【Dress-Up Darling】Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture
“Dress-Up Darling” (hereafter referred to as “Kisekoi”) is a popular anime series that aired its first season in January 2022 and its second season in July 2025. The youth romantic comedy woven between Wakana Gojo, who aspires to be a hina doll craftsman, and Marin Kitagawa, who loves cosplay, has captivated many fans.
The greatest feature of this work is that it faithfully depicts real locations, centered around Iwatsuki Ward, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture. Iwatsuki is known as the “City of Dolls” with a history dating back to the Edo period, and the model for Gojo’s family doll shop actually exists. This article provides a detailed explanation of sacred sites within Saitama Prefecture, including routes for actual pilgrimages, access methods, and precautions.
Why Kisekoi Sacred Sites Are Concentrated in Saitama Prefecture
The work’s setting is centered on Iwatsuki Ward, Saitama Prefecture, because original author Shinichi Fukuda conducted meticulous location scouting and modeled real places. In particular, Iwatsuki, known as the “City of Dolls” with over 400 years of history, perfectly matches the setting where Gojo aspires to be a hina doll craftsman.
Many doll shops still line the streets of Iwatsuki, and traditional craftsmanship remains alive in the townscape. In the anime, this historical background and contemporary youth culture blend beautifully, creating a realistic setting.
Major Sacred Sites in the Iwatsuki Area
Around Iwatsuki Station
Iwatsuki Station on the Tobu Urban Park Line is an important starting point for Kisekoi sacred site pilgrimages. The station appears numerous times in the work as it is used by Gojo and Marin for their commute to school. The station building exterior, ticket gates, and platform conditions are depicted faithfully in the anime.
Iwatsuki Station is on the Tobu Urban Park Line (formerly the Noda Line), approximately 15 minutes from Omiya Station via local trains. The station has a “Doll Town Iwatsuki” sign in front, which enhances the atmosphere of sacred site pilgrimage.
Model of Gojo’s Family Shop: Doll Shops in Iwatsuki
The model for “Gojo Dolls,” Gojo’s family shop, is an established doll shop that actually exists in Iwatsuki. Specifically, shops such as Suzuki Dolls and Koji Dolls are said to be among the models.
These doll shops, scattered within walking distance from Iwatsuki Station, retain traditional architectural styles dating back to the Edo period, allowing visitors to fully experience the anime’s atmosphere. However, since these are actually operating shops, care should be taken during visits—limit photography to exteriors so as not to interfere with business.
Visiting the Iwatsuki Doll Museum alongside these shops will deepen your understanding of the world of hina dolls that Gojo studies.
Gojo’s Commute Route
The roads that appear in scenes of Gojo commuting by bicycle are modeled after real streets in the Iwatsuki Station area. In particular, areas around Jionji Bridge and roads passing through Iwatsuki’s residential neighborhoods can be toured while comparing them to anime scenes.
The commute scenes depict flat roads characteristic of Saitama and landscapes with residential buildings. Many fans tour this route by bicycle, making it a popular pilgrimage spot for experiencing Gojo’s daily life. However, as these are residential streets, traffic rules must be observed and consideration shown to residents.
Higashi-Iwatsuki Station
Higashi-Iwatsuki Station, the adjacent station to Iwatsuki Station, is also an important location that appears in the work. It’s used in scenes where Gojo and Marin meet, and the station’s exterior and surrounding scenery are faithfully recreated.
Higashi-Iwatsuki Station is smaller than Iwatsuki Station but located in a quiet residential area, allowing visitors to feel the work’s everyday atmosphere.
Sacred Sites in the Omiya Area
Around Omiya Station
Omiya Station on the Tobu Urban Park Line serves as an important gateway to Iwatsuki. It connects with JR Omiya Station and is used by many fans visiting from distant locations.
Near the station are various locations that served as models for scenes where Gojo and Marin go shopping.
Near Excellent Omiya Building
Near Excellent Omiya Building, within walking distance from Omiya Station’s east exit, appears in scenes where the pair goes to buy cosplay costume materials. The atmosphere of Omiya’s downtown is reflected in the work, with contemporary urban scenery blending with the work’s world.
This area has many commercial facilities and restaurants, making it suitable for taking breaks during pilgrimages.
Sacred Sites in the Yashio and Shin-Misato Areas
Yashio Abandoned Hospital Studio
The location used for filming scenes where Marin performs is the Yashio Abandoned Hospital Studio. Though actually operated as a filming studio, it is not open to the public, though the exterior can be viewed.
The nearest station is Yashio Station on the Tsukuba Express, but it’s some distance from the station, requiring careful attention to access. As this is private property, entry onto the premises is strictly prohibited.
Shin-Misato Station
Shin-Misato Station on the JR Musashino Line is the nearest station to the shopping mall location that served as a model for scenes where the pair goes shopping. Surrounding the station are large commercial facilities concentrated in the area, where visitors can experience the atmosphere of shopping scenes from the work.
With Lalaport Shin-Misato and IKEA present, you can actually enjoy searching for cosplay costume materials.
Other Sacred Sites in Saitama Prefecture
Kashiwa-no-Ha Area (Near Chiba Prefecture Border)
Strictly speaking in Chiba Prefecture, Kashiwa-no-Ha Campus Station on the border with Saitama is also considered a sacred site. In particular, the school that served as a model for the high school the pair attends is used as the exterior in the work.
Kashiwa-no-Ha Campus Station on the Tsukuba Express is the nearest station, but as the school is an actual educational institution, viewing should remain outside school grounds so as not to interfere with classes.
Urawa and Kawaguchi Areas
Areas around Urawa and Kawaguchi stations also appear in some scenes. Urban scenery and commercial facilities are particularly depicted, reflecting the diverse character of Saitama Prefecture in the work.
Proposed Efficient Pilgrimage Routes
Kisekoi sacred sites are scattered across a wide area of Saitama Prefecture, making it difficult to visit all in a single day. Here are proposed model routes for efficient pilgrimage.
One-Day Course: Iwatsuki Concentration Route
Morning
- Assembly at Omiya Station (9:00 AM)
- Tobu Urban Park Line to Iwatsuki Station (Arrive 9:30 AM)
- Photography around Iwatsuki Station
- Pilgrimage to doll shops modeling Gojo’s family shop
- Visit to Iwatsuki Doll Museum
Afternoon
- Tour Gojo’s commute route by bicycle or rental cycle
- Around Higashi-Iwatsuki Station
- Return to Omiya Station and area near Excellent Omiya Building
This route allows you to visit major sacred sites without difficulty.
Two-Day Course: All of Saitama Prefecture Route
Day 1: Iwatsuki and Omiya Areas
- Same as one-day course above
Day 2: Yashio, Shin-Misato, and Kashiwa-no-Ha Areas
- Confirm exterior of abandoned hospital studio from Yashio Station
- Commercial facilities around Shin-Misato Station
- Around Kashiwa-no-Ha Campus Station (school model)
This route covers nearly all Saitama Prefecture sacred sites appearing in the work.
Access Methods and Transportation
Access by Train
From Tokyo
- JR Keihin-Tohoku, Utsunomiya, or Takasaki Line to Omiya Station
- Tobu Urban Park Line from Omiya to Iwatsuki Station (approximately 15 minutes)
From Chiba
- Direct access to Iwatsuki Station via Tobu Urban Park Line is possible
From Tsukuba Express Line
- Direct access to Yashio Station, Shin-Misato Station, and Kashiwa-no-Ha Campus Station
Access by Car
Several paid parking lots exist around Iwatsuki, though their number is limited. Weekend congestion is likely, so public transportation is recommended.
Iwatsuki IC on the Tohoku Expressway is the nearest interchange, but it is somewhat distant from the city center.
Rental Bicycles
Rental cycle services are available around Iwatsuki Station, and touring by bicycle like Gojo is popular. The flat terrain makes cycling comfortable. However, follow traffic rules and prioritize safety.
Precautions and Etiquette During Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Entry to Private Property Prohibited
Many sacred sites are private property or operating facilities such as doll shops, schools, and residences. Never enter premises without permission; photograph from public roads only, respecting the rights of owners and users.
Consideration for Noise
Iwatsuki is a quiet residential neighborhood. Loud conversations and pilgrimages during early morning or late night disturb residents. Particularly on living streets like Gojo’s commute route, keep noise to a minimum during pilgrimage.
Take Litter Home
Littering around sacred sites is strictly prohibited. Always take food waste home or dispose of it in designated trash bins. Maintaining the cleanliness of sacred sites is an important responsibility of fans.
Don’t Interfere with Business
At operating locations such as doll shops and commercial facilities, be careful not to interfere with customers or employees. Obtain permission before taking photographs inside shops and avoid extended stays.
Observe Traffic Rules
When touring by bicycle, strictly follow traffic rules. Cycling on sidewalks, running red lights, and riding side-by-side are dangerous and inconvenient to residents.
Attractions in Iwatsuki to Enjoy Alongside Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Iwatsuki Doll Museum
Opened in 2020, the Iwatsuki Doll Museum is a comprehensive facility introducing Japanese doll culture. It allows deeper understanding of the world of hina dolls that Gojo studies, enriching appreciation of the work. Regular special exhibitions complement permanent displays.
Iwatsuki Castle Ruins Park
A park developed on the site of Iwatsuki Castle, also known as a cherry blossom viewing spot. In spring, approximately 600 cherry trees bloom in splendor, attracting flower-viewing crowds. It’s a place to enjoy walking while feeling history.
Iwatsuki Traditional Cuisine
Iwatsuki has traditional local dishes and Japanese sweets passed down through ages. In particular, dishes using “Iwatsuki negi” (local green onions) and traditional doll-shaped sweets from longstanding confectioners are local gourmet treats enjoyable during pilgrimage breaks.
Doll Shop Tours
Beyond sacred site pilgrimages, visiting actual doll shops to observe craftsmen’s techniques is recommended. Most shops display and sell hina dolls and warrior dolls, allowing visitors to experience the excellence of traditional craftsmanship up close.
New Sacred Sites Appearing in Season 2
Season 2, which began broadcasting in July 2025, features new sacred sites. Beyond locations depicted in Season 1, additional settings across a wider area are utilized.
Specific locations will become clear as broadcasting progresses, but Iwatsuki-centered Saitama Prefecture remains the primary setting. Revisiting to discover new findings as Season 2 airs is also enjoyable.
Accommodation Information for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
For those visiting from distant locations, securing lodging is important. Large hotels are few around Iwatsuki, so using hotels around Omiya or Urawa stations as a base is recommended.
Hotels Around Omiya Station
The Omiya Station area has diverse lodging facilities, from business hotels to city hotels. Access to Iwatsuki via Tobu Urban Park Line is approximately 15 minutes.
Hotels Around Urawa Station
The Urawa Station area also has abundant lodging facilities with convenient access to Omiya Station. It’s a relatively quiet area where you can rest peacefully.
Pilgrimage Packing Checklist
Prepare the following items for a comfortable sacred site pilgrimage.
- Smartphone/Camera: Essential for photographing sacred sites. Extra batteries are reassuring
- Maps/Pilgrimage Maps: Check sacred site locations beforehand and plan efficient routes
- Work Materials: Anime screenshots or original manga are useful for comparisons
- Drinks/Light Snacks: Some Iwatsuki areas have few convenience stores, so prepare in advance
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: Sneakers recommended for long-distance walking
- Sunscreen/Hat: Important for summer pilgrimage heat stroke prevention
- Raincoat/Umbrella: Prepare for weather changes
- Eco-Bag: Convenient for souvenir shopping
Seasonal Ways to Enjoy Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Spring (March–May)
Cherry blossoms bloom at Iwatsuki Castle Ruins Park, allowing visitors to enjoy flower viewing and sacred site pilgrimage simultaneously. Doll shops transition from hina doll to warrior doll displays, and seasonal change can be felt.
Summer (June–August)
Coinciding with Season 2’s broadcast, many fans visit this season. Take proper heat precautions and pay attention to heat stroke.
Autumn (September–November)
Pleasant weather makes sacred site pilgrimage optimal. Autumn foliage is beautiful, and the season is recommended for photography.
Winter (December–February)
Coinciding with Season 1’s broadcast period, you can experience the work’s atmosphere most closely. Doll shops begin hina doll displays, making this the time most immersed in Gojo’s world.
History of Kisekoi Sacred Site Pilgrimage and Regional Revitalization
“Dress-Up Darling” was selected for the first time in 2024 in the “88 Japanese Anime Sacred Sites Worth Visiting” designated by the Japan Anime Tourism Association. This officially recognizes Iwatsuki Ward, Saitama City, as an “anime sacred site.”
In Iwatsuki Ward locally, various initiatives are underway to leverage this opportunity for regional revitalization. Collaboration projects with doll shops and the creation of tourism maps show how fans and communities work together to promote the work.
Through the fusion of Iwatsuki’s traditional doll-making industry and contemporary anime culture, a new form of cultural expression is being realized. Through sacred site pilgrimage, rediscover the charm of this historic town.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Communities and SNS Use
The joy of sacred site pilgrimage includes interaction among fans who share love of the same work. Share your pilgrimage records using hashtags such as “#kisekoi_pilgrimage” or “#dress_up_darling” on SNS.
By referencing other fans’ posts, you can discover new sacred sites and learn efficient routes. When posting on SNS, however, be mindful of privacy and copyright, ensuring not to inconvenience others.
Conclusion: Rediscover Saitama’s Charm Through Kisekoi Sacred Site Pilgrimage
“Dress-Up Darling” sacred site pilgrimage is more than visiting anime filming locations. It’s a precious opportunity to experience the culture of Iwatsuki Ward, Saitama Prefecture—a historic “City of Dolls”—and the world of traditional craftsmanship that Gojo seeks to inherit.
By touring sacred sites scattered across the Iwatsuki area and beyond to Omiya, Yashio, and Shin-Misato, you’ll discover the diverse character of Saitama Prefecture. Remember to plan efficient routes and show consideration to residents, enjoying pilgrimages while observing etiquette.
The Season 2 broadcast is expected to bring even more fans. Why not take this opportunity to immerse yourself in the work’s world while discovering new charms of Saitama Prefecture? Following the paths walked by Gojo and Marin will deepen your love for the work.
