【Non Non Biyori】Repeat (Ibaraki Prefecture)
Among those searching for holy sites related to “Non Non Biyori Repeat,” there are not a few who search for Ibaraki Prefecture. However, in reality, the main holy sites of this anime are not in Ibaraki Prefecture, but exist in Saitama Prefecture, Wakayama Prefecture, Niigata Prefecture, and other locations. This time, we will explain why it is confused with Ibaraki Prefecture and introduce the actual holy sites for pilgrimage in detail.
What is Non Non Biyori? Overview of the Work
“Non Non Biyori” is a manga work by Atto that depicts the daily lives of children attending a rural branch school in a heartwarming anime style. The first season was broadcast in 2013, and the second season “Non Non Biyori Repeat” was broadcast from July to September 2015. Subsequently, the third season “Non Non Biyori Nonstop” was also produced in 2021.
The setting of the work is a small “Asahioka Branch School” with only 5 students in the entire school. Surrounded by abundant nature, the rural landscape depicted in the work has received high praise as a work that provides viewers with a sense of nostalgia and healing.
Why Confusion with Ibaraki Prefecture Occurs
Similarity of Rural Scenery in the Kanto Region
There are several reasons why many people consider the holy sites of “Non Non Biyori Repeat” to be in Ibaraki Prefecture. First, the rural landscape depicted in the work is very similar to the agricultural villages of Ibaraki Prefecture. Although Ibaraki is part of the Kanto region, many areas retain rich nature and rural scenery, which overlaps with the atmosphere of the anime.
Image of Rural Areas Near the Kanto Region
The work’s setting carries a strong image of “rural areas in the Kanto region,” which makes people easily think of Saitama, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, and other prefectures. In reality, Ogawa Town in Saitama Prefecture, which is a major holy site, is located relatively close to the border with Ibaraki Prefecture, and geographical confusion is also a contributing factor.
Existence of Abandoned and Closed Branch Schools
There are many abandoned schools and closed branch schools in Ibaraki Prefecture. The consolidation of schools due to declining birthrates is a nationwide phenomenon, and the same situation is seen in Ibaraki Prefecture. For this reason, many people associate Ibaraki Prefecture with the keyword “rural branch school.”
The Actual Holy Sites Are Not in Ibaraki Prefecture
In conclusion, the main holy sites of “Non Non Biyori Repeat” do not exist in Ibaraki Prefecture. Author Atto based the work on his hometown and places he researched, most of which are distributed across Saitama Prefecture, Wakayama Prefecture, Niigata Prefecture, Chiba Prefecture, and other areas.
Major Holy Site ①: Saitama Prefecture Ogawa Town “Ogawa Town Ogawa Elementary School Shimosato Branch School”
The School That Became the Model for Asahioka Branch School
The most important holy site in the “Non Non Biyori” series is “Ogawa Town Ogawa Elementary School Shimosato Branch School” located in Hiki District, Ogawa Town, Saitama Prefecture. This school became the model for the “Asahioka Branch School” that appears in the work. It opened in 1874 (Meiji 7), was closed in 2003 (Heisei 15), and was formally abolished in 2011 (Heisei 23).
Currently, it is not open to the public, and only the exterior can be viewed. However, it is a precious holy site where visitors can feel the atmosphere of the school building as depicted in the anime. The wooden school building, schoolyard, and surrounding rural landscape are places that embody the work’s worldview, and many fans visit them.
Characteristics of the School Building and Schoolyard
The school building of Shimosato Branch School has an exterior very similar to the Asahioka Branch School depicted in the anime. The wooden two-story school building, schoolyard equipment, and surrounding nature reproduce the work’s atmosphere in fine detail. In particular, the windows and entrance of the school building boast high accuracy when compared with the anime’s scenes.
The schoolyard retains equipment such as horizontal bars and swings, allowing visitors to imagine scenes of Renge and others playing. However, since it is private property, entry into the grounds is prohibited. Courteous viewing is required.
Access Method
The nearest station is “Ogawa Town Station” on the Tobu Tojo Line and JR Hachiko Line. The distance from the station to Shimosato Branch School is approximately 7 kilometers, and takes about 1.5 hours on foot. Using a rental bicycle takes 20-30 minutes. Rental bicycle services are available near Ogawa Town Station, and electric-assisted bicycles can also be rented.
If accessing by car, it takes about 15 minutes from “Ranzan Ogawa IC” on the Kan-Etsu Expressway. However, there is no parking lot around the branch school, so parking on the roadside should be avoided, and consideration should be given to not disturbing neighbors.
Nearby Café “Mozart”
Near Shimosato Branch School is a café called “Mozart,” which has been converted from an old house. Among Non Non Biyori fans, it is a famous spot and is used as a resting place for holy site pilgrimages. Homemade sweets and light meals can be enjoyed inside the shop, where you can spend a leisurely time.
Since business days are limited, it is recommended to confirm business information before visiting.
Major Holy Site ②: Wakayama Prefecture Katsuragi Town “Amano no Sato”
Water Wheel and Rural Landscape
The model for the water wheel that appears in Episode 2 of “Non Non Biyori Repeat” is located at “Amano no Sato” in Itu District, Katsuragi Town, Wakayama Prefecture. This place, impressive with its beautiful rice terraces and water wheel, became the setting for important scenes in the work.
Amano no Sato is located at the foot of Mount Koya, which is part of the World Heritage Site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range,” and spreads a historic agricultural village landscape. The scenery around the water wheel shows beautiful seasonal changes—fresh green in spring and golden rice ears in autumn—captivating visitors.
Access and Points for Viewing
From JR Wakayama Line “Kasada Station,” it takes about 20 minutes by bus or taxi. Since public transportation is limited, visiting by rental car is convenient. The water wheel is currently preserved, and the surrounding area can be freely explored.
Since it is an agricultural area, care should be taken not to interfere with farming work, and trespassing on private property without permission should be avoided. Respect for the local residents’ living space is required.
Major Holy Site ③: Niigata Prefecture Uonuma City “Former Kakinoki Station”
An Unmanned Station on the JR Tadami Line
“Non Non Biyori Repeat” features “Kakinoki Station” (currently a closed station) on the JR Tadami Line in Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture. The atmosphere of a rural unmanned station perfectly matches the work’s worldview, and the station building and surrounding scenery were depicted in the anime.
The JR Tadami Line runs through heavy snow country and is surrounded by mountains in a natural environment. In winter, it is covered in deep snow, allowing visitors to experience the snowy landscape depicted in the work.
Precautions When Visiting
The Tadami Line experienced a section closure due to heavy rainfall in 2011, and restoration work has been underway. Full-line operations resumed in 2022, but the number of trains is extremely limited, so careful planning is necessary for visits.
Winter is an area with extremely heavy snowfall, so adequate equipment and preparation are necessary for winter visits.
Other Holy Site Spots
A Dagashi Shop in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo
The model for the dagashi shop “Kagaya” that appears in the work is a real dagashi shop in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo. “Takahashi Store” is an actual dagashi shop where old-fashioned snacks line the shelves, and the store’s atmosphere is just as depicted in the anime.
Access is about 10 minutes on foot from “Ohana Chaya Station” on the Keisei Line. Since business hours may be irregular, prior confirmation is recommended.
Scenery in Minami-Boso City, Chiba Prefecture
In Minami-Boso City, Chiba Prefecture, there are places that became models for the rural scenery and coastline used as backgrounds in the work. The nature-rich environment of the Boso Peninsula has an atmosphere perfect for the work’s setting.
Around Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture
Around the Chichibu region, which is adjacent to Ogawa Town, there are places scattered throughout that became models for scenery appearing in the work. The nature-rich environment surrounded by mountains is an important element in shaping the work’s worldview.
Preparation and Etiquette for Holy Site Pilgrimages
Prior Preparation
When going on a holy site pilgrimage, the following preparations are recommended:
- Confirmation of Access Methods: Timetables for public transportation, reservations for rental cars or rental bicycles
- Maps: Smartphone map apps or paper maps
- Reference Materials: Screenshots of the anime or holy site pilgrimage guides
- Seasonal Equipment: Especially important for visits to snowy regions like Niigata Prefecture
- Confirmation of Business Information: If visiting cafés or shops
Etiquette to Follow
When going on holy site pilgrimages, always follow this etiquette:
- No unauthorized entry onto private property: Especially Shimosato Branch School is private property
- Consideration for residents: Don’t speak loudly, don’t litter
- Caution When Photography: Don’t obstruct passage, be considerate about others appearing in photos
- Respect for Farm Work: Don’t enter fields, don’t touch farm equipment
- Compliance with Traffic Rules: Don’t park on the roadside, drive safely
Always be mindful that these are places where local residents live, and act in ways that don’t cause inconvenience. If inconsiderate visitors increase, access to holy sites may be restricted.
Highlights by Season
Spring (March to May)
Spring is the season of fresh green leaves, and it is one of the most beautiful times for rural scenery. During the cherry blossom season, cherry blossoms can also be enjoyed around Ogawa Town. At Amano no Sato in Wakayama Prefecture, rice paddies filled with water before planting create a beautiful mirror-like landscape.
Summer (June to August)
Summer, when the work’s setting takes place, is an ideal season for holy site pilgrimages. Lush green rice fields, the sound of cicadas, and summer clouds allow you to experience the landscape depicted in the anime as it is. However, heat protection and heatstroke prevention are essential.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn, the rice harvest season, spreads a rural landscape dyed in golden colors. At Amano no Sato in Wakayama Prefecture, rice ears in the rice terraces create a beautiful gradient, making it ideal for photography. The climate is also mild, making it a suitable season for holy site pilgrimages.
Winter (December to February)
Around the Tadami Line in Niigata Prefecture, you can enjoy snowy winter scenery covered in deep snow. The landscape unique to a snowy region reminds you of the winter episodes in the work. However, attention is needed regarding traffic impacts from snowfall and cold weather measures. In Ogawa Town, Saitama Prefecture, if it snows, you can also recreate the winter scenes from the work.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Around Ogawa Town
Ogawa Town is known as the “Land of Washi Paper,” a producer of traditional hand-made Japanese paper. At the Saitama Traditional Craft Hall, you can experience making washi paper. Additionally, there are restaurants around Ogawa Town Station that use local ingredients, which can be enjoyed along with holy site pilgrimages.
If you venture to the Chichibu area, there are many tourist spots such as Chichibu Shrine and the scenic Nagatoro Gorge.
Around Katsuragi Town, Wakayama Prefecture
Mount Koya, a World Heritage Site, is nearby, with many temples and Buddhist lodges as sacred sites of Japanese Buddhism. A plan to visit Amano no Sato along with a pilgrimage to Mount Koya is recommended. Additionally, Katsuragi Town is active in fruit cultivation, and you can enjoy fruit picking by season.
Around Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture
The Uonuma region is one of Japan’s leading Koshihikari rice production areas where you can enjoy delicious rice and sake. Additionally, there are many hot springs, and you can enjoy hot spring tours along with a trip on the Tadami Line. Ski resorts also operate in winter.
Ways to Enjoy Holy Site Pilgrimages
Comparative Photography with Anime
Saving screenshots of the anime on your smartphone or tablet and taking photos from the same angle at the actual location—”comparative photography”—is the essence of holy site pilgrimage. By verifying how closely the anime and real scenery match while touring, your understanding of the work deepens.
Combining Multiple Holy Sites
Although it is difficult to visit all holy sites in a single day, combining them by region allows for efficient pilgrimage. For example, visiting Ogawa Town and the Chichibu area in Saitama Prefecture in one day, and Amano no Sato and Mount Koya in Wakayama Prefecture in another day, are possible plans.
Enjoying Local Food
Enjoying regional specialties and local cuisine is also an important aspect of holy site pilgrimages. You can savor local tastes unique to each region: vegetables and dishes using local ingredients in Ogawa Town, persimmon leaf sushi and pickled plums in Wakayama Prefecture, and Uonuma Koshihikari rice and sake in Niigata Prefecture.
Places in Ibaraki Prefecture Where You Can Enjoy a Similar Atmosphere
Although not actual holy sites, there are places in Ibaraki Prefecture where you can feel the atmosphere of “Non Non Biyori.”
Agricultural Villages in Ibaraki Prefecture
Northern and western Ibaraki Prefecture have many areas with beautiful rural landscapes. Particularly, the hilly regions of cities like Hitachi-Ota and Daigo preserve the kind of rural scenery depicted in the work.
Facilities Using Closed Schools
There are several facilities and cafés in Ibaraki Prefecture that make use of closed schools. Although not actual holy sites, visiting such places as a way to feel the atmosphere of a branch school is also interesting.
Conclusion
The holy sites of “Non Non Biyori Repeat” are not in Ibaraki Prefecture, but are primarily distributed across Ogawa Town in Saitama Prefecture, Katsuragi Town in Wakayama Prefecture, Uonuma City in Niigata Prefecture, and other locations. The confusion with Ibaraki Prefecture is thought to arise from the similarity of rural scenery in the Kanto region and geographical proximity.
When conducting holy site pilgrimages, confirm access methods to each location beforehand, remember to be considerate to local residents, and act with courtesy in mind. By actually visiting the beautiful rural landscapes that became the setting for the work, your understanding of the anime will deepen, and you will make new discoveries.
The secret to a fulfilling holy site pilgrimage is to enjoy the charm of each region while touring the holy sites scattered throughout the country. Experience the world of “Non Non Biyori” while feeling the leisurely flow of time.
