[Goodbye My Cramer] Warabi City, Saitama Prefecture
“Goodbye My Cramer,” a girls’ soccer manga by Naoshi Shinkawa, is a youth sports story that unfolds mainly in Warabi City, Saitama Prefecture. With the 2021 TV anime broadcast and the theatrical film release of “Goodbye My Cramer: First Touch,” various locations within Saitama Prefecture that serve as the stage for this work have garnered attention as sacred sites.
This article provides detailed introductions to real locations that appear in the anime and manga, and comprehensively explains Saitama Prefecture’s sacred site pilgrimage information, from efficient pilgrimage routes to ways of enjoying the area like a local.
What is Goodbye My Cramer? The Work’s Charm and Setting
“Goodbye My Cramer” is a girls’ soccer manga serialized in “Monthly Shonen Magazine” from June 2016 to January 2021. Centered on the fictional “Warabi Seinan High School” where the protagonist Noda Nozomi attends, the story depicts the members of the girls’ soccer club “Warbies” aiming for national championship.
A major characteristic of the work is that it faithfully recreates the scenery of Warabi City, Saitama Prefecture. Known as Japan’s smallest city, Warabi has a history of flourishing as a post station on the Nakasendo highway and is also famous as the birthplace of the Coming of Age ceremony. Author Shinkawa Naoshi carefully researched this city of Warabi and incorporated it into his work’s world.
The anime version aired from April to June 2021, and the theatrical film “Movie Goodbye My Cramer: First Touch” was released on June 11 of the same year. The theatrical version depicts Noda Nozomi’s middle school years through “Goodbye Football,” featuring scenery from Kawaguchi City and Warabi City.
Major Sacred Sites in Saitama Prefecture’s Warabi City
JR Warabi Station Area
JR Warabi Station, the gateway to Warabi City, is an important location that appears multiple times in the work. Scenes of the protagonist Noda Nozomi and other characters using the station for commuting are depicted, and the station-front scenery is faithfully recreated in the anime.
The area surrounding the station features shopping streets, creating an atmosphere of local life. It is ideal as a base for sacred site pilgrimage, with many sacred sites scattered within walking distance.
Kawaguchi-Warabi Overpass Area
The area around the Kawaguchi-Warabi overpass appears in anime episode 2 where Noda Nozomi and others are walking. Located near the border between Warabi City and Kawaguchi City, this overpass symbolizes the daily scenes of the characters.
Near the overpass is a bicycle parking area, where it’s possible to take photos from the same angle as scenes depicted in the anime. As this is a high-traffic area, please exercise utmost caution regarding safety when taking photos.
Warabi High School (Model School)
The real Saitama Prefectural Warabi High School is believed to be the model for “Warabi Seinan High School” that appears in the work. The school building’s exterior and surrounding atmosphere are reflected in the work, making it a particularly meaningful place for fans.
However, as it is an actual educational facility, unauthorized entry to the premises is strictly prohibited. Please limit yourselves to viewing the exterior from a distance, and be considerate so as not to disturb students and staff.
Warabi Citizens’ Sports Center
Warabi Citizens’ Sports Center is an official sacred site with a stamp rally installed. It has been selected for the General Incorporated Association Anime Tourism Association’s “Japanese Anime Sacred Sites 88 (2025 Edition),” showing that Warabi City officially supports sacred site pilgrimages.
The sports center also hosts actual soccer and futsal practices, allowing visitors to experience the work’s world. Stamps can be imprinted during facility operating hours.
Warakubi Shrine
Warakubi Shrine, related to the origin of Warabi City’s name, is a spot where you can feel the region’s history. It is also designated as a checkpoint in sacred site pilgrimage walking tours, making it recommended not only for work fans but also for those interested in local history.
The area around the shrine is a quiet residential neighborhood where you can enjoy Warabi City’s everyday scenery. When visiting, please follow shrine etiquette.
Monument Marking the Birthplace of Coming of Age Ceremony
Warabi City is known as the “Birthplace of Coming of Age Ceremony,” where Japan’s first Coming of Age ceremony was held. A monument is installed in the city, making it a valuable spot to visit alongside sacred site pilgrimages.
This monument is also one of the checkpoints in sacred site pilgrimage walking tours, positioned as a place to learn about Warabi City’s history and culture.
Seven-Eleven Saitama Kuragura 5-Chome Branch
The convenience store near the high school that appears in anime episode 1 is depicted as Seven-Eleven Saitama Kuragura 5-Chome Branch. Appearing as the setting for daily scenes, it is an important location that conveys the characters’ everyday lives.
The actual store is still open and operates today, and it’s possible to take photos from the same angle as in the anime. However, be mindful of not disturbing the store or other customers when taking photos.
Sacred Sites in Saitama City
Saitama Stadium 2002
Known as the sacred ground of Japanese soccer, Saitama Stadium 2002 appears as an important stage in the work’s endings and manga’s final volumes. Particularly in manga volume 14, the stadium’s full view and the adjacent second ground are depicted throughout, functioning as a location befitting the climax of a story aimed at the pinnacle of girls’ soccer.
This is Japan’s largest soccer-specific stadium with a capacity of 63,700 and serves as the home stadium for Urawa Reds of the J-League. Stadium tours and walks around the stadium are possible even on non-match days.
Saitama Stadium Second Ground
The second ground adjacent to the main stadium is depicted in detail in the manga’s final volume. Actually used for women’s soccer matches and practices, it is a spot where visitors can realistically experience the work’s world.
The stadium area is developed as a park where joggers and others can be seen. Walking while searching for scenery from the work is also recommended.
Sacred Sites in Kawaguchi City (First Touch Related)
The theatrical version “Goodbye My Cramer: First Touch” depicts protagonist Noda Nozomi’s middle school years, with many Kawaguchi City landscapes appearing. Adjacent to Warabi City, Kawaguchi is one of Saitama Prefecture’s most populous cities, making it ideal for visiting alongside Warabi City.
In the movie, Kawaguchi City schools and townscapes are faithfully recreated, depicting Noda Nozomi’s struggles in the boys’ soccer club. The Kawaguchi-Warabi overpass area spans both cities and is an important spot appearing in both the anime main series and the film.
Recommended Sacred Site Pilgrimage Model Courses
Half-Day Course (Warabi City Center)
Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours
- JR Warabi Station (Starting point)
- Warabi Citizens’ Sports Center (Obtain stamp rally) – Approximately 15 minutes on foot
- Warakubi Shrine – Approximately 10 minutes on foot
- Monument Marking the Birthplace of Coming of Age Ceremony – Approximately 5 minutes on foot
- Kawaguchi-Warabi Overpass Area – Approximately 15 minutes on foot
- Warabi High School Area (exterior only) – Approximately 10 minutes on foot
- JR Warabi Station (Goal) – Approximately 15 minutes on foot
This course efficiently covers major sacred sites in Warabi City and is an introductory-level route. Everything is within walking distance, allowing you to fully experience the charm of Warabi City, Japan’s smallest municipality.
Full-Day Course (Warabi City + Saitama City)
Duration: Approximately 6-8 hours
Morning: Sacred site pilgrimage in Warabi City (same as the half-day course)
Lunch: Enjoy local cuisine around Warabi Station
Afternoon:
- Travel by train from JR Warabi Station
- Transfer at Urawa Station
- Saitama Stadium Line to “Urawa Misono Station” – Approximately 40 minutes
- Saitama Stadium 2002 – Approximately 15 minutes on foot
- Explore around Saitama Stadium Second Ground
- Return from Urawa Misono Station
This course covers all major stages of the work. Particularly for manga fans, Saitama Stadium, the stage of the final volume, is a must-see.
Walking Tour Participation Course
Warabi City periodically hosts “Goodbye My Cramer Sacred Site Pilgrimage Walking Tours.” The first was held in January 2022, with over 80 entrants responding to a recruitment for 100 participants.
Official walking tours feature explanations from local guides and special access to normally restricted areas. Latest event information can be confirmed on the official websites of the General Incorporated Association Warabi City Revitalization Cooperation Alliance and the Warabi Sayokura Support Group.
Access Methods and Transportation Information
Access to Warabi City
By Train
- From Tokyo Station: Approximately 30 minutes on JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, get off at Warabi Station
- From Shinjuku Station: Approximately 40 minutes on JR Saikyo Line via Omiya Station
- From Ikebukuro Station: Approximately 30 minutes on JR Saikyo Line, transfer at Akabane Station
JR Warabi Station is a stop on the Keihin-Tohoku Line, offering excellent access from central Tokyo. As express trains do not stop here, use local trains.
By Car
- Approximately 10 minutes from “Shiniishi IC” on the Shuto Expressway Kawaguchi Line
- Approximately 15 minutes from “Kawaguchi West IC” on the Tokyo Outer Ring Expressway
Multiple coin parking lots exist throughout Warabi City, but areas around the station can become congested, so public transportation is recommended.
Access to Saitama City (Saitama Stadium)
By Train
- From JR Musashino Line “Higashikawaguchi Station,” transfer to Saitama Rapid Railway, get off at “Urawa Misono Station,” approximately 15 minutes on foot
- From JR Keihin-Tohoku Line “Urawa Station,” transfer to Saitama Rapid Railway, get off at “Urawa Misono Station,” approximately 15 minutes on foot
Shuttle buses operate from Urawa Misono Station on match days.
By Car
- Approximately 20 minutes from “Urawa IC” on the Tohoku Expressway
- Approximately 25 minutes from “Urawa South IC” on the Shuto Expressway Saitama Omiya Line
A large parking lot exists at the stadium, but it often fills up on match days, so advance confirmation is necessary.
Tips for Enjoying Sacred Site Pilgrimages More
Utilizing the 2025 Edition Sacred Site Pilgrimage Map
In April 2025, the Warabi Sayokura Support Group completed the “Goodbye My Cramer・Warabi City Sacred Site Pilgrimage Map.” This map integrates with Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Google Maps, allowing easy smartphone access to sacred site information.
The Google Maps integration allows you to check shortest routes from your current location and estimated travel times, enabling efficient pilgrimage planning. The SNS integration feature also lets you check posts and latest information from other pilgrims.
Combining with Local Cuisine
One of the pleasures of sacred site pilgrimage is sampling local food. With its history as a post station on the Nakasendo highway, Warabi retains many long-established restaurants.
Various set meal restaurants, ramen shops, and cafes dot the area around Warabi Station. Enjoying local flavors between pilgrimage stops deepens your appreciation of Warabi City’s charm.
Seasonal Enjoyment Methods
Warabi City hosts various events throughout the seasons, which combined with sacred site pilgrimages offer even richer experiences.
Spring: Cherry blossoms allow for flower viewing in city parks.
Summer: The Warabi City Festival offers opportunities to experience community vitality.
Autumn: Fall foliage beautifully colors the area around Warakubi Shrine.
Winter: Special events may occur in January as the birthplace of Coming of Age ceremonies.
Photography Etiquette
While photography is one of the pleasures of sacred site pilgrimages, observe the following etiquette:
- Never trespass on private property: Special care is needed near schools and residential areas
- Do not obstruct traffic: When photographing on sidewalks or roads, confirm surrounding safety
- Obtain permission before photographing in stores: Briefly inform staff at convenience stores
- Respect residents’ daily lives: Avoid visiting during early morning or late night hours, and be mindful of noise
- Always take trash with you: Maintaining sacred sites is a fan responsibility
Initiatives by the Warabi Sayokura Support Group
The Warabi Sayokura Support Group is a regional organization supporting women’s soccer and the WE League through “Goodbye My Cramer.” It undertakes various activities connecting the work and community, including creating sacred site pilgrimage maps and hosting walking tours.
Working in cooperation with the General Incorporated Association Warabi City Revitalization Cooperation Alliance, it provides introductions to local recommended spots and information for sacred site pilgrims. The official website and SNS are regularly updated with latest event and sacred site information, so checking before visiting is recommended.
Coordination with Women’s Soccer
“Goodbye My Cramer,” a work themed on women’s soccer, allows deeper enjoyment of the work’s world when combined with watching actual women’s soccer matches.
Saitama Prefecture is home to “Omiya Ardija Ventus,” a WE League team, with matches held at Saitama Stadium and NACK5 Stadium Omiya. When visiting sacred sites, checking the match schedule and observing actual women’s soccer games is recommended.
High school women’s soccer matches like those featuring the “Warbies” in the work are also held at various Saitama schools. Saitama Prefecture, known as a sacred ground for high school soccer, offers many opportunities to watch high-level matches.
Significance of Anime Sacred Sites 88 Certification
Warabi City, the stage for “Goodbye My Cramer,” has been selected for the General Incorporated Association Anime Tourism Association’s “Japanese Anime Sacred Sites 88 (2025 Edition).”
This certification, chosen through anime fan voting, confirms the work’s popularity and the appeal of the sacred site. The certification has made Warabi City widely known to anime fans nationwide and contributes to regional revitalization.
The stamp rally installed at Warabi Citizens’ Sports Center can be collected as part of the Anime Sacred Sites 88 pilgrimage, making it an important spot for collectors visiting nationwide sacred sites.
Enjoying Differences Between Original Manga and Anime
To deepen your sacred site pilgrimage experience, checking both the original manga and anime versions is recommended.
The original manga concluded with 14 volumes, with the final volume depicting Saitama Stadium 2002 and its surroundings in detail. The anime, constrained by time, omits some scenes and locations, so reading the manga may reveal additional sacred sites.
Additionally, the theatrical film “First Touch,” based on “Goodbye Football” depicting Noda Nozomi’s middle school years, features Kawaguchi City scenery in greater detail. Covering the TV anime, theatrical film, and original manga comprehensively allows you to visit sacred sites more widely and deeply throughout Saitama Prefecture.
Accommodation Information for Sacred Site Pilgrimages
For visitors from distant areas or those wanting to thoroughly explore sacred sites, planning with accommodation is recommended.
Around Warabi Station: A few business hotels exist within walking distance of Warabi Station. Though small in scale, they offer convenient bases for sacred site pilgrimages.
Around Kawaguchi Station: The neighboring station to Warabi Station, Kawaguchi Station, has more hotel options. Its location offers easy access to sacred sites like the Kawaguchi-Warabi overpass.
Around Saitama City・Urawa Station: When considering access to Saitama Stadium, hotels around Urawa Station are an option. As the prefecture’s capital, accommodations and dining options are well-developed.
Around Omiya Station: Omiya Station, Saitama Prefecture’s largest terminal, offers the widest hotel selection. It provides good access to Warabi Station, reachable in approximately 15 minutes by train.
Ways to Enjoy Sacred Site Pilgrimages Economically
Reducing Transportation Costs
Using one-day passes: When traveling widely within Saitama Prefecture, the JR East “Holiday Excursion Pass” (2,720 yen for adults) is convenient. It allows unlimited travel on JR regular trains throughout the greater Tokyo area for one day.
IC card point services: Registering with Suica or Pasmo point services provides partial refunds of transportation costs.
Reducing Meal Costs
Numerous affordable set meal restaurants and chain stores surround Warabi Station. Exploring the local shopping street offers delicious meals at reasonable prices.
Purchasing light meals at convenience stores and eating picnic-style in parks is also a unique way to enjoy sacred site pilgrimages.
Utilizing Free Spots
Most sacred sites in Warabi City require no admission fees. Outdoor locations like Warakubi Shrine and the Monument Marking the Birthplace of Coming of Age Ceremony are free to visit. Planning around these locations allows economical yet fulfilling pilgrimages.
Saitama Stadium surroundings are also freely explorable on non-match days. While stadium tours require payment, the exterior and surrounding parks are freely accessible.
Visiting Related Work Sacred Sites
Beyond “Goodbye My Cramer,” Saitama Prefecture hosts sacred sites from many other anime and manga works. When visiting Saitama, exploring other work sacred sites alongside this one is recommended.
“Crayon Shin-chan”: Kasukabe City is the stage and is relatively close to Warabi City.
“Lucky Star”: Washinomiya Shrine (Kuki City) pioneered the anime sacred site pilgrimage boom.
“Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day”: Chichibu City is the stage and represents one of Saitama Prefecture’s iconic sacred sites.
Combining these sacred sites allows you to more broadly enjoy Saitama Prefecture’s anime tourism.
Conclusion: The Charm of Goodbye My Cramer Sacred Site Pilgrimages
Warabi City in Saitama Prefecture, the sacred site of “Goodbye My Cramer,” is a charming place where you can fully experience the work’s world despite being Japan’s smallest city. With sacred sites concentrated in the compact city area, you can efficiently explore by foot alone.
With the completion of the 2025 edition sacred site pilgrimage map and certification as Anime Sacred Site 88, the sacred site pilgrimage environment continues improving. Active information sharing by the Warabi Sayokura Support Group and the General Incorporated Association Warabi City Revitalization Cooperation Alliance provides strong support for pilgrims.
The inclusion of Saitama Stadium 2002, Japan’s soccer sacred ground, combined with the work’s soccer theme, offers unique sacred site pilgrimage experiences. Combining with actual women’s soccer watching deepens work comprehension and affection.
Warabi City, with excellent access from central Tokyo, is enjoyable for both day trips and stays. The town’s deep history as a Nakasendo post station and cultural significance as the birthplace of Coming of Age ceremonies reveal further charm.
Why not rediscover Saitama Prefecture’s appeal through “Goodbye My Cramer” sacred site pilgrimages? Walking the streets of Warabi where Noda Nozomi and friends ran will deepen your love for the work.
