[Kamisama Hajimemashita] Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture
The popular shoujo manga “Kamisama Hajimemashita” (commonly known as “Kami-haji”) by Suzuki Julietta follows Momozono Nanao, a high school girl who loses her home and becomes a land deity, living her days as a goddess alongside Tomoe, a divine familiar, in this romantic comedy. The stage for this anime is Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture. “Edo-ko” Kawagoe, which retains strong Edo-era charm, serves as the perfect sacred site embodying the work’s world view, attracting many fans.
This article provides comprehensive information for those planning a pilgrimage to sacred sites from “Kamisama Hajimemashita,” including detailed information on all spots, access methods, photography points, and efficient pilgrimage routes.
What is “Kamisama Hajimemashita”? The Appeal of the Work and Why Kawagoe Became the Setting
“Kamisama Hajimemashita” is a shoujo manga by Suzuki Julietta 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 and receives the position of land deity from a mysterious man named Mikage, beginning her life as a goddess alongside Tomoe, a fox divine familiar.
The anime aired with its first season in 2012 and 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 work’s worldview of traveling between the human world and the world of gods.
What Kind of Place is Kawagoe? The Charm of “Edo-ko”
Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, is a historic city that flourished as a castle town of Kawagoe Domain during the Edo period. Known affectionately as “Edo-ko” (Little Edo), it retains landscapes filled with Edo atmosphere, including warehouse-style buildings and the Bell Tower.
With convenient access of about 30 minutes by train from central Tokyo, it has become a popular tourist destination attracting over 7 million visitors annually. The unique atmosphere created by the harmony of traditional streetscapes and modern commercial facilities made it the perfect stage to embody the world of “Kamisama Hajimemashita.”
Getting to Kawagoe | Access from the City Center in 30 Minutes
Here we introduce methods to access Kawagoe City, the starting point for your sacred site pilgrimage.
Access by Train
Hon-Kawagoe Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line)
- About 45 minutes by express from Seibu-Shinjuku Station, about 60 minutes by limited express
- Most convenient access to sacred sites
- Edo-ko Meguri Loop Bus operates from the station
Kawagoe Station (JR Kawagoe Line / Tobu Tojo Line)
- About 30 minutes by limited express from Ikebukuro on the Tobu Tojo Line
- JR Saikyo Line and Kawagoe Line also available
- About 15 minutes walk to Hon-Kawagoe Station
Kawagoe-shi Station (Tobu Tojo Line)
- About 35 minutes from Ikebukuro
- Located midway between Kawagoe and Hon-Kawagoe stations
Recommended Transportation Methods
For sacred site pilgrimages, the “Edo-ko Meguri Loop Bus” is convenient. This bus, which also appears in the anime opening, allows efficient touring of major sacred sites with a 1-day free pass ticket (500 yen). Riding this retro-styled bus becomes part of the pilgrimage experience itself.
Additionally, Kawagoe’s streets are relatively compact, making walking exploration quite feasible. Plan for half a day to a full day for the pilgrimage.
“Kamisama Hajimemashita” Sacred Site Pilgrimage Complete Guide
From here, we introduce specific spots that appeared in the work in detail.
“Fujimi-yagura Ruins (Mt. Takao Shrine)” – Model of Mikage Shrine
Appearance in the Work
This is the most important sacred site, serving as the model for “Mikage Shrine,” the shrine entrusted to Nanao by Mikage as a land deity. It appears numerous times in the anime, depicted as the shrine where Nanao and Tomoe live as gods. The atmosphere of the shrine building at the top of the stairs perfectly recreates the work’s worldview.
About the Actual Location
Fujimi-yagura Ruins are one of the remains of Kawagoe Castle, originally a watchtower where Mount Fuji could be viewed. Currently, a small shrine called Mt. Takao Shrine stands there, located on a high ground at the top of stairs. The arrangement of stone steps, torii gates, and shrine buildings depicted in the anime are reproduced almost exactly, creating an emotional experience for fans.
Access Information
- Address: 2-13-1 Gako-cho, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture
- About 15 minutes walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station
- About 25 minutes walk from Kawagoe Station
- Get off at “Hakubutsukan-mae” stop on Edo-ko Meguri Loop Bus, then 5 minutes walk
Pilgrimage Points
Photography from the base of the stairs provides the same angle as in the anime. The atmosphere during dusk is particularly close to the work’s worldview and is recommended. However, as this is an active shrine with worshippers, please observe proper etiquette and view quietly.
Model of Uji-Kamigakkou High School “Saitama Prefectural Kawagoe High School”
Appearance in the Work
This serves as the model for Uji-Kamigakkou High School, which Nanao attends. The school’s exterior and gates appear in the anime, depicted frequently in scenes of Nanao’s school life.
About the Actual Location
Saitama Prefectural Kawagoe High School is a boys’ school founded in 1899. Its distinctive brick construction and imposing architecture served as the model for the anime’s Uji-Kamigakkou High School.
Access Information
- Address: 2-6 Gako-cho, 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, entering the premises is strictly prohibited. Limit photography to the gates and exterior from public roads. Visiting on weekends is recommended to avoid student commute times. Since it’s located near Fujimi-yagura Ruins, you can visit both together.
Model of the Ayakashi World “Kashiya Yokocho”
Appearance in the Work
Kashiya Yokocho serves as the model for the ayakashi world depicted in the anime, a mysterious shopping street where yokai gather. Its retro atmosphere and unique worldview excellently express the atmosphere of an otherworldly realm inhabited by gods and yokai.
About the Actual Location
Kashiya Yokocho is a small alley about 80 meters long with candy shops continuing from the Meiji period. Stone-paved roads lined with over 20 nostalgic candy shops are filled with the fragrant, charred aroma of soy sauce. It was selected as one of the “100 Scents of Japan Landscape.”
Access Information
- Address: 2-chome Motomachi, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture
- About 20 minutes walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station
- About 25 minutes walk from Kawagoe Station
- Get off at “Fudasatsu” stop on Edo-ko Meguri Loop Bus, then about 3 minutes walk
Pilgrimage Points
Weekday mornings are relatively quiet, allowing you to savor the atmosphere leisurely. Weekends and holidays are bustling with many tourists, which is also enjoyable with its vibrant energy. Purchasing candy while exploring allows you to immerse yourself more in the work’s worldview.
Bus Stop Scene from OP “Kawagoe Castle Chuno-mon Horikiri 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 before the ruins is depicted impressively.
About the Actual Location
Kawagoe Castle Chuno-mon Horikiri Ruins are remnants of a moat that served as a defensive facility for Kawagoe Castle. Currently, restored earthworks and moat remain, with the bus stop “Fudasatsu” located nearby. You can see the landscape exactly as depicted in the anime.
Access Information
- Address: 1-chome Gako-cho, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture
- About 18 minutes walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station
- Get off at “Fudasatsu” stop on Edo-ko Meguri Loop Bus, immediate area
Pilgrimage Points
You can experience the same situation as the anime by waiting for the Edo-ko Meguri Loop Bus at the “Fudasatsu” stop. Photography of the ruins in the background is recommended. Since Kashiya Yokocho is nearby, combine visits to both.
Appearing in OP and as School Route “Kawagoe Ichibangai (Warehouse-style Townscape)”
Appearance in the Work
This main street of Kawagoe appears in the anime’s opening and as the school route for Nanao and friends numerous times. The landscape of warehouse-style buildings epitomizes Kawagoe’s character as the work’s setting.
About the Actual Location
Kawagoe Ichibangai is Kawagoe’s representative tourist spot, with over 30 warehouse-style merchant houses from the Edo period lining the street. The heavy black plastered walls and accordion-style doors of these buildings create a landscape that seems to transport visitors to the Edo period.
Access Information
- About 15 minutes walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station
- Get off at “Ichibangai” stop on Edo-ko Meguri Loop Bus
Pilgrimage Points
While walking Ichibangai, try to find angles matching the anime’s opening images. The area around “Bell Tower” is particularly popular as a photography spot. Early mornings or evenings on weekdays are less crowded, allowing leisurely exploration.
Kawagoe’s Symbol “Bell Tower”
Appearance in the Work
In “Kamisama Hajimemashita,” the Bell Tower frequently appears as an architectural element symbolizing Kawagoe’s streetscape. It’s often depicted in the background as a landmark representing Kawagoe’s charming appearance.
About the Actual Location
The Bell Tower has told the time to the castle town since the early Edo period, serving as Kawagoe’s symbol. The current belfry, rebuilt in 1893, is the fourth generation, standing about 16 meters high. It still rings four times daily (6 AM, noon, 3 PM, 6 PM) and was selected as one of “100 Cherished Sounds of Japan.”
Access Information
- Address: 15-7 Saiwai-cho, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture
- About 15 minutes walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station
- Get off at “Ichibangai” stop on Edo-ko Meguri Loop Bus, immediate area
Pilgrimage Points
The Bell Tower area is in the center of Kawagoe Ichibangai, always bustling with tourists. Early morning or dusk hours have fewer people, allowing peaceful photography. Timing your visit with the bell-ringing time is also recommended.
Model of Sweets Shop Where Kojiro Works “Hayashiya Kawagoe Branch”
Appearance in the Work
This shop serves as the model for the sweets shop where the character Kojiro works part-time. The traditional Japanese atmosphere inside the shop is similarly recreated in the anime.
About the Actual Location
Hayashiya is a popular sweets shop in Kawagoe. It serves traditional Japanese sweets and confections, with an interior atmosphere similar to the sweets shop depicted in the anime. You can enjoy the work’s worldview while actually dining or enjoying sweets here.
Access Information
- Within walking distance from Hon-Kawagoe Station
- In the vicinity of Kawagoe Ichibangai
Pilgrimage Points
As an active food establishment, refrain from photographing inside; focus on enjoying the meal. Tasting local Kawagoe sweet potato-based sweets is recommended.
Other Sacred Sites
Kurazukuri Honpo Shin-Tomachi Branch
An established Kawagoe confectionery shop that appears in the anime. You can purchase Kawagoe’s famous sweet potato confections, making it an ideal souvenir spot.
Kumano Shrine
Known for its foot massage health trail, this shrine also appears in the anime. Popular as a power spot for good relationships, many pilgrims visit alongside their pilgrimage.
Hon-Kawagoe Station
Serving as the starting point for sacred site pilgrimages, it also appears in the anime’s opening. The Edo-ko Meguri Loop Bus departing from in front of the station is depicted in the anime, making riding the bus itself part of the pilgrimage.
Efficient Sacred Site Pilgrimage Model Courses
Here we introduce model courses covering major spots in a half day.
Morning Start Course (Estimated Time: Approximately 4-5 hours)
9:00 AM Arrival at Hon-Kawagoe Station
- Purchase Edo-ko Meguri Loop Bus 1-day pass
- Depart on the anime OP-featured bus
9:20 AM Fujimi-yagura Ruins (Mt. Takao Shrine)
- Pay respects at the Mikage Shrine model (30 minutes stay)
9:50 AM Saitama Prefectural Kawagoe High School
- View the exterior (15 minutes stay)
10:15 AM Kawagoe Castle Chuno-mon Horikiri Ruins
- Recreate the OP bus-waiting scene (15 minutes stay)
10:45 AM Kashiya Yokocho
- Explore the ayakashi world (45 minutes stay)
11:45 AM Kawagoe Ichibangai / Bell Tower
- Explore the warehouse-style townscape (60 minutes stay)
- Hear the noon bell
1:00 PM Lunch at Hayashiya
- Rest at the sweets shop (60 minutes stay)
2:00 PM Return to Hon-Kawagoe Station
This course allows you to efficiently visit major sacred sites. If you have extra time, consider adding Kumano Shrine or Kitain Temple to your itinerary.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Notes and Etiquette
Photography Etiquette
- School Facilities: Saitama Prefectural Kawagoe High School is an active school. Absolutely avoid entering the premises; photograph only from public roads
- Shrines and Temples: At shrines like Fujimi-yagura Ruins, view quietly so as not to disturb worshippers
- Shopping Districts: In areas like Kashiya Yokocho and Ichibangai, be careful not to obstruct foot traffic
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
Kawagoe is a popular tourist destination, so weekends and holidays are quite crowded. For those wishing to leisurely enjoy the pilgrimage, weekday visits are recommended. Particularly Tuesday and Wednesday are relatively quiet.
Timing-wise, early morning (before 9 AM) or evening (after 4 PM) are ideal. The quiet morning atmosphere creates an experience closer to the anime’s worldview.
Seasonal Ways to Enjoy
Spring (March-May)
- Cherry blossom season makes Kawagoe’s streets particularly beautiful
- Pleasant weather ideal for exploring
Summer (June-August)
- Kawagoe’s 1 Million Lantern Summer Festival in July is a must-see
- Prepare for heat
Autumn (September-November)
- Kawagoe Festival in October is one of the Kanto’s three major festivals
- Beautiful contrast between autumn leaves and warehouse-style buildings
Winter (December-February)
- Fewer tourists allow leisurely pilgrimage
- Prepare for cold, but clear air is ideal for photography
Anime Tourism Association Certified “88 Anime Sacred Sites to Visit in Japan”
Kawagoe City, the stage for “Kamisama Hajimemashita,” was selected as one of the Anime Tourism Association’s certified “88 Anime Sacred Sites to Visit in Japan.” This means the location is officially recognized as a fascinating sacred site that anime fans actually wish to visit.
Kawagoe City provides maps and pamphlets for sacred site pilgrims, available at tourist information centers. The city actively promotes anime tourism, creating an environment easy for fans to visit.
Kawagoe Gourmet to Enjoy Alongside Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Enjoying Kawagoe’s unique cuisine during the pilgrimage is also recommended.
Kawagoe Specialty Sweet Potato Sweets
Kawagoe is famous as a sweet potato producing region with abundant sweet potato-based sweets. Imo-kenpai (sweet potato snack), sweet potato chips, and sweet potato soft-serve ice cream are perfect for eating while walking.
Eel Cuisine
Kawagoe has been renowned as an eel specialty region since the Edo period. Numerous long-established eel restaurants surround Ichibangai, ideal for lunch during pilgrimage.
Penny Candy
Kashiya Yokocho sells nostalgic penny candies. Handmade sweets like rock sugar and striped candy offer unique Kawagoe flavors.
Ways to Preserve Memories of Your Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Collecting Stamps (Goshuin)
Goshuin stamps can be obtained at Kawagoe’s shrines and temples. Collecting stamps at shrines near Fujimi-yagura Ruins and Kumano Shrine is one of the pilgrimage’s pleasures. Special goshuin stamps commemorating the Anime Tourism Association’s certification may be available.
Sharing on Social Media
Posting to Instagram or Twitter with hashtags like “#kamisama-hajimemashita sacred site pilgrimage” or “#kawagoe sacred site pilgrimage” allows interaction with fellow fans. Other fans’ posts can be helpful references.
Creating a Pilgrimage Notebook
Compiling photos of visited spots, tickets, and pamphlets into a notebook makes a wonderful memory record. Pasting and comparing anime scenes with actual locations is also recommended.
Conclusion: Rediscover Kawagoe’s Charm Through “Kamisama Hajimemashita” Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Kawagoe City, the sacred site of “Kamisama Hajimemashita,” is a wonderful place embodying the anime’s worldview. Visiting spots featured in the work—Fujimi-yagura’s Mikage Shrine, Kashiya Yokocho’s ayakashi world, and Kawagoe Ichibangai’s warehouse-style townscape—deepens your understanding and affection for the anime.
With convenient access from central Tokyo, you can tour major sacred sites in half a day to a full day. The charming Edo-ko streetscape offers appeal as a tourist destination beyond pilgrimage alone.
Please use this article as a reference for embarking on a sacred site pilgrimage immersed in “Kamisama Hajimemashita.” A special experience awaits you in the Kawagoe streets where Nanao and Tomoe spent their days, allowing you to feel the work’s worldview with your own senses.
