【The Petit Citizen Series】 Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture
The popular novel series “The Petit Citizen Series” by Honobu Yonezawa is a youth mystery work set in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture. With its anime adaptation in 2024, pilgrimage to the filming locations in Gifu Prefecture, the setting of the series, has drawn attention. This article provides detailed explanations of pilgrimage spots for The Petit Citizen Series, access methods, and recommended model courses.
What is The Petit Citizen Series? Reasons Why Gifu Prefecture Is the Setting
Work Overview and Appeal
“The Petit Citizen Series” is a connected short story series by Honobu Yonezawa, beginning with “The Strawberry Tart Incident Limited to Spring.” The protagonists, Jōgorō Kobato and Yuki Kosanai, aim to live unnoticed and peacefully as “petit citizens,” yet they become entangled in small mysteries hidden in their daily lives.
A major characteristic of the work is that it is set in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture. The beautiful townscape of Takayama, seasonal landscapes, and regional culture are deeply woven into the story, making it popular among readers and anime fans as a “place worth visiting.”
Relationship Between Honobu Yonezawa and Gifu Prefecture
Author Honobu Yonezawa is a writer from Gifu Prefecture, and his representative work “Hyoka” and the “Classics Club Series” are also modeled on Takayama City in Gifu Prefecture. His deep affection for his hometown and detailed geographical descriptions give the work unique realism.
Detailed Pilgrimage Spots in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture
Takayama Station Area
Takayama Station
Takayama Station, which serves as the gateway to the story, is a place that Kobato and Yuki use regularly in their daily lives. While the station building is modern, the surrounding area is lined with tourism information centers and souvenir shops where you can feel the atmosphere of Hida Takayama.
- Access: Get off at JR Takayama Line “Takayama Station” immediately
- Points of Interest: Station plaza, tourism information center, Hida beef buns and other cuisine
- Photography Points: Station building front, east exit plaza
Takayama City Center
Various locations in the city center appear in the work, such as the route to high school that Kobato and Yuki attend and shops where they stop by after school. The actual geography of Takayama City is faithfully reproduced, and by walking with a map in hand, you can experience the world of the work.
Old Town (Sanmachi Street) Area
Kamiannmachi, Kamiannmachi, and Kamiichinocho
The “Old Town,” which retains the remnants of an Edo period castle town, is one of the important stages in The Petit Citizen Series. The street lined with traditional merchant houses is depicted as the background of impressive scenes in the work.
- Characteristics: An Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings, preserving traditional structures from the Edo period
- Points of Interest: Sake breweries, miso shops, miscellaneous stores, cafes
- Business Hours: Vary by store (generally 9:00-17:00)
- Access: 12 minutes walk from Takayama Station
Scenery Along the Miyagawa River
The Miyagawa River, which flows through Takayama City, is an important element that makes you feel the passage of the seasons in the work. In particular, the scenery along the Miyagawa where morning markets are held is a place that symbolizes the world view of The Petit Citizen Series.
School Surroundings in Takayama City
Regarding the locations that serve as models for the high school that appears in the work, specific school names are not disclosed from the perspective of privacy protection, but the atmosphere around high schools in Takayama City is reflected in the work. During pilgrimage, care must be taken not to disturb current students and local residents.
Hida no Sato
Hida Folklore Village / Hida no Sato
An open-air museum where gassho-style farmhouses are relocated and preserved. In The Petit Citizen Series, it sometimes appears as the setting for seasonal events and school functions.
- Admission: Adults ¥700, Elementary and Junior High School Students ¥200
- Opening Hours: 8:30-17:00 (may vary seasonally)
- Access: 10 minutes by bus from Takayama Station, get off at “Hida no Sato”
- Points of Interest: Gassho-style farmhouses, straw craft demonstrations, seasonal experience events
Takayama Jinya
National Historic Site Takayama Jinya
A historic building that was used as the Edo Shogunate magistrate’s office and is the only surviving county magistrate and magistrate’s office. In the work, it is sometimes mentioned as the setting for episodes related to history and culture.
- Admission: Adults ¥440, High School Students and Under Free
- Opening Hours: 8:45-17:00 (until 18:00 in August, until 16:30 November-February)
- Access: 10 minutes walk from Takayama Station
- Points of Interest: Official office, examination chamber, warehouse
Cafes and Restaurants
In The Petit Citizen Series, cafes and sweet shops that the protagonists visit play important roles. Within Takayama City, there are many old-fashioned renovated cafes and Japanese sweet shops that perfectly suit the atmosphere of the work.
Recommended Cafes and Sweet Shops
- Cafes Renovated from Old Merchant Houses: Scattered throughout the Old Town area
- Japanese Sweet Shops: Shops offering seasonal sweets inspired by the work’s title
- Coffee Shops: Retro-atmosphere coffee shops scattered throughout the city
Seasonal Highlights
Spring (March-May)
- Cherry blossom spots: Shiroyama Park, Garyuzakura
- Spring Takayama Matsuri (Sanno Matsuri): April 14-15
- Strawberry sweets: Strawberry tart sweets tour inspired by the work title “The Strawberry Tart Incident Limited to Spring”
Summer (June-August)
- Miyagawa’s clear stream: Walking along the riverside
- Summer traditions: Sweetfish dishes, riverside seating
- Experience events at Hida no Sato
Autumn (September-November)
- Autumn leaves: Hida no Sato, Shiroyama Park
- Autumn Takayama Matsuri (Hachiman Matsuri): October 9-10
- Autumn flavors such as chestnuts and persimmons
Winter (December-February)
- Snow-covered scenery: Old town dusted with snow
- Winter flavors: Hida beef, magnolia leaf miso
- Sake brewery tours
Pilgrimage Model Courses
Day Trip Course (Time Required: Approximately 6-7 Hours)
9:00 Arrival at Takayama Station
- Photography of the station building, obtain map at tourism information center
9:30-10:30 Miyagawa Morning Market
- Explore the morning market along the Miyagawa (April-December 7:00-12:00, January-March 8:00-12:00)
- View local vegetables and folk crafts
10:45-12:00 Old Town Walk
- Experience Edo-period townscape centered on Kamiannmachi
- Sake brewery tours and tastings (for those not driving)
12:00-13:00 Lunch
- Enjoy Hida beef dishes or Takayama ramen
13:30-14:30 Takayama Jinya Tour
- Visit historic buildings
- Jinya-mae morning market (morning hours only)
15:00-16:30 Hida no Sato
- View gassho-style farmhouse group
- Participate in seasonal experience events
17:00-18:00 Break at City Cafe
- Afternoon tea at a cafe with an atmosphere like that in the work
18:30 Depart from Takayama Station
1 Night 2 Day Course
Day 1
- Morning: Arrival at Takayama Station, walk through Old Town
- Afternoon: Takayama Jinya, tour museums in the city
- Evening: Check in at hot spring inn
- Night: Dinner featuring Hida beef and local cuisine
Day 2
- Morning: Miyagawa morning market, Hida no Sato
- Afternoon: Extend to nearby attractions (Shirakawa-go, Okuhida Hot Spring Area, etc.)
- Evening: Depart from Takayama Station
Regional Tour Course (2 Nights 3 Days)
A course with Takayama City as a base where you can tour the Hida region while feeling the atmosphere of The Petit Citizen Series.
Day 1: Pilgrimage to sacred sites in Takayama City
Day 2: Visit gassho-style farmhouse villages in Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
Day 3: Okuhida Hot Spring Area, Kamikochi (seasonal)
Access Methods and Transportation
Access by Train
From Nagoya Area
- Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes by JR Takayama Line Limited Express “Wide View Hida”
- Fare: ¥5,610 one way (including limited express surcharge)
- Frequency: Approximately 7-8 trains per day
From Toyama Area
- Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by JR Takayama Line Limited Express “Wide View Hida”
- Fare: ¥3,410 one way (including limited express surcharge)
- Frequency: Approximately 7-8 trains per day
From Tokyo Area
- Generally via Nagoya using Tokaido Shinkansen
- Total Time: Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes-5 hours
Access by Highway Bus
From Tokyo/Shinjuku
- Travel Time: Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes
- Fare: ¥6,000-7,500 one way (varies by season)
- Overnight buses available
From Osaka/Kyoto
- Travel Time: Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes-5 hours
- Fare: ¥4,000-5,500 one way
From Nagoya
- Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours 50 minutes
- Fare: Approximately ¥3,000 one way
Access by Car
Via Chubu Longitudinal Expressway
- From Nagoya: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes (to Takayama IC)
- From Toyama: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
- Parking: Multiple paid parking lots in the city (approximately ¥500-1,000 per day)
Transportation Within the City
On Foot
- Main pilgrimage spots are within walking distance from Takayama Station (10-20 minutes)
- Old Town area is compact and easy to walk
Rental Bicycles
- Fare: ¥500 for 2 hours, approximately ¥1,000 per day
- Rental Locations: Takayama Station area, tourism information center, etc.
- Recommended: Convenient for traveling on the flat city streets
Bus Routes (Nora My Car)
- City Circulation Bus “Machinami Bus”: ¥100 per ride, ¥500 for all-day ticket
- Connects major tourist attractions
- Service Interval: Approximately one bus every 30 minutes to 1 hour
Taxi
- Initial Fare: Approximately ¥600
- From Station to Major Spots: Approximately ¥1,000-2,000
How to Enjoy Pilgrimage and Manners
Comparing with the Work While Touring
Bring the Novel With You
By bringing The Petit Citizen Series novels and re-reading relevant scenes while touring, you can experience the world of the work more deeply. Particularly detailed landscape descriptions become new discoveries when compared with actual locations.
Utilize Anime Pilgrimage Maps
With the 2024 anime adaptation, official or unofficial pilgrimage maps have been created. Using these allows you to efficiently tour pilgrimage spots.
Align with the Season
Each work in The Petit Citizen Series has a clearly set season. By visiting during spring for “The Strawberry Tart Incident Limited to Spring” and other seasonal works during their respective seasons, you can taste the atmosphere of the work more faithfully.
Photography Tips
Recommended Photography Spots
- Nakabashi Bridge: A vermillion-painted bridge over the Miyagawa, a representative photography spot of Takayama
- Alleys of the Old Town: Soft morning or evening light is recommended
- Cherry Trees Along the Miyagawa: Spring-limited scenery
- Gassho-style Farmhouses at Hida no Sato: Beautiful in each of the four seasons
Precautions When Photographing
- Obtain permission before photographing private property or interiors of shops
- Be considerate to avoid capturing unrelated people’s faces
- Use tripods in locations where they won’t disturb others
- Be mindful that early morning and evening are times when local residents are active
Consideration for Local Communities and Manners
Manners in Residential Areas
While Takayama City is a tourist destination, it is also a place where local residents live. Pay attention to the following points, especially in residential areas and near schools.
- Avoid loud conversations and noise
- Always take garbage with you
- Do not trespass on private property
- Avoid visiting during early morning or nighttime hours
- Do not park illegally
Precautions Near Schools
The school surroundings that serve as a model for the work are places where current students attend.
- Do not enter school premises
- Avoid photographing during school commute hours
- Never speak to or photograph students
- Avoid spending long periods in front of the main gate
Contributing to the Local Economy
Contributing to the local economy through pilgrimage is also important.
- Use local restaurants and souvenir shops
- Pay admission fees to visit paid facilities
- Purchase local specialty products
- Choose local inns or hotels for accommodation
Cuisine and Local Products of Takayama City
Must-Try Cuisine
Hida Beef
One of Japan’s representative branded wagyu beef. Many restaurants in Takayama City serve dishes using Hida beef.
- Hida beef steak
- Hida beef sushi
- Hida beef buns (food for eating while walking)
- Hida beef shabu-shabu
- Hida beef hamburger
Takayama Ramen
A light soy-based broth paired with thin curly noodles. Locally, it is often called “chuka soba.”
Magnolia Leaf Miso
A local dish where miso and vegetables, Hida beef, etc., are grilled on a magnolia leaf. The fragrant aroma whets the appetite.
Gobō Mochi
Crushed rice placed on a stick and grilled with a sweet and savory sauce. Perfect for eating while walking.
Mitarashi Dango
Takayama’s mitarashi dango has a soy-based sweet and savory flavor, differing from typical mitarashi dango.
Seasonal Limited Sweets
Seasonal limited sweets that become the titles of each work in The Petit Citizen Series are one of the pleasures of pilgrimage.
Spring: Strawberry Sweets
- Strawberry tart
- Strawberry daifuku
- Strawberry parfait
Summer: Summer Limited Sweets
- Shaved ice
- Peach sweets
- Matcha parfait
Autumn: Chestnut and Sweet Potato Sweets
- Mont Blanc
- Chestnut kinton
- Sweet potato sweets
Winter: Winter Seasonal Sweets
- Hot chocolate
- Roasted sweet potato
- Warm Japanese sweets
Recommended Souvenirs
Sarubōbo
A folk toy of the Hida region made from red fabric in the shape of a person. “Saru” plays on the words for “monkey” and “to go away,” meaning misfortune goes away.
Hida Beef Related Products
- Hida beef curry
- Hida beef tsukudani
- Hida beef jerky
Local Sake
Takayama City has multiple sake breweries, each producing distinctive sake.
- Kusudama (Hirase Sake Brewery)
- Dashi (Harada Sake Brewery)
- Hourai (Watanabe Sake Brewery)
Pickles and Miso
Traditional preserved foods of the Hida region.
- Red turnip pickle
- Sunki pickle
- Hida miso
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
A gassho-style farmhouse village registered as a World Heritage Site. Approximately 50 minutes by car from Takayama City, approximately 50 minutes-1 hour by bus. You can experience Hida’s traditional culture, which resonates with the world view of The Petit Citizen Series.
Okuhida Hot Spring Area
Composed of five hot spring areas: Hirayu, Fukuji, Shin-Hirayu, Tochio, and Shinhotaka hot springs. Approximately 40 minutes-1 hour by car from Takayama City. Perfect for relieving the fatigue of pilgrimage.
Kamikochi
A scenic spot surrounded by mountains of the Northern Alps. Open from late April to mid-November. Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by bus from Takayama City.
Hida Furukawa
A neighboring town to Takayama City known as the pilgrimage site for the movie “Your Name.” A town with charming atmosphere. Approximately 15 minutes by train from Takayama City.
How to Choose Accommodations
Inns and Hotels
Hot Spring Inns
- Enjoy Hida beef and local cuisine
- Relax in hot springs to soothe fatigue
- Fare: Approximately ¥10,000-30,000 per night including two meals
Business Hotels
- Convenient location near station
- Reasonable prices
- Fare: Approximately ¥5,000-10,000 per night, room only
Old Merchant House Inns
- Experience traditional Hida architecture
- Immerse yourself in the work’s atmosphere
- Fare: Approximately ¥15,000-25,000 per night including two meals
Guest Houses and Hostels
- Enjoy interaction with other travelers
- Suitable for backpackers
- Fare: Approximately ¥3,000-6,000 per night, room only
Reservation Tips
Avoid Peak Seasons
- Spring Takayama Matsuri (April 14-15)
- Golden Week
- Autumn Takayama Matsuri (October 9-10)
- Autumn leaf season (mid-October to early November)
During these periods, accommodations are crowded and prices are higher, requiring early reservations.
Weekdays Are More Economical
Weekday accommodation rates are cheaper than weekends and holidays, and tourist attractions are relatively quieter.
Information Useful for Pilgrimage
Official Information and Tourism Guidance
Takayama City Tourism Official Website
- Check the latest tourism and event information
- Digital pamphlets can be downloaded
Takayama Station Tourism Information Center
- Business Hours: 8:30-18:30 (April-October), 8:30-17:30 (November-March)
- Distribution of maps and pamphlets
- Introduction of accommodations
- Arrangement of tour guides
Convenient Apps and Tools
Pilgrimage Apps
- Filming location maps
- Search nearby sacred sites from current location using GPS function
- Photo comparison feature
Transportation Apps
- Google Maps: Route search, time confirmation
- Route Search Apps: Train and bus schedules
- Taxi Dispatch Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi, etc.
Packing Checklist
Essential Items
- Smartphone (map, camera, information search)
- Mobile battery
- Novel or anime materials
- Cash (some shops don’t accept cards)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
Convenient to Have
- Pilgrimage notebook (for visit records)
- Camera (other than smartphone)
- Folding umbrella
- Eco bag (for souvenirs)
- Sunscreen and hat (summer)
- Cold weather gear (winter)
Weather and Clothing
Spring (March-May)
- Temperature: 5℃-20℃
- Clothing: Light jacket, layered clothing
- Note: Cold in early morning and evening
Summer (June-August)
- Temperature: 15℃-30℃
- Clothing: Short sleeves, thin cardigan
- Note: Strong sunlight, watch for sudden rain
Autumn (September-November)
- Temperature: 5℃-20℃
- Clothing: Long sleeves, jacket
- Note: Large temperature difference between morning and evening
Winter (December-February)
- Temperature: -5℃-10℃
- Clothing: Down jacket, gloves, scarf
- Note: Possible snow, watch for icy roads
Introduction to Works in The Petit Citizen Series
Series Work List
- The Strawberry Tart Incident Limited to Spring (2014)
- Meeting of Kobato and Yuki and their “petit citizen” declaration
- Four short stories set in spring Takayama
- The Tropical Parfait Incident Limited to Summer (2015)
- Connected short stories set during summer vacation
- Deepening of the relationship between the two
- The Chestnut Kinton Incident Limited to Autumn (2017)
- Story set against the backdrop of autumn Takayama Matsuri
- Conflict regarding living as a petit citizen
- The Bonbon Chocolate Incident Limited to Winter (2019)
- Story set in winter Takayama
- Turning point of the series
About the Anime Version
With its anime adaptation in 2024, the beautiful animation that faithfully reproduces the atmosphere of the original work has garnered attention. The scenery of Takayama is carefully depicted, and watching the anime before pilgrimage allows you to enjoy the world of the work more deeply.
Conclusion: Maximizing the Enjoyment of The Petit Citizen Series Pilgrimage
A pilgrimage to The Petit Citizen Series is a special experience where you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes and traditional culture of Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, while immersing yourself in the world of the work.
Keys to Success
- Preparation: Re-read the work and make a list of spots you want to visit
- Seasonal Selection: Visiting during the work’s season setting enhances the atmosphere
- Time Management: Main spots are within walking distance, but plan with flexibility
- Consideration for Locals: Follow manners and don’t disturb local residents
- Enjoy Cuisine Too: Hida beef and seasonal sweets are part of pilgrimage
- Keep Records: Document memories of your pilgrimage with photos and notes
Through The Petit Citizen Series pilgrimage, you can deepen your understanding of the work and rediscover the charm of Takayama City. With the spirit of “petit citizen” that Kobato and Yuki aspired to, enjoy a modest yet fulfilling pilgrimage journey.
Takayama City has beautiful scenery in each season, and there are always new discoveries no matter how many times you visit. While it might be difficult to see everything in one visit, that can be something to look forward to in your next visit. Immerse yourself in the world of The Petit Citizen Series and enjoy the history and culture of Hida Takayama and encounters with its warm people.
