【A Whisper of the Heart】 Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture
What kind of work is “A Whisper of the Heart”? Its deep connection to Chichibu
“A Whisper of the Heart” (commonly known as “Kokosake”) is an animated film released on September 19, 2015. It became a topic of conversation as a coming-of-age ensemble drama created by the same production team from “Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day” (Anohana), with the golden trio of director Nagrai Tatsuyuki, screenwriter Okada Marisa, and character designer Tanaka Masataka.
Chichibu City and Yokoze Town as the setting of the story
The main stage of this work is Saitama Prefecture’s Chichibu City and the adjacent Yokoze Town in Chichibu District. In fact, it is the second work set in Chichibu following “Anohana,” and together with the later released “The Blue Sky at Your Feet,” it is referred to as the “Chichibu Trilogy.” In particular, Yokoze Town is the main stage of this work, and there are many locations that actually exist, such as the school attended by the protagonist Naruse Jun, temples that appear in important scenes, and station buildings that form the core of the story.
The theme of the work and Chichibu’s scenery
This work is a story of growth for a girl named Naruse Jun who has sealed her words due to childhood trauma and suffers from abdominal pain when she speaks. The quiet town surrounded by Chichibu’s mountains becomes an important cinematic element that reflects the delicate emotions of the characters bearing wounds in their hearts. The majestic nature of Chichibu, including Mount Bukoh, and landscapes where people’s lives can be felt, such as retro stations and shopping streets, add depth to the story.
“A Whisper of the Heart” Sacred Site Pilgrimage: Complete Guide to Essential Spots
Kannon Temple Daiji (Sacred Site No. 10, Yokoze Town)
The most important sacred site for pilgrimage is the Sacred Site No. 10 Kannon Temple Daiji located in Yokoze Town. It is the setting for the important scene where Jun confesses to Takumi Sakakami about the “Curse of the Egg,” and appears many times in the work.
- Address: 5151 Yokoze, Yokoze Town, Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture
- Access: About 15 minutes on foot from Yokoze Station on the Seibu Chichibu Line
- Highlights: The stone steps in front of the main hall and the atmosphere of the temple grounds match the depiction in the work, making it a sacred site visited by many fans. As one of the Chichibu pilgrimage sites, you can also receive a stamped pilgrimage book (goshuin).
- Photography Points: The angle looking up at the main hall from the temple gate, the view overlooking the town of Yokoze from the temple grounds
Yokoze Station (Seibu Chichibu Line)
The model for the station used by Jun and her friends for commuting is Yokoze Station. The retro wooden station building is faithfully reproduced in the work, and appears in various scenes including the exterior, platform, and railway crossing.
- Address: 4091 Yokoze, Yokoze Town, Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture
- Access: About 5 minutes by Seibu Chichibu Line from Seibu Chichibu Station
- Highlights: Wooden station building with Showa-era atmosphere, scenery in front of the station, view of Mount Bukoh from the platform
- Photography Points: Station building facade, platform to ticket window area, station front rotary, railroad crossing north of the station
- Pilgrimage Hub: Many sacred sites are concentrated around Yokoze Station, making it the ideal starting point for pilgrimage.
Hitsujiyama Park / Mihirashi Hill (Chichibu City)
The model for the “castle on the mountain,” which plays an important role in the work, is located near Mihirashi Hill within Hitsujiyama Park. The silhouette of the castle visible from Jun’s house and the view from the observation platform are referenced.
- Address: 6360 Omiya, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture
- Access: About 20 minutes on foot from Seibu Chichibu Station or Chichibu Station
- Highlights: Observation platform with panoramic views of Chichibu City, famous as a sheep pink moss phlox spot in spring
- Photography Points: View of Chichibu City from Mihirashi Hill, scenery with Mount Bukoh in the background
- Visiting Tips: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as there are continuous slopes. The beauty is especially enjoyable during the sheep pink moss phlox season (mid-April to early May).
Chichibu Hanamino Elementary School and surrounding areas
The residential area around Chichibu Hanamino Elementary School is referenced as the area where Naruse Jun lives. While the actual elementary school is not a filming location, the atmosphere of the surrounding town and roads is reflected in the work.
- Address: Banba Town, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture (surrounding area)
- Access: About 10 minutes on foot from Seibu Chichibu Station
- Highlights: Residential area atmosphere, town layout with slopes
- Note: As this is a residential area, care must be taken not to disturb local residents.
Omifutsuhata Station (Chichibu Railway)
Omifutsuhata Station on the Chichibu Railway is also one of the station models that appear in the work. The exterior of the station building and the atmosphere of the surrounding shopping street are incorporated into the work.
- Address: 18-11 Higashicho, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture
- Access: About 5 minutes on foot from Seibu Chichibu Station (directly connected by passageway)
- Highlights: Retro station building, Chichibu Railway vehicles, shopping street in front of the station
- Photography Points: Station building facade, view from the platform
Banba Town Public Hall and Community Center Entrance
The scenery around the Naruse residence is referenced from the roads in front of the Banba Town Public Hall and the scenery in front of the community center. Public facilities in a residential area where you can feel the everyday atmosphere of Chichibu.
- Address: Banba Town, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture
- Access: About 12 minutes on foot from Seibu Chichibu Station
- Highlights: Scenery that reflects the life of the community
Jonathans Chichibu Store and surrounding area
The surrounding area of Jonathans Chichibu Store is referenced as the model for the family restaurant that appears in the work. The layout of the parking lot and buildings are reflected in the work.
- Address: Banba Town, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture (along National Route 140)
- Access: About 15 minutes on foot from Seibu Chichibu Station
- Highlights: Atmosphere of an suburban restaurant, scenery along the national road
There’s more! Detailed guide to “Kokosake Spots” that still exist today
Chichibu Station and surrounding area
The area around Chichibu Station on the Chichibu Railway also appears throughout the work. The shopping street in front of the station and the path toward Chichibu Shrine, among other scenery of central Chichibu, are depicted.
- Chichibu Station: Main station of the Chichibu Railway, characterized by its retro station building
- Chichibu Station Front Shopping Street: Shopping street with remaining Showa atmosphere
- Toward Chichibu Shrine: The area around Chichibu Shrine, about 3 minutes on foot from the station, is also recommended for exploration
Seibu Chichibu Station
Seibu Chichibu Station, which serves as the gateway from the Tokyo area, is also an important location that appears in the work. The station plaza and surrounding scenery are referenced.
- Address: 1-16-15 Nosaka-cho, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture
- Facilities: Hot spring facility “Matsuri no Yu” directly connected to the station, food court
- Pilgrimage Starting Point: Convenient access from the Tokyo area with tourist information office also available
Yokoze Town Hall and surrounding area
The area around the town hall in the center of Yokoze Town also appears as a background in the work. An area where public facilities of the town are concentrated, where you can feel the everyday scenery of Yokoze.
National Route 299 and the Chichibu-Oan Road
The scenery along National Route 299, which connects Chichibu City and Yokoze Town, appears throughout the work. The landscape of the road with Mount Bukoh in the background is impressive as a characteristic Chichibu vista.
Mount Bukoh viewing spots
Mount Bukoh, a symbol of Chichibu, is depicted in the background throughout the work. You can enjoy the majestic view of Mount Bukoh from various locations including Yokoze Station area, Hitsujiyama Park, and along National Route 299.
“A Whisper of the Heart” Recommended Pilgrimage Routes: Thorough Explanation
Half-day course (about 4 hours): Yokoze Town concentrated route
The most efficient way to visit the main sacred sites. Primarily on foot and accessible by public transportation only.
- Seibu Chichibu Station → Transfer by Seibu Chichibu Line (5 minutes)
- Yokoze Station (30 minutes): Photograph station building, platform, and railroad crossing
- Daiji Temple (60 minutes): 15-minute walk to reach, leisurely view of temple grounds
- Around Yokoze Station (30 minutes): Shops in front of station and surrounding scenery
- Return to Seibu Chichibu Station (5 minutes)
- Omifutsuhata Station (30 minutes): 5-minute walk to reach, view station building and surroundings
- Seibu Chichibu Station: End
Total time: About 4 hours (including travel, sightseeing, and photography)
Walking distance: About 3km
Recommended for: First-time sacred site pilgrims, those with limited time
Full-day course (about 8 hours): Complete Chichibu and Yokoze conquest route
A fulfilling course covering all major sacred sites.
Morning session:
- Depart from Seibu Chichibu Station (9:00)
- Hitsujiyama Park / Mihirashi Hill (90 minutes): 20-minute walk, enjoy the observation platform view
- Chichibu City area (60 minutes): Explore around Hanamino Elementary School and Banba Town Public Hall
- Jonathans Chichibu Store area (30 minutes): Confirm exterior
Lunch: Around Chichibu Station or Seibu Chichibu Station “Matsuri no Yu” (60 minutes)
Afternoon session:
- Omifutsuhata Station (30 minutes): Travel by train or bus from Chichibu Station
- Seibu Chichibu Station (10 minutes): 5-minute walk from Omifutsuhata Station
- Yokoze Station (30 minutes): Transfer by Seibu Chichibu Line
- Daiji Temple (90 minutes): 15-minute walk, leisurely visit and photography
- Around Yokoze Station (30 minutes): Sunset atmosphere is also beautiful
- Return to Seibu Chichibu Station (around 17:00)
Total time: About 8 hours (including lunch)
Walking distance: About 8km
Recommended for: Those who want to take time for pilgrimage, those prioritizing photography
Weekend 2-day course: Chichibu Trilogy pilgrimage route
A course to visit sacred sites from “Anohana,” “Kokosake,” and “The Blue Sky at Your Feet” over 2 days.
Day 1: Kokosake-focused
- Morning: Yokoze Town area (Yokoze Station, Daiji Temple)
- Afternoon: Chichibu City area (Hitsujiyama Park, around Hanamino Elementary School, Omifutsuhata Station)
- Accommodation: Lodging facility in Chichibu City
Day 2: Anohana and The Blue Sky at Your Feet
- Morning: Anohana sacred sites (Chichibu Bridge, Jorinji Temple, Chichibu Shrine, etc.)
- Afternoon: The Blue Sky at Your Feet sacred sites (Chichibu Muse Park direction)
Total time: 2 days
Recommended for: Fans of the Chichibu Trilogy, those who want to enjoy sacred site pilgrimage at a leisurely pace
Advice for efficient pilgrimage
Choosing transportation methods:
- Train only: Use the Seibu Chichibu Line and Chichibu Railway. Using Yokoze Station as a base is efficient
- Rental bicycle: Rental bicycles available near Seibu Chichibu Station. Cycling is comfortable with many flat roads
- Car: Parking is limited at some locations, so advance confirmation is necessary. Hitsujiyama Park has complete parking facilities
Seasonal recommendations:
- Spring (April-May): Sheep pink moss phlox at Hitsujiyama Park is in peak bloom. Early morning is recommended due to heavy tourist traffic
- Summer (July-August): Events like the Chichibu Kawase Festival can also be enjoyed
- Autumn (October-November): Autumn leaves are beautiful and weather is comfortable
- Winter (December-February): The Chichibu Night Festival (December) is crowded, but Mount Bukoh is beautiful under clear winter skies
Practical information for enjoying sacred site pilgrimage more
How to obtain stage exploration maps
“Kokosake Stage Exploration Maps” are distributed free of charge in Chichibu City and Yokoze Town.
Distribution locations:
- Seibu Chichibu Station tourist information office
- Chichibu Station tourist information office
- Yokoze Town tourist information office
- Chichibu City Hall Tourism Division
- Yokoze Town Hall
The map includes locations and photos of major sacred sites, so you can explore with confidence even on your first pilgrimage. PDF versions can sometimes be downloaded online.
Manners and precautions during photography
The most important consideration when enjoying sacred site pilgrimage is consideration for local residents.
Basic manners:
- Do not enter private property: Limit photography to exteriors of schools and residences
- Do not make loud noise: Be especially quiet in residential areas
- Always take trash with you: Cooperate in keeping sacred sites clean
- Follow traffic rules: Be careful of cars and bicycles when photographing on roads
- Obtain permission at commercial facilities: Confirm with store staff before photographing at restaurants, etc.
Precautions at Daiji Temple:
- Maintain proper etiquette as a visitor
- Photography inside the main hall is generally prohibited
- Be polite when obtaining a stamped pilgrimage book (goshuin)
- Move quietly within the temple grounds
Access information: From Tokyo to Chichibu
Access by train:
- Seibu Line Route (fastest, recommended)
- Ikebukuro Station → Seibu Chichibu Station
- Limited Express Red Arrow: About 80 minutes (express ticket required)
- Express: About 100 minutes
- Fare: 780 yen per way (express), 720 yen for express ticket
- JR + Chichibu Railway Route
- Ueno Station → Kumagaya Station (JR Takasaki Line) → Chichibu Station (Chichibu Railway)
- Travel time: About 120 minutes
- Fare: About 1,500 yen per way
Access by car:
- About 30 minutes from Kanetsu Expressway Hanazono IC via National Route 140
- About 50 minutes from Ken-O Expressway Sayama-Hidaka IC via National Route 299
- Parking: Paid parking available around Seibu Chichibu Station and Hitsujiyama Park
Accommodation information
Accommodations in Chichibu City:
- Hot spring inns: Multiple inns offering hot springs including the Chichibu Seven Hot Springs
- Business hotels: Several hotels near Chichibu Station and Seibu Chichibu Station
- Guest houses: Increasing number of affordable accommodations for backpackers
- Campgrounds: For those wanting to enjoy nature (reservation required)
Booking tips:
- Early reservations are essential for weekends, sheep pink moss phlox season, and the Chichibu Night Festival
- Day trips are sufficient as there are plenty of day-use hot spring facilities like “Matsuri no Yu”
Gourmet and souvenir information
Chichibu specialty cuisine:
- Chichibu soba: Hand-made soba noodles using Chichibu-produced flour
- Waraji katsudon: Chichibu B-class gourmet with a large cutlet as its feature
- Chichibu hormone: Hormone grilled with miso sauce
- Chichibu gelato: Gelato made with local milk
Recommended souvenirs:
- Chichibu mochi: Chichibu specialty cakes
- Chichibu whisky: Famous for Ichiro’s Malt
- Chichibu-produced maple syrup: A renowned source of domestically-produced maple syrup
- Kokosake goods: Limited goods sometimes sold at local shops
Main characters and voice actors in “A Whisper of the Heart”
Main characters
Naruse Jun (Jun Naruse)
- Voice actor: Inori Minase
- The protagonist of this work. Due to childhood trauma, she has sealed her words because of the “Curse of the Egg,” and suffers from abdominal pain when trying to speak. She is shy and introverted, but her heart is overflowing with things she wants to convey.
Sakakami Takumi (Takumi Sakakami)
- Voice actor: Aoki Uchiyama
- A former baseball team ace who lost his athletic career due to injury. He is selected as an executive member of a community exchange event and becomes involved with Jun.
Nitoh Natsuki (Natsuki Nitoh)
- Voice actor: Amagiya Tenn
- A cheerleader who is bright and sociable. She is Takumi’s ex-girlfriend and harbors complicated feelings.
Tasaki Daiki (Daiki Tasaki)
- Voice actor: Yoshinari Hosoya
- Takumi’s best friend and baseball team member. He has feelings for Natsuki. He is cheerful and positive.
Production staff
- Director: Tatsuyuki Nagrai
- Screenwriter: Marisa Okada
- Character design: Masataka Tanaka
- Music: Masaru Yokoyama
- Animation production: A-1 Pictures
This production team is the same group from “Anohana,” and through their works set in Chichibu, they have built deep connections with the region.
The relationship between “Kokosake” and Chichibu: Regional revitalization and anime tourism
Position as part of the Chichibu Trilogy
“A Whisper of the Heart” is one of the Chichibu Trilogy along with “Anohana” and “The Blue Sky at Your Feet,” and has greatly contributed to the region’s anime tourism. Since its release in 2015, many anime fans have visited Yokoze Town and the surrounding areas, leading to economic revitalization of the region.
Cooperation with the region
Chichibu City and Yokoze Town actively support sacred site pilgrimage through various initiatives including distribution of stage exploration maps, information provision at tourist information offices, and collaborations with regional events. Local shopping streets sometimes display “Kokosake”-related goods and exhibition panels.
Differences from the live-action film version
A live-action film version was also released in 2017, but the setting differs in some parts from the animated version. In sacred site pilgrimage, it is common to visit the locations of the animated version.
Chichibu tourism to enjoy alongside sacred site pilgrimage
Chichibu’s three major festivals
- Chichibu Night Festival (December 2-3): One of Japan’s three major float festivals, UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
- Chichibu Kawase Festival (July 19-20): Festival coloring summer Chichibu
- Ryusei Festival (Second Sunday in October): Rare festival launching hand-made rockets
Chichibu Kannon pilgrimage
The pilgrimage course of the thirty-four Chichibu Kannon temples is an ancient and cherished pilgrimage route. Daiji Temple, a sacred site of “Kokosake,” is included as the tenth temple.
Nature and outdoor activities
- Nagatoro Gorge: Scenic spot famous for boat rides and rocky plateaus
- Mitsune Shrine: One of the Kanto region’s foremost power spots located at 1,100 meters elevation
- Chichibu Muse Park: Expansive park, also the stage for “The Blue Sky at Your Feet”
Summary: How to enjoy “A Whisper of the Heart” sacred site pilgrimage to the fullest
“A Whisper of the Heart” sacred site pilgrimage centers on Chichibu City and Yokoze Town in Saitama Prefecture and can be explored efficiently on foot or by public transportation. The main sacred sites of Yokoze Station, Daiji Temple, and Hitsujiyama Park are each the settings for important scenes in the work, and visiting them in person will deepen your understanding of the work.
The keys to a successful sacred site pilgrimage are advance planning and consideration for the local community. Obtain a stage exploration map, plan an efficient route, and most importantly, never forget respect for the local residents. A special experience awaits you where Chichibu’s rich nature, warm people, and the world of the work come together.
As the title “A Whisper of the Heart” suggests, it is a story of characters bearing feelings that cannot be put into words. Walking through Chichibu, the stage of this story, will make the work’s message resonate more deeply in your heart. Create your own precious memories of sacred site pilgrimage in the beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons.
