The TV anime “Tsukigakirei” broadcast from April to June 2017 is an original work depicting the pale and poignant romance between junior high 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 Japan and abroad visiting the sacred sites.
This article comprehensively introduces detailed information about each spot, classifying the “Tsukigakirei” sacred sites scattered throughout Kawagoe City into 7 areas and presenting model courses for efficient pilgrimage.
About Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, the Stage of “Tsukigakirei”
The Charm of “Little Edo” Kawagoe
Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, is known as “Little Edo,” retaining strong traces of the Edo period while being conveniently located just 30 minutes from central Tokyo by train. Numerous historical spots exist, including warehouse-style townscapes, the Bell of Time, and Hikawa Shrine, making it one of Saitama’s premier tourist destinations with over 7 million visitors annually.
In “Tsukigakirei,” the townscape of Kawagoe is depicted carefully, and many of the locations appearing in the work actually exist. In the anime, Kawagoe Municipal First Junior High School serves as the model for the middle school attended by the protagonists, and their daily lives are interwoven with the scenery of Kawagoe.
The Relationship Between Kawagoe Festival and the Anime
The “Kawagoe Festival,” which plays an important role in the story, is held on the third Saturday and Sunday of October each year and is Kawagoe’s largest festival. It boasts over 370 years of history and is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the nation.
In the anime, the protagonist Kotaro is shown practicing the festival music at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, and the Kawagoe Festival scenes serve as important turning points in the narrative. In the actual Kawagoe Festival, elaborate floats bearing figurines are pulled through the town, and “hikkabase”—the passing of floats alongside each other—is the main attraction.
Basic Information and Access for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
How to Access Kawagoe
Access by Train
- Tobu Tojo Line: Express from Ikebukuro Station to Kawagoe Station in approximately 30 minutes
- Seibu Shinjuku Line: Limited Express from Seibu-Shinjuku Station to Honkawagoe Station in approximately 45 minutes
- JR Kawagoe Line: From Omiya Station to Kawagoe Station in approximately 20 minutes
As a starting point for the pilgrimage, “Honkawagoe Station” is most convenient as it is near the tourist area.
Best Season and Time Required for Pilgrimage
Recommended Seasons
- Spring (March–May): Cherry blossom season with beautiful scenery along the Shinkawaishi River
- Autumn (October): Kawagoe Festival is held, allowing the best experience of the work’s atmosphere
- Winter (December–February): Relatively fewer tourists, allowing for leisurely pilgrimage
Time Guidelines
- Main spots only: 3–4 hours
- All areas covered: 6–8 hours
- Careful photography included: 1–2 days
① Sacred Sites Around Honkawagoe Station
Honkawagoe Station
Honkawagoe Station, appearing repeatedly from the beginning of the work, is an important place where Akane and Kotaro meet. It is the terminal station of the Seibu Shinjuku Line and features a retro-styled station building.
Appearance Scenes
- Episode 1: The scene where Akane and Kotaro have their first private conversation
- Episode 6: The scene where Kotaro waits for Akane, who has forgotten her umbrella on a rainy day
- Final Episode: The important scene where the two promise to reunite
The pedestrian deck in front of the station and areas around the ticket gates are ideal for comparison photography with scenes from the work. The atmosphere, especially at dusk, is the embodiment of the work’s world.
Creo Mall Shopping Street
An arcade shopping street extending north from Honkawagoe Station for approximately 1.2 kilometers. In the work, Akane and Kotaro visit here on a date, and scenes of them walking with friends appear.
Various shops line the street, and the place conveys the livelihood of local residents. While weekends are crowded with shoppers, weekday mornings are relatively quiet for pilgrimage.
Gusto Kawagoe Creo Mall Branch
The family restaurant that Akane and Kotaro visit on their first date in Episode 3. The scene of them nervously looking at the menu is depicted as an impressive moment.
Pilgrimage Points
- Take a commemorative photo sitting in the same seat as in the work (be considerate if busy)
- Recreate the menu the two ordered
- Enjoy the atmosphere of the interior
By actually dining here, fans can immerse themselves in the work’s world, making it a special place.
② Sacred Sites in the Taisho Roman Dream Street Area
Taisho Roman Dream Street
Located approximately 5 minutes on foot from Honkawagoe Station, this approximately 200-meter street features Western-style architecture from the Taisho era. Stone paving and buildings evoking the Taisho period are characteristic, and the street appears multiple times in the work as Akane and Kotaro walk through it.
Highlights
- Retro street lamps and stone paving
- Western-style architecture from the Taisho era
- Cafes and antique shops
While weekends attract many tourists, weekday mornings are relatively quiet and suitable for photography.
Kumano Shrine
Positioned near Taisho Roman Dream Street, this shrine is dedicated to good fortune and matchmaking. In the work, Episode 4 features an impressive scene of Akane praying alone here.
The grounds contain a “stepping health road” of stone paving, cherished by local residents. Though small, it is an important sacred site for fans of the work.
Points About Visiting
- Talismans for matchmaking are popular
- The atmosphere of the grounds matches the work
- A quiet, peaceful space
③ Sacred Sites in the Warehouse-style Townscape Area
Ichiban Street (Warehouse-style Townscape)
A representative tourist spot of Kawagoe and a location with numerous scenes in “Tsukigakirei.” Approximately 30 warehouse-style buildings retaining traces of the Edo era stand in a row, and the area is designated as an Important Traditional Building Preservation District.
Appearances in the Work
- Episode 7: Kawagoe Festival scenes
- Episode 9: Akane and Kotaro walking on a date
- Episode 11: The two conversing about the future
The warehouse-style buildings with black lacquered walls and heavy doors truly embody the “Little Edo” atmosphere.
Bell of Time
A bell tower standing approximately 16 meters high, known as a symbol of Kawagoe. The current structure is the fourth generation, and the bell sounds four times daily (6:00 AM, noon, 3:00 PM, and 6:00 PM).
In the work, it appears multiple times as a symbolic landscape of Kawagoe in the background, particularly serving as an important backdrop in the Kawagoe Festival scenes of Episode 7.
Photography Points
- Full view from the front
- Combination with the warehouse-style townscape
- Silhouette at dusk
Candy Alley
Located approximately 5 minutes on foot from the Bell of Time, this approximately 80-meter alley features nostalgic candy shops. Over 20 candy shops line the alley, and it is selected as one of the “100 Scents Landscapes” by the Ministry of the Environment.
It appears in Episode 5 as Akane and her friends visit. The colorful candies and sweets displayed evoke a nostalgic atmosphere.
Ways to Enjoy
- Purchase old-fashioned candy
- Photograph colorful hard candies
- Experience the atmosphere of soy sauce aroma
④ Sacred Sites Around Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
One of the most important sacred sites for pilgrimage in “Tsukigakirei.” It appears in nearly every episode as Kotaro practices festival music here for the Kawagoe Festival.
History and Significance
- Founded approximately 1,500 years ago
- Famous as a shrine for matchmaking
- Central shrine for the Kawagoe Festival
Important Scenes in the Work
- Episode 1: Kotaro practicing festival music
- Episode 8: Akane coming to watch Kotaro’s practice
- Episode 11: The two pledging their future together
The grounds are spacious with multiple points of interest, including the main hall, performance stage, and ema tunnel. Particularly, the summer-limited “Enmusubi Wind Chimes” feature over 2,000 Edo wind chimes, creating a magical atmosphere.
Sacred Sites Within Hikawa Shrine Grounds
Main Hall
Appears in scenes where Kotaro pays respects before practicing music. The crimson main hall is impressive.
Performance Stage
Where music practice takes place. The most frequently appearing spot in the work. Various offerings and performances are held here during the actual Kawagoe Festival.
Ema Tunnel
A tunnel with countless pink ema (wooden plaques) hung throughout. Ema with matchmaking wishes are impressive and popular as an Instagram spot.
Ai-dai Mikuji
A divination in the shape of a sea bream with varieties like “Ichinen Yasutai” and “Ai-dai.” It appears in scenes where Akane draws one and is popular among fans.
⑤ Sacred Sites Along the Shinkawaishi River
Hikawa Bridge
A bridge spanning the Shinkawaishi River from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. In Episode 6 of the work, it becomes an important setting for a significant scene between Akane and Kotaro talking together.
From the bridge, one can view the calm flow of the Shinkawaishi River and cherry tree rows on both banks. In spring, it becomes a famous cherry blossom viewing spot with many visitors, and the beauty of different seasons from the work can also be enjoyed.
Photography Points
- View of the river from the center of the bridge
- Scenery beyond the bridge’s railing
- Atmosphere at dusk
Shinkawaishi River Promenade
Continuing from Hikawa Bridge, the riverside promenade appears multiple times in scenes where Akane and Kotaro walk side by side. It has a quiet, peaceful atmosphere, and the deepening relationship between the two is depicted impressively.
Seasonal Highlights
- Spring: Cherry trees in full bloom (late March–early April)
- Summer: Fresh greenery and glimmering river surface
- Autumn: Autumn colors and calm river flow
- Winter: Silent atmosphere
The promenade is well-maintained, and one can leisurely stroll while immersing in the work’s world.
⑥ Sacred Sites Around Kawagoe Station
Kawagoe Station
A gateway to Kawagoe with lines from JR Kawagoe Line and Tobu Tojo Line. In the work, it appears in Episode 10 when Kotaro returns from a school trip.
While more modern than Honkawagoe Station, it is an important location for fans of the work. The front rotary and east exit atmosphere are depicted in the work.
Unicus Kawagoe
A shopping center approximately 5 minutes on foot from Kawagoe Station’s west exit. It appears in Episode 4 as Akane and her friends go shopping.
Various shops are housed in the actual facility, and it can also be used as a rest spot during pilgrimage.
⑦ Tatami Bridge Area and Other Sacred Sites
Tatami Bridge (たたみばし)
A pedestrian-only bridge spanning the Shinkawaishi River in southern Kawagoe City. It appears in Episode 12 (the final episode) as an important scene, serving as the place where Akane and Kotaro’s relationship significantly progresses.
Access
Approximately 20 minutes on foot from Honkawagoe Station, or convenient by bus. While somewhat removed from the tourist area, it is an essential sacred site for fans.
Characteristics
- Wooden pedestrian bridge
- Quiet, peaceful atmosphere
- Able to feel the river’s flow and nature
The view from the bridge overlaps with the work’s scenes, making it a special place where one can re-experience the feelings of the two.
Kawagoe Municipal Museum and Art Museum Area
Located near Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, it appears in the work as a place where Akane and Kotaro visit on a date. Many surrounding parks and roads match scenes from the work, allowing for enjoyable detailed comparison photography.
Kawagoe Municipal First Junior High School (Exterior Only)
The actual school modeled as the middle school attended by the protagonists in the work. However, as an active educational facility, entry onto the premises is strictly prohibited. Limit yourself to viewing the exterior from a distance, and do not forget consideration for students and nearby residents.
Efficient Sacred Site Pilgrimage Model Courses
Half-Day Course (3–4 hours)
Starting in the Morning
- Honkawagoe Station (9:00)
- Taisho Roman Dream Street / Kumano Shrine (9:15–9:45)
- Ichiban Street / Bell of Time (9:50–10:30)
- Candy Alley (10:35–11:00)
- Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine (11:15–12:15)
- Hikawa Bridge / Shinkawaishi River Promenade (12:20–12:45)
- Return to Honkawagoe Station (13:00)
This course efficiently covers major sacred sites. Lunch is recommended at restaurants or cafes around Ichiban Street.
Full-Day Course (6–8 hours)
For Those Wanting Careful Pilgrimage
- Honkawagoe Station (9:00)
- Creo Mall / Gusto (9:10–10:00)
- Taisho Roman Dream Street / Kumano Shrine (10:10–10:50)
- Ichiban Street / Bell of Time (11:00–12:00)
- Lunch (12:00–13:00)
- Candy Alley (13:10–13:40)
- Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine (14:00–15:30)
- Hikawa Bridge / Shinkawaishi River Promenade (15:35–16:15)
- Kawagoe Municipal Museum Area (16:30–17:00)
- Tatami Bridge (17:15–17:45)
- Return to Honkawagoe Station (18:15)
This course covers nearly all major spots appearing in the work. Adequate photography time is secured, allowing for highly satisfying pilgrimage.
Two-Day Course (Accommodation Plan)
Day 1
- Morning: Honkawagoe Station area through Ichiban Street area
- Afternoon: Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine area through Shinkawaishi River area
- Evening: Accommodation in Kawagoe
Day 2
- Morning: Tatami Bridge area through Kawagoe Station area
- Afternoon: Revisit spots missed
By staying overnight, one can also enjoy the atmosphere at dusk and early morning, allowing for deeper immersion in the work’s world.
Notes and Etiquette for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Photography Etiquette
General Precautions
- Be considerate of pedestrians and not impede traffic
- Absolutely prohibited to enter private property without permission
- Obtain permission from staff at commercial facilities
- Ensure safety when using tripods
Etiquette at Shrines and Temples
- Pray before taking photographs
- Photography inside main halls is often prohibited
- Maintain silence and be considerate of other visitors
- Remember these are sacred places
Consideration for School Facilities
Schools like Kawagoe Municipal First Junior High School, which served as models in the work, are currently active educational facilities.
Rules That Must Be Observed
- Entry onto school premises is prohibited
- No actions that would interfere with classes
- No photography of students
- Avoid loud conversation and noise
Limit yourself to viewing the exterior from a distance, and be extremely careful not to cause trouble to residents and school staff.
Strategies During Peak Times
Periods with Expected Congestion
- Kawagoe Festival period (third Saturday and Sunday of October)
- Cherry blossom season (late March–early April)
- Golden Week
- Year-end and New Year periods
During these times, tourist crowds are extremely heavy, making leisurely pilgrimage difficult. If possible, visiting on weekdays or early mornings is recommended.
Points for Enjoying Sacred Site Pilgrimage More
Preparation and Review of the Work
Reviewing the work before pilgrimage allows understanding of each spot’s importance and appearance scenes. Taking note of particularly impressive scene episode numbers enhances the emotional impact at the actual locations.
Recommended Preparation
- Watch all episodes
- Save screenshots of important scenes
- List spots that appear
- Create a pilgrimage map
Ways to Enjoy by Season
Spring (March–May)
The cherry blossoms along the Shinkawaishi River are beautiful, allowing enjoyment of seasonal scenery different from the work. The area around Hikawa Bridge is particularly famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot.
Summer (June–August)
The “Enmusubi Wind Chimes” event is held at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, with over 2,000 Edo wind chimes decorating the grounds. The cool sound and magical atmosphere are appealing.
Autumn (September–November)
The Kawagoe Festival is held in October, the period best experienced for the work’s atmosphere. Seeing the actual floats and music allows deeper understanding of Kotaro’s feelings.
Winter (December–February)
A season with relatively few tourists, allowing quiet pilgrimage. The clear winter air allows calm immersion in the work’s world.
Gourmet Information
Enjoying Kawagoe’s local cuisine during pilgrimage breaks is also recommended.
Kawagoe Specialties
- Sweet potato sweets: Kawagoe is a famous sweet potato production area
- Eel: Many long-established eel restaurants are near Ichiban Street
- Thick-noodle okonomiyaki: Kawagoe’s B-class gourmet food
- Koedo beer: Local beer is also popular
Candy Alley offers old-fashioned sweets for eating while walking, and Ichiban Street offers walking food like sweet potato chips and sweet potato soft-serve ice cream.
Souvenir and Merchandise Information
Talismans from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
- Matchmaking talismans: Popular in reference to the two’s relationship
- Ai-dai divination: Portable sea bream figurines
Kawagoe Local Products
- Sweet potato sweets
- Bell of Time merchandise
- Kawagoe T-shirts
Some shops may carry “Tsukigakirei” related merchandise.
Learning More About Kawagoe Festival
History of Kawagoe Festival
The Kawagoe Festival is said to have begun in 1648 (Keian 1) when Kawagoe Castle lord Matsudaira Nobutsuna donated mikoshi and lion masks to Hikawa Shrine. With over 370 years of history, it was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 2005.
During the Edo period, it adopted the style of Edo’s “Tenka Festival,” with ornate floats becoming characteristic. Currently, 29 floats bearing elaborate figurines parade through the city, retaining the charm of “Little Edo Kawagoe.”
Highlights of Kawagoe Festival
Float Procession
The sight of floats standing 7–8 meters high parading through town is magnificent. Elaborate figurines decorate each float, each with its own significance.
Hikkabase (Float Passing)
A traditional ceremony where floats pass each other, with competing festival music. Floats facing each other compete musically, exciting observers—the biggest attraction of Kawagoe Festival.
Music Competition
The festival music Kotaro practices in the work is an essential element of Kawagoe Festival. Flutes, drums, and gongs create sounds echoing throughout town.
Evening Float Procession
Floats illuminated by lanterns proceeding through the nighttime town is magical and depicted impressively in the work.
Pilgrimage During Festival Period
During Kawagoe Festival period (third Saturday and Sunday of October), the work’s atmosphere is most keenly felt, but it is extremely crowded.
Congestion Management
- Visit major spots early morning or the day before
- Focus on experiencing atmosphere on festival days
- Stay two days to divide pilgrimage
- Early morning is best for photography with fewer people
For Deeper Understanding of the Work
Characters and Their Relationship to Kawagoe
Kotaro Azumi
A shy third-year junior high student in the literary club aspiring to be a writer. He practices festival music at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine and plays an important role in Kawagoe Festival. A character deeply connected to Kawagoe’s traditional culture.
Akane Mizuno
A earnest girl in the track club. Scenes of her running through Kawagoe’s streets are impressive, with the Shinkawaishi River promenade frequently appearing.
The Work’s Theme and Kawagoe
“Tsukigakirei” carefully depicts the pale romance of adolescence. Kawagoe’s calm townscape and historical atmosphere enhance the couple’s pure relationship.
The work includes many literary references such as Dazai Osamu’s “Run, Melos!” and Natsume Soseki’s “Kokoro,” expressing Kotaro’s literary aspirations. Kawagoe’s cultural background deepens the work’s profundity.
Kawagoe’s Appeal as a Sacred Site
The reason Kawagoe is popular as a “Tsukigakirei” sacred site is the high accuracy of depiction to the work. Real locations are carefully rendered, and visiting allows entry into the work’s world.
Additionally, Kawagoe itself is an attractive tourist destination. Beyond anime fans, general tourists enjoy it, allowing simultaneous sacred site pilgrimage and sightseeing—a major appeal.
Accommodation and Access Information for the Surrounding Area
Recommended Accommodation
Kawagoe Prince Hotel
Excellent location approximately 1 minute on foot from Honkawagoe Station. Ideal as a pilgrimage base.
Kawagoe First Hotel
Approximately 3 minutes on foot from Kawagoe Station’s east exit. Reasonable prices appeal.
Koedo Inn Kawagoe
Near the warehouse-style townscape with Japanese atmosphere.
Nearby Tourist Spots
Tourist spots to visit alongside sacred site pilgrimage:
Kitain
A famous Tendai Buddhist temple with connections to the Tokugawa clan. Beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and autumn colors.
Honmaru Palace
Remains of Kawagoe Castle, one of few surviving honmaru palaces.
Renshoji Temple
Known for “Obinzuru-sama.” Belief holds that touching it cures illness.
Conclusion: Making Your “Tsukigakirei” Sacred Site Pilgrimage a Success
Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, the sacred site of “Tsukigakirei,” is a wonderful place to experience the work’s world. Efficiently visiting the seven areas introduced in this article will deepen understanding of the work and create moving experiences.
Keys to Successful Pilgrimage
- Watch the work beforehand to understand important scenes
- Plan an efficient route
- Follow photography etiquette and be considerate of residents
- Consider season and timing for your visit
- Enjoy Kawagoe’s culture and history
Kawagoe is a charming town retaining Edo period character while being conveniently just 30 minutes from Tokyo. Through sacred site pilgrimage of “Tsukigakirei,” re-experience the work’s emotion while discovering the city’s appeal.
Walking the paths Kotaro and Akane walked, seeing the scenery they saw with your own eyes—it will be an irreplaceable experience for work fans. May this article help make your sacred site pilgrimage more fulfilling.
