The popular shoujo manga “Kamisama Hajimemashita” (nickname: “Kami-haji”) by Suzuki Julietta, in which a high school girl Momozono Nanao who has lost her home becomes a land deity and spends her days as a god with Tomoe, the divine messenger, is a romantic comedy. The stage of this anime is Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture. “Little Edo” Kawagoe, which retains strong Edo atmosphere, is a perfect sacred site that embodies the world view of the work, attracting many fans.
In this article, for those considering a pilgrimage to sacred sites of “Kamisama Hajimemashita,” I will provide thorough explanations of all spot details, access methods, photography points, and efficient pilgrimage routes.
What is “Kamisama Hajimemashita”? The Appeal of the Work and Why Kawagoe Became the Stage
“Kamisama Hajimemashita” is a shoujo manga work by Suzuki Julietta that was serialized in “Hana to Yume” from 2008 to 2016. The story follows Momozono Nanao, a high school girl who loses her home due to her father’s gambling debts, as she receives the position of land deity from a mysterious man named Mikage and begins her life as a god with Tomoe, a fox divine messenger.
The anime aired its first season in 2012 and its second season “Kamisama Hajimemashita◎” in 2015, with Kawagoe City depicted in detail particularly in episodes 2 and 6 of the second season. The unique atmosphere of Kawagoe, where mystical shrines and temples coexist with modern streets, perfectly matches the world view of the work, in which the protagonist moves between the human world and the world of gods.
What Kind of Place is Kawagoe? The Charm of Little Edo
Kawagoe City in Saitama Prefecture is a historic city that flourished as a castle town during the Edo period. Affectionately known as “Little Edo,” it retains Edo-era landscapes such as storehouse-style buildings and the Bell Tower. With excellent accessibility—about 30 minutes by train from central Tokyo—it has become a popular tourist destination visited by over 7 million people annually. The unique atmosphere where traditional streets harmonize with modern commercial facilities made it the perfect stage to embody the world of “Kamisama Hajimemashita.”
How to Get to Kawagoe | Access from the City Center in 30 Minutes
Here are the access methods to Kawagoe City, which serves as the starting point for sacred site pilgrimage.
Access by Train
Hon-Kawagoe Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line)
- About 45 minutes by limited express from Seibu-Shinjuku Station, about 60 minutes by express
- Most convenient access to sacred sites
- Koedo Meguri bus operates from the station front
Kawagoe Station (JR Kawagoe Line / Tobu Tojo Line)
- About 30 minutes by express from Ikebukuro on the Tobu Tojo Line
- Also accessible via JR Saikyo Line and Kawagoe Line
- About 15 minutes walk to Hon-Kawagoe Station
Kawagoe-shi Station (Tobu Tojo Line)
- About 35 minutes from Ikebukuro
- Located between Kawagoe Station and Hon-Kawagoe Station
Recommended Transportation
For sacred site pilgrimage, using the “Koedo Meguri Bus” is convenient. This bus, which also appears in the anime’s opening, allows you to efficiently visit major sacred sites with a 1-day free ride pass (500 yen). Riding this retro-styled bus becomes part of the sacred site pilgrimage itself.
Additionally, since Kawagoe’s streets are relatively compact, walking through the town is also quite feasible. Plan for about half a day to a full day for exploration.
Complete Guide to “Kamisama Hajimemashita” Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spots
From here, I will introduce specific spots that appeared in the work.
“Fujimi-yagura Ruins (Ontake Shrine)” – Model of Mikage Shrine
Appearance in the Work
This is the most important sacred site, as it served as the model for “Mikage Shrine,” the sacred shrine entrusted to Nanao by Mikage. It appears numerous times in the anime as the shrine where Nanao and Tomoe live. The atmosphere of the shrine building at the top of the stairs perfectly reproduces the work’s world view.
About the Actual Location
The Fujimi-yagura Ruins are one of the remains of Kawagoe Castle, from the site of a tower from which Mount Fuji could once be seen. Currently, a small shrine called Ontake Shrine stands there, positioned on a high ground at the top of stone stairs. The arrangement of stone steps, torii gates, and shrine buildings depicted in the anime are almost exactly reproduced, creating an emotional experience for fans.
Access Information
- Address: 2-13-1 Kakocho, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture
- About 15 minutes walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station
- About 25 minutes walk from Kawagoe Station
- 5 minutes walk from “Museum-mae” bus stop on the Koedo Meguri bus
Pilgrimage Points
Photographing from the bottom of the stairs matches the anime’s angle. The atmosphere, especially at dusk, is close to the work’s world view and is recommended. However, since actual visitors come to pray at this shrine, please observe etiquette and view it quietly.
Model of Uji-kamis High School: “Saitama Prefectural Kawagoe High School”
Appearance in the Work
The model for Uji-kamis High School, the school Nanao attends. The school building’s exterior and gate appear in the anime, depicted frequently in scenes of Nanao’s school life.
About the Actual Location
Saitama Prefectural Kawagoe High School is a historic all-boys school founded in 1899. Its distinguished brick architecture was the model for the anime’s Uji-kamis High School.
Access Information
- Address: 2-6 Kakocho, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture
- About 13 minutes walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station
- About 3 minutes walk from Fujimi-yagura Ruins
Pilgrimage Points
As an active school facility, entry to the grounds is strictly prohibited. Photography should be limited to the school gate and exterior from public roads. Visiting on weekends is recommended to avoid student commute times. Since it is close to Fujimi-yagura Ruins, you can visit both as a set.
Model of the Supernatural World: “Kasiya Yokocho (Candy Alley)”
Appearance in the Work
Kasiya Yokocho served as the model for the supernatural world depicted in the anime—the mysterious shopping street where gods and youkai gather. The retro atmosphere and unique world view beautifully express the atmosphere of a supernatural realm inhabited by gods and youkai.
About the Actual Location
Kasiya Yokocho is an approximately 80-meter-long alley that has been home to dagashi (cheap candy) shops since the Meiji period. Stone-paved streets are lined with more than 20 nostalgic candy shops, with the fragrant aroma of burned soy sauce wafting through the air. It has been selected as one of Japan’s “100 Fragrant Landscapes.”
Access Information
- Address: Motocho 2-chome, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture
- About 20 minutes walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station
- About 25 minutes walk from Kawagoe Station
- About 3 minutes walk from “Fuda-no-tsuji” bus stop on the Koedo Meguri bus
Pilgrimage Points
Weekday mornings are relatively quiet, allowing you to savor the atmosphere leisurely. Weekends and holidays are lively with many tourists, which is also enjoyable in its own way. Purchasing actual candy while exploring will help you immerse yourself further in the work’s world view.
Where Nanao and Tomoe Wait for the Bus in the OP: “Kawagoe Castle Nakanomon Moat Ruins”
Appearance in the Work
This important spot appears in the opening of the anime’s second season, where Nanao and Tomoe wait for a bus. The image of the two waiting for a bus in front of the moat ruins is depicted impressively.
About the Actual Location
The Kawagoe Castle Nakanomon Moat Ruins are the remains of a moat that served as a defensive facility for Kawagoe Castle. Currently, the restored earthwork and moat remain, with the bus stop “Fuda-no-tsuji” located nearby. You can see the exact landscape depicted in the anime.
Access Information
- Address: 1-chome Kakocho, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture
- About 18 minutes walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station
- Directly in front of “Fuda-no-tsuji” bus stop on the Koedo Meguri bus
Pilgrimage Points
You can experience the same situation as in the anime by waiting for the Koedo Meguri bus at the “Fuda-no-tsuji” bus stop. Photography with the moat ruins as a backdrop is recommended. Since Kasiya Yokocho is nearby, combine them in your pilgrimage.
Appearing in the OP and as a School Route: “Kawagoe Ichibanchi (Storehouse-Style Street)”
Appearance in the Work
Kawagoe’s main street appears in the anime’s opening and as the commute route for Nanao and her friends, appearing numerous times. The view of connected storehouse-style buildings symbolizes what makes Kawagoe the setting for the work.
About the Actual Location
Kawagoe Ichibanchi is Kawagoe’s representative tourist spot, lined with more than 30 storehouse-style merchant houses dating back to the Edo period. Buildings with heavy black-plastered walls and accordion-style doors create a landscape as if stepping back in time to the Edo period.
Access Information
- About 15 minutes walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station
- Directly in front of “Ichibanchi” bus stop on the Koedo Meguri bus
Pilgrimage Points
While walking through Ichibanchi, try to find angles matching the anime’s opening footage. The area around the “Bell Tower” is particularly popular as a photo spot. Early mornings on weekdays or evenings are less crowded, allowing for leisurely exploration.
Kawagoe’s Symbol: “The Bell Tower”
Appearance in the Work
In the anime “Kamisama Hajimemashita,” the Bell Tower appears frequently as a building symbolizing Kawagoe’s streets. It is often depicted in the background as a landmark representing Kawagoe’s picturesque appearance.
About the Actual Location
The Bell Tower is a symbol of Kawagoe, having announced the time to the castle town since the early Edo period. The current bell tower, rebuilt in 1893, is the fourth incarnation and stands approximately 16 meters tall. It still rings four times daily (6:00 AM, noon, 3:00 PM, and 6:00 PM) and has been selected for “100 Cherished Sounds of Japan.”
Access Information
- Address: 15-7 Sachicho, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture
- About 15 minutes walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station
- About 1 minute walk from “Ichibanchi” bus stop on the Koedo Meguri bus
Pilgrimage Points
The area around the Bell Tower is in the center of Kawagoe Ichibanchi and is always crowded with many tourists. Early mornings and evenings have fewer people, allowing for more relaxed photography. Timing your visit to when the bell rings is also recommended.
Model of the Sweet Shop Where Jiro Works: “Hayashiya Kawagoe Branch”
Appearance in the Work
This shop is the model for the sweet shop where the character Jiro works as an employee. The serene Japanese-style atmosphere is recreated in the anime.
About the Actual Location
Hayashiya is a popular sweet shop in Kawagoe. It offers traditional Japanese sweets and confections, and the shop’s atmosphere is similar to the sweet shop depicted in the anime. You can immerse yourself in the work’s world view while actually enjoying food and sweets.
Access Information
- Within walking distance from Hon-Kawagoe Station
- Near Kawagoe Ichibanchi
Pilgrimage Points
Since this is an active food establishment, refrain from taking photos inside; enjoy dining as the main activity. Tasting local dishes featuring sweet potato, a Kawagoe specialty, is recommended.
Other Sacred Sites
Kurazukuri Honpo Shin-tomachi Branch
An established Kawagoe confectioner that appears in the anime. A great spot to purchase Kawagoe’s specialty sweet potato sweets and as a souvenir location.
Kumano Shrine
A shrine known for its foot-massage health road that appears in the anime. Popular as a power spot for matchmaking, many combine shrine visits with sacred site pilgrimages.
Hon-Kawagoe Station
The station serves as the starting point for sacred site pilgrimages and appears in the anime’s opening. The Koedo Meguri bus departing from the station front is also depicted in the anime, making riding the bus itself part of the pilgrimage experience.
Efficient Sacred Site Pilgrimage Model Courses
Here is a model course for visiting major spots in half a day.
Morning Start Course (Duration: Approximately 4-5 hours)
9:00 Arrive at Hon-Kawagoe Station
- Purchase a 1-day Koedo Meguri bus pass
- Depart on the bus that appears in the anime OP
9:20 Fujimi-yagura Ruins (Ontake Shrine)
- Visit the model of Mikage Shrine (30 minutes)
9:50 Saitama Prefectural Kawagoe High School
- View the exterior (15 minutes)
10:15 Kawagoe Castle Nakanomon Moat Ruins
- Recreate the OP bus waiting scene (15 minutes)
10:45 Kasiya Yokocho
- Explore the supernatural world (45 minutes)
11:45 Kawagoe Ichibanchi / Bell Tower
- Stroll through the storehouse-style streets (60 minutes)
- Listen to the noon bell
13:00 Lunch at Hayashiya
- Rest at the sweet shop (60 minutes)
14:00 Return to Hon-Kawagoe Station
This course allows you to efficiently visit major sacred sites. If you have extra time, you might also visit Kumano Shrine or Kitain Temple.
Important Points and Etiquette for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Photography Etiquette
- School Facilities: Saitama Prefectural Kawagoe High School is an active school. Absolutely avoid entering the grounds; limit photography to public roads only
- Shrines and Temples: At shrines like Fujimi-yagura Ruins, view quietly without disturbing other visitors
- Shopping Streets: At Kasiya Yokocho and Ichibanchi, be mindful not to obstruct pedestrian traffic
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
Kawagoe, being a popular tourist destination, is very crowded on weekends and holidays. Visiting on weekdays is recommended for leisurely enjoyment. Particularly, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are relatively quiet.
Time-wise, early morning (before 9 AM) or evening (after 4 PM) are optimal. The quiet morning atmosphere brings you closer to the anime’s world view.
Seasonal Enjoyment
Spring (March-May)
- Cherry blossom season makes Kawagoe’s streets even more beautiful
- Pleasant weather ideal for exploring
Summer (June-August)
- The Kawagoe Million Lantern Summer Festival in July is a must-see
- Take proper heat precautions
Fall (September-November)
- October’s Kawagoe Festival is one of the Kanto’s three largest festivals
- Beautiful contrast between autumn foliage and storehouse-style buildings
Winter (December-February)
- Fewer tourists allow leisurely pilgrimage
- Cold weather preparation needed, but clear air is perfect for photography
Anime Tourism Association Certified “88 Anime Sacred Sites Worth Visiting in Japan”
Saitama Prefecture’s Kawagoe City, the stage of “Kamisama Hajimemashita,” has been selected as one of the Anime Tourism Association’s certified “88 Anime Sacred Sites Worth Visiting in Japan.” This means the city is officially recognized as a fascinating sacred site that anime fans actually want to visit.
Kawagoe City provides maps and pamphlets for sacred site pilgrims, available at tourism information centers. With the city actively promoting anime tourism, an environment welcoming to fans is well-established.
Kawagoe Cuisine to Enjoy Alongside Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Enjoying Kawagoe’s specialty foods during breaks in your pilgrimage is also recommended.
Kawagoe Specialty Sweet Potato Sweets
Kawagoe is famous as a sweet potato-producing region, with abundant sweets using the ingredient. Imo-kenpi, potato chips, and potato soft-serve ice cream are perfect for eating while exploring.
Eel Cuisine
Kawagoe has been a famous eel-producing area since the Edo period. Many established eel restaurants surround Ichibanchi, making it ideal for a pilgrimage lunch.
Cheap Candy
At Kasiya Yokocho, you can purchase nostalgic cheap candies. Handmade candies like tortoiseshell candy and gold-brocade candy offer a uniquely Kawagoe taste.
Ways to Preserve Pilgrimage Memories
Collecting Shrine Seals
Shrines and temples in Kawagoe offer seals you can collect. Collecting seals from Ontake Shrine near Fujimi-yagura Ruins, Kumano Shrine, and others is part of the pilgrimage’s enjoyment. Special commemorative seals may be prepared to mark the Anime Tourism Association’s certification.
Sharing on Social Media
Posting on Instagram or Twitter with hashtags like “#KamisamaHajimemashitaSacredSite” or “#KawagoeHolyLand” allows you to connect with fellow fans. Other fans’ posts also serve as helpful references.
Creating a Pilgrimage Journal
Compiling photos of visited spots, tickets, and pamphlets in a notebook becomes a wonderful memory record. Comparing anime scenes with photos of actual places is also recommended.
Conclusion: Rediscover Kawagoe’s Charm Through “Kamisama Hajimemashita” Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Saitama Prefecture’s Kawagoe City, a sacred site of “Kamisama Hajimemashita,” is a wonderful place that embodies the anime’s world view. Visiting actual locations featured in the work—such as Fujimi-yagura’s Mikage Shrine, Kasiya Yokocho’s supernatural world, and Kawagoe Ichibanchi’s storehouse-style streets—deepens understanding of and affection for the anime.
Kawagoe is easily accessible from central Tokyo, allowing you to visit major sacred sites within half a day to a full day. The picturesque Little Edo streets have charm as a tourist destination beyond just sacred site pilgrimages.
Please use this article as a guide and begin your sacred site pilgrimage journey immersing yourself in the “Kamisama Hajimemashita” world. A special experience awaits you in Kawagoe, where Nanao and Tomoe spent their days, as you experience the work’s world view firsthand.
