amagami SS’ aired, and some sacred sites have changed.
Changed Scenery
- Shop replacements in shopping streets
- New building construction
- Road and public facility renovations
Recording these changes as “current sacred sites” is also meaningful. Comparing past pilgrimage photos with present conditions creates valuable records of the passage of time.
Contributing to Sacred Site Preservation
As a sacred site pilgrim, ways to contribute to the community:
- Patronize local shops
- Follow local rules and etiquette
- Participate in cleanup activities (if organized by fan volunteers)
- Participate in community events
Such actions maintain good relationships between sacred sites and communities, preserving the environment for future pilgrimages.
Conclusion: The Appeal of ‘Amagami SS’ Sacred Site Pilgrimages
‘Amagami SS’ sacred site pilgrimages not only deepen affection for the work but also provide opportunities to rediscover Chiba Prefecture’s charm. The beautiful sunset on the coast, quiet residential neighborhood slopes, and lively shopping streets become places to revisit through the work, allowing you to re-experience the paths walked by the characters.
Major sacred sites are concentrated in a relatively small area, making it possible to tour them in a day. However, for those wanting to thoroughly trace each heroine’s route, visiting multiple times allows you to immerse yourself more deeply in the work’s world.
While sacred site pilgrimages have individual ways of enjoyment, what’s universally important is respect for the community and proper etiquette. As fans who love the work and as visitors, responsible conduct ensures that sacred sites remain accessible to many fans going forward.
Why not embark on a sacred site pilgrimage journey, immersing yourself in ‘Amagami SS”s world while fully enjoying Chiba Prefecture’s charms? Surely deeper understanding of the work and new discoveries await you.
