【Non Non Biyori】(Hitachi-Omiya City, Ibaraki Prefecture)
Hitachi-Omiya City in Ibaraki Prefecture is known as the model location for the popular anime “Non Non Biyori,” and many anime fans visit the city for pilgrimage to sacred sites. Surrounded by rich nature and clear streams, this region features rural landscapes that perfectly match the anime’s world, making it a precious spot where visitors can experience the work’s setting firsthand. This article provides a detailed explanation of Hitachi-Omiya City’s charm from the perspective of sacred site pilgrimage, comprehensively introducing tourist attractions and gourmet information.
The Relationship Between Non Non Biyori and Hitachi-Omiya City
“Non Non Biyori” is a manga work by At, and is highly popular as a slice-of-life anime set in a rural branch school. Hitachi-Omiya City in Ibaraki Prefecture is considered one of the model locations for the work’s setting, with landscapes and buildings referenced in the story scattered throughout various parts of the city.
The Work’s World and the Charm of Hitachi-Omiya City
Hitachi-Omiya City is located in the northwestern part of Ibaraki Prefecture, where two clear streams—the Kuji River and the Naka River—flow through a nature-rich region. The city was born on October 16, 2004, from the merger of Omiya Town, Yamakata Town, Miwa Village, Ogawa Village, and Gozenyama Village, and is known as “a land of purple mountains and clear waters.” The clear streams where sweetfish and salmon migrate upstream, the sprawling rice paddies, and scattered satoyama foothills are exactly like the world of “Non Non Biyori.”
Approximately 40,000 people live in the city, where peaceful time flows far from urban hustle and bustle. This environment embodies the “charm of rural life” depicted in the work, providing comfort and nostalgia to visitors.
Major Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spots in Hitachi-Omiya City
Former Kose Elementary School (Abandoned School)
One of the places believed to be a model for the branch school depicted in the work. Hitachi-Omiya City has several abandoned schools and small-scale schools, with buildings remaining that convey the work’s atmosphere. Small school ruins scattered throughout areas like the Kami-Kose and Konuki districts are must-see spots for anime fans.
Rural Landscapes and Farm Roads
The greatest charm of Hitachi-Omiya City is the vast rural landscape reminiscent of scenes in the work. In particular, areas like Kami-Murata, Shimo-Murata, Teruda, and Teruyama feature beautiful agricultural village scenery throughout the seasons. Spring’s fresh greenery, summer’s lush rice paddies, autumn’s golden rice fields, and winter’s serene snowy landscapes offer different expressions with each season.
Kuji River and Naka River Clear Streams
Clear streams reminiscent of river-play scenes from the work flow through the city. The Kuji and Naka Rivers have good water quality and are bustling with sweetfish fishing and river play enthusiasts during summer. In areas along the rivers such as Tatsu-no-kuchi and Kuninaga, visitors can enjoy beautiful streamside scenery.
Yamada Freshwater Fish Museum
A small aquarium featuring freshwater fish inhabiting the Kuji River. As a facility for learning about the region’s natural environment, it’s an ideal stop during sacred site pilgrimage. With exhibits enjoyed by both children and adults, visitors can experience rural daily life as depicted in the work.
Detailed Tourist Guide to Hitachi-Omiya City
Hanadachi Natural Park
Hanadachi Natural Park is a representative natural park in Hitachi-Omiya City and a popular spot where cherry blossoms and azaleas bloom in spring. Located at a high elevation, the view from the observation deck overlooking the city is spectacular. Hiking courses are well-maintained, allowing visitors to enjoy nature walks.
The park has playgrounds and a campground, making it popular with families. Autumn brings beautiful fall foliage, and it’s worth visiting throughout the four seasons. It’s an ideal place for spending leisurely time while feeling the world of “Non Non Biyori.”
Funa Natto Factory Tour
“Funa Natto,” a specialty of Hitachi-Omiya City, is a long-established natto maker with over 100 years of history. Factory tours allow visitors to learn the traditional natto-making process and purchase freshly made natto. Ibaraki Prefecture ranks at the top nationally in natto production, and Hitachi-Omiya City carries on this tradition. Natto made with local soybeans is flavorful and popular as a souvenir.
Gozenyama Dam Area
The Gozenyama district has a large dam with surrounding areas developed as a nature-rich recreation area. Around the dam lake, visitors can enjoy fishing and boating, with beautiful spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage creating scenic views. From the dam’s observation deck, visitors can gaze upon majestic scenery and it’s popular as a photography spot. Nearby hot spring facilities allow visitors to recover from sightseeing fatigue.
Historical and Cultural Spots
Hitachi-Omiya City has many prefecturally designated cultural properties with historical temples and shrines scattered throughout. There are temples with connections to Saint Shinran, offering appeal for history enthusiasts as well. Historic streetscapes and historic buildings remain in areas like Kita-Shiorako, Minami-Shiorako, and Kita-machi.
Gourmet Information from Hitachi-Omiya City
Shiokoya Diner
A locally popular diner serving classic, simple ramen. It’s well-regarded among tourists visiting Hitachi-Omiya City, characterized by nostalgic flavors. Located in the Kita-Shiorako district, it’s beloved by locals as a renowned establishment.
Cabaya Golf Club Restaurant
At the golf club in the Kuninaga district, visitors can enjoy meals while playing golf. Dishes using Ibaraki Prefecture ingredients are served, and golf course usage tickets are popular as special gifts for hometown tax donations.
Cuisine Using Local Ingredients
In Hitachi-Omiya City, visitors can enjoy dishes made with sweetfish and river fish caught in the Kuji and Naka Rivers, as well as local vegetables and rice. Roadside stations and agricultural product direct sales shops allow visitors to purchase fresh local ingredients. In particular, areas like Akita, Ishizawa, and Uruno have farm-operated restaurants and direct sales shops scattered throughout.
Practical Advice for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Access Methods
Car travel is most convenient for reaching Hitachi-Omiya City. From the Tokyo area, the Joban Expressway is used, with approximately 30 minutes travel time from the Naka IC or Hitachi-Minami-Ota IC. For those using public transportation, JR Suigun Line’s Hitachi-Omiya Station is the nearest station.
From the station, buses or rental cars are available, though sacred site pilgrimage spots are scattered throughout the city, making driving most efficient.
Recommended Pilgrimage Routes
For a one-day course, it’s recommended to visit tourist attractions around the city center in the morning, and tour the rural and riverside areas in the afternoon. A popular route involves enjoying scenery at Hanadachi Natural Park, then driving through rural areas like Kami-Murata, Ogura, and Nagata, concluding at the Yamada Freshwater Fish Museum.
For those able to stay two days, spending the first day visiting main tourist attractions and the second day exploring surrounding natural spots and hot springs creates a more fulfilling trip.
Photography Etiquette and Precautions
When taking photos during sacred site pilgrimage, it’s important to be considerate of local residents’ lives. Particularly around schools and residences, sufficient attention to privacy is necessary, and entering premises without permission should be avoided.
Rice paddies and fields are precious workplaces for farmers. When using farm roads, avoid interfering with agricultural work and always take garbage with you. Maintaining good relationships with community members is key to enjoying sacred sites long-term.
Accommodation Information
There are private inns and hot spring lodging facilities within Hitachi-Omiya City. Mito City and Naka City in the surrounding area have many business hotels, which can serve as bases. For those wishing to spend relaxed time in nature, campgrounds and cottages within the city are also recommended.
Seasonal Enjoyment of Hitachi-Omiya City
Spring (March to May)
Spring is cherry blossom season. Cherry blossoms bloom magnificently at Hanadachi Natural Park and various locations throughout the city. The rural landscape with rice planting preparations beginning is beautiful, and fresh green foliage is dazzling. In areas like Takasu and Higashino, wild cherry blossoms can also be enjoyed.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is river-play season. Sweetfish fishing season opens in the Kuji and Naka Rivers, attracting many fishing enthusiasts. The rural landscape of lush ripening rice paddies swaying in the wind perfectly matches the summer scenes of “Non Non Biyori.”
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is harvest season, when golden glowing rice paddies are beautiful. Fall foliage is also spectacular, with colorful autumn scenery enjoyed in mountainous areas. Local delicious ingredients such as new rice and autumn vegetables are abundantly available during this season.
Winter (December to February)
Winter brings quiet rural landscapes. Snow sometimes falls, and snow-covered satoyama foothills create fantastical scenery. With clear air, it’s an ideal season for stargazing. It’s recommended to relax in hot springs while spending leisurely time.
Local Tax Returns and Regional Revitalization
Hitachi-Omiya City offers a wealth of hometown tax return gifts. Local specialty Funa natto, fresh vegetables and rice, golf course usage tickets, and other diverse return gifts are available. They’re handled on major sites like Satofuru and JRE MALL Hometown Tax, allowing those from distant locations to support Hitachi-Omiya City.
Supporting the region through hometown tax returns is an important means of preserving sacred sites long-term. As anime fans, please consider contributing to the community in this way, in addition to visiting.
Combined Tourism with Surrounding Areas
When visiting Hitachi-Omiya City, combining it with nearby tourist attractions creates a more fulfilling trip.
Mito City
The prefectural capital Mito City offers many attractions including Kairakuen and the Mito Art Museum. Located approximately 40 minutes by car from Hitachi-Omiya City, it’s enjoyable even as a day trip.
Fukuroda Falls (Daigo Town)
One of Japan’s three famous waterfalls, Fukuroda Falls is located about 30 minutes north of Hitachi-Omiya City. The waterfall’s beautiful appearance throughout seasons is a must-see, and the winter icefall is particularly impressive.
Naka City and Hitachinaka City
Located on the Pacific coast, these cities allow visitors to enjoy ocean products. The National Hitachi Seaside Park’s nemophila and kochia are famous, making them worth visiting depending on the season.
Community Interaction
One of the pleasures of visiting Hitachi-Omiya City is interacting with local residents. Roadside stations and direct sales shops offer opportunities to converse with local farmers. Contact with warm-hearted community members provides a precious experience unavailable in urban areas.
Local residents take pride in their community being recognized as a model for “Non Non Biyori.” Polite and appreciative interaction creates deeper exchanges.
The Future of Hitachi-Omiya City and Tourism Promotion
Hitachi-Omiya City positions anime tourism as one pillar of regional revitalization, implementing various initiatives. While balancing natural environment preservation and tourism development, it aims for sustainable community building.
Development of tourism resources utilizing each area’s characteristics progresses in various districts throughout the city like Kami-Iwase, Kita-Tomita, and Kyuyu. The city will continue to establish systems warmly welcoming anime fans and other tourists.
Conclusion: Experience the World of “Non Non Biyori” in Hitachi-Omiya City
Hitachi-Omiya City in Ibaraki Prefecture is a precious sacred site where visitors can experience the world of “Non Non Biyori.” Beautiful rural landscapes, clear stream flows, and warm interactions with community members provide healing time that makes urban hustle fade away.
Beyond sacred site pilgrimage, Hitachi-Omiya City offers diverse ways to enjoy itself: nature tourism, gourmet experiences, and historical exploration. Please visit once and experience the special encounter where the anime world and reality intersect. Beautiful landscapes throughout seasons await you.
When visiting, remember to consider the community, follow proper etiquette, and contribute to this wonderful sacred site’s long-term preservation. May your memories of Hitachi-Omiya City add special color to your life.
