【Zatsutabi -That’s Journey-】Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture

【Zatsu Tabi -That’s Journey-】 Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture

What is Zatsu Tabi? Deep Connection with Hiroshima Prefecture

“Zatsu Tabi -That’s Journey-” is a popular travel manga by Kenta Ishizaka that depicts the protagonists using the Seishun 18 ticket to explore various parts of Japan. It is known for carefully depicting the realistic atmosphere of travel and the charm of regions, and has also been adapted into an anime.

Hiroshima Prefecture is particularly impressively featured in the work, with diverse attractions such as beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea, historic structures, and local cuisine depicted. The spots that appear in the work are faithful reproductions of real places, making it a high-value area for pilgrims visiting sacred sites.

Appeal of Zatsu Tabi

• Realistic depiction of travel: Actual stations and cityscapes are drawn with precision
• Introduction of regional culture: Learn about local food and history unique to each area
• Life-size travel experience: A perspective that values everyday scenery as well as special tourist destinations
• Tips for using the Seishun 18 ticket: Full of hints for budget-friendly travel

Major Sacred Sites in Hiroshima Prefecture

Hiroshima Station Area

Hiroshima Station is an important hub that frequently appears in the work. As the largest terminal station in the Chugoku region where the Sanyo Main Line and Sanyo Shinkansen intersect, it is depicted as the starting point and transit point for the protagonists’ journey.

The appearance of the station interior and station plaza appears in the work, and the scenery of the south exit in particular is used in impressive scenes. Currently redevelopment is underway, and there are some changes compared to when the work was created, but the basic structure remains the same.

Pilgrimage Points:

• Confirm the layout and atmosphere of the station interior
• View from the south plaza
• Ekiben (station lunch box) sellers (possibly appearing in the work)
• Nearby convenience stores and restaurants

Miyajima & Itsukushima Shrine Area

Miyajima, a representative tourist destination of Hiroshima Prefecture, appears as an important spot in Zatsu Tabi. The World Heritage Itsukushima Shrine, the great torii gate, and the picturesque atmosphere of the entire island are beautifully depicted in the work.

The vermillion shrine building of Itsukushima Shrine floating in the sea and the scenery changing with the tides are used as impressive scenes in the work. The atmosphere of the approach shopping street and interaction with deer are also depicted.

Main Points of Interest:

• Itsukushima Shrine main hall and corridor
• Great torii gate (※Please check the current status of restoration work in advance)
• Omotesando shopping street
• Momiji Valley Park
• Miyajima Ropeway

Access:

• About 5-minute walk from JR Miyajima-guchi Station to Miyajima-guchi Pier
• About 10 minutes by ferry
• Hiroshima Electric Railway’s Hiroden Miyajima-guchi Station is also available

Onomichi Area

Onomichi City is known as a city of slopes and is a charming port town. In Zatsu Tabi, the alleys, slopes, and scenery overlooking the Seto Inland Sea of Onomichi are depicted in detail.

The view of Onomichi Strait from the Senkoji Mountain Ropeway, the appearance of temple pilgrimages, and the atmosphere of the shopping street all appear in the work and showcase Onomichi’s multifaceted appeal.

Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spots:

• Senkoji Park: A viewing spot offering panoramic views of Onomichi
• Senkoji Mountain Ropeway: Appears as a means of transportation in the work
• Onomichi Honten Shopping Street: Retro-atmosphere shopping street
• Cat’s Alley: An alley popular with cat lovers
• Onomichi Ramen Restaurants: Possibly introduced as local cuisine

Access:

• Walking distance from JR Onomichi Station
• About 15-minute walk from the station to Senkoji Mountain Ropeway

Kure Area

Kure City has a history of developing as a naval port and has unique tourist resources such as the Yamato Museum (Kure City Maritime History Science Museum) and Iron Whale Museum (Tetsunokujira-kan).

In the work, the atmosphere of Kure as a port town, the terrain with many slopes, and local cuisine such as naval curry may be depicted. The area around JR Kure Station and scenery along the harbor become location spots.

Main Spots:

• Yamato Museum: A 1/10 scale model of battleship Yamato is exhibited
• Iron Whale Museum: An actual submarine is exhibited
• Kure Central Pier Terminal: Harbor scenery
• Arei Karasukoji: View submarines up close
• Kure JSDF Curry: Local cuisine

Access:

• About 30-45 minutes from Hiroshima Station on the JR Kure Line
• Within walking distance from Kure Station to major tourist sites

Fukuyama & Tomonoura Area

Tomonoura is a representative port town of the Seto Inland Sea, and its appeal lies in the historic streetscapes that retain the atmosphere of the Edo period. In Zatsu Tabi, the scenery of this charming port town and landmarks such as the Jouyatei (Eternally Burning Lantern) are depicted.

Points of Interest:

• Jouyatei: Symbol of Tomonoura
• Taishorou: Guest hall of Fukuzenji Temple with a scenic view
• Senzaimutsu Island: 5 minutes by ferry from Tomonoura Harbor
• Old Townscape of Tomonoura: Alley exploration
• Hoomeiushu: Famous local sake

Access:

• About 30 minutes from JR Fukuyama Station by Tomo Railway bus
• Alight at Tomonoura Bus Stop

Model Courses for Hiroshima Sacred Site Pilgrimage

1-Day Course: Hiroshima City Center

Morning:

• 9:00 Arrive at Hiroshima Station and explore around the station
• 10:00 Move to Miyajima-guchi by Hiroshima Electric Railway
• 11:00 Board Miyajima ferry
• 11:30 Visit Itsukushima Shrine and view the great torii gate

Afternoon:

• 12:30 Lunch at Omotesando shopping street (anago rice, momiji manju)
• 14:00 Explore Momiji Valley Park
• 15:30 Return to Miyajima-guchi
• 17:00 Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki dinner around Hiroshima Station

2-Day Course: Hiroshima Eastern Loop

Day 1:

• Morning: Travel from Hiroshima Station to Onomichi (about 1 hour 20 minutes on JR Sanyo Main Line)
• Explore Onomichi: Senkoji, shopping street, Cat’s Alley
• Lunch: Onomichi Ramen
• Afternoon: Move to Tomonoura (about 1 hour by bus)
• Explore Tomonoura: Jouyatei, old townscape
• Stay in Fukuyama City

Day 2:

• Morning: Move from Fukuyama to Kure
• Kure sightseeing: Yamato Museum, Iron Whale Museum
• Lunch: JSDF Curry
• Afternoon: Return to Hiroshima Station
• If time permits, sightseeing in Hiroshima City

3-Day Course: Complete Hiroshima Prefecture

In addition to the above 2-day course:

• Setouchi Shimanami Kaido (starting from Onomichi)
• Takehara Town Preservation District
• Miyoshi City and other inland areas
• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and A-Bomb Dome

Tips for Enjoying Sacred Site Pilgrimage

Using the Seishun 18 Ticket

Like the protagonists of Zatsu Tabi, travel using the Seishun 18 Ticket is recommended. JR lines are well-developed throughout Hiroshima Prefecture, allowing for efficient movement.

Usage Periods:

• Spring: March 1 – April 10
• Summer: July 20 – September 10
• Winter: December 10 – January 10

Usage Examples in Hiroshima Prefecture:

• Hiroshima Station ⇔ Onomichi Station: About 1 hour 20 minutes
• Hiroshima Station ⇔ Fukuyama Station: About 1 hour
• Hiroshima Station ⇔ Kure Station: About 30-45 minutes
• Hiroshima Station ⇔ Mihara Station: About 1 hour

Photography Tips

One of the thrills of sacred site pilgrimage is taking photos from the same angle as scenes in the work.

Photography Tips:

1. Preparation: Have screenshots or manga pages of relevant scenes ready
2. Time of Day: Match the time of day in the work (morning, afternoon, evening)
3. Season: If possible, visit during the same season as the work
4. Angle: Adjust height and angle to replicate the author’s perspective
5. Manner: Avoid photography in private property or locations that may cause trouble

Enjoying Local Cuisine

In Zatsu Tabi, local cuisine is an important element. Hiroshima Prefecture has abundant food culture.

Must-Try Cuisine:

• Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki: Numerous famous restaurants in Hiroshima City
• Oysters: Fresh oyster dishes in Miyajima and Kure
• Anago Rice: Local specialty of Miyajima
• Onomichi Ramen: Soy ramen characterized by back fat
• Kure JSDF Curry: Curry from Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force recipe
• Momiji Manju: Standard Hiroshima souvenir
• Lemon Products: Products using Setouchi lemons

Choosing Accommodations

Choosing where to stay is important when conducting multi-day sacred site pilgrimages.

Recommended Areas:

• Around Hiroshima Station: Excellent access, numerous business hotels
• Onomichi: Can stay in a charming town
• Miyajima: Enjoy quiet Miyajima at dawn and dusk by staying on the island
• Fukuyama: Base for Tomonoura sightseeing

Accommodation Types:

• Business hotels: Affordable and convenient
• Guest houses: Enjoy interaction with fellow travelers
• Inns: Enjoy local cuisine and hot springs
• Capsule hotels: Budget-friendly accommodation

Seasonal Enjoyment Methods

Spring (March – May)

Points of Interest:

• Cherry blossoms at Miyajima (late March – early April)
• Cherry blossoms at Senkoji Park (early April)
• Cherry blossoms at Peace Memorial Park
• Mild weather ideal for exploration

Notes:

• Golden Week is crowded
• Early accommodation reservations recommended

Summer (June – August)

Points of Interest:

• Swimming in the Seto Inland Sea
• Miyajima Underwater Fireworks Display (August)
• Numerous summer festivals and events
• Lemon season

Notes:

• Heat countermeasures essential (hat, hydration)
• Sunscreen
• Peak season crowding

Autumn (September – November)

Points of Interest:

• Autumn foliage at Miyajima (mid to late November)
• Beautiful foliage at Momiji Valley Park
• Autumn foliage at Senkoji Park
• Pleasant weather
• Oyster season begins (October – )

Recommendation:

• Autumn is peak season for Hiroshima sightseeing
• Autumn foliage illumination events

Winter (December – February)

Points of Interest:

• Oysters are most delicious during this period
• Miyajima winter scenery
• Fewer tourists, peaceful atmosphere
• Illumination events

Notes:

• Cold weather protection necessary
• Early sunset
• Some facilities with shortened business hours

Transportation and Access Information

Access to Hiroshima Prefecture

Airplane:

• Hiroshima Airport to Hiroshima Station by limousine bus: about 50 minutes
• Direct flights from Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, Okinawa, etc.

Shinkansen:

• Tokyo to Hiroshima: about 4 hours
• Osaka to Hiroshima: about 1 hour 30 minutes
• Fukuoka to Hiroshima: about 1 hour

Conventional Lines (Seishun 18 Ticket):

• Osaka to Hiroshima: about 5-6 hours
• Fukuoka to Hiroshima: about 5-6 hours

Transportation Within Hiroshima Prefecture

JR Lines:

• Sanyo Main Line: Hiroshima – Onomichi – Fukuyama
• Kure Line: Hiroshima – Kure – Mihara
• Geibi Line: Hiroshima – Miyoshi (inland)

Streetcar:

• Hiroshima Electric Railway: Connects Hiroshima City and Miyajima-guchi
• Charm of retro vehicles
• All-day pass is economical (¥700 for adults)

Bus:

• Local buses: Operated in various regions
• Express buses: Inter-city travel
• Sightseeing loop buses: Tour major tourist sites

Ferry:

• Miyajima Route: Miyajima-guchi – Miyajima (JR West Japan, Miyajima Matsudai Steamship)
• Routes to islands in the Seto Inland Sea

Car Rental:

• Convenient for visiting suburban sacred sites
• Numerous car rental shops around Hiroshima Station

Preparation and Essentials for Sacred Site Pilgrimage

Essential Items

1. Work Materials: Manga books, e-books, screenshots
2. Maps & Navigation Apps: Google Maps, transit apps
3. Camera: Smartphone is acceptable, chargers, mobile battery
4. Notebook: Record visits and discoveries
5. Seishun 18 Ticket: If during applicable period
6. Cash: Many shops in rural areas accept cash only

Convenient to Have

• Folding umbrella (for sudden rain)
• Comfortable walking shoes (for slopes and long distances)
• Sunscreen & hat (summer)
• Cold-weather clothing (winter)
• Eco-bag (for souvenir purchases)
• Water bottle (hydration)

Smartphone Apps

• Transit Navigation: Jorudan, Yahoo! Transit Navigator
• Maps: Google Maps, Yahoo! Maps
• Sacred Site Pilgrimage Apps: Butai Meguri (when applicable)
• Weather: tenki.jp, Yahoo! Weather
• Gourmet: Tabelog, Google Maps

Manners and Precautions

Sacred Site Pilgrimage Manners

1. No trespassing on private property: Do not enter private property without permission
2. Noise awareness: Move quietly in residential areas
3. Take trash with you: Environmental protection and courtesy
4. Respect no-photography zones: Follow photography rules at shrines and temples
5. Consideration for residents: Remember it is a living space
6. Traffic rule compliance: Particularly careful when taking photos on roads

Safety Precautions

• Slopes & stairs: Pay attention to footing in hilly towns like Onomichi
• Heat stroke prevention: Regular hydration in summer
• Getting lost prevention: Confirm current location when exploring alleys
• Valuables management: Watch for pickpockets at tourist sites
• Weather confirmation: Especially important for ferry use at Miyajima

Further Enjoying Sacred Site Pilgrimage

Experiences Only Possible On-Site

Miyajima:

• Early morning Itsukushima Shrine visits (fewer tourists)
• Senyama mountain climbing (scenic views from the summit)
• Interaction with deer
• Evening Miyajima exploration (for island overnight guests)

Onomichi:

• Slope and alley exploration
• Encounters with cats
• Temple pilgrimage
• Evening view of Onomichi Strait

Kure:

• History learning at Yamato Museum
• Viewing actual submarines
• General public tours of escort ships (irregular)

SNS Sharing

Sharing your sacred site pilgrimage records on SNS allows you to connect with fans of the same work.

Recommended Hashtags:

• #ざつ旅
• #聖地巡礼
• #広島観光
• #青春18きっぷ
• #宮島
• #尾道

Posting Tips:

• Comparison photos with work scenes
• Pilgrimage route introductions
• Local gourmet reviews
• Pilgrimage impressions and discoveries

Community with Locals

Interacting with locals is one of the thrills of sacred site pilgrimages.

• Conversations at local restaurants
• Information gathering at tourist information centers
• Shopping at shopping streets
• Participation in local events

Locals are often delighted to hear about the work, and you may obtain unexpected information.

Rediscovering the Charm of Hiroshima Prefecture

By visiting Hiroshima Prefecture through Zatsu Tabi, you can experience the lives of local people and the atmosphere of the town that are not found in guidebooks.

The mundane scenery and everyday moments depicted in the work take on special meaning when actually visited. Waiting for a train on a station platform, walking through a shopping street, eating meals at a local diner—all of these become precious experiences connecting the work and reality.

Diverse Charms of Hiroshima Prefecture

• History: Peace Memorial Park, A-Bomb Dome, Itsukushima Shrine
• Nature: Seto Inland Sea, primeval forest of Miyajima, Setouchi Shimanami Kaido
• Culture: Traditional crafts, festivals, dialect
• Cuisine: Okonomiyaki, oysters, lemon, sake
• Townscapes: Slopes of Onomichi, port town of Tomonoura, town preservation of Takehara

Summary: What is Gained Through Zatsu Tabi Sacred Site Pilgrimage

Sacred site pilgrimage in Zatsu Tabi’s Hiroshima Prefecture is a special experience different from ordinary sightseeing. By actually visiting places you learned about through the work, you experience the perspectives of the author and characters, deepening your understanding of the work.

Simultaneously, you discover the diverse charms of Hiroshima Prefecture as a region and encounter the rich culture, history, and lives of people in Japanese regional cities. The slow pace of travel using the Seishun 18 Ticket brings small discoveries and encounters that efficiency-focused tourism would otherwise overlook.

Using this guide as reference, plan your own Zatsu Tabi sacred site pilgrimage. By visiting spots featured in the work, seeing the same scenery, and breathing the same air, the work becomes more intimate and Hiroshima Prefecture becomes an even more special place.

Prepare yourself, bring your camera, and carry your love for the work in your heart—a wonderful sacred site pilgrimage journey in Hiroshima Prefecture awaits you.