[Saki] Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture

【Saki-】(Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture)

The popular mahjong manga and anime “Saki-” is a work depicted with Nagano Prefecture as its main setting. The intense mahjong battles unfolding between various high schools within Nagano Prefecture—such as Kiyosumi High School, Tsuruga Academy, Kazoe Girls’ High School, and Ryumonenbuchi High School—that appear in the work have captivated many fans. In this article, we provide a thorough explanation of the “Saki-” sacred sites scattered throughout Nagano Prefecture and offer useful information for fans planning pilgrimage visits to these locations.

The Relationship Between Saki- and Nagano Prefecture

“Saki-” is a mahjong manga by Ritz Kobayashi that began serialization in “Young Gangan” from 2006. In the Nagano Prefecture preliminary round of the National High School Mahjong Championship Tournament, which forms the center of the story, numerous real place names and landscapes within Nagano Prefecture appear.

All the major high schools that appear in the work are set within Nagano Prefecture. Kiyosumi High School is modeled after the Suwa and Chino area, Tsuruga Academy after Nagano City, Kazoe Girls’ High School after Iida City, and Ryumonenbuchi High School after the area around Shiojiri City, with depictions reflecting the characteristics of each region.

The fact that Nagano Prefecture was chosen as the setting is greatly influenced by the author being a native of Nagano Prefecture. The work features the rich nature of Nagano Prefecture, historic townscapes, and regional culture depicted in careful detail, making it a work that conveys affection for the hometown.

Kiyosumi High School Area: Sacred Sites in Suwa and Chino Cities

Kiyosumi High School, which the protagonist Saki Miyanaga attends, is modeled after the Suwa region of Nagano Prefecture, particularly the area centered on Chino City and Hara Village. While the place name “Kiyosumi” does not actually exist within Nagano Prefecture, the backgrounds and landscapes in the work are modeled after real locations in the Suwa and Chino area.

Major Location Scouting Sites in Chino City

Chino City is the most important area for location scouting related to Kiyosumi High School. The townscapes and school commute route backgrounds that appear in the work are largely modeled after landscapes around Chino Station.

The shopping district and residential areas extending from the east exit of Chino Station frequently appear as backgrounds for the characters’ daily life scenes. In particular, the footbridge in front of the station and intersections are important places confirmed in multiple scenes.

The naturally rich landscapes around Hara Village also contribute to creating the atmosphere of the work. The open scenery of the highland area spread at the foot of Mount Yatsugatake is an important element that suggests the location of Kiyosumi High School.

Suwa Area Setting

Suwa City is also an essential location for location scouting in the Kiyosumi High School area. The landscapes around Lake Suwa and historic structures such as Suwa Taisha add depth to the work’s world.

The promenade and parks along the Lake Suwa shoreline are sometimes used as backgrounds for scenes where characters relax. The scenery of mountains reflected on the lake surface adds color to the work as a beautiful landscape unique to Nagano Prefecture.

Tsuruga Academy Area: Sacred Site Pilgrimage in Nagano City

Tsuruga Academy, depicted as one of the strongest schools in the nation, is modeled after Nagano City, the prefectural capital of Nagano Prefecture. The real place name Tsuruga exists within Nagano City, making this a region with clear connections to the work.

Location Scouting Around Nagano Station

The area around the east exit of Nagano Station is where Tsuruga Academy-related sacred sites are most concentrated. While some aspects of the current landscape have changed due to station redevelopment since the work’s publication, many locations retain traces of the work.

The footbridge at the east exit of Nagano Station is an important location that appears multiple times in the work. It is used as a background for scenes where characters meet or have conversations. Comparing the view from the footbridge with the depiction in the work allows fans to fully experience the appeal of location scouting.

The commercial facilities in front of the station and nearby office buildings are important elements that form the cosmopolitan image of Tsuruga Academy. As a contrast to the scenes of the national tournament in Tokyo, the setting of the central area of a regional city is effectively expressed.

Zenkoji Temple and Surrounding Area

Zenkoji Temple, a representative tourist destination of Nagano City, and its surroundings are also important places that appear in the work. The approach to Zenkoji from Zenkojishita Station and the historic townscapes around the approach function as backgrounds that add depth to the work.

The stone-paved approach path of Zenkoji and the shopping district along the approach are used in scenes depicting the daily lives of Tsuruga Academy characters. The contrast between historic temples and shrines and contemporary student life enriches the work’s worldview.

The Hakushimizu district is also a noteworthy area for location scouting. Residential areas and elementary schools around Zenkoji can be confirmed as backgrounds in the work.

Akiba Shrine and Surrounding Spots

Akiba Shrine within Nagano City is also known as a place that appears in the work. This shrine, used as a cover illustration or background, is a small shrine cherished by local residents, but has become an important sacred site for fans.

Kazoe Girls’ High School Area: Setting in Iida City

Iida City, located in the southern part of Nagano Prefecture, is the model area for Kazoe Girls’ High School. “Kazoe” is a real place name in Iida City, and Mount Kazoe also exists. In the work, it is described as a strong school that won the prefectural tournament six consecutive times until the previous year.

Location Scouting Sites in Iida City

Iida City is a region with unique culture even within Nagano Prefecture, and its regional characteristics have influenced the characterization of Kazoe Girls’ High School. The cityscape and surrounding natural environment appear in the work.

The shopping district in the center of Iida City and public facilities are sometimes depicted as the activity bases of Kazoe Girls’ characters. The calm atmosphere unique to the Shinshu region aligns with the team’s character.

The naturally rich environment around Mount Kazoe is an important element that suggests the school’s location. The residential areas spreading at the foot of the mountain and the Southern Alps mountains visible in the distance add color to the work as scenery unique to Iida City.

Ryumonenbuchi High School Area: Surroundings of Shiojiri City

Ryumonenbuchi High School, described as a rising powerhouse school, is modeled after the area around Shiojiri City. The place name “Ryumonenbuchi” also actually exists within Nagano Prefecture, suggesting connections to the work.

Shiojiri City is located almost in the center of Nagano Prefecture and has developed as a transportation hub. In the work, it appears as a new force that stopped Kazoe Girls’ consecutive championship record in the previous year, and the dynamic depiction overlaps with the image of Shiojiri City, which continues to develop.

Model Courses for Sacred Site Pilgrimage in Nagano Prefecture

We introduce model courses for efficiently visiting the “Saki-” sacred sites scattered throughout Nagano Prefecture.

One-Day Course: Nagano City Concentration Plan

A course centered on Tsuruga Academy-related spots in Nagano City. Starting from Nagano Station, you can visit the main sites using walking and public transportation.

In the morning, visit the footbridge and building groups around the east exit of Nagano Station to enjoy the atmosphere of the station area. After lunch, move toward Zenkoji Temple and walk from Zenkojishita Station through the approach path while searching for landscapes that appear in the work. After visiting Zenkoji Temple, visit the Hakushimizu district and Akiba Shrine to conquer all major sacred sites in Nagano City in one day.

Two-Day Course: Nagano Prefecture Vertical Route Plan

On the first day, visit Kiyosumi High School-related spots in the Suwa and Chino area. Starting from Chino Station, stroll through the shopping district and residential areas near the station, extend your journey toward Hara Village to enjoy the scenery at the foot of Mount Yatsugatake, and spend the evening on the Lake Suwa shore before staying overnight in Suwa City.

On the second day, move to Nagano City and visit Tsuruga Academy-related sacred sites. If time permits, you can extend your journey to Iida City to visit the Kazoe Girls’ High School area as well.

Three-Day Course: Complete Conquest Plan

A course that visits sacred sites throughout Nagano Prefecture: the first day in the Chino and Suwa area, the second day in Nagano City, and the third day in Iida City and Shiojiri City. By taking ample time in each region, you can immerse yourself in the work’s worldview.

Precautions and Etiquette When Conducting Location Scouting

When conducting sacred site pilgrimages, consideration for local residents is essential. Keep the following points in mind and conduct location scouting with good manners.

Photography Considerations

Many of the places that appear in the work are actual residential areas and shopping districts where people live. When photographing, avoid trespassing on private property, be careful not to obstruct traffic, and be considerate of residents’ privacy while maintaining basic manners.

Even if school facilities serve as models, do not enter the actual schools. Limit photography of the exterior from public roads only, and be mindful not to interfere with school educational activities.

Contribution to the Community

When conducting sacred site pilgrimages, you can contribute to the regional economy by shopping at local stores and patronizing restaurants. As fans who visit regions that served as settings for “Saki-,” be conscious of your role in supporting the community.

Various regions in Nagano Prefecture have delicious local cuisine and specialty products. Enjoying regional food culture such as Shinshu soba, okaki (crackers), and Nozawa pickled greens is also one of the pleasures of sacred site pilgrimage.

Bringing Back Trash and Environmental Protection

Strive to leave places cleaner than when you arrived. Always take out trash and be careful not to damage the natural environment or townscape.

The Charm of Nagano Prefecture and the World of Saki-

Nagano Prefecture, which serves as the setting for “Saki-,” is a charming region where abundant nature and historically rich culture coexist. By learning about Nagano Prefecture through the work and actually visiting it, your understanding of the work deepens further.

Seasonal Scenery

Nagano Prefecture is a region where seasonal changes are vivid. Spring cherry blossoms, summer greenery of the highlands, autumn foliage, and winter snow landscapes—the region presents different faces depending on the season of your visit. Visiting during the same season as the scenes in the work allows for an experience closer to the work’s world.

Hot Springs and Tourism

Numerous hot springs dot Nagano Prefecture. The Suwa area has Kamiusuki Hot Spring, and the areas around Nagano City have Togakushi Hot Spring and Yunaka Hot Spring, among others, offering plenty of hot springs to soothe the fatigue of location scouting.

Historic tourist attractions such as Zenkoji Temple and Suwa Taisha, when visited alongside location scouting, make for a more fulfilling trip.

Recording and Sharing Location Scouting Experiences

Recording memories of sacred site pilgrimages and sharing them with other fans is also one of the pleasures of location scouting.

Comparison Photography

Photographs taken from the same angle as scenes in the work become valuable records of location scouting. By confirming the work’s manga panels or anime screens on a smartphone and taking photographs from the same composition, you can enjoy the contrast between the work and reality.

Sharing on Social Media

When sharing photographs and pilgrimage records on social media, utilize hashtags to share information with other fans. By using tags such as “#SakiSakiSacredSite” or “#SakiSakiNagano,” you can connect with fans who share the same interests.

However, when posting information that can identify a location, confirm whether the location is private property and whether it is appropriate to disclose it. In cases such as residential areas, it is necessary to refrain from sharing detailed location information.

Deepening Understanding of the Work Through Nagano Prefecture’s Regional Characteristics

To deeply understand “Saki-,” knowing about Nagano Prefecture’s regional characteristics is also important.

Nagano Prefecture’s High School Mahjong Culture

While the work depicts a world where high school mahjong thrives, mahjong is actually also an entertainment enjoyed in real Nagano Prefecture. In hot spring areas, mahjong has long been enjoyed, and such cultural backgrounds may have influenced the work’s settings.

Distance Between Regions

Nagano Prefecture has a geography that extends north to south, with culture and dialect varying by region within the prefecture. The regions where each high school appearing in the work is located are actually quite distant from one another and possess their own regional characteristics.

The Suwa and Chino area where Kiyosumi High School is located and Iida City where Kazoe Girls’ High School is located are approximately 100 km apart, about a two-hour drive. Understanding this geographical expanse allows the prefecture tournament matches between schools to feel more vivid.

Location Scouting in the Digital Age

In recent years, digital tools that support location scouting have become increasingly available.

Location Scouting Map Apps

By using location scouting map apps that utilize GPS functionality on smartphones, you can visit sacred sites efficiently. Prepare a list of places you want to visit beforehand and plan the optimal route.

Using Online Information

Location scouting reports and blogs created by other fans are extremely helpful for pre-visit information gathering. Digital versions of detailed location scouting books are also sold on platforms such as BOOTH, allowing you to obtain more specialized information.

However, information is constantly updated, so it is recommended to check the latest information, particularly regarding changes in buildings and landscapes. Some scenery may have changed since the work’s publication due to redevelopment or renovation projects.

Saki- Sacred Sites Outside Nagano Prefecture

While “Saki-” is primarily set in Nagano Prefecture, Tokyo becomes an important setting in the national tournament arc.

National Tournament in Tokyo

The national tournament in the work is held in Tokyo, with various locations throughout the city appearing. Locations where public viewing is held and areas around hotels where characters stay feature real Tokyo landscapes.

By visiting both the prefectural preliminary round arc set in Nagano Prefecture and the national tournament arc set in Tokyo, you can experience the work’s world more completely.

Future Prospects for Location Scouting

“Saki-” is an ongoing serialized work, and new settings may appear in the future. In spin-off works, high schools throughout Japan serve as settings, and sacred sites beyond Nagano Prefecture continue to increase.

There may be hidden sacred sites within Nagano Prefecture yet to be discovered by fans. By carefully reading the original work and paying attention to the details of backgrounds, new discoveries may emerge.

As a region, efforts are expected to utilize “Saki-” sacred sites as part of anime tourism. The creation of official sacred site maps and collaborative efforts with the work at regional events are developments worth anticipating.

Conclusion: Experience the Charm of Saki- and Nagano Prefecture

Nagano Prefecture, which serves as the setting for “Saki-,” is a special place for fans of the work. By visiting the sacred sites scattered throughout the prefecture—the Kiyosumi High School area in Suwa and Chino, the Tsuruga Academy area in Nagano City, the Kazoe Girls’ High School area in Iida City, and the Ryumonenbuchi High School area in Shiojiri City—your understanding and affection for the work will deepen further.

Location scouting is not merely tourism but a special act of experiencing the intersection between the work and reality. By actually walking the paths the characters in the work have walked and viewing the same landscapes, the work’s world becomes more tangible.

Encounters with Nagano Prefecture’s abundant nature, historically rich culture, and warm people make location scouting a richer experience. By visiting with respect for manners and consideration for the community, you can create wonderful memories both as a fan and as a traveler.

Please visit Nagano Prefecture to experience the world of “Saki-.” By actually visiting the places you learned about through the work, new discoveries and emotions await you.