【Girls Band Cry】 Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture
What is Girls Band Cry?
“Girls Band Cry” is an original animation work that aired in 2024. Produced by Toei Animation, this work captured the hearts of many fans as a music anime depicting the youth and struggles of girls who move to the city and pursue band activities.
At the center of the story is the protagonist Rina, who leaves her hometown and comes to Tokyo, where she meets individual members and forms the band “Togeashi Togekari.” The work is characterized by realistic psychological depictions, powerful live scenes, and background art that carefully portrays actual cityscapes.
The setting of this work is primarily centered on Kawasaki City in Kanagawa Prefecture. The production team conducted actual location scouting on site and faithfully incorporated real-world landscapes and buildings into the work. As a result, it has attracted attention among anime fans as a target for “sacred site pilgrimage,” and many fans have visited Kanagawa Prefecture following the broadcast.
Reasons Kanagawa Prefecture Was Chosen as the Setting
There are several reasons why Kanagawa Prefecture, particularly Kawasaki City, was selected as the setting for “Girls Band Cry.”
First, Kawasaki City has good access to central Tokyo while possessing its own unique culture and history. It serves as a realistic setting as a place where people from rural areas first live after moving to the city, as well as a base for young people beginning musical activities.
The area around Kawasaki Station is well-equipped with commercial facilities and has a youth culture rooted in it. With many live houses and music studios, it is an area where indie band activities are actually flourishing. This aspect of the city as a “music town” was considered ideal for a band anime setting.
Additionally, Kawasaki City, bordered by the Tamagawa River next to Tokyo, has a unique landscape where urban and suburban areas coexist. The contrast between the station front with its high-rise buildings and residential neighborhoods slightly further away is effectively used as a background symbolizing the protagonists’ emotions.
Sacred Sites Around Kawasaki Station
Kawasaki Station East Exit
Kawasaki Station’s east exit is an important location that appears multiple times throughout the work. The scene where the protagonist Rina first arrives in Kawasaki depicts the station’s ticket gates and the east exit rotary in detail.
The exterior of the large commercial facility “Lazona Kawasaki Plaza” in front of the station also appears in the work, used as the background for scenes where members go shopping and eat. When visiting in person, you can take photos from the same angles seen in the anime, and many pilgrims enjoy taking commemorative photos.
Access Information:
- Directly under JR Tokaido Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Nanbu Line “Kawasaki Station”
- Approximately 5 minutes walk from Keikyu Main Line “Keikyu Kawasaki Station”
Kawasaki Station West Exit and Mueeza Kawasaki Area
On the west exit side of Kawasaki Station is the music hall “Mueeza Kawasaki Symphony Hall.” While there are few scenes of direct appearance in the work, it appears in distant views as an architectural symbol of Kawasaki as a music town.
The pedestrian deck on the west exit and the station plaza also appear in scenes where members meet up. In particular, the scene of the west exit rotary at dusk is one of the most memorable scenes in the work.
Kawasaki Ginryū Street and Kawasaki Ginza Street
“Ginryū Street,” a shopping street extending from the east exit of Kawasaki Station, is a historic shopping street with Showa-era atmosphere. In the work, it appears in scenes where members search for instrument shops and browse vintage clothing stores.
The unique atmosphere of the arcade street and the variety of individual shops are faithfully reproduced, and walking through it in person allows you to feel the work’s world more deeply. In particular, the neon-lit nighttime landscape of Ginryū Street overlaps with the nostalgic atmosphere of the work.
Sacred Sites Along the Tamagawa River
Tamagawa Riverbed
The Tamagawa riverbed is one of the most important sacred sites in “Girls Band Cry.” It appears multiple times as the stage for important scenes where members practice and talk together.
In particular, from the riverbed on the Kawasaki side, you can see the buildings on the opposite Tokyo shore, and this landscape is depicted impressively in the work as well. The Tamagawa River at dusk is effectively used as a beautiful background reflecting the emotions of the protagonists.
Recommended Visiting Times:
- Evening (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM): Beautiful sunset, easy to recreate scenes from the work
- Early morning (6:00 AM – 8:00 AM): Few people, peaceful atmosphere
Tamagawa Bridge
Tamagawa Bridge and its surroundings also appear multiple times in the work. Scenes include views looking down at the river from the bridge and members conversing at the foot of the bridge.
From the bridge’s walkway, you can enjoy views of the Tamagawa River in both directions, and on clear days you can even see Mount Fuji in the distance. This open landscape seems to symbolize the liberation of the protagonists’ hearts.
Access Information:
- Approximately 15 minutes walk from JR Nanbu Line “Yagata Station”
- Bus access also available from Kawasaki Station
Live Houses and Music Spots in Kawasaki City
Club Citta Kawasaki
“Club Citta Kawasaki,” a live house representing Kawasaki, is considered one of the models for the live houses appearing in the work. It is actually a sacred site where many bands perform, becoming an important element supporting the work’s realism.
In the work, the exterior is depicted as a large live house that the band Togeashi Togekari aims for. When visiting in person, you can feel its presence and passion for music.
Facility Information:
- Address: 5-7 Ogawa-cho, Kawasaki Ward, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Access: Approximately 5 minutes walk from Kawasaki Station East Exit
- Note: Interior viewing not available outside of live event times
Small Live Houses and Music Studios
Various small live houses and music studios are scattered around Kawasaki Station. The studios where the protagonists practice and small live houses where they perform for the first time are presumed to be modeled after these actual facilities.
In particular, several music studios are located in the multi-tenant buildings around the station’s east exit, bustling with young people engaged in actual band activities. The existence of this “real music scene” enhances the work’s persuasiveness.
Residential Areas and Daily Life Sacred Sites
Residential Neighborhoods in Kawasaki City
The exteriors of apartments and share houses where the protagonists live, as well as the surrounding residential neighborhood scenery, are modeled after actual places within Kawasaki City. In particular, residential areas slightly away from Kawasaki Station, with narrow streets and old apartment buildings, appear in the work.
These seemingly mundane daily scenes are crucial elements supporting the work’s realism. When conducting sacred site pilgrimages, it’s necessary to consider that these are residential areas and be considerate of local residents.
Convenience Stores and Shops
The work features many everyday locations, including convenience stores where members gather late at night and instrument shops where they buy guitar strings. Rather than specific stores, these recreate the atmosphere of general stores existing throughout Kawasaki City.
Other Sacred Site Candidates in Kanagawa Prefecture
Yokohama Area
While Kawasaki is the focus, some scenes are believed to feature landscapes from the Yokohama area. In particular, seascapes and urban streetscapes may incorporate elements from Yokohama.
Keikyu Line Corridor
Scenes of Keikyu Line stations and train interiors also appear in the work. In scenes depicting movement from Kawasaki Station toward Yokohama or Tokyo, the distinctive red Keikyu train cars are depicted.
Effective Ways to Tour the Sacred Sites
One-Day Model Course
Morning (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM):
- Start from JR Kawasaki Station East Exit
- Explore around Lazona Kawasaki
- Walk through Ginryū Street and Ginza Street
- Photograph station-area locations
Lunch (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM):
- Lunch at a restaurant near Kawasaki Station
Afternoon (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM):
- Move toward Tamagawa area (by bus or on foot)
- Explore Tamagawa Riverbed
- Tamagawa Bridge area
- Explore residential neighborhoods (attention to etiquette)
Evening (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM):
- Kawasaki Station West Exit area
- Photograph evening station-front scenery
- Club Citta Kawasaki surroundings (exterior only)
Half-Day Course
If time is limited, focusing on two areas—around Kawasaki Station and the Tamagawa Riverbed—is recommended. It takes about 30 minutes on foot from the station to the Tamagawa, or 10-15 minutes by bus.
Access and Transportation Information
Access from Tokyo Area
Train:
- JR Tokaido Line: Approximately 18 minutes from Tokyo Station to Kawasaki Station
- JR Keihin-Tohoku Line: Approximately 10 minutes from Shinagawa Station to Kawasaki Station
- Keikyu Main Line: Approximately 10 minutes from Shinagawa Station to Keikyu Kawasaki Station
Car:
- Approximately 5 minutes from “Kawasaki IC” on Metropolitan Expressway Kanagawa No. 1 Yokoha Line
- Parking: Multiple coin parking lots available around the station
Access from Yokohama Area
Train:
- JR Tokaido Line: Approximately 8 minutes from Yokohama Station to Kawasaki Station
- Keikyu Main Line: Approximately 8 minutes from Yokohama Station to Keikyu Kawasaki Station
Traveling Within the City
The following transportation methods are convenient for moving around Kawasaki City:
- City Buses: Comprehensive coverage from Kawasaki Station to the Tamagawa area
- Walking: Main spots near the station are within walking distance
- Bicycles: Rental bicycle services are also available
Manners and Precautions for Sacred Site Pilgrimages
Basic Etiquette
When enjoying sacred site pilgrimages, please observe the following etiquette:
- Consideration for Residential Areas: Don’t speak loudly, avoid lengthy stays
- Photography Etiquette: No trespassing on private property, be mindful that others don’t appear in photos
- Trash Disposal: Take all trash home to keep visited areas clean
- Traffic Rules: When photographing on sidewalks, avoid obstructing pedestrian traffic
- Commercial Facility Etiquette: Obtain permission before photographing in stores, avoid long stays without making purchases
Consideration for Residents
Many sacred sites in Kawasaki City are places where people actually live. Particularly in residential neighborhoods and shopping streets, respecting local residents’ daily lives is essential.
- Avoid visiting in early morning or late night
- Do not enter private property or residential grounds
- Avoid large group activities
- Be mindful of noise
Photography Precautions
- When using tripods, choose locations that don’t obstruct passage
- Many commercial facilities prohibit photography; check beforehand
- Be considerate so other tourists and local people don’t appear in photos
- Be cautious about revealing detailed location information when posting on SNS
Recommended Items and Preparations
Essential Items
- Smartphone/Camera: For recording sacred sites
- Mobile Battery: For extended pilgrimages
- Map App: Navigation apps like Google Maps
- Beverages: Heat illness prevention, especially in summer
- Hat/Parasol: Sun protection
Useful to Have
- Scene Photos from the Work: For comparison with sacred sites (can be saved on phone)
- Notebook: For recording visited places and impressions
- Rain Gear: In case of sudden weather changes
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: Important for long walks such as at the Tamagawa Riverbed
Nearby Tourist Spots and Dining Information
Tourist Attractions in Kawasaki City
Tourist spots worth visiting along with sacred site pilgrimages:
Kawasaki Daishi:
- One of the three great temples of the Kanto region, famous as a New Year’s visit destination
- Approximately 10 minutes from Kawasaki Station via Keikyu Daishi Line
Kawasaki City Museum:
- Displays art, history, and folklore materials
- Accessible by bus from Musashi-Kosugi Station
Lazona Kawasaki Plaza:
- Large shopping mall
- Ideal for rest and shopping
Recommended Cuisine
Kawasaki City offers diverse dining options:
Characteristics of Kawasaki Cuisine:
- Abundant international cuisine (especially Korean and Chinese)
- Many izakayas and ramen shops around the station
- Many reasonably priced establishments
Recommended Areas:
- Dining district at Kawasaki Station East Exit
- Traditional restaurants in Ginryū Street and Ginza Street
- Restaurant floor in Lazona Kawasaki
Highlights by Season
Spring (March – May)
Cherry blossoms bloom along the Tamagawa Riverbed, making it a popular flower-viewing spot. Visiting while overlaying the spring scenes from the work allows you to feel the work’s world more deeply.
Summer (June – August)
Summer festivals and events are sometimes held along the Tamagawa. However, heat precautions are essential. Early morning or evening visits are recommended.
Autumn (September – November)
The pleasant climate makes this the ideal season for sacred site pilgrimages. The Tamagawa landscape at dusk is particularly beautiful, perhaps the time when you can most feel the work’s atmosphere.
Winter (December – February)
Clear air provides clear views of distant scenes. The illuminations around Kawasaki Station are also worth seeing. Visit with proper cold-weather protection.
Methods of Recording Sacred Site Pilgrimages
Photography Tips
Points for taking photos that recreate scenes from the work:
- Find the Same Angle: Compare scene photos from the work and find the same viewing angle
- Match the Time: Visit when the work’s scenes occur—morning, midday, or evening
- Consider the Season: Visiting during the same season as the work’s scenes makes the atmosphere more similar
Sharing on SNS
When sharing sacred site pilgrimage records on SNS:
- Utilize hashtags such as “#GirlsBandCry” and “#SacredSitePilgrimage”
- Enjoy interaction with other fans
- Exercise consideration regarding spoilers
- Be cautious about revealing location information (especially for residential areas)
Background Knowledge for Better Enjoying the Work
How to Watch the Work
Before sacred site pilgrimages, viewing or re-watching the work is recommended. Confirming where locations appear in each episode makes your pilgrimage more fulfilling.
Related Products and Merchandise
Official merchandise and soundtracks also help you experience the work’s world more deeply. Some anime shops around Kawasaki Station may carry some items.
Fan Communities
Exchanging information with other fans through SNS and fan sites allows you to discover new sacred sites and obtain information about efficient pilgrimage routes.
The Significance and Joy of Sacred Site Pilgrimages
Sacred site pilgrimage is not merely visiting filming locations but deeply understanding the work’s world, contemplating the creator’s intentions and the protagonist’s emotions.
By actually walking through Kawasaki, you can feel more directly the anxiety and expectations of the protagonist who moved to the city and the challenges of adapting to new environments. Remembering the scenes where they talked together while feeling the breeze at the Tamagawa Riverbed—such experiences are the true pleasure of sacred site pilgrimage.
It also becomes an opportunity to rediscover the charm of Kawasaki City itself. Through the anime, you learn about the city, and you can realize it actually possesses rich culture and history and is a place where many people live.
Future Developments and Changes to Sacred Sites
As long as “Girls Band Cry” remains popular, Kawasaki City’s attention as a sacred site will continue to grow. In the future, official collaboration events and tie-ups with local shopping streets are also anticipated.
On the other hand, sacred sites are “living places.” Redevelopment and shop replacements may cause the work’s depicted landscapes to change. Therefore, there is meaning in visiting now and recording the current scenery.
Summary: Maximizing Enjoyment of Girls Band Cry Sacred Site Pilgrimage
The “Girls Band Cry” sacred site pilgrimage in Kanagawa is concentrated in a compact area centered on Kawasaki Station and the Tamagawa Riverbed, enjoyable even in a single day. With good access from central Tokyo, it is also ideal for first-time sacred site pilgrims.
When visiting, it’s important to remember to be considerate of local residents and follow etiquette. Pilgrimages conducted with love for the work and respect for the actual city will prove to be special, fulfilling experiences.
While feeling the air of Kawasaki, tracing the footsteps of the protagonists—such journeys should prove special experiences that lead to deeper understanding of the work and new discoveries. Please use this guide to plan your own unique sacred site pilgrimage.
Music, youth, and the story of girls pursuing their dreams breathe in the city of Kawasaki. Why not overlay your own story within that landscape?
