The TV anime “I Want to Eat Your Pancreas” (commonly known as “Watatabes”), which began broadcasting in October 2025, has captivated many fans as a fantasy mystery featuring yuri elements. The story is set in the Chūyo region, including Iyo City and Masaki Town in Ehime Prefecture, which is also the hometown of original author Nabikawa Sai.
This article provides a comprehensive explanation of pilgrimage sites that appear in the anime and original manga. We introduce Ehime Prefecture’s charming locations while offering detailed information useful for actual location scouting and comparisons with depictions in the work.
About “I Want to Eat Your Pancreas”
“I Want to Eat Your Pancreas” is a manga work by Nabikawa Sai that has been serialized in “Dengeki Maou” since 2020. The work depicts the relationship between a monster that devours humans called “hinodenanashi” and a human girl, and is characterized by a unique worldview that fuses mystery and yuri elements.
The story, which unfolds centered on protagonists Hinako and Shiori, faithfully recreates real cityscapes and scenery centered on Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture. The work has also attracted attention for region-wide initiatives including collaboration with the local “Iyo Iro Festival” and the installation of life-size panels.
The Center of Pilgrimage: About Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture
Located in nearly the center of Ehime Prefecture, Iyo City faces the Seto Inland Sea and is blessed with a warm climate and abundant nature. Though a regional city with a population of approximately 30,000, it possesses picturesque scenery where you can enjoy both mountains and sea.
The seashores and cityscapes depicted in the work are Iyo City itself. Because the original author is from the area, the carefully rendered background depictions down to the finest details have become a major attraction of the work. The “Iyo Iro Festival Fireworks Festival” held annually boasts one of the largest numbers of fireworks launches in Ehime Prefecture and appears in the work as an important scene.
Major Pilgrimage Sites in the Iyo City Area
Iyo City Station
Iyo City Station on the Yosan Line appears multiple times in the work as the nearest station to “Shiomi High School.” The view from the platform and the exterior of the station building are reproduced with extremely high accuracy in the anime.
The station serves as an important setting in the story, where scenes of Hinako and Shiori commuting to school and engaging in daily conversations take place. The cityscape around the station is also faithfully depicted in the work, making it the perfect starting point for pilgrimage activities.
Access Information:
- Direct exit from JR Yosan Line “Iyo City Station”
- Approximately 20 minutes by local train from Matsuyama Station
Iyo Agricultural High School
The model for “Shiomi High School” in the work is Ehime Prefectural Iyo Agricultural High School. The exterior of school buildings, the school gate, and surrounding landscapes appear in the work, with many school life scenes set at this location.
Since it is an actual school facility, entry into the grounds is not permitted, but location scouting is possible from outside the building and along nearby school routes. Please be mindful of not disturbing students during your visit.
Notes:
- Entry into school grounds is prohibited
- Be considerate of noise during class times
- Take care to respect students’ privacy when photographing
Futami Seaside Park (Futami Seaside Park)
“Futami Seaside Park,” which overlooks the Seto Inland Sea, appears in impressive seaside scenes in the work. Known as a sunset viewing spot, the beautiful gradient of the orange-tinted sea and sky creates the perfect location to experience the work’s fantastical atmosphere.
Walking paths and benches are arranged throughout the park, allowing you to enjoy the scenery at your leisure. This is the location for important scenes such as when Hinako and Shiori have meaningful conversations.
Facility Information:
- Address: Takagishi, Futami-cho, Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture
- Parking: Available (Free)
- Best sunset viewing times: 16:00–18:00 (varies by season)
Michi-no-Eki Futami
“Michi-no-Eki Futami” (Futami Rest Area) is an official collaboration spot where Shiori’s life-size panel has been installed since June 1, 2024. Situated along the Seto Inland Sea, the rest area allows you to purchase local specialty products and fresh seafood.
The coastal scenery that appears in the work can be enjoyed while resting or dining at this convenient facility. It is an ideal place to stop by during your pilgrimage activities.
Facility Information:
- Hours: 9:00–18:00 (varies by facility)
- Closed: Second Wednesday of each month (if a holiday, closed the following day)
- Life-size panel: Shiori, School Uniform Ver.
Otata Beach
“Otata Beach,” located on Iyo City’s coastline, is an important location for seaside scenes in the work. Characterized by calm waves and beautiful sandy beaches, you can enjoy the quiet scenery of the Seto Inland Sea.
The beach appears in scenes where Hinako and Shiori gaze at the sea and serves as the setting for important conversations that become turning points in the story. This is a pilgrimage site where you can immerse yourself in the work’s worldview while feeling the sea breeze.
Access:
- Approximately 15 minutes by car from Iyo City Station
- Parking spaces available
Goshiki-hime Seaside Park
Named after the Goshiki-hime legend, “Goshiki-hime Seaside Park” is a place of relaxation where a beautiful coastline and verdant park are integrated. The work features it as seaside scenery, making it part of the background that colors the characters’ daily lives.
The park contains playground equipment and grassy areas, making it popular with families. You can spend leisurely time gazing at the sea, making it ideal for refreshment breaks during your pilgrimage.
Goshiki-hime Shrine
“Goshiki-hime Shrine,” which receives local worship, appears in the work as a shrine scene. Located near the sea, it is a spot where you can feel the area’s history and culture.
The quiet precincts align with the work’s mystical atmosphere, making it a place where you can experience the story’s worldview. Please observe shrine etiquette when visiting.
Man’an Port Old Lighthouse
The “Man’an Port Old Lighthouse” appears in an impressive lighthouse scene in the work. The white lighthouse standing by the sea is depicted as a key location in the story and is a pilgrimage site that fans cannot miss.
Though no longer in use, the old lighthouse retains much of the work’s atmosphere. It is a photography spot that can be enjoyed together with the beautiful coastal scenery.
Nada-cho Pocket Park
“Nada-cho Pocket Park,” a small park in Nada-cho, Iyo City, appears in scenes where Hinako and Shiori stop by. This quiet park in a residential area serves as a gathering place for local residents.
Though small in scale, it is popular among fans who enjoy detailed location scouting as a spot where daily scenes from the work can be recreated.
Goshiki-hime Street
“Goshiki-hime Street,” a shopping street in Iyo City, appears in the work as a city scenery scene. The street, lined with local shops, retains old-fashioned charm while supporting the community’s daily life.
It is recommended that you include this spot in your pilgrimage course as a place where you can experience the everyday urban landscape featured in the work.
Iyo City Hall
“Iyo City Hall” has had Hinako’s life-size panel (School Uniform Ver.) installed since June 1, 2024. As an official collaboration spot, it is ideal for commemorative photography during your pilgrimage.
Information related to the work may be available at city hall, making it recommended to stop by at the beginning of your pilgrimage.
Facility Information:
- Address: 820 Yonemimori, Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture
- Hours: 8:30–17:15 (Closed on weekends and holidays)
- Life-size panel: Hinako, School Uniform Ver.
Pilgrimage Sites in the Masaki Town Area
Shiomi Bridge (Shiomi-bashi)
The “Shiomi Bridge” spanning a river flowing through Masaki Town is a pilgrimage site that appears in the original manga’s volume 1 cover and episode 1 as the important scene where Hinako and Shiori meet. It has become a spot visited by many fans as a symbolic location in the work.
The view from the bridge and the design of the railings are faithfully depicted in great detail in the work, with remarkable reproduction accuracy. It was also used in a way that retained the atmosphere in the anime’s teaser PV.
Access:
- Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Koizumi Station on the Iyo Railway Gunchu Line
- No parking (Use nearby paid parking)
Masaki Fishing Port
“Masaki Fishing Port” appears in the work as a seaside and port scene. The scenery of fishing boats moored and the road along the coast are depicted with the calm atmosphere characteristic of a Seto Inland Sea fishing port.
In the early morning, there is activity from fishing boats coming and going, allowing you to catch a glimpse of the area’s fishing industry. It is a spot where you can feel the daily life of the region that serves as the setting for the work.
Shioya Beach
“Shioya Beach” in Masaki Town is a quiet beach with beautiful coastline. In the work, it appears as a background in seaside scenes and is used in moments where characters gaze at the sea.
There is a walking path where you can stroll while listening to the sound of waves. The scenery at dusk is especially beautiful and ideal for experiencing the work’s atmosphere.
Pilgrimage Sites in the Matsuyama City Area
Dogo Onsen / Dogo Yunocho “Gojugo Man Goku MASARU”
In the Dogo Onsen area, Ehime Prefecture’s representative tourist destination, “Dogo Yunocho Gojugo Man Goku MASARU” features a life-size panel of three characters—Hinako, Shiori, and Biho—in casual wear.
Dogo Onsen Honten and the shopping street are nearby, making it a spot where you can enjoy pilgrimage activities along with Ehime tourism. Since the atmosphere of the hot spring town also appears in the work, it is recommended to take time to enjoy the area.
Facility Information:
- Address: Dogo Yunocho, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture
- Life-size panel: 3-person group, Casual Wear Ver.
- Nearby attractions: Dogo Onsen Honten, Dogo Shopping Street
Tezukuri Exchange Market “Machiya”
“Tezukuri Exchange Market Machiya” features Biho’s life-size panel (School Uniform Ver.). The facility sells local specialty products and handmade items, making it ideal for souvenir shopping.
As a facility where you can experience local culture and traditional crafts, it is a place where you can discover Ehime’s charm along with your pilgrimage activities.
Tobe Zoo
Ehime Prefectural Tobe Zoo is the model for the zoo scene that appears in the work. One of western Japan’s largest zoos, it houses approximately 170 species and 823 individual animals.
The work features an episode where characters visit the zoo, and various locations within the park appear in the work. It is a spot where you can enjoy both pilgrimage activities and the zoo itself.
Facility Information:
- Address: 240 Kamihara-cho, Tobe-cho, Iyo-gun, Ehime Prefecture
- Hours: 9:00–17:00 (Admission until 16:30)
- Closed: Mondays (if a holiday, closed the following day)
- Admission: Adults 500 yen, Seniors (65+) 200 yen, Elementary and junior high students 100 yen
Efficient Pilgrimage Routes
1-Day Course: Iyo City Central Route
Morning:
- Start at Iyo City Station (9:00)
- Around Iyo Agricultural High School (9:30)
- Goshiki-hime Street (10:30)
- Goshiki-hime Shrine (11:00)
- Photo with life-size panel at Iyo City Hall (11:30)
Afternoon:
- Lunch break and rest at Michi-no-Eki Futami (12:00)
- Futami Seaside Park (13:30)
- Otata Beach (14:30)
- Man’an Port Old Lighthouse (15:30)
- Sunset viewing at Goshiki-hime Seaside Park (16:30)
This route is best traveled by car, though rental bicycles can also be used.
2-Day Course: Complete Pilgrimage Route
Day 1: Iyo City and Masaki Town
- Morning: Around Iyo City Station, school, urban spots
- Afternoon: Shiomi Bridge in Masaki Town, Masaki Fishing Port, Shioya Beach
- Evening: Sunset at Futami Seaside Park
Day 2: Matsuyama City and Tobe Town
- Morning: Tobe Zoo
- Afternoon: Dogo Onsen area, life-size panel tours
- Evening: Hot spring bath, shopping street exploration
This course allows you to visit all major pilgrimage sites while also enjoying Ehime sightseeing.
Transportation and Travel Methods
By Train
From Matsuyama Airport:
- Limousine bus to Matsuyama City Station or Matsuyama Station (approximately 15–20 minutes)
- JR Yosan Line to Iyo City Station (approximately 20 minutes from Matsuyama Station)
Using JR:
- Express train “Shiokaze” from Okayama Station to Matsuyama Station (approximately 2 hours 50 minutes)
- Express train “Ishizuchi” from Takamatsu Station to Matsuyama Station (approximately 2 hours 20 minutes)
Rental Car
For efficient pilgrimage activities, renting a car is most recommended. Multiple rental car companies are available near Matsuyama Airport and Matsuyama Station.
Major Rental Car Companies:
- Toyota Rental Car Matsuyama Airport Branch
- Nippon Rent-a-Car Matsuyama Airport Office
- Orix Rent-a-Car Matsuyama Station Front
Rental Bicycles
Within Iyo City, rental bicycles are also a viable travel option. Electric-assist bicycles make traveling up inclines easier.
Rental Bicycle Information:
- Rental service available through Iyo City Tourism Association
- Rates: 500 yen per day and up
- Pre-reservation recommended
Accommodation Information and Recommended Hotels
Dogo Onsen Area
For enjoying both pilgrimage activities and hot springs, accommodations in the Dogo Onsen area are recommended.
Recommended Inns:
- Dogo Onsen Funaya: Historic inn, also visited by the imperial family
- Dogo-kan: Traditional inn designed by architect Kiyonori Kikutake
- Dogo Prince Hotel: Affordable price range
Matsuyama City Center
For sightseeing and business hotels, Matsuyama city center is convenient.
Recommended Hotels:
- Hotel Ekont Matsuyama Ekimae: Near station, convenient
- ANA Crown Plaza Hotel Matsuyama: Luxury hotel
- Hotel Mystays Matsuyama: Good cost-performance ratio
Around Iyo City
For those wanting to stay near pilgrimage sites.
Recommended Accommodations:
- Minshuku and guesthouses in Iyo City
- Accommodations near Michi-no-Eki Futami
Precautions and Etiquette for Pilgrimage Activities
Basic Etiquette
- No Entry on Private Property
- Do not enter school grounds or private residences
- Keep photography to public roads
- Consideration for Noise
- Act quietly in residential areas
- Avoid visiting early morning or at night
- Always Take Trash With You
- Preserve the area’s aesthetics
- Never litter
- Follow Traffic Rules
- No parking on roads
- Pedestrians have priority
- Consideration for Residents
- Make an effort to greet people
- Never engage in disruptive behavior
Photography Notes
- Be considerate so passersby are not photographed
- When using a tripod, set up in places where it won’t bother others
- Avoid occupying spaces for extended periods
- Refrain from photography in dangerous locations
Notes for School Areas
Special care is needed around Iyo Agricultural High School.
- Avoid commuting times (7:30–8:30 a.m., 3:30–5:00 p.m.)
- Never speak to or photograph students
- Never enter school grounds under any circumstances
- Keep quiet to avoid disrupting classes
Local Cuisine and Souvenir Information
Iyo City’s Specialty Foods
Iyo Satsuma:
A processed fish product made from white fish paste. Famous as a specialty of Iyo City, it can be purchased at places like Michi-no-Eki Futami.
Jako-ten:
Originating from the Nanyo region of Ehime Prefecture but popular in Iyo City. A local dish made by grinding and frying small fish with their bones.
Tai-meshi:
A local Ehime dish. You can taste it at restaurants around Iyo City.
Mikan Sweets:
Ehime is known for mandarin oranges. Various sweets are available including mandarin juice, jelly, and ice cream.
Recommended Restaurants
- Michi-no-Eki Futami Restaurant: Set meals using local ingredients
- Seafood Restaurants in Iyo City: Fresh Seto Inland fish and seafood
- Dogo Onsen Shopping Street: Mikan sweets, Botchan dumplings
Souvenirs
- Ichiroku Tart: A classic Ehime specialty
- Botchan Dumplings: Famous Dogo Onsen treats
- Pon Juice: Representative Ehime mandarin juice
- Jako-ten: Shelf-stable seafood processed products
- Iyo Mikan and Mandarin Products: Seasonal citrus fruits
Event and Collaboration Information
Iyo Iro Festival
The “Iyo Iro Festival” held annually in early August is a major local event that also appears in the work. The fireworks festival boasts one of Ehime Prefecture’s largest displays, with approximately 10,000 fireworks illuminating the night sky.
Official collaboration with the work is implemented, making it worthwhile to visit as part of your pilgrimage.
Event Dates:
- Early August (dates vary annually)
- Fireworks festival takes place on one day during the festival period
Life-Size Panel Placement Information
As of June 1, 2024, life-size panels have been installed at the following four locations.
- Iyo City Hall: Hinako, School Uniform Ver.
- Michi-no-Eki Futami: Shiori, School Uniform Ver.
- Tezukuri Exchange Market Machiya: Biho, School Uniform Ver.
- Dogo Yunocho Gojugo Man Goku MASARU: 3-person group, Casual Wear Ver.
You can take commemorative photos with the panels, and social media posts are encouraged.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Dogo Onsen Honten
One of Japan’s oldest hot springs, Dogo Onsen, features the Honten building designated as a National Important Cultural Property. It appears in Soseki Natsume’s novel “Botchan.”
Operating Information:
- Currently undergoing renovations (partial service available)
- Hours: 6:00–23:00 (Bathing reception until 22:30)
- Rates: From 460 yen (varies by course)
Matsuyama Castle
Overlooking Matsuyama’s center, Matsuyama Castle is one of Japan’s 12 existing original castles. You can ascend by ropeway or lift, with panoramic views of Matsuyama from the tower.
Operating Information:
- Hours: 9:00–17:00 (varies by season)
- Closed: Third Wednesday in December
- Tower admission: 520 yen
Shimanami Kaido
If you have extra time, cycling along “Shimanami Kaido,” which connects Seto Inland Sea islands, is also recommended. Imabari City, approximately one hour by car from Matsuyama, is the starting point.
The Appeal of the Work and How to Enjoy Pilgrimage Activities
The greatest appeal of pilgrimage activities in “I Want to Eat Your Pancreas” is the ability to experience firsthand the careful background depictions filled with the original author’s hometown affection.
The everyday landscapes depicted in the work, the calm Seto Inland Sea, the quiet cityscapes of a regional city—all of these actually exist and can be visited. By tracing the path Hinako and Shiori walked and viewing the same scenery, your understanding of the work deepens considerably.
Recommended Ways to Enjoy
- Review Original and Anime Before Visiting
- Check which scenes are depicted where
- Screenshot memorable scenes
- Match the Time of Day
- Visit during actual dusk for evening scenes
- Visit early morning for morning scenes
- Interact With Local People
- Learn about the region’s history and culture
- Get recommendations for local spots
- Share on Social Media
- Use hashtags “#watatabes” “#watashikubetagaitahinodenanashi”
- Exchange information with other fans
- Visit Multiple Times
- Visit during different seasons
- Make new discoveries each time
Conclusion: Discover Ehime’s Charm Through “Watatabes” Pilgrimage
The pilgrimage to sites from “I Want to Eat Your Pancreas” is not only an opportunity to experience the work’s worldview but also a valuable chance to touch the beautiful nature, warm people, and rich culture of Ehime Prefecture.
The Chūyo region centered on Iyo City is an area blessed with picturesque scenery, surrounded by the calm Seto Inland Sea and mountains. Please actually visit and experience the scenery of your hometown that the original author loved.
Through pilgrimage activities, your affection for the work will deepen further, and you will surely discover the charm of Ehime Prefecture as a region. Please enjoy a wonderful pilgrimage journey while respecting local communities and following proper etiquette.
The scenery Hinako and Shiori saw, the roads they walked, the feelings they experienced—all are waiting for you.
