【CLANNAD】Nishi-Shinsaibashi (Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture)
Introduction: The Relationship Between CLANNAD and Hyogo Prefecture
“CLANNAD” is an emotionally moving work originally based on a visual novel game produced by Key and adapted into an anime by Kyoto Animation. The story of the protagonist, Tomoya Okazaki, spending his third year of high school as an apathetic student while growing through encounters with various girls has captured the hearts of many fans.
While the main sacred sites of the anime are concentrated around Hamura City and Mizuho Town in Tokyo, there are actually important spots related to CLANNAD and Key works in the Kansai area, including Hyogo Prefecture. This article provides thorough explanations of sacred site pilgrimage information for CLANNAD in Hyogo Prefecture and its surrounding regions, from access methods to ways to enjoy them.
What is CLANNAD?: The Appeal and Overview of the Work
Basic Information About the Work
CLANNAD is a visual novel game released by Key in 2004, which was later broadcast as a television anime from 2007 to 2009. The story begins when Tomoya Okazaki, a third-year high school student attending an elite preparatory school, meets a girl named Nagisa Furukawa on the slope leading to the school gate.
The Story’s Composition and Appeal
The anime is structured in two parts: “School Arc” and “AFTER STORY,” with the first half depicting school life centered on Tomoya and Nagisa, and the second half depicting life after graduation. The meeting on the slope, daily life at school, and bonds with various characters form the core of this work.
Through interactions with distinctive characters such as Fuko, Tomoya gradually changes from his apathetic daily life. This growth story is the reason why the work continues to fascinate many fans.
Hyogo Prefecture and CLANNAD: The State of Sacred Sites in the Kansai Area
The Reality of Sacred Sites in Hyogo Prefecture
There are not many clearly designated locations within Hyogo Prefecture that serve as the direct setting for CLANNAD’s main story. However, looking at the Kansai region as a whole, spots related to Key works are scattered throughout Kyoto and Osaka prefectures, and Hyogo Prefecture plays an important role as a base for sacred site pilgrimages to these areas.
Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture and Anime Culture
In Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture, there are stores handling anime goods and game software, making it possible to purchase CLANNAD-related products. Stores such as the Takarazuka Akura location carry CLANNAD game software and related merchandise, which can be utilized as a place for preparation and purchasing commemorative items for sacred site pilgrimages.
Sacred Sites for CLANNAD and Key Works in the Kansai Area
Sacred Spots in Kyoto Prefecture
Kyoto Prefecture has several spots related to Key works such as CLANNAD and Kanon. The townscape of Kyoto has also served as a motif for scenery appearing in anime, making it an important pilgrimage destination for Key work fans.
Major Spots in Kyoto City
Throughout Kyoto City, there are various shrines, temples, and shopping streets where one can feel the atmosphere of Key works. In particular, slopes and quiet residential neighborhood scenery as depicted in school life scenes can be found in various locations throughout Kyoto.
Related Spots in Osaka Prefecture
There are also locations in Osaka Prefecture related to Key works. While CLANNAD’s sacred sites are basically concentrated in the Tokyo area and Kanon’s sacred sites are concentrated in Hokkaido, the characteristic feature is that they are scattered here and there in Osaka and Kyoto.
Anime Culture Spots in Osaka City
Osaka City is well-stocked with anime goods shops and media shops, making it suitable for purchasing CLANNAD-related products and gathering information. Additionally, areas like Nipponbashi have become important bases for anime fans.
Planning a Sacred Site Pilgrimage Based in Hyogo Prefecture
How to Plan Efficient Pilgrimage Routes
When making a pilgrimage to CLANNAD sacred sites in the Kansai region from Hyogo Prefecture, the following route would be efficient:
- Preparation in Hyogo Prefecture: Purchasing goods and reviewing the work in Takarazuka City and other areas
- Exploring the Kyoto Area: Visiting Key work-related spots throughout Kyoto Prefecture
- Exploring the Osaka Area: Visiting related spots and commercial facilities in Osaka Prefecture
- Expedition to the Tokyo Area: If time permits, visit major sacred sites in Hamura City and Mizuho Town
Optimizing Accommodation and Transportation
Hyogo Prefecture, particularly Kobe City, Nishinomiya City, and Amagasaki City, have excellent access to Osaka and Kyoto. By using JR lines, Hankyu Electric Railway, and Hanshin Electric Railway, you can reach major areas in 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Major Sacred Sites in Tokyo: The Hamura City and Mizuho Town Area
Sacred Spots Around Hamura Station
The most important sacred site for CLANNAD pilgrimages is the Hamura City area in Tokyo. The Mizuho Town and Hamura City areas, where many spots are concentrated, serve as the settings for impressive scenes featured in the anime.
The Iconic Slope
The impressive slope where Tomoya and Nagisa meet at the beginning of the story exists in Hamura City. The scene of the slope leading to the school gate with cherry blossoms falling is a location visited by many fans as it symbolizes the work.
Azusami Tenmangu Shrine
The torii gate of Azusami Tenmangu Shrine, which appears in Episode 11 when Kotomi parts ways with Tomoya on their way home from school, is also one of the important sacred sites. This shrine actually exists and has become a famous pilgrimage spot among fans.
Points of Interest in Mizuho Town
Mizuho Town contains numerous landscapes used in scenes around the school. You can make a pilgrimage to locations that appeared as backgrounds in scenes of residential streets, shopping streets, parks, and other daily school life.
CLANNAD Sacred Sites, Filming Locations, and Scenes to See
Correspondence Between Major Filming Locations and Scenes
School Gate and Cherry Blossom Lined Street
The symbolic scene of the school gate and slope with falling cherry blossoms in the spring is modeled after an actual slope in Hamura City. If you visit in spring, you can enjoy cherry blossom scenery similar to that in the anime.
School Exterior
The exterior of the elite preparatory school that Tomoya and others attend is modeled after an actual school in Tokyo. The depiction of school life, including scenes inside the school, is described very realistically.
Shopping Streets and Daily Scenery
Shopping streets and places where characters stop by daily are also based on actual landscapes around Hamura City and Mizuho Town.
Points of Interest by Season
- Spring (March–May): The best season to recreate cherry blossom scenes
- Summer (June–August): You can experience the atmosphere of school festival and summer vacation scenes
- Autumn (September–November): A season with many important story scenes
- Winter (December–February): The season of impressive AFTER STORY scenes
Access from Hyogo Prefecture to Tokyo’s Sacred Sites
Access Using the Shinkansen
The most common way to travel from Hyogo Prefecture to Tokyo’s sacred sites is by shinkansen.
- Shin-Kobe Station→Tokyo Station: Approximately 2 hours 50 minutes
- Tokyo Station→Hamura Station: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes via JR Chuo Line and Ome Line
Total travel time is approximately 4 hours 30 minutes.
Access Using Airplanes
A route using Kobe Airport or Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport) with a connection through Haneda Airport is also an option.
- Kobe Airport→Haneda Airport: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes
- Haneda Airport→Hamura Station: Approximately 2 hours by train
Moving by Highway Bus
If you want to keep costs down, consider using a night bus.
- Kobe/Osaka→Tokyo: Approximately 8–9 hours
- Departing late at night and arriving early in the morning allows for effective use of time.
How to Do CLANNAD Sacred Site Pilgrimages on a Budget
Transportation Cost-Saving Techniques
Making Use of JR Passes
For efficiently touring sacred sites in the Tokyo area, JR East’s Weekend Getaway Pass or Ku-Area Pass is convenient. With unlimited travel for one day, it becomes cost-effective when visiting multiple spots.
Using Discounted Tickets
Shinkansen and airplane tickets offer significant discounts when purchased early. Once you’ve decided on your pilgrimage plans, reserve tickets as soon as possible.
Saving on Accommodation
Using Business Hotel Chains
Business hotels are scattered around Hamura City and surrounding areas. Chain hotel member discounts and point systems are well-developed, allowing for cost-effective stays.
Capsule Hotels and Guest Houses
If you want to minimize budget, consider capsule hotels or guest houses in Tokyo. There are relatively inexpensive accommodations near Tachikawa Station.
How to Earn Points Usefully During Sacred Site Pilgrimages
Points from Transportation IC Cards
Transportation IC cards such as Suica and Pasmo accumulate points with usage. By registering with JRE POINT and similar services, your return rate increases.
Making Use of Credit Cards
Consolidating travel-related payments on a single credit card allows for efficient point accumulation. Travel-specific cards in particular often offer high return rates for airline tickets and hotel reservations.
Points from Hotel Reservation Sites
Using reservation sites such as Rakuten Travel or Jalan offers points for your accommodation costs. These points can be used for future travels.
Enjoying CLANNAD More: Sacred Site Pilgrimage Guidebooks
Recommended Guidebooks
Official Anime Tourism Guide
“Anime Tourism Sacred Site Pilgrimage DB” and other online databases comprehensively cover anime sacred sites throughout Japan. The CLANNAD section covers a wide range of areas from Hokkaido to Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima prefectures, the Kanto area (Gunma and Tokyo), Fukui, Yamanashi, Nagano, Gifu, Shizuoka, and the Kinki region (Mie, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, Nara, and Wakayama prefectures), extending even to Tottori and Shimane prefectures.
Specialized Books and Magazines
Many magazines and specialized books focused on anime sacred site pilgrimages have been published. With detailed explanations accompanied by photos, they are extremely helpful during actual pilgrimages.
Using Digital Tools
Smartphone Apps
Using dedicated sacred site pilgrimage apps allows you to pinpoint exact locations using GPS functionality. You can also refer to photos and information posted by other fans.
Gathering Information from Social Media
Searching for hashtags such as “#CLANNAD Sacred Site Pilgrimage” on Twitter and Instagram allows you to check the latest sacred site information and pilgrimage records from other fans.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Manners and Precautions
Basic Manners
Consideration in Residential Areas
Many of CLANNAD’s sacred sites are located in residential neighborhoods where people actually live. Avoid making noise, entering private property, and always take your trash with you.
Precautions When Taking Photos
When taking photos, be considerate of the privacy of passersby and residents, and be careful not to include their faces. Additionally, care should be taken not to obstruct traffic, such as taking photos from the edge of the road.
Consideration for School Facilities
The school that served as a model is an actual educational facility. Never enter the grounds without permission, and limit yourself to viewing the exterior from public roads.
CLANNAD-Related Events and Collaboration Information in Hyogo Prefecture
Merchandise Development at Anime Shops
Major cities in Hyogo Prefecture (Kobe City, Himeji City, Nishinomiya City, etc.) have specialty stores handling anime goods. Special CLANNAD product sections may be set up periodically.
Collaboration Cafes and Events
In conjunction with Key work anniversaries and other occasions, collaboration cafes and events are held in the Kansai region. In the past, anime-related events have been held in Kobe City and other areas in Hyogo Prefecture.
CLANNAD Sacred Site Pilgrimage Packing Checklist
Essential Items
- Smartphone (map app, camera, SNS posting)
- Mobile battery
- Sacred site pilgrimage guidebook and materials
- Transportation IC card
- Drinking water
- Towel and handkerchief
Convenient Items to Have
- Single-lens reflex camera (if you want to take higher quality photos)
- Tripod (for commemorative photos)
- Sunscreen and hat (in summer)
- Cold weather clothing (in winter)
- Notebook and pen (for visit records)
Tour Plans Combining Other Key Works Sacred Sites
Kanon Sacred Sites: Hokkaido
Kanon’s main sacred sites exist in Hokkaido. If you want to visit them in addition to CLANNAD, you’ll need to plan a multi-day trip.
AIR Sacred Sites: Wakayama Prefecture, etc.
The sacred sites for Key’s “AIR” exist in Wakayama Prefecture and other areas, with relatively good access from Hyogo Prefecture. If you want to visit multiple Key work sites in the Kansai region, a plan combining AIR and CLANNAD is also recommended.
Previewing and Reviewing CLANNAD on Video Streaming Services
Major Streaming Platforms
It’s recommended to watch the anime before and after your sacred site pilgrimage to deepen your understanding of the work. CLANNAD is available on multiple video streaming services.
- Bandai Channel
- Other major VOD services
It may also be available on official YouTube channels, making it easy to watch.
Reviewing Key Scenes
Rewatching specific scenes before your pilgrimage allows you to experience deeper emotion at the actual locations. Review the slope scene, school life scenes, and episodes of each character.
CLANNAD Sacred Site Pilgrimage Enjoyment: Advanced Techniques
Being Aware of Time of Day When Visiting
By visiting at the same time of day as scenes in the anime, you can experience the atmosphere more closely to the work’s world. Choose times of day such as school commute time or the golden hour after school.
Matching Weather and Season
Visiting during the spring with falling cherry blossoms, the hot summer days of summer vacation, the school festival season of autumn, or winter snow scenes aligned with the anime allows for deeper immersion.
Photographing from the Same Angles
“Stage exploration” – photographing from the same angles as anime cuts – is the highlight of sacred site pilgrimages. Prepare screenshots beforehand and compare them while photographing at the location.
A CLANNAD Sacred Site Pilgrimage Plan for Hyogo Residents
Day Trip Plan: Sacred Sites in the Kansai Region
For Hyogo residents, it’s recommended to start with a day trip visiting Key work-related spots in Kyoto and Osaka.
Model Course:
- Morning: Depart from Hyogo Prefecture→Key work-related spots in Kyoto City
- Afternoon: Anime shops and related spots in Osaka City
- Evening: Return to Hyogo Prefecture
1-Night 2-Day Plan: Major Tokyo Sacred Sites
A plan to visit Hamura City and Mizuho Town in Tokyo during a weekend.
Day 1:
- Early morning: Depart for Tokyo by shinkansen
- Morning to afternoon: Sacred site pilgrimage around Hamura Station
- Evening: Sacred site pilgrimage in Mizuho Town area
- Night: Stay in Tokyo or around Tachikawa
Day 2:
- Morning: Visit remaining sacred site spots
- Afternoon: Shop for goods around Tokyo Station
- Evening: Return to Hyogo Prefecture by shinkansen
2-Night 3-Day Plan: Complete Coverage Course
A full-scale plan that includes major Tokyo sacred sites as well as remote sites such as Tappizaki in Aomori.
Ways to Preserve Memories of CLANNAD Sacred Site Pilgrimages
Organizing Photos and Creating Albums
Photos from visited sacred sites can be preserved as wonderful memories by organizing them into digital albums or photo books. A layout comparing anime scenes with actual photos is also recommended.
Sharing on Social Media
Posting your pilgrimage records on Twitter and Instagram allows you to interact with other fans. Participate in the community by utilizing hashtags.
Creating a Pilgrimage Notebook
Creating a pilgrimage notebook that records the date and time of visits, weather, impressions, and more allows you to relive the emotion from back then when you look back later.
Conclusion: CLANNAD Sacred Site Pilgrimage from Hyogo Prefecture
While Hyogo Prefecture is not the direct setting of CLANNAD’s main story, it functions as an important base for sacred site pilgrimages of Key works in the Kansai region. Access to related spots in Kyoto and Osaka is excellent, and expeditions to major sacred sites in Tokyo are relatively easy by shinkansen or airplane.
CLANNAD sacred site pilgrimages deepen your understanding of the work and bring new discoveries and emotion. By actually visiting the slope where Tomoya and Nagisa meet, the school life scenery they passed through daily, and the various locations that served as settings for the story, the world depicted in anime will feel much closer.
Whether you’re a Hyogo resident or from outside the prefecture, please refer to this article and enjoy CLANNAD sacred site pilgrimages. With proper preparation and by following proper manners, experience the special sensation of immersing yourself in the work’s world.
Through sacred site pilgrimages, you can rediscover the appeal of CLANNAD as a work and can also expect new encounters with fellow fans who love the same work. Anime tourism is also an opportunity to discover the charm of various regions throughout Japan. Starting from Hyogo Prefecture, fully enjoy the world of CLANNAD.
