What is Maebashi Witches? The Appeal of Sacred Site Pilgrimages
“Maebashi Witches” is a community-focused content spin-off of the popular anime series “Strike Witches,” set in Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture. With official cooperation from Gunma Prefecture and Maebashi City, numerous sacred pilgrimage sites exist that blend the anime’s world with real locations in the region.
The greatest feature of this work is that real landmarks and tourist attractions in Maebashi appear in the story, allowing fans to actually visit them. It’s a recommended tourism content not only for anime fans but also for local residents who want to rediscover the charm of Gunma Prefecture.
How to Enjoy Sacred Site Pilgrimages
In sacred site pilgrimages, the main enjoyment is “location scouting,” taking photos from the same angles as scenes in the anime. Multiple sacred sites are scattered throughout Maebashi City, and you can thoroughly explore them over a full day or efficiently visit the major spots in half a day.
Major Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spots in Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture
Maebashi Station Area
JR Maebashi Station is ideal as a starting point for sacred site pilgrimages. Maebashi Witches-related exhibits and panels may be installed inside the station and in the station plaza, and many fans take memorial photos here first.
Within walking distance from the north exit of the station are shops and restaurants that appear in the work. In particular, the “Maebashi Central Shopping Street” area is depicted as a place where anime characters spend their daily lives, allowing you to experience the moving overlap of realistic townscape and the anime’s world.
Maebashi Park and Sachi Pond
Maebashi Park is a historic park located in the center of Maebashi City and appears as an important location in Maebashi Witches. In particular, the area around “Sachi Pond” is depicted as a place of relaxation for characters, offering beautiful scenery throughout the seasons.
Cherry blossoms in spring, lush green trees in summer, red leaves in autumn, and snowy landscapes in winter—the pond displays a different face depending on the season you visit, so there’s always a fresh discovery no matter how many times you come. Strolling around the pond while recalling anime scenes is the essence of sacred site pilgrimage.
Gunma Prefectural Government Building Observation Hall
The Gunma Prefectural Government Building 32nd Floor Observation Hall is a free observation spot overlooking Maebashi City. The vista from 127 meters above ground is spectacular, and it has been used in impressive scenes within Maebashi Witches.
From the observation hall, you can see the Jomo Sanzan (three mountains of Jomo)—Akagi, Haruna, and Myogi mountains—and on clear days, you can even see all the way to Mount Asama in the distance. The sunset and night views are also beautiful, making it popular not just with anime fans but also as a date spot.
Operating hours are 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekends and holidays. Access is convenient at about 10 minutes by bus from Maebashi Station.
Maebashi Lunapark (Maebashi City Central Children’s Amusement Park)
“Lunapark,” known as Japan’s cheapest amusement park, is also one of Maebashi Witches’ sacred sites. Retro-atmosphere rides and carousels appear in nostalgic scenes in the anime.
Rides available for as little as 10 or 50 yen each are a place of relaxation for Maebashi residents, enjoyed by both children and adults. It’s also recommended to actually experience the rides during your sacred site pilgrimage.
Hirose River Embankment
The embankment of the Hirose River flowing through Maebashi City is also an important location in the work. In particular, the promenade around the “Hirose River Art Museum” is used in scenes where characters take walks, offering a leisurely time.
The cherry blossom trees along the river are famous as a spring flower viewing spot, becoming a place where anime fans and local flower viewers interact.
Efficient Sacred Site Pilgrimage Route Plans
Half-Day Course (approximately 4 hours)
9:00 AM Start at JR Maebashi Station
Take memorial photos around the station, obtain a sacred site map from the information center
9:30 Maebashi Park and Sachi Pond
Move by foot or bus (approximately 15 minutes), explore the park
11:00 Gunma Prefectural Government Building Observation Hall
About 10-minute walk, overlook the cityscape from the observation hall
12:00 Lunch at Maebashi Central Shopping Street
Enjoy local cuisine while exploring the shopping street
1:00 PM Lunapark
Photography at the retro amusement park, try rides
This course allows you to efficiently visit major spots and is ideal for your first sacred site pilgrimage.
Full-Day Course (approximately 8 hours)
You can add the following spots in addition to the half-day course.
2:30 PM Hirose River Embankment Stroll
Walk along the river searching for photo spots
4:00 PM Tour anime shops and collaboration cafés in Maebashi
Purchase limited merchandise and enjoy collaboration menu items
6:00 PM Revisit the Prefectural Government Building Observation Hall at Dusk
End the day with night photography
Access Methods and Transportation
By Train
From Tokyo
- JR Takasaki Line to Takasaki Station (approximately 1 hour 50 minutes)
- JR Ryomo Line from Takasaki Station to Maebashi Station (approximately 15 minutes)
- Or use Limited Express “Kusatsu” or “Shima” from Ueno Station to Takasaki Station (approximately 1 hour 40 minutes)
From Nagano and Niigata
- Get off at Takasaki Station via Hokuriku Shinkansen, transfer to JR Ryomo Line
By Car
Using the Kan-Etsu Expressway
- Exit at Maebashi IC, approximately 15 minutes to downtown area
- Parking is available at each tourist spot; the prefectural building has paid parking
Local Transportation
Maebus (Maebashi City Circulating Bus)
A convenient community bus connecting major sacred sites. Available for 100 yen per trip, with a day pass at 300 yen.
Rental Bicycles
Rental bicycles are available at Maebashi Station and major spots. With mostly flat terrain, sacred site pilgrimage by bicycle is comfortable.
On Foot
Major spots are concentrated within a 2km radius of Maebashi Station, making walking pilgrimages possible. However, visiting all spots on foot takes considerable time, so combining buses or rental bicycles is recommended.
Maebashi Witches Limited Merchandise and Collaboration Information
Official Merchandise Shops
At the tourism information center and affiliated stores throughout Maebashi, you can purchase limited Maebashi Witches merchandise. A rich selection of items is available, including keychains, clear files, T-shirts, and enamel pins that become memorable souvenirs of your pilgrimage.
At the Maebashi Station Information Center, you can check the latest merchandise information and inventory status. Popular items may sell out, so early purchase is recommended.
Limited-Time Collaboration Projects
Maebashi regularly hosts collaboration events with Maebashi Witches.
- Stamp Rally: Collect stamps by visiting sacred sites and receive limited merchandise
- Collaboration Café: Restaurants in the city offer menus inspired by characters
- Panel Displays: Character panels and original artwork displayed at stations and commercial facilities
- Voice Actor Events: Anniversary celebrations may include voice actor talk shows and meet-and-greets
Latest collaboration information can be found on the Maebashi City Tourism Promotion Division’s official website and social media.
Photography Etiquette and Tips During Sacred Site Pilgrimages
Photography Etiquette
When enjoying sacred site pilgrimages, consideration for local residents and proper etiquette are extremely important.
Rules to Follow
- No trespassing on private property
- Photograph in locations that don’t obstruct traffic
- Avoid loud conversations and noise
- Always take trash with you
- Be considerate of shop operations in shopping streets
- Greet local people and show gratitude
Best Photography Timing
Time of Day
- Morning: Good lighting conditions with fewer tourists
- Evening: Magical hour light creates atmospheric photos
- Night: Perfect for scenic spots like the prefectural building observation hall
Season
- Spring (March-May): Beautiful cherry blossoms and fresh greenery, pleasant weather
- Summer (June-August): Lush greenery, but heat precautions necessary
- Autumn (September-November): Beautiful fall colors, comfortable weather
- Winter (December-February): Clear air with crisp distant views, cold weather protection essential
Recommended Photography Equipment
- Smartphone: Convenient and sufficient quality, easy for social media posting
- Mirrorless or DSLR Camera: For those wanting serious pilgrimage photography
- Wide-angle Lens: Convenient for capturing entire buildings and landscapes
- Tripod: Necessary for night photography and group photos (use in places not obstructing traffic)
Local Cuisine and Rest Stops in Maebashi
Maebashi Local Specialties
Here are Maebashi and Gunma delicacies to enjoy during your sacred site pilgrimage breaks.
Tonkatsu (Pork Cutlet)
Gunma Prefecture has a thriving pork production industry, and Maebashi has many excellent tonkatsu restaurants. Thick-cut tonkatsu made with “Joshu Pork” is exquisite.
Yakimanju (Grilled Buns)
A Gunma local confection made by grilling steamed buns with sweet-spicy miso sauce. Available at wagashi shops and food stalls throughout Maebashi.
Himokawadon (Wide Noodle Udon)
A Gunma specialty noodle dish characterized by wide, flat noodles. The smooth texture and throat-pleasant feel are its charm.
Daruma Bento
A famous station bento from Takasaki Station, also available in Maebashi. The cute daruma-shaped container makes it perfect as a souvenir.
Recommended Rest Stops
Maebashi Plaza Genki 21
A multi-facility complex near Maebashi Station with abundant cafés and restaurants. Perfect for spreading out your pilgrimage map and planning your next destination.
Starbucks Maebashi Park Store
Conveniently located near Maebashi Park for breaks while exploring. You can enjoy the park’s greenery from the terrace seating.
Michi no Eki Maebashi Akagi
Located near Maebashi IC, convenient for car-based pilgrims. You can purchase fresh local vegetables and local specialties.
Combining with Nearby Tourist Attractions
Akagi Mountain Area
Located in the northern part of Maebashi, Mount Akagi is one of Japan’s hundred famous mountains and appears in Maebashi Witches’ backgrounds. If you have spare time, a trip to Mount Akagi is recommended.
Akagi Shrine: A popular power spot shrine
Ohnuma: A crater lake where boating and fishing are enjoyed
Akagi Hot Spring: Day-trip hot springs to relieve pilgrimage fatigue
Takasaki City Area
The neighboring Takasaki City is also easily accessible at just 15 minutes by train from Maebashi, allowing combined sightseeing.
Takasaki Byakue Daikannon: A giant Kannon statue overlooking the cityscape
Takasaki Station Area: Shopping and gourmet spots abound
Shorin-zan Daruma-ji Temple: Famous as the birthplace of daruma
Ikaho Hot Spring and Kusatsu Hot Spring
Gunma’s representative hot springs can be visited from Maebashi as a day trip or overnight stay. Plans combining sacred site pilgrimages with hot spring vacations are also popular.
Accommodation and Recommended Hotels
Hotels Around Maebashi Station
Hotel 1-2-3 Maebashi Mercury
Within walking distance of Maebashi Station, budget-friendly business hotel type.
Hotel Sanderson
Right at Maebashi Station North Exit, excellent access and ideal as a pilgrimage base.
Maebashi Tersa
A hotel with hot spring facilities, allowing you to relieve pilgrimage fatigue.
Combining with Hot Spring Inns
For those wanting sacred site pilgrimages and hot springs, a plan staying at a Maebashi hotel for one night, then moving to Ikaho or Kusatsu hot springs is also recommended.
Event and Festival Information
Maebashi Festival
Held every October, Maebashi’s largest festival, sometimes featuring Maebashi Witches collaborations. You can enjoy the fusion of traditional culture—floats, portable shrines, and danbee dancing—with anime culture.
Maebashi Hatsui Festival
A traditional market held in January, famous for daruma sales. Limited edition Maebashi Witches daruma may be sold during this event.
Anime Events
Information on irregularly held voice actor talk shows, fan meetings, and screenings should be checked on official websites and social media.
Maebashi Witches Sacred Site Pilgrimage Q&A
Q: How much time is needed for a sacred site pilgrimage?
A: Just visiting major spots can be done in half a day (approximately 4 hours), but taking time for photography and meals, a full day is recommended. An ideal plan including surrounding tourism would be 1-2 days.
Q: Where can I get a sacred site pilgrimage map?
A: Free maps are distributed at the information centers of JR Maebashi Station, Gunma Prefectural Government Tourism Division, and Maebashi City Hall. PDF versions can also be downloaded from official websites.
Q: I don’t have a car—can I visit using only public transportation?
A: Yes, it’s possible. Using Maebus (city circulating bus) and rental bicycles, you can efficiently visit major spots. Even on foot, many spots exist within a 2km radius.
Q: Can it be enjoyed on rainy days?
A: Yes, there are spots enjoyable in rain like the Prefectural Government Building Observation Hall, indoor facilities, and shopping arcades. However, park and riverside strolls are more comfortable on clear days.
Q: What clothing is appropriate for a sacred site pilgrimage?
A: Comfortable sneakers or athletic shoes are essential. In summer, bring a hat and sunscreen; in winter, prepare warm clothing. Bring your camera or smartphone charger and drinks for peace of mind.
Q: Can I buy Maebashi Witches merchandise online?
A: Some merchandise is available through online shops, but limited items and region-exclusive goods are only available locally. For guaranteed acquisition, visiting in person is recommended.
Conclusion: Maximizing Your Enjoyment of Maebashi Witches Sacred Site Pilgrimages
A Maebashi Witches sacred site pilgrimage is a valuable experience for anime fans to experience the work’s world firsthand. Because it’s set in the real city of Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture, you can experience the moving intersection of anime and reality.
Key points for successful sacred site pilgrimages are as follows:
- Prior Preparation: Obtain sacred site maps, confirm access methods, check event information
- Efficient Route Planning: Decide between a half-day or full-day course and secure transportation
- Follow Etiquette: Show consideration for residents and observe photography etiquette
- Enjoy Local Cuisine: Enrich your trip memories with Maebashi and Gunma specialties
- Acquire Limited Merchandise: Purchase memorable merchandise on-site
- Share on Social Media: Use hashtags to interact with other fans
Maebashi, with access about 2 hours from Tokyo, is ideal for weekend short trips. Beyond being an anime sacred site, it’s a charming tourist destination where you can enjoy Gunma Prefecture’s history, culture, and nature.
A journey through Maebashi’s ever-changing seasonal landscapes with Maebashi Witches characters will surely become an unforgettable memory. Please use this guide to plan your own unique pilgrimage.
Maebashi City and the local community warmly welcome anime fans. Please enjoy the world of Maebashi Witches while respecting local etiquette.
