“Wasteful Days of High School Girls” – What is it? The Charm of the Work and its Setting
“Wasteful Days of High School Girls” is a manga work by Beeno that began serialization on ComicWalker in 2015. It is a daily school comedy set at the fictional “Saitama Joshi High School” (also known as “Saiijo”) located in Saitama Prefecture. The work is loved by many fans as it depicts the everyday lives of unique high school girls wastefully spending their youth.
The greatest charm of this work lies in the humor found in the mundane daily lives of distinctive characters, led by protagonist Tanaka (nickname: “Baka”). The work’s world expanded further with a television anime adaptation in 2019 and a television drama adaptation in 2020.
In the anime version, real locations in Higashimurayama City, Tokyo and Tokorozawa City, Saitama are faithfully depicted as the setting, attracting attention among fans as pilgrimage sites where they can actually experience scenes from the work. In 2023, Higashimurayama City was recognized as one of “88 Anime Sacred Sites in Japan Worth Visiting,” officially recognized as a pilgrimage destination.
Main Characters and the Story’s Setting
The center of the story consists of three characters who attend Saitama Joshi High School: Tanaka (Baka), Kikuchi (Wota), and Sagimiya (Robo). Through their daily lives, various scenes of friendship, romance, and school life are depicted.
The model for “Saitama Joshi High School” that appears in the work is said to be Tokyo Metropolitan Higashimurayama Nishi High School, and the scenery around the school building and the commute route are faithfully recreated in the work. This allows pilgrimage visits to offer not just tourism, but the special experience of walking the same roads as the characters and seeing the same scenery.
Major Pilgrimage Spots in Higashimurayama City, Tokyo
Higashimurayama City is the primary setting for “Wasteful Days of High School Girls,” and the locations that appear most frequently in the work are concentrated here. Important filming locations where the characters’ daily lives unfold are scattered mainly along the Seibu Tamagawa Line.
Seibu Tamagawa Line Yasaka Station | An Iconic Spot of the Work
Yasaka Station is the most important sacred site, appearing in numerous scenes including the opening and the first episode. The station building’s exterior, ticket gates, platforms, stairs and other locations depicted in the work actually exist, and it is known for the exceptionally high degree of correspondence between the anime and reality.
Shooting Points:
- Station building exterior (appears in opening footage)
- Ticket gate area (character meeting scenes)
- View from the platform (background of commute scenes)
- Station front rotary (arriving and departing scenes)
Access:
Getting off at Seibu Tamagawa Line “Yasaka Station.” About 5 minutes by transfer from Seibu Shinjuku Line “Hagiyama Station.”
Pilgrimage Tips:
Yasaka Station is a small unmanned station, but it serves as the starting point for pilgrimage visits among fans of the work. On weekdays during morning and evening rush hours, the station is crowded with commuters and students, so shooting during midday hours is recommended. Please be considerate of other users when photographing inside the station.
Higashimurayama Central Park | A Place of Respite for the Characters
Higashimurayama Central Park appears as an important location where characters gather after school or have conversations. The park is characterized by spacious lawns and walking paths and is frequently used as a background for daily scenes.
Shooting Points:
- Benches near the park entrance (conversation scenes)
- Lawn scenery (where characters were sitting)
- Trees along the walking path (strolling scenes)
- Clock tower area within the park
Access:
About 10 minutes on foot from Seibu Tamagawa Line “Yasaka Station.”
Pilgrimage Tips:
The park is vast, and it may take time to find the same angle as the scenes in the anime. It helps to confirm the anime scenes in advance. Spring brings beautiful cherry blossoms, and autumn brings colorful foliage, allowing you to enjoy different charms depending on the season.
Tamagawa Lake Bicycle and Pedestrian Path | Views of the School Commute Route
The Tamagawa Lake Bicycle and Pedestrian Path appears multiple times in the work as the characters’ commute route. The lush walking path is used as a background for casual conversation scenes and movement scenes, symbolizing the peaceful atmosphere of the work.
Shooting Points:
- Road along the route from Yasaka Station to Higashimurayama Central Park
- Distinctive tree-lined avenue
- Road signs and directional signs (can be photographed in the same positions as in the work)
Access:
Just a short walk from Seibu Tamagawa Line “Yasaka Station.”
Pilgrimage Tips:
As this is a road with frequent bicycle and pedestrian traffic, be careful not to obstruct traffic when photographing. Especially on weekends, there are many families and cyclists, so weekdays may allow for a more relaxed pilgrimage.
Kumegawa Central Street Shopping District and Yasaka Shopping District | The Feeling of Community Life
The shopping street area that appears in the work is depicted as a place supporting the characters’ daily lives. In the actual shopping district, stores such as FamilyMart and Jonathan’s that appear in the work actually exist, allowing visitors to experience authentic community life.
Major Spots:
- FamilyMart Higashimurayama Yasaka Station Front Store (appears frequently in the work)
- Jonathan’s Higashimurayama Store (where characters were eating)
- Shopping district streetscape (used as background)
Access:
Within a 5-10 minute walk from Seibu Tamagawa Line “Yasaka Station.”
Pilgrimage Tips:
Since many stores are still operating, refrain from photographing inside stores and limit photography to exteriors. The people of the shopping district support the work, so please make sure to conduct your pilgrimage while respecting manners.
Around Tokyo Metropolitan Higashimurayama Nishi High School | The Model School for Saiijo
The area around Tokyo Metropolitan Higashimurayama Nishi High School, which is said to be the model for “Saitama Joshi High School” in the work, is also an important pilgrimage point. The school building’s appearance and surrounding scenery are reflected in the work.
Important Notice:
The school is an educational facility and private property. Do not enter the school grounds or photograph from within the premises. Please limit yourself to confirming the exterior from public roads, and exercise maximum care to avoid inconveniencing students and staff.
Photographable Locations:
- Distant views of the school from public roads nearby
- Roads used as commute routes
Pilgrimage Spots in Tokorozawa City, Saitama
Tokorozawa City, which is adjacent to Higashimurayama City, plays an important role as a setting for the work. In particular, “Tokorozawa Sakura Town” has become a new hub for pilgrimage visits as a base for anime and manga culture.
Tokorozawa Sakura Town | A Sacred Site of Anime Culture
Tokorozawa Sakura Town is a complex cultural facility managed by KADOKAWA and serves as the base for KADOKAWA, the publisher of “Wasteful Days of High School Girls.” Work-related merchandise sales and exhibitions are sometimes held here, making it a must-visit spot for pilgrimage visitors.
Highlights of the Facility:
- Kadokawa Musashino Museum (anime and manga-related exhibitions)
- EJ Anime Hotel (anime collaboration rooms available)
- Da Vinci Store (handles work merchandise)
- Musashino Zarei Reiwa Shrine (commemorative visits for anime pilgrimage sites)
Access:
About 10 minutes on foot from JR Musashino Line “Higashi-Tokorozawa Station.” About 20 minutes by bus from Seibu Ikebukuro Line “Tokorozawa Station.”
Pilgrimage Tips:
Tokorozawa Sakura Town regularly holds “Wasteful Days of High School Girls” related events and stamp rallies. Checking the official website and SNS for the latest information before visiting will allow for a more fulfilling experience.
Other Spots in Tokorozawa City
Various locations scattered throughout Tokorozawa City may serve as backgrounds in the work. Commercial facilities, areas around stations, and other everyday scenes serve as settings.
Main Areas:
- Around Tokorozawa Station on Seibu Shinjuku and Ikebukuro Lines
- Commercial facilities in front of Tokorozawa Station
- Residential areas in Tokorozawa City (used as backgrounds)
Efficient Pilgrimage Routes and Model Courses
Since the sacred sites of “Wasteful Days of High School Girls” are scattered across Higashimurayama City and Tokorozawa City, planning an efficient route is important. Here, we introduce model courses for visiting major spots in a day.
Half-Day Course (Centered on Higashimurayama City)
Estimated Duration: approximately 3-4 hours
- Arrive at Seibu Tamagawa Line “Yasaka Station” (10:00 AM)
- Photography around Yasaka Station (30 minutes)
- Stroll along the Tamagawa Lake Bicycle and Pedestrian Path (20 minutes)
- Photography and rest at Higashimurayama Central Park (40 minutes)
- Visit Kumegawa Central Street and Yasaka Shopping Districts and FamilyMart (30 minutes)
- Lunch at Jonathan’s (60 minutes)
- Stroll around Tokyo Metropolitan Higashimurayama Nishi High School (20 minutes)
- Head home from Yasaka Station (1:30 PM)
Full-Day Course (Higashimurayama City + Tokorozawa City)
Estimated Duration: approximately 7-8 hours
Morning (Higashimurayama City):
- Arrive at Seibu Tamagawa Line “Yasaka Station” (9:00 AM)
- Photography around Yasaka Station (40 minutes)
- Stroll along the Tamagawa Lake Bicycle and Pedestrian Path (30 minutes)
- Photography at Higashimurayama Central Park (50 minutes)
- Stroll through the shopping district area and visit FamilyMart (40 minutes)
- Lunch at Jonathan’s (60 minutes)
Afternoon (Tokorozawa City):
- Transfer toward Tokorozawa area via Seibu Line (30 minutes)
- Arrive at Tokorozawa Sakura Town (2:00 PM)
- Tour of Kadokawa Musashino Museum (90 minutes)
- Purchase merchandise at Da Vinci Store (30 minutes)
- Visit Musashino Zarei Reiwa Shrine (20 minutes)
- Take a break at a café in Sakura Town (40 minutes)
- Head home (5:00 PM)
Transportation Methods and Commuting Access
Train:
Using the “Seibu Railway One-Day Free Pass,” you can ride any Seibu Railway line unlimited. Cost is 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children (prices may vary by period).
On Foot:
The major spots within Higashimurayama City are within walking distance from Yasaka Station, allowing for a healthy pilgrimage. Prepare comfortable walking shoes.
Bicycle:
Using a rental bicycle allows you to cover a wider area more efficiently. Rental bicycle services are available around Higashimurayama Station.
Preparation and Precautions for Pilgrimage Visits
To fully enjoy the pilgrimage experience, advance preparation and proper conduct at the destination are important.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Essential Items:
- Smartphone (for maps and work image confirmation)
- Mobile battery (battery consumption is heavy due to photography)
- Camera (if you want high-quality records)
- Image data of the work (for comparative photography)
- Beverages and light snacks
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Rain gear (in case of bad weather)
Recommended Items:
- Pilgrimage notebook (for visit records)
- Manga volumes or anime BDs of the work (for on-site confirmation)
- Binoculars (for distant view confirmation)
Pilgrimage Manners and Rules
Basic Conduct:
- No trespassing on private property
- Avoid approaching or photographing school facilities
- Obtain store permission before photographing in commercial facilities
- Keep quiet in residential areas
- Always take your trash with you
- Follow traffic rules
- Respect the daily lives of local residents
Precautions When Photographing:
- Be considerate of other users at stations and public facilities so as not to cause inconvenience
- Photograph on roads at locations that don’t obstruct traffic
- Exercise privacy consideration if people are captured in photos
- Confirm the surrounding situation before using tripods
Stamp Rally and Event Information
Higashimurayama City and Tokorozawa City regularly hold “Wasteful Days of High School Girls” related stamp rallies and events. Past events have included the following:
Past Major Events:
- Higashimurayama City × Tokorozawa Sakura Town Pilgrimage Stamp Rally (November 2022)
- Stamp rally visiting Yasaka Station, Kumegawa Central Street Shopping District, and Higashimurayama Central Park
- Work exhibitions and merchandise sales at Tokorozawa Sakura Town
The latest event information can be found on the Higashimurayama City official website, Tokorozawa Sakura Town official website, and KADOKAWA official website.
Enjoying Local Cuisine Alongside Pilgrimage Visits
Enjoying local delicious cuisine during pilgrimage breaks is part of the charm of the trip. Higashimurayama City and Tokorozawa City have many beloved local restaurants.
Recommended Cuisine in Higashimurayama City
Jonathan’s Higashimurayama Store:
A family restaurant that appears in the work. You can enjoy a special experience of dining in the same space as the characters.
Cafes and Restaurants Around Yasaka Station:
There are privately operated cafes and set-meal restaurants loved by local people, offering pleasant places to take a break.
Higashimurayama Specialties:
- Higashimurayama Black-Grilled Yakisoba (offered at multiple stores in the city)
- Traditional sweets from local confectioneries
Recommended Cuisine in Tokorozawa City
Dining Establishments in Tokorozawa Sakura Town:
- Kadokawa Cafeteria (diverse menu)
- Cafes in Sakura Town (anime collaboration menu available)
Around Tokorozawa Station:
- Restaurants near Tokorozawa Aviation Park
- Gourmet spots within station-front commercial facilities
Recommended Accommodations for Pilgrimage Visits
For those who want to enjoy pilgrimage at a leisurely pace or visiting from distant areas, staying overnight is recommended. Several hotels with convenient access are available in the Higashimurayama and Tokorozawa areas.
Hotels in the Higashimurayama and Tokorozawa Area
JR East Hotel Mets Kokubunji:
Good access to Higashimurayama via Seibu Line. Directly connected to JR Chuo Line Kokubunji Station with high convenience, offering comfortable stays despite being a business hotel.
Tokorozawa Park Hotel:
Within walking distance from Tokorozawa Station. With good access to Tokorozawa Sakura Town, it’s ideal as a base for pilgrimage visits.
Business Hotels Around Higashimurayama:
- Business hotels around Kumegawa Station
- Various hotels around Tokorozawa Station
Hotel Reservation Tips
During pilgrimage season or event periods, accommodations tend to fill up, so early reservations are recommended. Also, using accommodation reservation services that allow payment later can reduce the payment burden at the time of booking.
Checklist When Reserving:
- Access to major Seibu Line stations
- Check-in and check-out times
- Breakfast availability
- Parking availability (if visiting by car)
How to Enjoy Pilgrimage Visits by Season
The sacred sites of “Wasteful Days of High School Girls” are charming in that they allow visitors to enjoy scenery in each of the four seasons.
Spring (March-May)
Cherry blossoms bloom magnificently at Higashimurayama Central Park, allowing visitors to feel the work’s sense of youth even more strongly. The cherry blossom blooming period (late March to early April) is particularly recommended.
Summer (June-August)
You can conduct your pilgrimage while thinking of the summer-clothed characters from the work. The Tamagawa Lake Bicycle and Pedestrian Path is beautiful in its lush greenery during this season, but heatstroke prevention is essential.
Autumn (September-November)
Fall foliage is beautiful, and the comfortable weather makes it an ideal season for pilgrimage visits. The autumn foliage at Higashimurayama Central Park is particularly worth seeing. Events such as stamp rallies are often held in autumn.
Winter (December-February)
The clear air makes it ideal for photography. With relatively few visitors, you can conduct pilgrimage at a leisurely pace. Be sure to prepare for cold weather.
Recording and Sharing Pilgrimage Experiences
Recording pilgrimage memories and sharing them with other fans is also a source of enjoyment.
Posting on Social Media
Posting on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and other platforms with hashtags such as “#女子高生の無駄づかい” or “#女子無駄聖地巡礼” allows you to connect with fans who share your love of the work.
Precautions When Posting:
- Be careful not to include personal information in photos
- Apply mosaic processing if other people’s faces are visible
- Be cautious about sharing location information
Creating a Pilgrimage Notebook
Creating a pilgrimage notebook that records the places visited, photos taken, and impressions increases the joy of reviewing it later. Record using either digital or analog methods that suit you best.
Trivia for Deeper Enjoyment of the Work
Small Details Featured in the Work
The work includes not just real locations, but cultural elements of Saitama Prefecture and the Tokyo Tama region scattered throughout. Understanding regional characteristics deepens your appreciation of the work.
Characters’ Range of Activity
The main characters’ range of activity is concentrated in an area of approximately 2 kilometers centered on Yasaka Station. This realistically reflects the actual daily activity range of high school girls, enhancing the work’s realism.
Production Staff’s Love for the Region
Anime production staff visited the location multiple times for location scouting and were committed to faithful recreation down to the smallest details. As a result, the work became something locals can relate to as “familiar scenery.”
Coexistence with the Community and the Future of Pilgrimage Culture
Higashimurayama City actively uses “Wasteful Days of High School Girls” as a tool for regional revitalization. The 2023 recognition as one of “88 Anime Sacred Sites in Japan Worth Visiting” exemplifies successful cooperation between the administration and work fans in promoting the region.
Good Relations with Local Residents
For pilgrimage culture to be accepted by the community, visitor conduct is paramount. By respecting the daily lives of local residents and acting with restraint, pilgrimage culture can develop sustainably.
Expectations for Future Developments
Higashimurayama City plans future collaboration projects with the work, and new pilgrimage content is anticipated. Check official websites and SNS for the latest information.
Conclusion: Special Experiences Gained from “Wasteful Days of High School Girls” Pilgrimage Visits
Pilgrimage visits to “Wasteful Days of High School Girls” sacred sites are not merely tourism but a special experience of stepping into the work’s world, seeing the same scenery as the characters, and feeling the same atmosphere. The sacred sites scattered throughout Higashimurayama City, Tokyo and Tokorozawa City, Saitama are everyday landscapes that take on special meaning through the work.
The pilgrimage journey beginning at Yasaka Station continues through Higashimurayama Central Park, the Tamagawa Lake Bicycle and Pedestrian Path, and the shopping district area to Tokorozawa Sakura Town. At each location, you can re-experience the daily lives of characters such as Baka, Wota, and Robo.
Through pilgrimage visits, your love for the work deepens further, and connections with other fans who share this love are formed. Discovering the region’s charm, enjoying delicious cuisine, and appreciating seasonal scenery—such multifaceted enjoyment is the appeal of “Wasteful Days of High School Girls” pilgrimage.
While respecting proper conduct and valuing coexistence with the community, create your own pilgrimage story. It will surely become an unforgettable memory.
