“Do It Yourself!! -Do・It·Yourself-” Holy Land Pilgrimage Complete Guide
“Do It Yourself!! -Do・It·Yourself-” (hereinafter referred to as DIY), an original TV anime that aired in autumn 2022, is a coming-of-age story about craftsmanship featuring high school girls set in Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture. This article comprehensively introduces all necessary information for holy land pilgrimage, including detailed information about sacred sites, access methods, related events, and gourmet information.
About the Original TV Anime “Do It Yourself!! -Do・It·Yourself-“
“Do It Yourself!!” is an original TV anime produced by PINE JAM that aired all 12 episodes from October to December 2022. It is a daily-life anime about six high school girls deepening their bonds through a DIY club, set in Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture, where craftsmanship flourishes.
The protagonist, Yua Serufu, is a clumsy but passionate high school girl when it comes to DIY. Suride Miku (nicknamed “purin”), her childhood friend, is an elite student attending a technical college. Centered around these two, six members—Yasa Kurei, Koki Kokoro, Job Ko. K. Brighton (Job Ko), and Sera Takumi (Shi)—deepen their friendship through DIY club activities.
The work’s characteristic is its careful depiction of actual DIY work. Tool usage that even beginners can attempt and manufacturing processes are expressed in detail, allowing viewers to learn DIY alongside the characters. Additionally, many real landscapes and spots in Sanjo City appear in the work, and it is highly evaluated as a production that promotes the region’s appeal.
Sanjo City is known as a “city of craftsmanship” due to its metal processing industry, perfectly matching the work’s theme. This regional character adds depth to the story and gives persuasive power to the characters’ growth backgrounds.
Why Sanjo City Was Chosen as the Setting
Located nearly in the center of Niigata Prefecture, Sanjo City is an industrial city with a population of approximately 90,000. With a metal processing tradition continuing from the Edo period, it is nationally known as a production area for metal products such as knives, sickles, and shovels. In modern times, it manufactures a wide range of metal products including outdoor goods and tools.
This characteristic as a “city of craftsmanship” made it ideal as a setting for an anime with DIY as its theme. The anime includes scenes where characters visit local tool shops and hardware stores, with Sanjo City’s industrial culture naturally woven into the narrative.
Sanjo City has been certified as “88 Japanese Anime Sacred Sites Worth Visiting” and is gaining attention as a hub for anime tourism. The city actively collaborates with the work and has established a system to welcome sacred site pilgrims.
Detailed Introduction of In-Story Locations
Osaki-yama Park (Step 1)
Osaki-yama Park is the setting for the important reunion scene between Serufu and Purin in Episode 1 “Step 1.” From the park’s observation deck, you can see the entire Sanjo cityscape and enjoy the view at the same angle as depicted in the anime.
The stairs leading to the observation deck, handrails, benches, and other elements are depicted faithfully, making it a first stop for many fans doing pilgrimage. The scenery at dusk particularly captures the anime’s atmosphere.
Access: Approximately 15 minutes by car from JR Tsubame-Sanjo Station, or approximately 40 minutes on foot. Parking is available in the park.
Ichinoki-do Shopping Street
The Ichinoki-do Shopping Street appears multiple times in the work as the central setting for daily scenes where DIY club members shop and take walks. It’s a retro shopping street with Showa-era atmosphere where many stores actually operate.
The shopping street’s arcade, street lamps, and shop exteriors are depicted faithfully down to details. The scene in front of Kanegi Fruits is particularly memorable, with many fans taking photos from the same angle.
The shopping street regularly hosts collaborative events and stamp rallies, with the entire community supporting the work. Walking through the street feels like stepping into the anime world.
Access: Approximately 10 minutes on foot from JR Higashi-Sanjo Station.
Kanegi Fruits
An actual fruit store within Ichinoki-do Shopping Street, its exterior is faithfully depicted in the anime. The fruits displayed at the storefront and signage match the anime, making it one of the most popular pilgrimage spots.
Since it’s an operating store, you can enjoy shopping during your visit. It handles seasonal fruits and local specialty products, making it recommended for purchasing souvenirs as a memento of your pilgrimage.
Access: Within Ichinoki-do Shopping Street, approximately 10 minutes on foot from Higashi-Sanjo Station.
Ikarashi River Riverbed
The Ikarashi River’s riverbed appears in scenes where characters take walks and have conversations. The spacious riverbed and distant mountain scenery create an impressive, open atmosphere.
Particularly during cherry blossom season, the riverbed is bordered by beautiful cherry blossoms, allowing you to recreate the spring scenes from the work. A cycling road is also maintained, making it perfect for leisurely strolls.
Access: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Higashi-Sanjo Station, with multiple access points available.
Hachiman Park
Hachiman Park appears multiple times in the work as an important location. The park’s stage, playground equipment, benches, and other features are depicted in detail, serving as the setting for the characters’ daily scenes.
The area around the park’s stage particularly serves as the setting for important event scenes in the work, making it a must-see spot for fans. It’s also a place of relaxation for locals, where you can see children actually playing.
Access: Approximately 20 minutes on foot from JR Higashi-Sanjo Station.
Tsubame-Sanjo Trike
A facility displaying and selling industrial products from the Tsubame-Sanjo region, it appears in work scenes related to craftsmanship. Knives, metal products, outdoor goods, and other items manufactured in Sanjo and Tsubame cities are displayed, allowing you to learn about the region’s industry.
The facility also sells tools and materials for actual DIY use, making it ideal for preparing for hands-on DIY experiences alongside your pilgrimage.
Access: Directly connected to JR Tsubame-Sanjo Station, 1 minute on foot from the station.
Nozumi Seawater Bathing Beach
The seawater bathing beach scenes in summer episodes are modeled on Nozumi Seawater Bathing Beach in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture. While slightly removed from Sanjo City, it’s the setting for memorable beach scenes that many fans visit.
It’s a beautiful sandy beach facing the Japan Sea where you can actually enjoy seawater bathing during summer. It’s a spot where you can fully experience the summer atmosphere from the work.
Access: Approximately 40 minutes by car from JR Tsubame-Sanjo Station, located in Nagaoka City.
Yahiko-yama Panorama Tower
The Panorama Tower near the summit of Yahiko Mountain appears in scenes like school excursions. With an elevation of 634 meters, you can overlook the Echigo Plain from Yahiko Mountain, a spectacular viewing spot where you can even see Sado Island on clear days.
You can reach the summit by transferring between the ropeway and Panorama Tower, enjoying scenery throughout the seasons. The autumn foliage season is particularly beautiful, allowing you to experience the seasonal atmosphere from the work.
Access: Approximately 30 minutes by car from JR Tsubame-Sanjo Station, using Yahiko Mountain Ropeway.
Sanjo Spice Research Institute
Appearing in the work as a local restaurant, it’s depicted in scenes where characters eat. It’s an actual store offering curry and other spice cuisine.
The restaurant’s interior atmosphere and exterior are faithfully recreated in the work, making it a precious spot where you can enjoy pilgrimage while eating.
Access: Details within Sanjo City; it’s recommended to confirm operating hours in advance.
Gourmet Introductions Featured
Sanjo City is attractive not just for craftsmanship but also for its cuisine. Local food culture appears in the work, becoming one of the pleasures of pilgrimage.
Curry Ramen
Famous as a local gourmet specialty of Sanjo City, curry ramen reportedly originated in the 1950s and is served at many ramen shops throughout the city. This unique combination of curry soup and Chinese noodles is a flavor you won’t forget once tried.
The work mentions it as local gourmet, and it’s a must-try when doing pilgrimage. Since the flavor differs by establishment, visiting multiple shops is one way to enjoy it.
Sanjo Sweets
Around the Ichinoki-do Shopping Street, starting with Kanegi Fruits, there are traditional Japanese confectionery shops and fruit stores. Sweets made with seasonal fruits and traditional Japanese confections beloved by locals are perfect for pilgrimage rest breaks.
Local Sake
Niigata Prefecture is a sake production region, and several sake breweries exist around Sanjo City. For adult pilgrims, enjoying local sake is also recommended. You can purchase local sake at places like Tsubame-Sanjo Trike.
Events Currently Being Held and Previously Implemented Collaborative Campaigns
Since the anime broadcast, Sanjo City has implemented various collaborative events and campaigns.
Stamp Rally
In February 2023, a collaborative stamp rally was held at Ichinoki-do Shopping Street, with participants receiving limited color paper as gifts. The format involved collecting stamps while visiting multiple shops in the shopping street, with many fans participating.
Since such events are held irregularly, it’s recommended to check the official Sanjo City website and tourism association information.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Taxi
Hinomaru Sightseeing Taxi Co., Ltd. operates a dedicated taxi for “Do It Yourself!!” sacred site pilgrimage. The anime-wrapped taxi allows you to efficiently visit major sacred sites.
The drivers are knowledgeable about the work and guide you through each spot’s highlights and photo points, so you can feel secure even on your first pilgrimage. Reservations are required, so it’s recommended to inquire before your visit.
Sacred Site Certification Plate
Sanjo City has been certified as one of “88 Japanese Anime Sacred Sites Worth Visiting,” with certification plates installed throughout the city. These plates are also popular as commemorative photo spots, with many fans taking photos as evidence of their pilgrimage.
Permanent Displays
At tourism facilities and public institutions in Sanjo City, there are locations with permanent displays and merchandise displays related to the work. The latest display information can be confirmed on the official Sanjo City website.
“Do It Yourself!! -Do·It·Yourself-” Sacred Site Exploration Navigation
Model courses for efficient pilgrimage are introduced.
1-Day Course (Using Public Transportation)
Morning:
- Arrival at JR Tsubame-Sanjo Station (9:00)
- Tsubame-Sanjo Trike visit (9:15-10:00)
- Move to JR Higashi-Sanjo Station (10:30)
- Ichinoki-do Shopping Street stroll (11:00-12:30)
- Lunch at Kanegi Fruits or shopping street
Afternoon:
- Hachiman Park (13:30-14:30)
- Ikarashi River Riverbed (15:00-16:00)
- Shopping at Ichinoki-do Shopping Street (16:30-17:30)
- Return via JR Higashi-Sanjo Station
1-Day Course (By Car)
Morning:
- Osaki-yama Park (9:00-10:00)
- Tsubame-Sanjo Trike (10:30-11:30)
- Lunch at Ichinoki-do Shopping Street (12:00-13:00)
Afternoon:
- Hachiman Park (13:30-14:30)
- Ikarashi River Riverbed (15:00-15:30)
- Sanjo Spice Research Institute (16:00-17:00)
- To Yahiko Mountain area (if time allows)
2-Day Course
Day 1:
Tour sacred sites in the city center and stay near Ichinoki-do Shopping Street. Enjoy Niigata sake and local cuisine at a local izakaya in the evening.
Day 2:
Visit slightly more distant spots like Yahiko Mountain Panorama Tower and Nozumi Seawater Bathing Beach. If time allows, also visit metalworking facilities in adjacent Tsubame City.
Other Ways to Enjoy Sanjo City
Beyond pilgrimage, Sanjo City has many attractive spots and experiences.
Sanjo Blacksmith Dojo
A facility where you can experience traditional Sanjo blacksmithing. Under master craftsmen’s guidance, you can make paper knives or kitchen knives. As a “craftsmanship experience” akin to the DIY spirit, you can more deeply understand the work’s themes.
Michi no Eki Tsubame-Sanjo Local Products Center
A large facility where you can purchase local specialty products and industrial goods. Knives, metal products, outdoor goods, and other products from the Sanjo-Tsubame region are abundantly available. Perfect for souvenir shopping.
Sanjo Marche
A local farmers’ market held the first Sunday of every month. Fresh vegetables, fruits, processed goods, and more are displayed, with enjoyment of community interaction possible. Visiting on event days allows you to feel the region’s appeal even more.
Hot Spring Facilities
Hot spring facilities exist around Sanjo City. After walking during pilgrimage, soaking in a hot spring to relieve fatigue is recommended.
Access Information
Train Access
From Tokyo Area:
- Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Tsubame-Sanjo Station (approximately 2 hours)
- Transfer to JR Higashi-Sanjo Station via local line (approximately 5 minutes)
From Osaka/Nagoya Area:
- Transfer between Hokuriku and Joetsu Shinkansen to Tsubame-Sanjo Station
Car Access
From Kanto Area:
- Kan’etsu Expressway to Hokuriku Expressway Sanjo-Tsubame IC (approximately 3 hours 30 minutes from Tokyo)
From Kansai Area:
- Hokuriku Expressway to Sanjo-Tsubame IC (approximately 6 hours from Osaka)
Air Access
Approximately 1 hour by car from Niigata Airport, or approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by airport limousine bus and train transfers.
Pilgrimage Etiquette and Precautions
It’s important to observe certain precautions and manners when enjoying pilgrimage.
Consideration for Private Property
Some spots featured in the work are on private property or are operating businesses. When photographing or visiting, be considerate not to bother others. Particularly in residential areas, noise precautions are necessary.
Confirming Business Hours
Before visiting stores or facilities, confirm their operating hours and closed days in advance. In particular, individual shops in Ichinoki-do Shopping Street may have irregular closures.
Taking Trash Home
To keep sacred sites beautiful, always take your trash with you. Remember that pilgrimage is possible thanks to local cooperation.
Observing Traffic Rules
Don’t get so absorbed in photography that you run into the road or obstruct traffic. Consideration for surroundings is especially necessary in shopping streets with many bicycles and pedestrians.
Gratitude to the Community
Appreciate the locals warmly welcoming pilgrims, and contribute to the local economy by enjoying shopping and meals at local businesses.
Accommodation Information
Various types of accommodation exist in and around Sanjo City.
Business Hotels
Multiple business hotels exist around JR Higashi-Sanjo Station, offering affordable rates. Convenient as a pilgrimage base.
Hot Spring Inns
Hot spring inns exist in nearby areas like Yahiko Onsen and Iwamuro Onsen. Extending your trip to enjoy hot springs is also recommended.
Guesthouses
Recently, guesthouses have increased in Sanjo City, allowing you to interact with other pilgrims.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Nearby tourist attractions worth visiting alongside pilgrimage:
Yahiko Shrine
One of Niigata Prefecture’s representative shrines, located at the base of Yahiko Mountain. It’s popular as a power spot surrounded by solemn architecture and beautiful nature.
Teradomari Fish Market Street
Known as the “Fish Ameyoko,” this market street is lined with fresh seafood from the Japan Sea. Located approximately 30 minutes by car from Sanjo City.
Tsubame City Industrial History Museum
A facility in adjacent Tsubame City where you can learn about the history of metal processing. It allows you to more deeply understand the Sanjo-Tsubame region’s craftsmanship culture.
Best Seasons
Pilgrimage can be enjoyed year-round, but each season has different appeals.
Spring (March-May)
The cherry blossoms along the Ikarashi River are beautiful, allowing you to recreate spring scenes from the work. The mild climate is perfect for strolling.
Summer (June-August)
You can actually experience seawater bathing in the scenes at Nozumi Seawater Bathing Beach. However, Niigata summers are humid, requiring heat exhaustion precautions.
Autumn (September-November)
Yahiko Mountain’s autumn leaves are beautiful, coinciding with the anime broadcast period. The comfortable climate makes it the ideal pilgrimage season.
Winter (December-February)
Pilgrimage surrounded by snow scenery has its own charm, but caution is needed regarding snow accumulation and icy roads. Prepare winter gear.
SNS Usage Tips
Tips for sharing pilgrimage memories on SNS:
Hashtags
Using hashtags like “#DIY聖地巡礼,” “#どぅーいっとゆあせるふ,” “#三条市” allows you to interact with other fans.
Comparison Posts
Posting anime scenes alongside actual photographs conveys the high degree of recreation. However, be mindful of copyright and minimize screenshot use.
Location Tags
Tagging each spot’s location is helpful for other pilgrims.
Conclusion
Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture, the sacred site of “Do It Yourself!! -Do·It·Yourself-,” is a charming town where you can fully experience the anime’s worldview. The tradition of craftsmanship breathing through the townscape, the actual locations appearing in the work, warm welcomes from locals, and delicious cuisine—all elements of pilgrimage pleasure are packed in.
The city center area around Ichinoki-do Shopping Street can be toured on foot, but using a car or taxi is convenient for visiting slightly more distant spots like Osaki-yama Park and Yahiko Mountain. The sacred site pilgrimage taxi allows efficient visits to major spots.
Through the work’s depiction of DIY spirit, the joy of craftsmanship, and the importance of friendship, sacred site pilgrimage allows you to feel these at the actual setting. Visiting Sanjo City will deepen your empathy with the narratives of Serufu and Purin and other characters, and your understanding of the work will become even richer.
Sanjo City has been certified as one of “88 Japanese Anime Sacred Sites Worth Visiting,” and various events and collaborations are expected in the future. Check official website and tourism association information while planning your own sacred site pilgrimage.
In Sanjo City, the city of craftsmanship, enjoy a special experience where the anime world and reality intersect. Your affection for the work will surely deepen further, and interest in DIY will surely emerge.
