【If My Favorite Pop Star Made It to the Budokan, I Would Die】 Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture
“If My Favorite Pop Star Made It to the Budokan, I Would Die” (commonly known as “Oshibudo”) is an anime adaptation of a popular manga by Aurelio Hirao. This work, which depicts the relationship between underground idols and their fans from a unique perspective, is set in Okayama Prefecture, and many fans visit it as a pilgrimage site.
This article provides detailed introductions to pilgrimage spots within Okayama Prefecture, explains efficient pilgrimage routes, access methods, and gourmet information in a comprehensive manner.
About “If My Favorite Pop Star Made It to the Budokan, I Would Die”
Work Overview
“If My Favorite Pop Star Made It to the Budokan, I Would Die” is the story of Maina Ichii, a member of the underground idol group “ChamJam,” and Nikako Shanin, a passionate fan of hers known as “Eripyo.” It is characterized by its novel composition, which centers on the perspective of the fan rather than the idol. The TV anime aired from January to March 2020.
Why Okayama is the Setting
Author Aurelio Hirao is from Okayama Prefecture, which is why the prefecture was chosen as the setting for the story. The work features many real buildings and landscapes centered in Okayama City, making it a pilgrimage site not only for local fans but also for anime fans throughout the country.
Major Pilgrimage Spots in Okayama Prefecture
Around Okayama Station
Okayama Station
Okayama Station, which Eripyo uses multiple times throughout the work, is an important starting point for pilgrimage. Multiple scenes of the station interior and station plaza appear, with the view of the east exit being particularly striking.
Access Information:
- JR Sanyo Shinkansen, Sanyo Main Line, Ako Line, Tsuyama Line, and Kibi Line services
- Terminus for the Okayama Electric Tramway (streetcar)
Aeon Mall Okayama
A shopping mall directly connected to Okayama Station, which serves as the setting for scenes where characters enjoy shopping in the work. The exterior and interior atmosphere of the actual building are faithfully recreated.
Business Hours: 10:00～21:00 (varies by store)
Address: 1-2-1 Shiraishi, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture
Omotecho Shopping Street and Hokando Shopping Street
Omotecho Shopping Street
An arcade shopping street approximately 900 meters long located in the center of Okayama City. In the work, it appears as the area surrounding ChamJam’s live venue, depicted in scenes where Eripyo and other fans gather. The atmosphere of this historic shopping street is carefully expressed in the anime.
Access: 5-minute walk from “Kencho-dori” Station on the Okayama Electric Tramway
Hokando Shopping Street
Located about a 5-minute walk from the west exit of Okayama Station, this shopping street has a vintage Showa-era atmosphere. It appears in night scenes in the work, with its unique signage and streetscape depicted impressively.
Features: Many distinctive shops retaining a Showa-era atmosphere
Access: Approximately 5-minute walk from the west exit of JR Okayama Station
Around Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden
Okayama Castle (Crow Castle)
Okayama Castle, also called “Ujō” (Crow Castle) due to its black exterior, appears as a distant view in the work. As a representative tourist attraction of Okayama, it is worth visiting together with pilgrimage activities.
Opening Hours: 9:00～17:30 (admission until 17:00)
Admission: Adults 400 yen, Elementary and middle school students 100 yen
Address: 2-3-1 Marunouchi, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture
Okayama Korakuen Garden
One of Japan’s three most famous gardens, designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and adjacent to Okayama Castle. It appears as a background in the work, depicted as a place symbolizing Okayama’s beautiful scenery.
Opening Hours: 7:30～18:00 (varies seasonally)
Admission: Adults 410 yen, Free for high school students and below
Address: 1-5 Korakuen, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture
Around Asahi River and Kyobashi Bridge
Kyobashi Bridge
The Kyobashi Bridge spanning the Asahi River became the setting for important scenes in the work. The scenery from the bridge and the nightscape are beautifully depicted, and many fans visit for photography.
Features: Perfect location overlooking the Asahi River and Okayama Castle
Access: Approximately 10-minute walk from “Kencho-dori” Station on the Okayama Electric Tramway
Other Important Spots
Live Houses and Event Venues
Several facilities in Okayama City served as models for the venues where ChamJam holds live performances in the work. Experiencing the atmosphere of actual live houses allows for deeper immersion in the world of the work.
Efficient Pilgrimage Model Courses
1-Day Course (For Beginners)
9:00 – Arrival at Okayama Station
View the station interior and plaza, take photos
9:30 – Aeon Mall Okayama
Explore the shopping setting featured in the work
11:00 – Omotecho Shopping Street
Stroll through the arcade shopping street, look for lunch spots
12:00 – Lunch
Enjoy Okayama gourmet cuisine at a restaurant near Omotecho Shopping Street
13:30 – Around Kyobashi Bridge and Asahi River
View Okayama Castle from the bridge, recreate work scenes
14:30 – Okayama Castle
Tour the castle interior, enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the observation deck
16:00 – Okayama Korakuen Garden
Stroll through the Japanese garden, enjoy seasonal scenery
17:30 – Hokando Shopping Street
Experience the atmosphere as evening turns to night
19:00 – Dinner near Okayama Station
Enjoy local cuisine at an izakaya or restaurant to finish the day
2-Day Course (For Thorough Visitors)
Day 1: Focus on the area around Okayama Station, Omotecho Shopping Street, and Hokando Shopping Street
Day 2: Explore Okayama Castle, Korakuen Garden, the Asahi River area, and other nearby spots
The 2-day course allows more time at each location, enjoying photography and sightseeing. Additionally, since the work features many night scenes, experiencing both daytime and nighttime atmospheres is recommended.
Access Information
Transportation to Okayama
Shinkansen
- From Tokyo: Approximately 3 hours 20 minutes on Nozomi shinkansen
- From Osaka: Approximately 45 minutes on Nozomi shinkansen
- From Hiroshima: Approximately 35 minutes on Nozomi shinkansen
- From Fukuoka: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes on Nozomi shinkansen
Airplane
- From Okayama Airport (Okayama Momotaro Airport) to Okayama Station: approximately 30 minutes by airport limousine bus
- From Tokyo (Haneda): approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
- From Sapporo (New Chitose): approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
Highway Bus
- From Tokyo: approximately 9 hours 30 minutes
- From Osaka: approximately 3 hours 30 minutes
- From Nagoya: approximately 5 hours
Transportation within Okayama City
Okayama Electric Tramway (Streetcar)
A streetcar connecting major tourist attractions in Okayama City. It also appears in the work and is an essential transportation method for pilgrimage.
Fare: 140 yen flat rate for adults (as of 2024)
All-day Pass: 400 yen for adults (unlimited rides)
Rental Bicycles
Okayama operates a public rental bicycle system called “Momochhari,” with stations throughout the city where bicycles can be freely rented and returned between locations.
Charges: First hour 100 yen, then 100 yen per 30 minutes
All-day Pass: 500 yen
On Foot
The area from Okayama Station to Omotecho Shopping Street and around Okayama Castle is within walking distance. Walking on nice days is also recommended for pilgrimage.
How to Enjoy Pilgrimage and Etiquette
Photography Tips
Comparison Photography with the Work
The highlight of pilgrimage is taking photos from the same angles as scenes in the anime. Prepare screenshots from the anime in advance and compare while photographing on location for greater enjoyment.
Recommended Photography Times
- Morning (7:00～9:00): Few people around, allowing calm photography
- Evening (16:00～18:00): Okayama Castle and the Asahi River are beautiful in the setting sun
- Night (18:00 onwards): Can recreate night scenes from the work
Etiquette to Follow
Consideration for Local Residents
Many pilgrimage spots are places that local residents use daily. Please note the following:
- Do not speak loudly
- Do not enter private property without permission
- Be mindful not to obstruct pedestrian traffic
- Always take your trash with you
Etiquette in Shopping Streets
- Do not photograph in front of operating shops for extended periods
- Always ask permission before photographing inside shops
- If possible, support the community by shopping and dining at local establishments
Caution When Posting on Social Media
- Be mindful not to capture other tourists or local residents in photos
- Be cautious about sharing location information
- Do not spread false information
Okayama Gourmet Information
Local Okayama Cuisine
Demikatsu Don
Demikatsu don, known as a soul food of Okayama, is a unique dish with cutlet topped with demi-glace sauce. Many renowned establishments can be found around Omotecho Shopping Street.
Recommended Restaurants: Nomura, Shoji Nomura
Barazushi (Okayama Barazushi)
An Okayama local dish consisting of vinegared rice topped with fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables arranged in a colorful display. Its gorgeous appearance makes it a popular dish for special occasions.
Ebimeshi
A B-class gourmet food originating in Okayama, made by stir-frying shrimp and rice with sauce, characterized by its dark black appearance. Restaurants serving this dish can be found near Okayama Station and Omotecho Shopping Street.
Kibidango
A famous confection of Okayama known from the Momotaro legend. Popular as a souvenir, various flavors are available for purchase.
Recommended Cafes and Rest Spots for Pilgrimage
Cafes Around Omotecho Shopping Street
The historic shopping street has retro-atmosphere cafes and long-established coffee shops scattered throughout. Perfect for rest breaks during pilgrimage activities.
Tea Houses Around Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden
There is a traditional tea house within Korakuen Garden where you can enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets. Rest while overlooking the garden is exceptional.
Accommodation Information
Hotels Around Okayama Station
Hotels near Okayama Station are convenient as a base for pilgrimage. Various price-range accommodations are available, from business hotels to city hotels.
Merits:
- Good access to shinkansen and conventional trains
- Abundant dining options
- Many shops open late into the night
Accommodations Around Omotecho and Kyobashi Areas
Close to entertainment districts, these areas also allow you to enjoy the nighttime atmosphere. Relatively affordable accommodations such as guesthouses and capsule hotels are available.
Useful Goods and Apps for Pilgrimage
Convenient Items to Bring
- Work Materials: Anime screenshots, pilgrimage maps
- Camera/Smartphone: For photography, don’t forget the charger
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: Essential for walking around the city
- Folding Umbrella: To prepare for weather changes
- Mobile Battery: Battery consumption is rapid due to photography and map app usage
Recommended Apps
- Google Maps: Navigation and current location confirmation
- Okayama Electric Tramway Official App: Streetcar timetables and route maps
- Stage Meguri: Anime pilgrimage-specific app (compatible with some works)
- Weather Forecast App: Check Okayama weather
Recommended Seasons
Spring (March～May)
The season when cherry blossoms and fresh greenery in Okayama Korakuen Garden are beautiful. Early April is particularly recommended, offering a stunning collaboration of Okayama Castle and cherry blossoms.
Temperature: Around 10℃～20℃
Clothing: Light jacket or cardigan
Summer (June～August)
A season with many summer festivals and events, but with high temperatures and humidity. Heat stroke precautions are necessary.
Temperature: Around 25℃～35℃
Clothing: T-shirt, sunscreen, hat essential
Autumn (September～November)
Pleasant weather makes this the ideal season for pilgrimage. Autumn leaves in Korakuen Garden are also a highlight.
Temperature: Around 15℃～25℃
Clothing: Long-sleeve shirt, light jacket
Winter (December～February)
While Okayama is relatively mild, mornings and evenings can be cold. With fewer tourists, you can enjoy a more leisurely pilgrimage.
Temperature: Around 5℃～10℃
Clothing: Coat, scarf, gloves
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
About 15 minutes by train from Okayama Station, Kurashiki City has a historical district preserving the Edo period townscape. The tasteful streets lined with white-walled storehouses are worthwhile to visit along with pilgrimage activities.
Access: About 15 minutes from Okayama Station on the Sanyo Main Line to Kurashiki Station, then about 15-minute walk from the station
Kibitsu Shrine and Kibitsu Hikohiko Shrine
Shrines believed to be the origin of the Momotaro legend, where you can feel Okayama’s history and culture.
Access: About 15 minutes from Okayama Station on the Kibi Line to Kibitsu Station
Inujima and Naoshima (Art Islands)
These islands in the Seto Inland Sea, known as sacred sites of contemporary art, are also accessible from Okayama. If time permits, extending your visit to these islands is recommended.
Precautions for Pilgrimage
Weather Impacts
While Okayama is relatively mild and known as the “Land of Clear Skies,” caution is necessary during the rainy season and typhoon season. Check weather forecasts in advance and prepare rain gear.
Confirming Business Hours and Holidays
Shops in shopping streets and tourist facilities have different business hours and holidays. Many facilities are closed on Mondays and during year-end holidays, so advance confirmation is important.
Event and Construction Information
When events are held in the city, traffic restrictions and congestion are expected. Additionally, building renovation construction may prevent viewing of some spots, so confirm the latest information.
Fan Community Interaction
Information Sharing on Social Media
Using hashtags like “#Oshibudo Pilgrimage” or “#Oshi-budō Pilgrimage” on Twitter and Instagram allows you to exchange information with other fans. Share the latest spot information and photography points.
Off-meets and Events
Fan-organized pilgrimage off-meets are occasionally held. Check SNS and fan sites for information.
To Enjoy the Work More Deeply
Preview Original Manga and Anime
Reviewing the original manga and anime before pilgrimage allows for deeper enjoyment. Anime in particular carefully depicts Okayama’s scenery, so previewing it beforehand doubles the emotional impact when visiting.
Related Books and Guidebooks
Official guidebooks and fan books may contain pilgrimage information and production trivia. Reading before your visit may yield new discoveries.
Summary
Pilgrimage related to “If My Favorite Pop Star Made It to the Budokan, I Would Die” is a valuable experience to feel the world of the work. Okayama Prefecture has convenient transportation and abundant attractions, making it an ideal location for a first-time pilgrimage.
Using the spots introduced in this article as reference, plan your own pilgrimage route. Remember to consider local residents and maintain proper etiquette for a memorable pilgrimage experience.
Okayama’s beautiful scenery, warm people, and delicious gourmet cuisine will surely make your pilgrimage unforgettable. With your love for the work in your heart, why not visit Okayama?
Final Note: Pilgrimage is a bridge between work and reality. By visiting the actual locations, you can rediscover the production staff’s love for the work and the charm of Okayama itself. Enjoy a safe and fun pilgrimage experience!
