【Bungo Stray Dogs】 Kanagawa Prefecture, Yokohama City
Introduction: The Deep Connection Between Bungo Stray Dogs and Kanagawa Prefecture
“Bungo Stray Dogs” (commonly known as “Bungou Stray Dogs”) is a popular manga and anime series created by Kafka Asagiri and illustrated by Sango Harukawa. In this work where characters modeled after real literary giants use supernatural abilities to fight, Kanagawa Prefecture, particularly Yokohama City, is portrayed as an important stage for the story.
The bases of the “Armed Detective Agency” and “Port Mafia” that appear in the work are set in Yokohama, and the actual landscape of Yokohama is reflected in the work in numerous ways. As a result, Kanagawa Prefecture has become a must-visit pilgrimage site for Bungo Stray Dogs fans.
This article provides detailed information on Bungo Stray Dogs-related spots throughout Kanagawa Prefecture, offering information to help you enjoy pilgrimage tours to the fullest, including efficient pilgrimage routes and photography tips.
Why Kanagawa Prefecture Became the Stage for Bungo Stray Dogs
Historical Background of Yokohama as a Port Town
Since its opening at the end of the Edo period, Yokohama has developed as an international city symbolizing Japan’s modernization. In the world of Bungo Stray Dogs, this historical port town setting adds depth to the story.
The underworld where ability users operate in the shadows, conflicts with the international organization “The Guild,” and the international character and history of Yokohama as a location made it the perfect stage for the work.
Retro-Modern Streetscape and the Work’s World View
Yokohama has many buildings that retain the atmosphere of the Meiji and early Showa periods, such as the Red Brick Warehouse, Yamashita Park, and the Yokohama Three Towers (King Tower, Queen Tower, Jack Tower). This retro-modern atmosphere harmonizes beautifully with the world view of a work based on literary giants.
Detailed Information on Major Pilgrimage Spots in the Yokohama Area
Red Brick Warehouse Area
Scenes in the Work
The Red Brick Warehouse appears multiple times in the opening video of anime Season 1 and in important scenes in the main story. It is used impressively in scenes where members of the Armed Detective Agency visit on missions and scenes of confrontation with the Port Mafia.
How to Access
- About 6 minutes walk from “Bashamichi Station” or “Nihon-odori Station” on the Minatomirai Line
- About 15 minutes walk from “Sakuragicho Station” on the JR or Municipal Subway
- Right at the “Red Brick Park” bus stop
Photography Points
Photographing from the front of the Red Brick Warehouse allows you to recreate the same angle as in the anime. The Red Brick Warehouse lit up at dusk is particularly the best time to express the atmosphere of the work.
A shot with the warehouse and sea in the background is also recommended, allowing you to feel the atmosphere unique to Yokohama as a port town.
Yamashita Park
Importance in the Work
Yamashita Park appears in various scenes, including conversations between characters and tense scenes before battles. Shots with the sea as a background are particularly impressive, and scenes such as conversations between Nakajima Atsushi and Dazai Osamu are also depicted here.
Points of Interest
- Hikawa Maru: A historic passenger ship moored at Yamashita Park, also appearing in the work
- Bay Bridge Views: A landscape used in the opening images of the work
- Around the “Girl in Red Shoes Statue”: Identified as a place where characters stood
Access
About 3 minutes walk from Exit 4 of “Motomachi-Chukagai Station” on the Minatomirai Line, making it an ideal base for pilgrimage tours.
Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall International Passenger Terminal
Appearances in the Work
The opening hall is used in anime opening and ending sequences and important scenes in the main story. In particular, the rooftop deck “Whale’s Back” offers a 360-degree panoramic view—a spectacular spot where you can see the whole of Yokohama.
Photography Tips
- Photography from the rooftop deck with the Minato Mirai high-rise buildings in the background
- Shots facing the direction of the Bay Bridge overlooking the sea
- A tripod is useful for night photography (but be careful about usage during crowded times)
Business Information
- Free admission, 24-hour open access (rooftop deck)
- Access: About 7 minutes walk from “Nihon-odori Station” on the Minatomirai Line
Minato Mirai Area
Landmark Tower Area
Landmark Tower, a symbol of Minato Mirai, appears frequently in scenes reflecting Yokohama’s cityscape. From the observation deck “Sky Garden,” you can see an overview of Yokohama’s cityscape as it appears in the work.
Queens Square Yokohama
A convenient spot for shopping and cafe breaks, perfect as a rest spot during pilgrimage tours.
Rinko Park
A spacious park along the sea, used as a location for open scenes in the work.
Yokohama Chinatown Area
Relevance in the Work
Yokohama Chinatown is set as the location of the Port Mafia’s base and serves as an important stage that evokes the atmosphere of the underworld. The atmosphere of the actual Chinatown adds depth to the work’s world view.
Recommended Spots
- Zenrin Gate (East Gate): A symbolic gate of Chinatown
- Guandi Temple: The solemn atmosphere matches the work’s world view
- Chinatown Odori: The lively atmosphere of the street is reflected in the work
Gourmet Information
You can enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine and street food during breaks in pilgrimage tours. Xiaolongbao, steamed pork buns, tapioca drinks, and more are perfect for energy replenishment.
Motomachi-Yamate Area
Western Buildings and the Work’s World View
The Yamate area has numerous Western buildings from the Meiji and Taisho periods, perfectly matching the retro-modern world view of Bungo Stray Dogs.
- Foreign Cemetery: The historical atmosphere resonates with the work’s time period
- Hill with a View of the Port: A viewing spot overlooking Yokohama Port
- Bluff 18 Western Buildings and Others: Architectural works full of Taisho romance
Access
Within walking distance via the Motomachi shopping street from Exit 6 of “Motomachi-Chukagai Station” on the Minatomirai Line.
Yokohama Station Area
Appearances in the Work
Yokohama Station is depicted as a hub where characters move from place to place. The modern urban atmosphere expresses the modernity of the work.
Convenience
It is ideal as a starting or ending point for pilgrimage tours, and since many lines run through here, access is extremely convenient.
Efficient Pilgrimage Model Courses
Full-Day Course: Complete Yokohama Central Area Conquest Plan
Morning (9:00-12:00)
- Start at Yokohama Station (9:00)
- Move to “Motomachi-Chukagai Station” on the Minatomirai Line (9:15)
- Browse and photograph Yamashita Park (9:30-10:30)
- Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall International Passenger Terminal (10:45-11:30)
- Walk to Red Brick Warehouse (11:45)
Lunch (12:00-13:00)
Rest at a restaurant or cafe inside the Red Brick Warehouse
Afternoon (13:00-17:00)
- Browse Minato Mirai Area (13:30-15:00)
- Landmark Tower area
- Rinko Park
- Move to Motomachi-Chinatown Area (15:30)
- Browse and photograph Yokohama Chinatown (15:45-16:45)
- Motomachi-Yamate Area (Western Building Tours) (17:00-18:00)
Evening (18:00-)
- Night scenery photography: Return to the opening hall or Red Brick Warehouse (18:30-19:30)
- Return to Yokohama Station (20:00)
Half-Day Course: Selective Major Spots Plan
Duration: Approximately 4-5 hours
- Start at “Nihon-odori Station” on the Minatomirai Line
- Opening Hall (30 minutes)
- Yamashita Park (40 minutes)
- Red Brick Warehouse (40 minutes)
- Minato Mirai Area (60 minutes)
- Return to Yokohama Station
This course efficiently covers the most important pilgrimage sites and is recommended for those with limited time.
2-Day Course: Kanagawa Prefecture Wide-Area Pilgrimage Plan
Day 1: Yokohama Central Area
Following the full-day course above with visits to major spots in central Yokohama
Day 2: Expanded Surrounding Areas
- Kamakura Area: Sites related to real literary giants (traces of Dazai Osamu, Akutagawa Ryunosuke, etc.)
- Enoshima: A beach scene inspiration source
- Kawasaki Area: Industrial atmosphere related to some scenes in the work
Preparation and Packing for Pilgrimage Tours
Essential Items
Camera/Smartphone
Essential for commemorative photography at pilgrimage sites. Remember to bring a backup battery or mobile battery.
Work Materials
- Anime screenshots (saved on phone)
- Relevant scenes from manga
- Pilgrimage maps (downloaded in advance or printed)
Maps/Navigation
Downloading navigation apps like Google Maps is convenient. Also take advantage of offline map features.
Useful Items to Have
- Comfortable walking shoes: You may walk over 10km in a day
- Hat/sunscreen: For outdoor photography in summer
- Rain gear: To prepare for weather changes
- Notebook/pen: For recording visits and impressions
- Drinks/light snacks: Frequent hydration is important
Advance Preparation
Preview the Work
Watching the anime or manga again before visiting makes the experience at the sites even more moving. It’s especially helpful to know which scenes were filmed where.
Check the Weather
Since Yokohama is by the sea, it can be windy. Check the weather forecast and prepare appropriate clothing.
Confirm Business Hours/Holidays
Some facilities have limited operating hours or closure days. Be especially careful about Western buildings, many of which are closed on Mondays.
Photography Manners and Rules
Basic Manners
Compliance with Private Property/Facility Rules
Refrain from taking photographs at locations where photography is prohibited, and follow facility rules. Some places, such as shops inside the Red Brick Warehouse, have photography restrictions.
Consideration for Other Tourists
Many general tourists visit besides pilgrimage fans. Avoid occupying spaces for long periods or speaking loudly, and be considerate of those around you.
Tripod Use
Using a tripod in crowded areas or on sidewalks may interfere with other pedestrians. If using one, choose times and locations with fewer people.
Cautions When Posting on SNS
Consideration for Spoilers
When posting content that includes spoilers from the latest episodes, be sure to include a spoiler warning label.
Handling of Location Information
Sharing location information in real-time poses security risks, so make careful judgments.
Copyright Considerations
When using images from the work, be considerate of copyright and engage in appropriate citation and use.
Recommended Visiting Seasons
Spring (March-May)
Advantages
- Mild climate ideal for touring
- Cherry blossom season (late March-early April): Cherry blossoms at Yamashita Park and Motomachi Park are beautiful
- Relatively uncrowded before Golden Week
Cautions
- Golden Week is extremely crowded
- Those with hay fever need precautions
Summer (June-August)
Advantages
- Summer events and fireworks displays may be held
- Longer nighttime photography hours
- The refreshing breeze along the sea is pleasant
Cautions
- Heat management and heatstroke prevention are essential
- Rain gear is mandatory during rainy season (June-mid-July)
- Sun protection is important
Autumn (September-November)
Advantages
- The most comfortable season
- Beautiful autumn foliage (November)
- Clear air ideal for photography
- Many events held during this period
Cautions
- Popular season, so expect crowds
- Typhoon season (September-October): Be careful of weather changes
Winter (December-February)
Advantages
- Beautiful illuminations (late November-February)
- Clear air ideal for night scenery photography
- Relatively uncrowded
- Special holiday atmosphere during Christmas season
Cautions
- Cold weather protection necessary
- Early sunset (around 4:30 PM)
- Some facilities closed during year-end and New Year holidays
Accommodation Information and Access
Recommended Accommodation Areas
Around Yokohama Station
- Best transportation convenience
- Abundant hotel options
- Price range: Business hotels ¥5,000~, city hotels ¥10,000~
Minato Mirai Area
- Closest to pilgrimage sites
- Many luxury hotels
- Enjoyable night views
- Price range: ¥10,000~¥30,000+
Kannai-Sakuragicho Area
- Good access to pilgrimage sites
- Many business hotels, relatively reasonably priced
- Price range: ¥4,000~¥10,000
Motomachi-Chinatown Area
- Atmosphere full of exotic charm
- Convenient for dining in Chinatown
- Price range: ¥7,000~¥15,000
Access From Outside Kanagawa Prefecture
From Tokyo
- JR Tokaido/Yokosuka Line: About 25 minutes from Tokyo Station to Yokohama Station
- Tokyu Toyoko Line: About 30 minutes from Shibuya Station to Yokohama Station (direct connection to Minatomirai Line)
- JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line: About 35 minutes from Shinjuku Station to Yokohama Station
From Kansai
- Shinkansen: About 2 hours 10 minutes from Shin-Osaka to Shin-Yokohama, then about 11 minutes by JR Yokohama Line to Yokohama Station
- Overnight bus: About 8 hours from Osaka/Kyoto to Yokohama Station (budget option)
From Chubu
- Shinkansen: About 1 hour 40 minutes from Nagoya Station to Shin-Yokohama Station
From Other Regions
- Airplane: About 30 minutes from Haneda Airport to Yokohama Station on the Keikyū Line
- Express bus: Direct routes from nationwide locations to Yokohama Station
City Transportation
Minatomirai Line
The most convenient line for pilgrimage tours. Major stations:
- Yokohama Station
- Shin-Takashima Station
- Minato Mirai Station
- Bashamichi Station
- Nihon-odori Station
- Motomachi-Chukagai Station
One-Day Passes
- Minatomirai Line “Minato Burari Ticket”: ¥460 for adults (weekends only)
- Municipal Subway/Bus Joint “Minato Burari Ticket Wide”: ¥500 for adults
Using these tickets can help you save on transportation costs.
Walking
Major pilgrimage spots are concentrated within walking distance, so on nice weather days, walking between them is recommended. You can enjoy Yokohama’s streetscape while traveling.
Merchandise Purchases and Collaboration Cafe Information
Permanent Merchandise Sales Shops
Animate Yokohama
Located about 5 minutes walk from Yokohama Station’s west exit, Bungo Stray Dogs-related merchandise is always in stock.
- Address: 2-8-16 Minamisaiwai, Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa
- Business Hours: 11:00-20:00
Toranoana Yokohama Store
Doujinshi, official merchandise, limited products, and more are available for purchase.
Bookstores Around Yokohama Station
Yurindo, TSUTAYA, Kinokuniya Bookstore, and others sell original manga, anime DVDs/Blu-rays.
Limited-Time Collaboration Information
Bungo Stray Dogs periodically holds collaboration events and collaboration cafes throughout Yokohama City.
Examples of Past Collaborations
- Collaboration events at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
- Stamp rally in the Minato Mirai area
- Limited-time collaboration cafe (around Yokohama Station)
- Collaboration projects with Yokohama Municipal Subway
How to Obtain Latest Information
- Official Twitter (@bungosd_anime)
- Official website
- Yokohama tourism information site
- Anime and store information
Checking the latest collaboration information before your visit allows for an even more fulfilling pilgrimage experience.
Nearby Sites Related to Literary Giants
Since Bungo Stray Dogs is based on real literary giants, visiting actual sites related to these authors is an interesting experience.
Kamakura Area
Sites Related to Akutagawa Ryunosuke
Kamakura has remains of inns where Akutagawa Ryunosuke stayed. The Kanagawa Museum of Modern Literature displays materials related to literary giants.
Dazai Osamu and Kamakura
Dazai Osamu also stayed in Kamakura, and it became the setting for his works.
Literary Spots Within Yokohama City
Kanagawa Museum of Modern Literature
Located within Yamashita Park’s Hill with a View of the Port, displaying materials on writers related to Kanagawa Prefecture. You can also see materials on authors such as Natsume Soseki, Akutagawa Ryunosuke, and Dazai Osamu, whose works inspired the characters of Bungo Stray Dogs.
- Address: 110 Yamatecho, Naka Ward, Yokohama
- Access: About 10 minutes walk from Exit 6 of “Motomachi-Chukagai Station” on the Minatomirai Line
- Business Hours: 9:30-17:00 (admission until 4:30 PM)
- Closed: Mondays (if a holiday, the following weekday)
Tips on Enjoying Pilgrimage Tours
Deepen Understanding of the Work
Recreating Scenes
Photographing specific scenes from anime or manga at the same angles allows you to feel like you’re entering the work’s world. Preparing screenshots in advance allows for comparison photography on site.
Embodying Characters
Stand where your favorite character stood, take the same pose, and experience the work’s world firsthand.
Fan-to-Fan Interactions
Information Sharing on SNS
Posting with hashtags like “#BungoStrayDogsPilgrimage” or “#BungouStrayDogs Pilgrimage” on Twitter and Instagram connects you with fellow fans.
Meeting Fans at Sites
You may meet other fans visiting with the same purpose at pilgrimage sites. While following manners, enjoy interacting with them—it’s one of the highlights of pilgrimage touring.
Recording Your Visit
Pilgrimage Notebook
Recording the date of visit, weather, impressions, and more provides memories to reflect on later.
Photo Album
Whether digital or analog, organizing your visit records becomes a future source of enjoyment.
SNS Posts
Sharing your pilgrimage records on SNS, whether in real-time or later, facilitates fan interaction and information sharing.
Budget Estimates
Day Trip Plan (From Greater Tokyo Area)
- Transportation: ¥1,000~¥2,000
- Meals: ¥2,000~¥3,000
- Facility admission: ¥500~¥1,000 (observation decks, etc.)
- Merchandise purchases: ¥3,000~¥10,000 (optional)
- Total: Approximately ¥7,000~¥15,000
1-Night, 2-Day Plan (From Greater Tokyo Area)
- Transportation: ¥2,000~¥5,000
- Accommodation: ¥5,000~¥15,000
- Meals: ¥4,000~¥6,000 (2 days)
- Facility admission: ¥1,000~¥2,000
- Merchandise purchases: ¥3,000~¥10,000 (optional)
- Total: Approximately ¥15,000~¥40,000
2-Night, 3-Day Plan From Distant Locations
- Transportation: ¥10,000~¥50,000 (varies greatly by region)
- Accommodation: ¥10,000~¥30,000 (2 nights)
- Meals: ¥6,000~¥10,000 (3 days)
- Facility admission: ¥1,500~¥3,000
- Merchandise purchases: ¥5,000~¥15,000 (optional)
- Total: Approximately ¥30,000~¥100,000
Money-saving tips include booking transportation and accommodation early for discounts, using business hotels, and purchasing food at convenience stores or supermarkets.
For Safe and Comfortable Pilgrimage Tours
Health Management
Hydration
Especially in summer, frequent hydration is important for heatstroke prevention. While convenience stores and vending machines are plentiful, always carry drinks with you.
Taking Adequate Breaks
Overambitious schedules are not advisable. Take appropriate breaks at cafes or benches while touring.
Valuables Management
Since tourist areas can become crowded, take adequate precautions with valuables. Effective measures include wearing your backpack in front and distributing valuables.
Emergency Response
During Illness
Numerous medical facilities are available throughout Yokohama. In case of sudden illness, purchase medicine at a nearby pharmacy or convenience store, or visit a medical facility if necessary.
Lost or Directions
Utilize your smartphone’s GPS feature. It’s also reassuring to pick up a map at a station or tourist information center.
Conclusion: To Enjoy Bungo Stray Dogs Pilgrimage Tours to the Fullest
Kanagawa Prefecture, particularly Yokohama City, is the ultimate pilgrimage site where you can experience the world view of Bungo Stray Dogs. By visiting numerous sites that appear in the work—the Red Brick Warehouse, Yamashita Park, Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall, Minato Mirai Area—your understanding and affection for the work deepen even further.
Careful route planning, appropriate preparation, and adherence to manners enable safe and fulfilling pilgrimage tours. Check the seasonal charms and collaboration event information to create your own special pilgrimage experience.
Please experience the special time where Yokohama’s beautiful cityscape and the world view of Bungo Stray Dogs merge. For all fans who love the work, pilgrimage tours in Kanagawa Prefecture are sure to become unforgettable memories.
Finally, pilgrimage touring is a wonderful way to express your love for a work, but don’t forget consideration for local residents and other tourists. Keep manners in mind and pursue safe and enjoyable pilgrimage tours.
