【The Moon is Beautiful】Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture
The TV anime “The Moon is Beautiful” (Tsuki ga Kirei), which aired from April to June 2017, is a completely original work depicting a delicate and bittersweet romance between middle school students Kotaro Azumi and Akane Mizuno, set in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture. Even eight years after its broadcast, it remains a highly popular work with many fans from both domestic and international audiences visiting the sacred sites.
This article classifies “The Moon is Beautiful” sacred sites scattered throughout Kawagoe City into 7 areas and introduces comprehensive information about each spot along with model courses that allow for efficient pilgrimage visits.
About Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture – The Setting for “The Moon is Beautiful”
The Charm of Koedo Kawagoe
Kawagoe City in Saitama Prefecture is known as “Koedo” (Little Edo) because it retains strong echoes of the Edo period, despite being only about 30 minutes from central Tokyo by train. It is a leading tourist destination in Saitama Prefecture with numerous historical spots such as traditional storehouse-style buildings, the Bell of Time, and Hikawa Shrine, attracting over 7 million visitors annually.
In “The Moon is Beautiful,” the streets of Kawagoe are depicted carefully, and many locations that appear in the work actually exist. In the anime, Kawagoe City’s First Junior High School serves as the model for the middle school where the protagonists study, and their daily lives are woven together with Kawagoe’s scenery.
The Relationship Between Kawagoe Festival and the Anime
The “Kawagoe Festival,” which plays an important role in the work, is held on the third Saturday and Sunday of October each year and is Kawagoe City’s largest festival. It has a history of over 370 years and is designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
In the anime, the protagonist Kotaro is shown practicing the festival music (hayashi) at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, and scenes of the Kawagoe Festival become important turning points in the story. In the actual Kawagoe Festival, ornate floats carrying intricate dolls are pulled through the town, and the “hikkkawase” (passing of floats), where floats pass by each other, is the highlight.
Basic Information and Access for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
How to Access Kawagoe
By Train
- Tobu Tojo Line: About 30 minutes from Ikebukuro Station to Kawagoe Station on the express
- Seibu Shinjuku Line: About 45 minutes from Seibu-Shinjuku Station to Hon-Kawagoe Station on the express
- JR Kawagoe Line: About 20 minutes from Omiya Station to Kawagoe Station
As a starting point for sacred site pilgrimage, “Hon-Kawagoe Station” is most convenient as it is closest to the tourist area.
Best Times to Visit and Time Required
Recommended Seasons
- Spring (March-May): Cherry blossom season with beautiful scenery along the Shinkawashiport
- Autumn (October): Kawagoe Festival is held, allowing the most authentic experience of the work’s atmosphere
- Winter (December-February): Relatively fewer tourists, allowing leisurely pilgrimage
Time Required
- Main spots only: 3-4 hours
- All areas covered: 6-8 hours
- Thorough photography included: 1-2 days
① Sacred Sites in the Hon-Kawagoe Station Area
Hon-Kawagoe Station
Hon-Kawagoe Station appears repeatedly from the beginning of the work and is an important place where Akane and Kotaro meet. It is the terminal station of the Seibu Shinjuku Line, with a retro atmosphere preserved in its station building.
Featured Scenes
- Episode 1: The scene where Akane and Kotaro first have a conversation alone
- Episode 6: The scene where Kotaro waits for Akane on a rainy day when she forgets her umbrella
- Final episode: An important scene where the two promise to meet again
The pedestrian deck in front of the station and the area around the ticket gates are ideal for comparison photography with scenes from the work. The atmosphere, particularly at dusk, perfectly captures the work’s worldview.
Crea Mall Shopping Street
An arcade shopping street extending about 1.2km northward from Hon-Kawagoe Station. In the work, it appears in scenes where Akane and Kotaro go on dates or walk with friends.
Various shops line the shopping street, and you can feel the daily life of local people. While weekends are busy with shoppers, weekday mornings are relatively quiet for pilgrimage visits.
Gusto Kawagoe Crea Mall
The family restaurant that Akane and Kotaro visit on their first date in Episode 3. The scene of the two nervously looking at the menu is memorable.
Pilgrimage Points
- Take a commemorative photo in the same seat as in the work (be considerate during crowded times)
- Recreate the menu items the two ordered
- Enjoy the atmosphere of the restaurant
Being able to eat while immersing yourself in the work’s worldview makes this a special place for fans.
② Sacred Sites in the Taisho Romance Dream Street Area
Taisho Romance Dream Street
About 5 minutes walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station, this approximately 200m street is characterized by Western-style buildings from the Taisho period with stone-paved roads. It appears multiple times in scenes where Akane and Kotaro walk together.
Highlights
- Retro street lamps and stone paving
- Western-style architecture from the Taisho period
- Cafes and antique shops
While weekends attract many tourists, weekday mornings are relatively quiet and suitable for photography.
Kumano Shrine
Located near Taisho Romance Dream Street, this shrine is known for good fortune and romantic relationships. Episode 4 features an impressive scene where Akane visits to pray alone.
The grounds include a “foot reflexology path” made of stone, which is also loved by locals. Though a small shrine, it is an important sacred site for fans of the work.
Points for Visiting
- Lucky charms for romantic relationships are popular
- The shrine’s atmosphere matches that in the work
- A quiet and peaceful space
③ Sacred Sites in the Traditional Storehouse-Style Building Area
Ichiban Street (Traditional Storehouse-Style Building District)
A representative tourist spot of Kawagoe that appears in numerous scenes in “The Moon is Beautiful.” About 30 traditional storehouse-style buildings from the Edo period are lined up, and the area has been designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings.
Appearances in the Work
- Episode 7: The Kawagoe Festival scene
- Episode 9: The scene where Akane and Kotaro walk on a date
- Episode 11: The scene where the two discuss their future
The black-plastered walls and heavy doors of the storehouse-style buildings truly embody the “Little Edo” atmosphere.
The Bell of Time (Toki no Kane)
A bell tower approximately 16 meters tall, known as a symbol of Kawagoe. The current building is the fourth version, with the bell ringing four times daily (6 AM, noon, 3 PM, and 6 PM).
The bell tower appears multiple times in the background of the work as a symbolic landscape of Kawagoe, and it becomes an important background element particularly in Episode 7’s Kawagoe Festival scene.
Photography Points
- Full-length shots from the front
- Combination with storehouse-style buildings
- Silhouette at dusk
###菓子屋横丁 (Confectioner’s Alley)
About 5 minutes walk from the Bell of Time, this approximately 80m alley is lined with old-fashioned candy shops. Over 20 candy shops are lined up, and it has been selected as one of the “100 Fragrant Landscapes” by the Ministry of the Environment.
Akane and her friends visit this alley in Episode 5. The colorful array of candies and sweets creates a nostalgic atmosphere.
Ways to Enjoy
- Purchase old-fashioned candies
- Photography of colorful candy
- Experience the nostalgic atmosphere permeated with soy sauce scent
④ Sacred Sites in the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Area
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
One of the most important locations for sacred site pilgrimage in “The Moon is Beautiful.” As the place where Kotaro practices the festival music (hayashi) for the Kawagoe Festival, it appears in almost every episode.
History and Significance
- Established approximately 1,500 years ago
- Famous as a shrine for romantic relationships
- The central shrine for the Kawagoe Festival
Important Scenes in the Work
- Episode 1: Scene of Kotaro practicing the festival music
- Episode 8: Scene where Akane comes to watch Kotaro’s practice
- Episode 11: Scene where the two promise their future together
The extensive grounds offer many points of interest, including the main hall, performance stage, and ema (prayer tablet) tunnel. The summer-limited “Enmusubi Wind Chimes” in particular, with over 2,000 Edo-style wind chimes, creates a magical atmosphere.
Spots Within Hikawa Shrine Grounds
Main Hall
Appears in scenes where Kotaro prays before practicing the festival music. The beautiful red shrine building is impressive.
Performance Stage
The place where festival music practice is conducted. The most frequently appearing spot in the work. During the actual Kawagoe Festival, various dedication performances are held here.
Ema Tunnel
A tunnel with countless pink prayer tablets. The tablet wishes for romantic relationships are impressive and it has become popular as an Instagram-worthy spot.
Ai-Tai Omamori (Lucky Charms)
Fish-shaped lucky charms with various types such as “Ichinen Yasutai” and “Ai-Tai.” A scene showing Akane drawing these appears in the work and they are popular among fans.
⑤ Sacred Sites Along the Shinkawashiport
Hikawa Bridge
A bridge spanning the Shinkawashiport from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. In the work, it is the important setting for a key scene in Episode 6 where Akane and Kotaro talk together.
From the bridge, you can see the calm flow of the Shinkawashiport and the rows of cherry blossoms on both banks. In spring, it becomes a popular cherry blossom viewing spot attracting many flower-viewing visitors, offering beauty in a season different from that in the work.
Photography Points
- View of the river from the center of the bridge
- Landscape beyond the bridge railing
- The atmosphere at dusk
Shinkawashiport Promenade
The promenade along the river continuing from Hikawa Bridge appears multiple times in scenes where Akane and Kotaro walk side by side. It has a quiet and calm atmosphere, with their deepening relationship depicted impressively.
Seasonal Highlights
- Spring: Cherry blossoms in full bloom (late March to early April)
- Summer: Fresh greenery and glimmering river surface
- Autumn: Fall colors and the gentle river flow
- Winter: Silent atmosphere
The promenade is well-maintained, allowing you to slowly stroll while immersing yourself in the work’s worldview.
⑥ Sacred Sites in the Kawagoe Station Area
Kawagoe Station
A gateway to Kawagoe where the JR Kawagoe Line and Tobu Tojo Line connect. It appears in scenes such as Episode 10 where Kotaro returns from a school trip.
Though more modern compared to Hon-Kawagoe Station, it is still an important location for fans of the work. The rotary in front of the station and the atmosphere of the east exit are depicted in the work.
Unicus Kawagoe
A shopping center about 5 minutes walk from the west exit of Kawagoe Station. It appears in Episode 4 in a scene where Akane and her friends go shopping.
Various shops are located in the actual facility, and it can also be used as a rest stop during pilgrimage visits.
⑦ Tatami Bridge Area and Other Sacred Sites
Tatami Bridge (Tatamibashi)
A pedestrian-only bridge spanning the Shinkawashiport in the southern part of Kawagoe City. It appears in Episode 12 (the final episode) as an important scene where the relationship between Akane and Kotaro makes significant progress.
Access
About 20 minutes walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station, or convenient by bus. Though somewhat away from the tourist area, it is a must-visit sacred site for fans.
Characteristics
- Wooden pedestrian bridge
- Quiet and calm atmosphere
- Where you can feel the river flow and nature
The view from the bridge overlaps with scenes from the work, making it a special place to experience the emotions of the two characters.
Kawagoe City Museum and Art Museum Surroundings
Located near Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, it appears in the work as a place Akane and Kotaro visit on a date. Many surrounding parks and roads have portions matching scenes from the work, allowing for enjoyable comparison photography.
Kawagoe Municipal First Junior High School (Exterior Only)
The actual school that served as the model for the middle school the protagonists attend in the work. However, as it is a current educational facility, entry into the grounds is strictly prohibited. View the exterior from a distance only, and remember to be considerate of students and neighboring residents.
Efficient Sacred Site Pilgrimage Model Courses
Half-Day Course (3-4 Hours)
Starting in the Morning
- Hon-Kawagoe Station (9:00)
- Taisho Romance Dream Street/Kumano Shrine (9:15-9:45)
- Ichiban Street/Bell of Time (9:50-10:30)
- Confectioner’s Alley (10:35-11:00)
- Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine (11:15-12:15)
- Hikawa Bridge/Shinkawashiport Promenade (12:20-12:45)
- Return to Hon-Kawagoe Station (13:00)
This course allows you to efficiently visit the major sacred sites. Lunch at a restaurant or cafe around Ichiban Street is recommended.
Full Day Course (6-8 Hours)
For Those Wanting a Thorough Pilgrimage
- Hon-Kawagoe Station (9:00)
- Crea Mall/Gusto (9:10-10:00)
- Taisho Romance Dream Street/Kumano Shrine (10:10-10:50)
- Ichiban Street/Bell of Time (11:00-12:00)
- Lunch (12:00-13:00)
- Confectioner’s Alley (13:10-13:40)
- Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine (14:00-15:30)
- Hikawa Bridge/Shinkawashiport Promenade (15:35-16:15)
- Kawagoe City Museum Area (16:30-17:00)
- Tatami Bridge (17:15-17:45)
- Return to Hon-Kawagoe Station (18:15)
This course allows you to visit almost all major spots that appear in the work. Ample time is available for photography, making for a highly satisfying pilgrimage experience.
Two-Day Course (Overnight Plan)
Day 1
- Morning: Hon-Kawagoe Station area to Ichiban Street area
- Afternoon: Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine area to Shinkawashiport
- Evening: Stay at a hotel in Kawagoe
Day 2
- Morning: Tatami Bridge area to Kawagoe Station area
- Afternoon: Revisit any missed spots
Staying overnight allows you to enjoy dusk and early morning atmospheres and immerse yourself even more deeply in the work’s worldview.
Important Notes and Manners for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Photography Etiquette
General Precautions
- Be considerate of pedestrian traffic
- Absolutely no trespassing on private property
- Obtain permission from staff before photographing in commercial facilities
- Ensure safety when using tripods
Manners at Shrines and Temples
- Make a prayer offering before photographing
- Photography inside main halls is usually prohibited
- Maintain quiet and be considerate of other visitors
- Remember these are sacred places
Consideration for School Facilities
School facilities like Kawagoe Municipal First Junior High School, which served as models for locations in the work, are currently operating educational institutions.
Rules That Must Be Followed
- Absolutely no entry into school grounds
- No activities that disrupt classes
- No photographing students
- Avoid loud conversations and noise
View the exterior only from a distance, and be careful not to cause trouble to local residents and school staff.
Strategies for Crowded Periods
Periods When Crowding is Expected
- During the Kawagoe Festival (third Saturday and Sunday of October)
- During cherry blossom season (late March to early April)
- Golden Week
- Year-end and New Year holidays
During these periods, there are extremely many tourists, making leisurely pilgrimage difficult. If possible, visits during weekdays or early morning are recommended.
Points for Enjoying Sacred Site Pilgrimage More
Preparation and Review of the Work
Watching the work again before your pilgrimage allows you to understand the importance of each location and which episodes feature important scenes. Noting which episodes contain impressive scenes will amplify the emotional impact when visiting locations in person.
Recommended Preparation
- Watch all episodes
- Save screenshots of important scenes
- Create a list of locations that appear
- Create a pilgrimage map
Enjoyment by Season
Spring (March-May)
Cherry blossoms along the Shinkawashiport are beautiful, allowing enjoyment of seasonal scenery different from the work. The area around Hikawa Bridge is particularly famous for cherry blossoms.
Summer (June-August)
“Enmusubi Wind Chimes” are held at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, with over 2,000 Edo-style wind chimes decorating the grounds. The cool chiming sounds and magical atmosphere are appealing.
Autumn (September-November)
The Kawagoe Festival held in October is the period when you can most authentically experience the work’s atmosphere. Seeing actual floats and festival music deepens understanding of Kotaro’s feelings.
Winter (December-February)
A time when there are relatively fewer tourists, allowing quiet pilgrimage. In the clear winter air, you can calmly immerse yourself in the work’s worldview.
Gourmet Information
Enjoying Kawagoe’s local cuisine during pilgrimage breaks is also recommended.
Kawagoe Specialties
- Sweet potato sweets: Kawagoe is famous for sweet potatoes
- Eel dishes: Many long-established eel restaurants around Ichiban Street
- Thick noodle okonomiyaki: Kawagoe’s B-class gourmet
- Koedo Beer: Local beer is also popular
Confectioner’s Alley offers old-fashioned candies you can eat while walking, and Ichiban Street has abundant gourmet options including sweet potato snacks and soft serve ice cream.
Souvenir and Merchandise Information
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Charms
- Romantic relationship charms: Popular in connection with the two characters’ relationship
- Ai-Tai Omamori: Fish-shaped souvenirs that can be taken home
Kawagoe Local Products
- Sweet potato confections
- Bell of Time souvenirs
- Kawagoe T-shirts
Some shops carry “The Moon is Beautiful” related merchandise.
Learning About the Kawagoe Festival in Detail
History of the Kawagoe Festival
The Kawagoe Festival is said to have begun when Matsudaira Nobutsuna, the Kawagoe Castle lord, donated divine portables and lion head masks to Hikawa Shrine in Keian 1 (1648). With a history of over 370 years, it was designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 2005.
During the Edo period, it incorporated the style of Edo’s “Tenkamatsuri” (festival), making ornate floats characteristic. Currently, 29 floats carrying intricate dolls parade through the city, preserving the “Little Edo Kawagoe” atmosphere.
Highlights of the Kawagoe Festival
Float Processions
The sight of floats 7-8 meters tall parading through town is impressive. Each float is decorated with intricate dolls that each have their own history.
Hikkkawase (Passing of Floats)
A traditional ceremony where floats perform competitive festival music as they pass each other. Facing floats compete in musical performance, exciting spectators. This is the main highlight of the Kawagoe Festival.
Festival Music Competition
The festival music Kotaro practices in the work is an important element of the Kawagoe Festival. The sounds of whistles, drums, and gongs resound through the town.
Nighttime Float Processions
The sight of floats with illuminated lanterns progressing through the night streets is magical and impressively depicted in the work.
Pilgrimage During Festival Period
While the Kawagoe Festival period (third Saturday and Sunday of October) is when you can most authentically experience the work’s atmosphere, it becomes extremely crowded.
Crowding Countermeasures
- Visit major spots early morning or the day before
- Focus on experiencing the atmosphere on festival day itself
- Stay overnight and spread pilgrimage over two days
- Early morning photography when fewer people are around is recommended
Understanding the Work More Deeply
Character Relationship to Kawagoe
Kotaro Azumi
A shy third-year middle school student belonging to the literature club who dreams of becoming a writer. He practices festival music at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine and plays an important role in the Kawagoe Festival. His character is deeply connected to Kawagoe’s traditional culture.
Akane Mizuno
A sincere girl belonging to the track and field club. Scenes of her running through Kawagoe are impressive, and locations like the Shinkawashiport promenade appear frequently.
Work Theme and Kawagoe
“The Moon is Beautiful” is a work that carefully depicts the delicate romance of adolescence. Kawagoe’s calm streets and historical atmosphere enhance the pure relationship of the two characters.
The work frequently references literary works such as Osamu Dazai’s “Run, Melos!” and Soseki Natsume’s “Kokoro,” expressing Kotaro’s literary aspirations. Kawagoe’s cultural background is an element that deepens the work.
Kawagoe’s Appeal as a Sacred Site
Kawagoe’s popularity as a sacred site for “The Moon is Beautiful” stems from the high accuracy of its faithful recreation of the work. Real locations are depicted carefully, and visiting allows you to enter the work’s world.
Additionally, Kawagoe itself is an attractive tourist destination. Not only anime fans but also general tourists can enjoy it, and the ability to simultaneously enjoy pilgrimage and tourism is a major appeal.
Nearby Accommodations and Access Information
Recommended Accommodations
Kawagoe Prince Hotel
Within about 1 minute walk of Hon-Kawagoe Station. Ideal as a base for sacred site pilgrimage.
Kawagoe Daiichi Hotel
About 3 minutes walk from the east exit of Kawagoe Station. Attractions include reasonable pricing.
Koedo no Yado Kawagoe
Close to the storehouse-style building district with a Japanese atmosphere.
Nearby Tourist Spots
Tourist spots worth visiting alongside sacred site pilgrimage:
Kita-in Temple
A famous Tendai Buddhist temple related to the Tokugawa family. Beautiful for spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage.
Honmaru Palace
Ruins of Kawagoe Castle, one of the few remaining original palace structures.
Renkeiji Temple
Known for “Obinzuru-sama.” Legend holds that touching it cures illness.
Summary: How to Succeed at a “The Moon is Beautiful” Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Kawagoe City in Saitama Prefecture, a sacred site for “The Moon is Beautiful,” is a wonderful place where you can experience the work’s worldview. By efficiently visiting the seven areas introduced in this article, your understanding of the work will deepen significantly, and you will have an emotionally moving experience.
Points for Successful Sacred Site Pilgrimage
- Watch the work beforehand to understand important scenes
- Plan an efficient route
- Follow photography manners and be considerate of residents
- Consider season and timing for your visit
- Also enjoy Kawagoe’s culture and history
Kawagoe is an attractive town that retains Edo-period atmosphere despite being just about 30 minutes from Tokyo. Through “The Moon is Beautiful” sacred site pilgrimage, re-experience the work’s emotional impact while discovering the charm of Kawagoe City.
Walking the paths where Kotaro and Akane walked, seeing with your own eyes the scenery they saw. For fans of the work, this will surely be an invaluable experience. I hope this article helps make your sacred site pilgrimage more fulfilling.
