【Love Live!】 Ibaraki Prefecture
Introduction: Ibaraki Prefecture Becomes a Holy Site for “Love Live! Superstar!!”
In the third season of the TV anime “Love Live! Superstar!!” broadcast in 2024, newly introduced characters Natsumi and Tomari Onitsuka, sisters who are residents of Ushiku City in Ibaraki Prefecture, appear in the story, with many scenes showing Liella! members visiting Ushiku City. While previous Love Live series were primarily set in Tokyo, this is the first time Ibaraki Prefecture has been depicted as a holy site, drawing significant attention from fans nationwide.
This article provides a thorough explanation based on actual pilgrimage experiences at the holy sites in Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture that appear in the anime, including detailed information about each location, access methods, photography spots, and nearby attractions.
What is Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture? Hometown of the Onitsuka Sisters
Ushiku City is located in southern Ibaraki Prefecture and has a population of approximately 80,000. Situated about 60km from central Tokyo, it is accessible in approximately one hour from Ueno Station via JR Joban Line, or about one hour and 30 minutes from Harajuku Station, a realistic distance that aligns with the story’s setting.
The city is known as an attractive tourist destination where history and culture blend, famous for the “Ushiku Daibutsu,” one of the world’s largest bronze statues, and “Ushiku Chateau,” Japan’s first full-scale wine production facility. In the anime, these landmarks are depicted as important venues visited by the Onitsuka sisters and Liella! members.
Ushiku Station: The Starting Point of Holy Site Pilgrimage
Points of Interest Inside the Station
JR Joban Line Ushiku Station serves as the gateway for holy site pilgrimage in Ibaraki Prefecture. Following the anime broadcast, life-sized panels of the Onitsuka sisters were installed just beyond the ticket gates, becoming a popular photography spot for fans.
The station building is divided into east and west exits. To reach Ushiku Daibutsu or Ushiku Chateau, use the east exit. The station front scenery depicted in the anime is modeled after the actual east exit of Ushiku Station, with the rotary and plaza arrangement matching the anime depiction.
Access Information
From Tokyo Area:
- Approximately 50 minutes from Ueno Station via JR Joban Line Express
- Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes from Shinagawa Station
- Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Harajuku Station via Yamanote and Joban Lines
Fares:
- 990 yen one-way from Ueno Station (with IC card)
- Free passes such as weekend excursion passes are also available
Facilities Around the Station
The Ushiku Station east exit has a tourist information center where you can obtain holy site pilgrimage maps and information about nearby attractions. Convenience stores and restaurants are also well-equipped, making it convenient for pre-pilgrimage preparation.
Ushiku Daibutsu: A Holy Site of Remarkable Scale
Appearances in the Anime
Ushiku Daibutsu is one of the most impressive venues in “Love Live! Superstar!!” Season 3. It appears in scenes where the Onitsuka sisters guide Liella! members, with its overwhelming scale faithfully recreated in the anime. The scene where members including Keke are amazed by the size of the Buddha has become a memorable moment for many fans.
Basic Information About Ushiku Daibutsu
Ushiku Daibutsu is a world-class bronze statue with a total height of 120 meters (including the pedestal) and is recognized in the Guinness World Records. Its official name is “Ushiku Amida Daibutsu,” and it was constructed in 1993 by the Higashi Hongan-ji School of Pure Land Buddhism.
Viewing Hours:
- March–September: Weekdays 9:30–17:00, weekends/holidays 9:30–17:30
- October–February: Weekdays 9:30–16:30, weekends/holidays 9:30–17:00
Admission:
- Including Buddha interior: Adults 800 yen, children 400 yen
- Garden only: Adults 500 yen, children 300 yen
Photography Spots
For shots matching the anime, photography from the front approach is recommended. Especially on clear days, you can photograph the solemn figure of the Buddha against a blue sky. The angle looking up from the Buddha’s feet, also depicted in the anime, allows you to experience its impact.
The Buddha’s interior is five stories tall, and an observation deck offers a panoramic view of Ushiku City. On clear days, you may see Tokyo Skytree or Mt. Fuji, allowing you to enjoy sightseeing alongside pilgrimage activities.
Nearby Attractions
The “Ushiku Joen” area where Ushiku Daibutsu stands features gardens with seasonal flowers and a small animal park. Particularly, you can enjoy different scenery each season, including cherry blossoms and colored moss in spring, sunflowers in summer, and cosmos flowers in autumn.
Ushiku Chateau: A Holy Site Full of Historical Romance
Birthplace of Japanese Wine
Ushiku Chateau was established in 1903 (Meiji 36) by Denbe Kamiya and is Japan’s first full-scale wine production facility. In 2020, it was designated as a National Important Cultural Property and is preserved as a historically valuable structure.
In the anime, scenes depict the Onitsuka sisters guiding Liella! members to this historic building, with the heavy brick construction and beautiful gardens making a striking impression.
Sightseeing Points
Hours:
- 10:00–16:00 (last entry 15:30)
- Closed: Mondays (or following day if Monday is a holiday), year-end/new year
Admission: Free (some facilities have fees)
The Ushiku Chateau grounds feature various buildings including the heavy brick brewing facilities, the Denbe Kamiya Memorial Hall, and administrative offices. The fountain plaza and building exteriors depicted in the anime match the actual scenery, allowing for anime scene recreation photography.
Photography Spots
You can visit the brick path from the main gate, the red brick walls of the brewing facility, and the courtyard fountain—all places appearing in the anime. Particularly during autumn foliage season, the contrast between brick architecture and colored leaves is beautiful and ideal for photography.
Local Cuisine
A restaurant called “La Terrasse du Oenonn” operates on the grounds, offering dishes made with local ingredients. The gift shop sells original wines and merchandise from Ushiku Chateau.
Other Holy Sites
Nanbu Coffee
Several cafes and restaurants near Ushiku Station may have appeared in the series. Nanbu Coffee is a beloved local coffee shop where many fans stop to rest during their pilgrimage.
Kashiwada Shrine and Surroundings
Multiple shrines and temples exist throughout Ushiku City, which may have served as models for scenes in the anime. It is recommended as a place to experience the local atmosphere.
We Actually Visited Ushiku: Sample Courses
Half-Day Course (approximately 4 hours)
9:00 Arrive at JR Ushiku Station, commemorate photo with Onitsuka sisters panels
9:30 Take bus to Ushiku Daibutsu from station east exit (approximately 25 minutes)
10:00 Visit and photograph Ushiku Daibutsu (approximately 90 minutes)
11:30 Take bus to Ushiku Chateau
12:00 Tour and photograph Ushiku Chateau (approximately 90 minutes)
13:30 Return by bus to Ushiku Station
14:00 Lunch and souvenir shopping near station
Full-Day Course (approximately 8 hours)
In addition to the half-day course above, visit other tourist spots in Ushiku City and locations that may have appeared in the anime. Using a rental bicycle allows more efficient coverage.
Ibaraki Prefecture sometimes offers advantageous tourism plans like “1000 yen car rental campaigns,” so it’s recommended to check in advance.
Detailed Access to Ushiku
Access by Train
The JR Joban Line is the most convenient means of access. Using express trains allows smooth arrival from the Tokyo area.
Travel Time from Major Stations:
- From Ueno Station: approximately 50 minutes (express)
- From Tokyo Station: approximately 1 hour (express, via Ueno)
- From Shinagawa Station: approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes
- From Harajuku Station: approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes (Yamanote/Joban line transfer)
Access by Car
Via Joban Expressway:
- Approximately 20 minutes from Sakura-Tsuchiura IC
- Approximately 30 minutes from Yatabe IC
Parking is available at both Ushiku Daibutsu and Ushiku Chateau.
Bus Travel
Bus services operate from the Ushiku Station east exit to Ushiku Daibutsu and Ushiku Chateau.
To Ushiku Daibutsu:
- Kanto Railway Bus “Ushiku Daibutsu/Ushiku Joen”
- Travel time: approximately 25 minutes
- Fare: approximately 500 yen one-way
To Ushiku Chateau:
- Walking approximately 15 minutes or taxi
Schedules vary by season and day, so checking the Kanto Railway website in advance is recommended.
Accommodations and Recommended Areas
Accommodations in Ushiku City
Several business hotels in Ushiku City can serve as bases for pilgrimage activities. However, the number of facilities is limited, so early reservations are necessary during weekends and holidays.
Nearby Accommodation Options
Tsukuba City:
- Approximately 15 minutes by train from Ushiku Station
- Abundant hotel options
- Good access to Tokyo via Tsukuba Express
Tsuchiura City:
- Approximately 10 minutes by train from Ushiku Station
- Enjoy sightseeing around Lake Kasumigaura
Staying in Tokyo:
- Day trips are entirely feasible
- Can combine with other “Love Live! Superstar!!” holy sites (Harajuku/Shibuya areas)
Holy Site Pilgrimage Etiquette and Points
Basic Etiquette
- Do Not Enter Private Property: Some locations appearing in the anime are not open to the public. Avoid trespassing on private land.
- Consideration in Residential Areas: Avoid loud conversations and avoid photographing during early morning or nighttime hours. Respect residents’ daily lives.
- Follow Facility Rules: Observe photography and usage rules at each facility such as Ushiku Daibutsu and Ushiku Chateau.
- Take Trash With You: To keep holy sites beautiful, always take trash with you.
- Small Group Pilgrimage: Especially in residential areas or narrow spaces, quiet pilgrimage with small groups is recommended.
Photography Tips
Time of Day:
Selecting the same time of day and weather as depicted in the anime produces more atmospheric photographs. Ushiku Daibutsu photographs beautifully in the morning with front lighting.
Angle:
Save screenshots of anime scenes and compare them with locations on-site to efficiently find matching angles.
Season:
Visiting during the season depicted in the series creates an experience closer to the work’s world.
Combined Plan with Tokyo Holy Sites
The main venues of “Love Live! Superstar!!” are in Tokyo (Harajuku, Yoyogi Park, Shibuya area). Combining it with Ibaraki holy site pilgrimage allows for a more fulfilling pilgrimage trip.
Two-Day Plan Example
Day 1: Tokyo Holy Sites
- Harajuku Station area (model area for Yuigaoka Gakuen)
- Yoyogi Park (practice scene venue)
- Takeshita Street, Omotesando
- Shibuya area
Day 2: Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture
- Morning: Ushiku Daibutsu
- Afternoon: Ushiku Chateau
- Evening: Ushiku Station area
Since Ushiku is accessible in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Harajuku, both can be visited in a single day if time permits.
Ibaraki Prefecture’s Official Efforts
Ibaraki Prefectural Government actively promotes collaboration with “Love Live! Superstar!!”. The official website publishes holy site maps, and staff members have reported on actual pilgrimages alongside Onitsuka sisters panels.
Tourism campaigns and stamp rallies are regularly held, and checking Ibaraki’s official tourism site before visiting allows you to obtain advantageous information and latest event details.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Tsukuba City
Known as the city of science, Tsukuba is approximately 15 minutes by train from Ushiku City. Mt. Tsukuba and the JAXA Tsukuba Space Center offer plenty of sightseeing.
Tsuchiura City
Facing Lake Kasumigaura, Tsuchiura offers beautiful lakeside scenery and water village charm. The Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition (held in November) is one of Japan’s three major fireworks displays.
Aquaworld Ibaraki Prefectural Oarai Aquarium
A bit distant from Ushiku City, it is a representative tourist spot in Ibaraki Prefecture. Located in Oarai Town, which is also known as a holy site for “Girls & Panzer.”
Conclusion: The Appeal of Ibaraki Holy Site Pilgrimage
The newly added Ushiku City holy sites in Ibaraki Prefecture from “Love Live! Superstar!!” Season 3 bring fresh appeal to previously Tokyo-centered holy site pilgrimages. With abundant spots that non-anime fans can also enjoy, such as the world’s largest Ushiku Daibutsu and the historic Ushiku Chateau, there is something for everyone.
Ushiku City, connected to appealing characters like the Onitsuka sisters, will undoubtedly become an increasingly noted holy site. The good accessibility from Tokyo and the feasible day-trip distance are also appealing aspects.
Actually visiting the beautiful scenery depicted in the anime and immersing yourself in the work’s world while discovering Ibaraki’s charm—holy site pilgrimage offers this unique experience. Please use this article as a reference for an enriching pilgrimage journey.
For detailed information about visited locations and the latest tourism information, check the Ibaraki Prefecture official website and the Ushiku City Tourism Association website. Check seasonal event information and advantageous campaign details to achieve an optimal holy site pilgrimage experience.
