【Yowamushi Pedal】 Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture
“Yowamushi Pedal,” a popular anime and manga series featuring bicycle road racing, has Kanagawa Prefecture as one of its most important sacred sites, with the Inter-High depicted in the work serving as a crucial backdrop. This article provides a thorough explanation of sacred site pilgrimage spots throughout Kanagawa Prefecture, from the starting point at Enoshima to the mountain stage at Hakone. We have compiled essential information for Yowapeda fans, including route information for actual cycling visits, access methods by public transportation, and highlights of each location.
What is Yowamushi Pedal? Why Kanagawa Prefecture Plays Such an Important Role
“Yowamushi Pedal” is a bicycle road racing manga by Wataru Watanabe that has been serialized in Weekly Shonen Champion since 2008 and remains extremely popular. It has also been adapted into anime, stage productions, and live-action films, continuing to captivate many fans.
The Appeal of the Work and Kanagawa Prefecture’s Position
The protagonist, Sakamichi Onoda, is an anime-loving boy who attends Souhoku High School in Chiba Prefecture. The story follows him as he accidentally joins the cycling club and, together with his teammates, aims for the National High School Athletic Meet (Inter-High). The Inter-High, which becomes the most important episode in the work, is depicted as a three-day long-distance race starting from Enoshima in Kanagawa Prefecture, continuing through Hakone, and ending at the fifth station of Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture.
Kanagawa Prefecture is particularly detailed in depicting Day 1 of the Inter-High, with numerous real locations appearing in the story, including the Enoshima Bridge, National Route 1, and the mountainous terrain of Hakone. These locations have extremely high fidelity to the work and hold special significance as “sacred sites” for fans.
Overview of the Inter-High Route
The Inter-High Day 1 route depicted in the anime and manga starts at Enoshima, travels west along National Route 1, passes through Odawara, and heads toward the mountainous terrain of Hakone. The total distance exceeds 100 kilometers, with riders facing various terrains ranging from flat sections to steep mountain courses.
This route is also popular among actual cyclists, and on weekends, you can see many road bike enthusiasts riding it. Due to the influence of Yowamushi Pedal, the number of fans visiting this route as a “sacred site pilgrimage” is increasing year by year.
Complete Guide to Major Sacred Sites in Kanagawa Prefecture
Enoshima Area | Inter-High Starting Point
Enoshima Bridge (Enoshima Benten Bridge)
Location: Enoshima, Katase Kaigan, Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: 5-minute walk from Katase Enoshima Station on the Odakyu Enoshima Line
The Enoshima Bridge, depicted as the Inter-High starting point, is the departure point for Yowamushi Pedal sacred site pilgrimages. The anime features an impressive scene where numerous competitors start simultaneously. The actual bridge is approximately 389 meters long and serves as an important transportation link connecting Enoshima and the mainland.
Highlights:
- From the bridge, you can enjoy stunning views of Sagami Bay and Mount Fuji (weather permitting)
- Early morning and twilight hours offer particularly beautiful scenery
- Parking and a tourist information center are located near the bridge entrance, making it ideal for pilgrimage preparation
Photography Point: Photographing from near the bridge entrance toward Enoshima captures an angle similar to the anime’s opening scene.
Tourist Spots Around Enoshima
In addition to sacred site pilgrimages, the Enoshima area has numerous tourist attractions. Enoshima Shrine, an observation lighthouse, and Iwaya Cave are scattered throughout, offering plenty to explore over a full day. Fresh seafood dishes and local shirasu (whitebait) rice bowls are also available, making it recommended to combine sightseeing before or after your sacred site pilgrimage.
Odawara Area | Important Spots in the Flat Section
Odawara Civic Hall Front Intersection
Location: 1-chome Motomachi, Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Odawara Station (JR and Odakyu lines)
This location serves as the stage for an important scene where Sakamichi Onoda becomes involved in a crash. It remains a memorable spot for fans due to the iconic line “You’re currently in last place, aren’t you?” exchanged in this scene.
Highlights:
- The actual intersection features a distinctive crank-shaped road structure in front of the civic hall
- The landscape remains nearly identical to that depicted in the manga and anime
- The surrounding area includes Odawara Castle and shopping streets, making it easy to combine with other sightseeing
Caution: This is a heavily trafficked area, so please exercise caution when photographing or visiting. When cycling, be sure to follow traffic rules strictly.
Odawara Castle Area
A worthwhile detour during sacred site pilgrimages is Odawara Castle, a famous feudal stronghold. From the castle tower, you can view the Odawara cityscape and Sagami Bay. A history museum within the castle allows you to learn about Odawara’s past.
Hakone Area | Sacred Sites of the Mountain Stage
The Hakone area is the most crucial region for Yowamushi Pedal sacred site pilgrimages. As the mountain terrain where the climax of Inter-High Day 1 unfolds, it serves as the setting for numerous iconic scenes.
Kanrei Tunnel (Kanrei Domon) Ruins
Location: Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: Get off at the “Kanrei Tunnel” bus stop on the Hakone Tozan Bus
This location is the setting for an emotional scene where Yusuke Makishima encourages his teammates. A former tunnel on National Route 1, a new road now bypasses it, leaving it as the old route, though its atmosphere remains intact.
Highlights:
- A historically valuable old tunnel route (currently passable)
- Surrounding natural scenery of Hakone
- A location that evokes Makishima’s memorable line, “Sho!”
Access Tip: When cycling, you’ll need to climb the steep grades of National Route 1. Those lacking confidence in their fitness are recommended to use the Hakone Tozan Bus.
National Route 1 Highest Point
Location: Ashino-yu, Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: Approximately a 10-minute walk from the “Ashino-yu” stop on the Hakone Tozan Bus
This location is the setting for an intense mountain stage competition between Makishima and Kaburagi. Positioned at an elevation of 874 meters, this point is known as the highest point on National Route 1, with a commemorative marker installed.
Highlights:
- “National Route 1 Highest Point” stone marker
- Magnificent views of Hakone’s outer volcano rim
- Steep grades that recall the fierce battle between climber specialists
Photography Point: Many fans visit to take commemorative photos with the highest point marker. With good weather, you can see far into the distance, making it a spectacular spot.
Onshi Hakone Park (Former Hakone Imperial Villa Site)
Location: 171 Motohakone, Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: Direct access from “Onshi Park Front” bus stop on Hakone Tozan Bus
This location is depicted as the finish point of Inter-High Day 1. Positioned on a plateau overlooking Lake Ashi, it is a historic park that once served as an imperial retreat.
Highlights:
- Spectacular views of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji (weather dependent)
- Expansive lawn areas and Japanese gardens
- An open space evoking the finish line scene
- Free admission
Recommended Time: Morning hours are relatively uncrowded, increasing the likelihood of enjoying beautiful views of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji. It’s an ideal location to rest and savor the sense of achievement at the finish line.
Hakone Shrine and Grand Torii Gate
Location: 80-1 Motohakone, Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: Approximately 10 minutes on foot from “Motohakone” bus stop on Hakone Tozan Bus
The grand torii gate in front of Shio Soba, which appears in scenes where Yamagaku Shinami and Shun Imaizumi sprint as lead riders, is known as the first torii gate of Hakone Shrine. The vermillion gate standing in Lake Ashi is also one of Hakone’s representative photography spots.
Highlights:
- Water-shrine torii gate (Gate of Peace) in Lake Ashi
- Main temple worship at Hakone Shrine
- Nearby Hakone attractions (Hakone Checkpoint, cedar-lined avenue, etc.)
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Tip: The anime depicts a torii gate along National Route 1. Since multiple torii gates exist around Hakone Shrine, confirm their relative positions while visiting.
Hakone Kowa Resort Yunessun Area
At Hakone Kowa Resort Yunessun, collaborative events such as “Yowamushi Pedal in Hakone” have been held in the past, making it a special location for fans. As a hot spring theme park, you can enjoy a full day here, making it perfect for relieving the fatigue of sacred site pilgrimages.
Practical Guide to Sacred Site Pilgrimages | Access Methods and Model Routes
Sacred Site Pilgrimages Using Public Transportation
For those without bicycles or lacking confidence in their fitness, sacred site pilgrimages using public transportation are recommended.
Access from Shinjuku to Hakone
Odakyu Hakone Express Bus:
- Approximately 2 hours from Shinjuku to Hakone
- Fare: Approximately 2,000 yen per way (varies by season)
- Reservation-based, comfortable travel
- Stops at major Hakone attractions
Odakyu Romance Car:
- Approximately 85 minutes from Shinjuku to Hakone Yumoto
- Around 2,500 yen including special express fare
- Comfortable seating to enjoy scenery
- Transfer to Hakone Tozan Bus from Hakone Yumoto
Movement Within Hakone
The Hakone Free Pass (valid for 2 or 3 days) allows unlimited travel on many transportation methods within Hakone. With access to Hakone Tozan Bus, Hakone Tozan Railway, Hakone Ropeway, and cruise ships, you can efficiently tour sacred sites.
Sacred Site Pilgrimages by Bicycle
For those wanting to fully experience the world of Yowamushi Pedal, actual cycling pilgrimages are recommended.
Recommended Model Route (Full-Day Course)
Enoshima Start → Hakone Finish Route:
- Enoshima Bridge (Starting point) – Recommended 7:00 AM departure
- National Route 134 heading west – Enjoy Sagami Bay coastline views
- Odawara Civic Hall Front Intersection – Crash scene location (around 30 km mark)
- National Route 1 – Serious climbing begins here
- Kanrei Tunnel Ruins – First mountain point (around 50 km mark)
- National Route 1 Highest Point – Mountain stage competition setting (around 60 km mark)
- Onshi Hakone Park – Finish line (around 70 km mark)
Duration: 5-7 hours (including breaks)
Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced (Hakone climb features approximately 800 meters elevation gain)
Beginner Route
For those lacking fitness or beginning cyclists, cycling only around Enoshima or only in the Hakone area is recommended.
Enoshima Area Route:
- Enoshima Bridge → Katase Beach → Enoshima sightseeing → Kamakura direction
- Distance: 20-30 km
- Difficulty: Beginner
Hakone Area Route:
- Rent a bicycle in Hakone Yumoto to tour the Hakone Old Post Road or Lake Ashi area
- Electric-assist bicycles recommended
- Distance: 15-25 km
- Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate
Rental Bicycle Information
Many rental bicycle shops exist throughout Kanagawa Prefecture.
Enoshima and Shonan Areas:
- Multiple rental shops near Katase Enoshima Station
- Wide selection including road bikes, cross bikes, and electric bicycles
- Rates: Approximately 2,000-5,000 yen per day
Hakone Area:
- Rental shops available near Hakone Yumoto Station
- Electric-assist bicycles are popular
- Rates: Approximately 2,000-3,500 yen per day
Note: Advanced reservations are essential during busy seasons (Golden Week, summer holidays, autumn foliage season). Helmet use is strongly recommended.
Recommended Visiting Seasons
Spring (March – May)
Recommendation Level: ★★★★★
- Mild weather ideal for cycling
- Particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season (late March to early April)
- Fresh greenery of Hakone, clear refreshing air
- Golden Week is crowded; mid-April is the best timing
Summer (June – August)
Recommendation Level: ★★★☆☆
- Inter-High season allows experiencing the work’s atmosphere
- Enoshima area crowded with swimmers
- Hakone comfortable as a mountain resort, but heat measures essential for lower elevations
- Rainy season (June) requires rain gear preparation
Autumn (September – November)
Recommendation Level: ★★★★★
- Autumn foliage season (late October to mid-November) especially beautiful in Hakone
- Temperature drop makes for ideal cycling weather
- High clear-sky rates; increased likelihood of viewing Mount Fuji
- Hakone crowded during foliage season; early morning departures recommended
Winter (December – February)
Recommendation Level: ★★☆☆☆
- Fewer tourists allow leisurely sacred site visits
- Clear air provides beautiful Mount Fuji views
- Hakone mountain terrain risks snow and ice
- Cold-weather gear essential; cycling for advanced users only
Trivia for Enhancing Sacred Site Pilgrimage Enjoyment
Work Preview Points
Previewing relevant scenes before sacred site pilgrimages enhances enjoyment.
Inter-High Arc:
- Anime Season 1 and 2 Inter-High arc
- Original manga volumes (approximately volumes 27-50)
- Season 2 particularly features many Hakone scenes
Important Characters and Scenes:
- Sakamichi Onoda’s crash and chase comeback
- Yusuke Makishima’s “Sho!” scene
- Makishima vs. Kaburagi mountain-stage competition
- Shinami Yamagaku’s debut appearance
Photography Etiquette and Precautions
When enjoying sacred site pilgrimages, observe the following etiquette.
Traffic Rule Compliance:
- National Route 1 has heavy traffic; practice safe riding
- Bicycles should travel on the left side of the road
- Park safely when photographing
Consideration for Local Residents:
- Avoid loud conversations and noise
- No unauthorized entry onto private property
- Take all garbage with you
Facility Use Etiquette:
- Follow facility rules at tourist attractions
- Practice sharing spirit during crowded times
- Maintain proper conduct as a customer at commercial facilities
Recommended Gear and Equipment
For Cycling:
- Helmet (essential)
- Gloves
- Sunglasses
- Water bottles (2 or more recommended)
- Snacks (energy bars, gels, etc.)
- Puncture repair kit
- Smartphone holder (for navigation)
- Front and rear lights
For Walking or Public Transportation:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Camera/smartphone
- Mobile battery
- Work materials (manga or anime screenshots, etc.)
- Hakone Free Pass
Linking with Yowamushi Pedal Sacred Sites Outside Kanagawa
After enjoying sacred sites in Kanagawa, visit sacred sites in other areas.
Chiba Prefecture | Souhoku High School Area
Around Chiba’s Sakura City, which models Souhoku High School, many daily-life scenes from the work exist. The Keisei Sakura Station area and Inba Lake cycling road are known sacred sites.
Tokyo | Akihabara
Akihabara, the “sacred site” visited by protagonist Sakamichi Onoda, features anime shops and maid cafes symbolizing his hobbies. Convenient access from Kanagawa Prefecture.
Shizuoka and Yamanashi Prefectures | Inter-High Day 2 and Beyond
The Inter-High continues from Kanagawa to Shizuoka and Yamanashi. The Fuji Five Lakes area and Mount Fuji’s fifth station are important sacred sites, with many fans spending 2-3 days touring these areas combined with Kanagawa Prefecture pilgrimages.
Lodging and Dining Information in Hakone
Recommended Accommodations
Hakone Yumoto Hot Spring:
- Convenient location at Hakone’s gateway
- Diverse price range options
- Relieve fatigue with hot springs
Lake Ashi Area:
- Close to the finish line, convenient for pilgrimages
- Enjoy lakeside scenery
- Options from luxury resorts to small inns
Odawara:
- More affordable accommodations than Hakone
- Easy to combine with Odawara Castle sightseeing
- Ideal base camp for next-day Hakone travel
Local Cuisine
Hakone Specialties:
- Hakone soba (mountain yam soba)
- Hot spring buns
- Hakone bakery bread
- Black eggs (Owakudani specialty)
Odawara Specialties:
- Kamaboko (many long-established shops like Suzuhiro)
- Odawara don
- Seafood dishes
Enoshima Specialties:
- Shirasu rice bowl
- Turban shell roasted in shell
- Enoshima beer
Conclusion | Experience Yowamushi Pedal’s World in Kanagawa
Kanagawa Prefecture is one of the most important areas for Yowamushi Pedal sacred site pilgrimages. From Enoshima’s starting point to Hakone’s mountain stage, you can visit numerous real locations featured in the work.
Sacred sites can be enjoyed in various styles, from tourism-oriented pilgrimages using public transportation to full-fledged cycling pilgrimages on actual bicycles. Spring and autumn are particularly recommended seasons, though each season offers distinct charms.
Through sacred site pilgrimages, you can deepen understanding of the work’s world and experience the roads traveled by characters, allowing your love for Yowamushi Pedal to flourish. Enjoy sacred site pilgrimages safely while observing traffic rules and etiquette.
Hakone’s magnificent nature, Enoshima’s beautiful coastline, and the settings of numerous iconic scenes from the work create unforgettable memories. Using this article as a reference, why not embark on your own Yowamushi Pedal sacred site pilgrimage journey through Kanagawa?
