“TARI TARI,” an original anime produced by P.A.WORKS and broadcast in 2012, is a moving work depicting the youth of high school students set in the Enoshima and Shonan areas of Kanagawa Prefecture. The story of five friends—Wasana Sakai, Natsuka Miyamoto, and Sawa Okita, who belong to the chorus club and badminton club—growing up while facing their respective worries and dreams, captured the hearts of many fans.
This article provides detailed information about pilgrimage spots in the Enoshima, Kamakura, and Fujisawa areas, centered on Enoshima, which is the sacred ground of TARI TARI. It covers access methods for actual visits, photography points, recommended pilgrimage routes, and local ways to enjoy the experience, encompassing comprehensive information for maximizing enjoyment of sacred ground pilgrimage.
The Stage of TARI TARI – The Charm of Enoshima and Shonan, Kanagawa Prefecture
The Relationship Between the Work and Its Setting
The stage of TARI TARI is the Shonan area centered on Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture. In particular, Enoshima appears frequently as a central stage of the work, and since the setting has the protagonist Wasana Sakai’s home located on Enoshima, various spots within the island are depicted in the film.
The landscape along the Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden) line is also an important element of the work, with the coastline around Kamakura High School Station and the trains themselves appearing in impressive scenes. The blue sky and sea of Shonan, along with historic streetscapes, serve as a stage setting that colors the youth drama of high school students.
Geography and Characteristics of Shonan and Enoshima
Enoshima is a tombolo jutting into Sagami Bay, connected to the mainland by the Enoshima Bentenbashi (Enoshima Bridge). On the island, there are tourist spots such as Enoshima Shrine, Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden, and Enoshima Sea Candle (observation lighthouse), attracting many visitors year-round.
The Enoden is a tram that connects Fujisawa Station to Kamakura Station. In the section running along the coastline, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Shonan sea from the train window. For TARI TARI sacred ground pilgrimage, traveling by Enoden is both an efficient method and a way to experience the atmosphere of the work.
Major Sacred Ground Spots in the Enoshima Area
Shima no Chaya Aburaiya – A Model of Wasana’s Home
Basic Information
- Address: 2-5-8 Enoshima, Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 10:00 AM–approximately sunset (varies by season)
- Closed: During rainy weather
- Access: Approximately 20 minutes walk from Enoshima Bentenbashi, past the Okutsu Shrine of Enoshima Shrine
The most important spot for TARI TARI sacred ground pilgrimage is “Shima no Chaya Aburaiya,” which served as a model for the home of the protagonist Wasana Sakai. Located in the deeper part of Enoshima, just before the stairs descending to the Iwaya Cave, this traditional Japanese house has been converted into a sweet shop, beautifully recreating the atmosphere of Wasana’s home as depicted in the work.
In the shop, you can enjoy islet cuisine and sweets, with particularly popular menu items being tokoro-ten and anmitsu. The interior is decorated with TARI TARI merchandise, illustrations, and messages left by pilgrims, warmly welcoming those on sacred ground pilgrimage.
Photography Points
- Shop exterior: Full view of the building from the stairs above, especially from an angle capturing both the sign and the entire building
- Shop entrance: Around the entrance where Wasana entered and exited
- Surrounding alleyways: Views from the direction of Enoshima Shrine’s Okutsu Shrine
When visiting, it is important to obtain permission from the shop staff before photographing during business hours and to be considerate of other customers. If possible, it is recommended to slowly immerse yourself in the world of the work while enjoying food or sweets.
Enoshima Shrine – Okutsu Shrine and Chutsu Shrine
Enoshima Shrine consists of three shrines: Hetsutsu Shrine, Chutsu Shrine, and Okutsu Shrine. In TARI TARI, the area around Okutsu Shrine is depicted particularly impressively. Located just near Aburaiya, Okutsu Shrine has scenes where Wasana visits in the work, and the views from the grounds are also a wonderful spot.
Points as a Sacred Ground
- Okutsu Shrine’s main hall: The place where Wasana paid her respects
- Views from Okutsu Shrine: A scenic spot overlooking Sagami Bay
- The shrine’s approach stairs: Stone steps where the characters walked
Chutsu Shrine also appears in the work and is a central tourist spot on Enoshima visited by many worshippers. It is said to have benefits for matchmaking and is also popular among young people wishing for romantic fulfillment.
Enomaru (Cafe) – Where Sawa and Natsuka Visited
In the finale of Episode 1, the cafe “Enomaru” that Sawa Okita and Natsuka Miyamoto visit is based on an actual cafe on Enoshima. The atmosphere of spending a slow time while gazing at the sea overlaps with the scenes in the work.
Shop Information
- Located on Enoshima Island with a view of the sea
- Attractive terrace seating with ocean views
- Rich selection of light meals and beverages
It is also ideal as a rest spot during sacred ground pilgrimage and is recommended for stopping by during an Enoshima tour.
Enoshima Bentenbashi (Enoshima Bridge)
The Enoshima Bentenbashi, which appears numerous times in the opening sequence and main episodes of TARI TARI, is a symbolic place connecting the mainland to Enoshima. The panoramic view of the entire island seen while crossing the bridge and the seascape views from atop the bridge are important spots where you can experience the world of the work.
Photography Points
- The entrance to the bridge (mainland side) looking toward Enoshima
- The sea view from around the middle of the bridge
- The entrance to Enoshima after crossing the bridge
When walking across, it takes approximately 10 minutes, but slowly walking while feeling the sea breeze allows you to experience the atmosphere of the work more deeply.
Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden and Enoshima Sea Candle
The botanical garden and observation lighthouse located midway up Enoshima also appear as backgrounds in the work. In particular, Enoshima Sea Candle (observation lighthouse) is recognizable as Enoshima’s landmark in distant scenes.
Points of Interest
- 360-degree panoramic views from the observation deck
- Views of the Shonan coast and Mount Fuji
- Beautiful scenery at dusk
Visiting during sacred ground pilgrimage allows you to gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire Enoshima, which served as the setting for the work.
Sacred Ground Spots Along the Enoden Line
Around Kamakura High School Station – Impressive Coastline
The coastal scenes that appear multiple times in TARI TARI are based on the area around Kamakura High School Station. This area, where the Enoden railway crossing and coastline intersect, is also known as a popular sacred ground spot for many anime works.
Characteristics as a Sacred Ground
- Scenes with the Enoden crossing and sea in the background
- Coastline along Route 134
- Views of the sea visible from the station platform
Access
- Get off at Kamakura High School Station on the Enoshima Electric Railway
- Approximately 10 minutes from Enoshima Station
When photographing, please exercise sufficient caution as the area is alongside a busy road. Care must also be taken not to disturb local residents and other tourists.
Around Shichirigahama Station
The area around Shichirigahama Station also features beautiful coastlines that appear in the work. The road leading from the station to the coast and the landscape along the coastline near Route 134 are depicted in the production.
Recommended Points
- The slope from the station to the coast
- The Shichirigahama beach and seascape
- A spot with beautiful sunset views
Enoshima Station
Enoshima Station, which the protagonists use for commuting in TARI TARI, is an ideal starting point for sacred ground pilgrimage. The station building and surrounding scenery also appear in the work, serving as an important gateway to Enoshima.
Points Around the Station
- The exterior of Enoshima Station on the Enoden line
- The station plaza and shopping street
- Roads toward Enoshima
Odakyu Line’s Katase Enoshima Station is also nearby, offering abundant access options.
Sacred Ground Spots in the Kamakura Area
Jochi-ji Temple – A Model of Sawa’s Home
The model for Sawa Okita’s home is Jochi-ji Temple, which holds a status second only to the Five Mountains of Kamakura. This historic Zen temple, established during the Kamakura period, has an atmosphere matching the setting of Sawa’s home in the work.
Basic Information
- Address: 1402 Yamanouchi, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM
- Admission: 200 yen
- Access: Approximately 8 minutes walk from JR Kita-Kamakura Station
Points of Interest
- Tasteful mountain gate and stone steps
- Serene temple grounds
- Beautiful bamboo grove and garden landscapes
Jochi-ji Temple has relatively few tourists, making it possible to visit at a leisurely pace. You can experience the atmosphere of Sawa’s home while touching on Kamakura’s history and culture.
Around Kamakura Station
The area around Kamakura Station, the final stop on the Enoden line, also has scenes appearing in the work. The bustling atmosphere around the station and shopping streets like Komachi-dori are spots to enjoy during breaks in pilgrimage.
Efficient Sacred Ground Pilgrimage Routes
Basic Route for One Day (Centered on Enoshima)
Morning (9:00 AM–12:00 PM)
- Arrive at Enoshima Station (9:00 AM)
- Walk across Enoshima Bentenbashi (9:10 AM–9:20 AM)
- Visit Enoshima Shrine’s Hetsutsu and Chutsu Shrines (9:30 AM–10:00 AM)
- Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden and Sea Candle (10:10 AM–10:40 AM)
- Enoshima Shrine’s Okutsu Shrine (10:50 AM–11:10 AM)
- Arrive at Shima no Chaya Aburaiya (11:20 AM)
Lunch (12:00 PM–1:00 PM)
- Have lunch at Aburaiya or another restaurant on the island
Afternoon (1:00 PM–5:00 PM)
- Enoshima Iwaya Cave (1:00 PM–1:40 PM) *Optional
- Rest at Enomaru cafe or similar (2:00 PM–2:40 PM)
- Leave Enoshima and travel by Enoden (3:00 PM)
- Get off at Kamakura High School Station and photograph the coastline (3:20 PM–4:00 PM)
- Explore around Shichirigahama Station (4:20 PM–5:00 PM)
Comprehensive Two-Day Route
Day 1: Focused on Enoshima
- Leisurely visit all spots on Enoshima
- Evening view from Enoshima Sea Candle at dusk
- Dinner on the island
Day 2: Along the Enoden Line and Kamakura
- Morning: Kamakura High School Station, Shichirigahama, and other Enoden-line locations
- Afternoon: Temple and shrine tours in Kamakura, including Jochi-ji
- Shopping and dining around Kamakura Station
Optimal Times for Photography
Morning (9:00 AM–11:00 AM)
- Enoshima is relatively uncrowded
- Lighting is easy for photography
- Can align with Aburaiya’s opening hours
Evening (4:00 PM–6:00 PM)
- Beautiful sunset over the coastline
- Can capture the Enoden and dusk together
- However, this is also a crowded time period
Access Methods and Transportation
Access from the Tokyo Area
By Train
- Using JR Tokaido Line and Shonan-Shinjuku Line
- Shinjuku Station → Fujisawa Station (approximately 60 minutes)
- Transfer to Enoden at Fujisawa Station → Enoshima Station (approximately 10 minutes)
- Using the Odakyu Line
- Shinjuku Station → Katase Enoshima Station (Limited Express in approximately 60 minutes)
- Approximately 10 minutes walk from Katase Enoshima Station to Enoshima
Recommended Passes
- Enoden One-Day Pass “Noriori-kun”: 800 yen
- Unlimited travel on all Enoden lines
- Ideal for sacred ground pilgrimage
- Odakyu “Enoshima and Kamakura Free Pass”: 1,640 yen (from Shinjuku)
- Odakyu line round trip + unlimited Enoden travel + facility discounts
By Car
Highway Access
- Tomei Expressway Atsugi IC → approximately 30 minutes via Route 134
- Shin-Shonan Bypass Chigasaki Coast IC → approximately 15 minutes via Route 134
Parking Information
- Multiple paid parking lots are available around Enoshima
- Early arrival is recommended as areas become crowded on weekends
- Charges: Approximately 1,000–2,000 yen per day
Note that during summer and holidays, the area around Enoshima becomes extremely congested, making the use of public transportation strongly recommended.
Ways to Enjoy Sacred Ground Pilgrimage and Etiquette
Preview the Work Before Visiting
To maximize enjoyment of sacred ground pilgrimage, it is important to have watched TARI TARI beforehand. Comparing the scenes in each episode with actual locations deepens understanding of the work and doubles the emotional impact.
Recommended Preparations
- Watch all 13 episodes
- Save screenshots of impressive scenes
- Create a list of locations where scenes appear
- Mark major spots on a map application
Photography Etiquette
Photography is one of the main enjoyments of sacred ground pilgrimage, but it is important to observe the following etiquette:
Basic Etiquette
- No trespassing on private property
- Obtain permission before photographing at operating shops
- Be considerate of other tourists and local residents
- Observe traffic rules (especially when photographing near crossings and roads)
- Always take trash with you
Things to Note at Aburaiya
- Basically use the shop as a customer while it is operating
- Obtain permission from staff before photographing inside
- Avoid long stays during busy times
- Remember to be considerate of other customers
Contributing to the Local Community
Sacred ground pilgrimage also contributes to the local economy. When visiting, make active use of local shops, and building good relationships with the community is the key to enjoying sacred ground for the long term.
Points for Enjoying the Local Area
- Try Enoshima’s specialty shirasu-don (whitebait rice bowl)
- Purchase local souvenirs
- Patronize restaurants and sweet shops on the island
- Also enjoy other tourist spots in Enoshima and Kamakura
Enjoying by Season
Spring (March–May)
Spring, the season when the story of TARI TARI unfolds, is an ideal time for sacred ground pilgrimage. The warm climate makes walking easy, and the plants on Enoshima are beautiful.
Spring’s Highlights
- Cherry blossoms in Kamakura (late March–early April)
- Pleasant climate for island exploration
- Beautiful new foliage at Enoshima Shrine
Summer (June–August)
Summer, when the main stage of the work is set, is the season when you can best experience the atmosphere of the work. However, it is also the season with the most tourists.
Summer Entertainment
- Beautiful contrast between blue sky and sea
- Lively atmosphere of the beach season
- Summer festivals and events
Things to Note
- Extremely crowded (especially weekends in July–August)
- Heat stroke prevention is essential
- Early morning visits are recommended
Autumn (September–November)
Autumn, when scenes like the cultural festival in the latter half of the work are impressive, is also recommended for sacred ground pilgrimage. You can explore without the summer crowds and in comfortable weather.
Autumn’s Attractions
- Beautiful autumn foliage at Kamakura temples and shrines
- Pleasant climate
- Beautiful sunset over the coastline
Winter (December–February)
A quiet season when tourist numbers are low, allowing leisurely pilgrimage. One charm of winter is the clear air through which Mount Fuji is often clearly visible.
Winter’s Pleasures
- Leisurely exploration of an uncrowded Enoshima
- Views of Mount Fuji from Enoshima Sea Candle
- The solemn atmosphere of the winter sea
Nearby Accommodations and Dining Information
Recommended Accommodation Areas
Fujisawa and Enoshima Area
- Enoshima Island Spa (day-trip hot spring and accommodation)
- Business hotels around Fujisawa Station
- Inns near Katase Enoshima Station
Kamakura Area
- Hotels around Kamakura Station
- Accommodations along Yuigahama and Zaimokuza coasts
Enjoying Shonan Cuisine
Enoshima Specialties
- Shirasu-don: Fresh whitebait is in season from April–December
- Turban shell grilled in the shell: Offered at many shops on the island
- Enoshima Beer: Local craft beer available
Recommended Restaurants
- Tobiiccho: Popular for whitebait cuisine
- Kaizao: Variety of seafood dishes
- Shima no Chaya Aburaiya: Sweets and light meals
Preserving Memories of TARI TARI Sacred Ground Pilgrimage
Photography Tips
Compositional Techniques
- Research angles that recreate scenes from the work
- Be conscious of the same time and weather
- Use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire landscape
Recommended Photography Equipment
- Smartphones are sufficient for photography
- Single-lens reflex or mirrorless cameras produce higher quality
- Extra batteries are essential
Sharing on Social Media
Memories of TARI TARI sacred ground pilgrimage can be shared on social media, allowing you to connect with other fans.
Recommended Hashtags
- #TARITARI
- #TARITARIseichi
- #Enoshima
- #Seichijunrei
Creating a Pilgrimage Notebook
Creating a pilgrimage notebook to record the places you visited, photos taken, and what you felt allows the emotion to resurface when you look back later. Whether digital or analog, preserve your memories in your own way.
The Charm of the Work and Its Relationship to the Sacred Ground
The Youth Depicted in TARI TARI
TARI TARI is a story of five young people in their final year of high school, who grow through singing in a choir while facing themselves. Each of them carries worries—Wasana’s sense of loss from losing her mother, Natsuka’s impatience about not giving up on her dreams, Sawa’s conflict about whether to inherit the family business—depicted carefully against the beautiful backdrop of the Shonan landscape.
The Meaning of Enoshima as a Stage
Enoshima is a special space connected to the mainland by a bridge yet independent. This quality of being “continuous with everyday life yet slightly special” makes Enoshima a perfect stage for depicting the youth of high school students.
The setting of Wasana’s home on Enoshima can also be interpreted as symbolizing both her internal loneliness and the sense of openness surrounded by the sea. Visiting sacred grounds allows one to experientially understand these deeper meanings of the work, which is the true appeal of sacred ground pilgrimage.
Deepening Understanding of the Work Through Sacred Ground Pilgrimage
By actually visiting Enoshima and Kamakura, walking the paths the characters walked, and seeing the landscapes they saw, understanding and affection for the work deepen significantly. Physical experiences not felt through the anime screen—the scent of sea breeze, the slope of hillsides, the vastness of the sea—allow for three-dimensional understanding of the work’s world.
Particularly, experiences such as actually eating at Aburaiya or climbing the stone steps of Enoshima Shrine are equivalent to experiencing the daily lives of Wasana and Sawa. Through such experiences, new insights into details of the work unnoticed during viewing, and fresh awareness of characters’ emotions, often emerge.
Conclusion – What TARI TARI Sacred Ground Pilgrimage Offers
Enoshima and the Shonan area of Kanagawa Prefecture, the sacred ground of TARI TARI, are wonderful places where one can experience the work’s world. The experience of visiting “Shima no Chaya Aburaiya,” the model of Wasana’s home, gazing at the coastline while swaying on the Enoden, and visiting historic temples in Kamakura will become precious memories for fans.
Sacred ground pilgrimage is not merely sightseeing but an act of giving form to one’s love for a work and deepening understanding of it. At the same time, it is a journey to enjoy the beautiful Shonan landscape, experience local culture and cuisine, and make new discoveries.
Using the information provided in this article, please visit TARI TARI’s sacred ground and engrave your own page of youth. The “melody of the heart” that Wasana Sakai and her friends sang in the work will resonate in your heart along with the landscape of Enoshima.
Through sacred ground pilgrimage, we hope TARI TARI becomes an even more special work for you.
