【’How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend’ Series】 Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
The popular light novel series ‘How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend’ by Fumaki Maruto is primarily set in the Greater Tokyo Area centered on Toshima Ward, Tokyo, but Wako City in Saitama Prefecture is also an important pilgrimage site that many fans visit. This article provides a thorough explanation of pilgrimage spots within Saitama Prefecture based on actual visit experiences, along with detailed access information.
Why Wako City in Saitama Prefecture Became a ‘Saekano’ Pilgrimage Site
Appearance as “Wagou City” in the Story
Saitama Prefecture’s Wako City appears under the name “Wagou City” in episodes 5-6 of the anime adaptation of ‘How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend.’ While this name change was made out of consideration for not using real place names directly, the station structure and surrounding scenery faithfully recreate Wako City Station, making it an instantly recognizable pilgrimage site for fans.
The Setting of Utaha Kase’s Novel ‘Metronome of Love’
Wako City holds special significance as the setting for ‘Metronome of Love,’ the debut work of popular character Utaha Kase (pen name: Utaha Kasumi). Utaha and protagonist Tomoya Aki have many memories in Wako City, and numerous scenes that serve as important turning points in the story are depicted there.
Convenient Access: About 15 Minutes from Ikebukuro
Wako City is a transportation hub served by the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line, Yurakucho Line, and Tobu Tojo Line. From Ikebukuro Station, it takes about 15 minutes via the Fukutoshin Line with no transfers, making it easy to plan pilgrimage routes that combine it with pilgrimage sites within Tokyo (such as around Zoshigaya).
Detailed Pilgrimage Spots Around Wako City Station
Wako City Station (Anime: “Wagou City Station”)
Appearance: Anime Episodes 5, 6, Season 2 Episode 1, and others
Wako City Station is the center of ‘Saekano’ pilgrimage. The area around the south exit is primarily featured, with Utaha depicted using the station for commuting multiple times.
Station Interior Points
- Ticket gates area: Multiple scenes of Utaha passing through the ticket gates appear in the anime, depicted with a composition nearly identical to the actual Wako City Station’s ticket gate layout.
- Tobu Tojo Line platform: Scenes of waiting for trains and conversations on the platform are featured, with pillar positions and information display board locations faithfully recreated.
- Station nameplate: The “Wako City” station nameplate is changed to “Wagou City” in the anime, but the font and colors remain true to the original.
Photography Tips
Photography within the station requires consideration not to disturb other users. Avoid commute/school hours (weekdays 7:00-9:00 AM, 5:00-7:00 PM), and aim for weekend mornings or weekday afternoons when it’s relatively quiet. It’s good to inform station staff before photographing on platforms.
Wako City Station South Exit Rotary
Appearance: Anime Season 2 Episode 1
The area around the south exit rotary is depicted in detail in Season 2 Episode 1 (‘How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend Flat’) of the anime. The bus terminal and taxi stand layout, as well as the building shapes in the surroundings, are precisely recreated, making it a standard photography spot for pilgrimage.
Landmarks in the Area
- Rotary plantings: While flowers are replanted seasonally, their placement remains virtually the same as during the anime’s broadcast period.
- Station building: The appearance of the station building adjacent to Wako City Station features in the anime.
- Bus stops: Multiple bus route stops and their layout are faithfully depicted.
Gusto Wako City Station Front Store
Appearance: Anime Episode 5
Located about a 2-minute walk from Wako City Station’s south exit, the family restaurant “Gusto Wako City Station Front Store” appears in a scene where Utaha and Tomoya have a conversation. Not only the exterior but the atmosphere inside the store is reflected in the work.
Notes on Visiting
Since it’s an actively operating restaurant, when visiting as part of a pilgrimage, always order food and be considerate not to disturb other customers. Photography of the exterior should be limited to shooting from the street, and indoor photography should be avoided as a matter of etiquette.
Access: 2-minute walk from Wako City Station South Exit
Operating hours: 24 hours (subject to change; confirmation before visiting recommended)
Seseragi Park Area
Appearance: Anime Episode 6
The area around “Seseragi Park,” about a 10-minute walk from Wako City Station, is also featured in important scenes between Utaha and Tomoya. This park is a place of rest for local residents and offers natural beauty in all seasons.
Park Features
- Stream (seseragi): The stream that gives the park its name flows through it, and this waterside is also depicted in the anime.
- Walking path: The maintained walking paths are ideal for strolling, with multiple points from which you can photograph the same angles as those appearing in the anime.
- Benches: Park benches are used in scenes where characters sit and converse.
Access: 10-minute walk from Wako City Station South Exit
Open: Always accessible (nighttime visits should be avoided)
Hotel Yokohama Inn Wako City Station Front Store Area
Appearance: Anime Season 2
The exterior of the business hotel “Hotel Yokohama Inn Wako City Station Front Store” and the surrounding streetscape also appear as background elements in Season 2 of the anime. It becomes an important element in expressing the atmosphere of the station-front commercial area.
Goshuin/Stamp Information at Wako City Hall
How to Obtain Pilgrimage Goshuin
To leverage anime pilgrimage appeal for regional revitalization, Wako City provides services for pilgrimage visitors.
Wako City Hall Secretary and Public Relations Division Counter
The Secretary and Public Relations Division counter at Wako City Hall provides commemorative stamps and materials related to the ‘How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend’ series (availability varies by period; advance confirmation recommended).
Location: 1-5 Hirosawa, Wako City, Saitama Prefecture
Access: 15-minute walk from Wako City Station South Exit, or by bus to “City Hall Mae” stop
Hours: Weekdays 8:30 AM – 5:15 PM (Closed on weekends and holidays)
Inquiry: 048-464-1111 (Main number)
Visiting Etiquette
Since the city hall is a government facility, please note the following when visiting:
- Avoid busy times so as not to obstruct counter operations
- Keep questions to staff brief and polite
- No loud voices or running around in the building
- Photography only in permitted areas
Efficient Pilgrimage Route Proposals
Half-Day Course (Duration: approximately 3-4 hours)
9:00 AM Arrival at Wako City Station
↓ Walk immediately
9:10 AM Wako City Station interior/platform photography (30 minutes)
↓ Walk immediately
9:40 AM South Exit rotary photography (20 minutes)
↓ 2-minute walk
10:00 AM Break at Gusto Wako City Station Front Store (60 minutes)
↓ 10-minute walk
11:10 AM Seseragi Park stroll and photography (40 minutes)
↓ 15-minute walk
12:00 PM Visit Wako City Hall (30 minutes)
↓ 15-minute walk
12:45 PM Arrival at Wako City Station and end
Full-Day Course (Combined with pilgrimage sites in Toshima Ward, Tokyo)
Morning: Wako City Area (Half-day course above)
1:00 PM Depart Wako City Station
↓ About 20 minutes on Fukutoshin Line
1:20 PM Arrival at Zoshigaya Station
Afternoon: Toshima Ward Area (Nozoki Slope, Toden Zoshigaya Station, etc.)
With this route, you can efficiently visit major ‘Saekano’ pilgrimage sites in one day.
Seasonal Highlights and Recommended Visiting Periods
Spring (March-May)
Cherry blossom season brings to mind the impressive falling cherry blossoms from anime Episode 1. Cherry blossoms can be enjoyed around Seseragi Park, and it’s ideal for photography. However, the Wako City Station area does not have as many cherry blossoms as the “Nozoki Slope” in Toshima Ward.
Recommendation Level: ★★★★☆
Summer (June-August)
The greenery becomes lush, and the small stream in Seseragi Park creates a cool atmosphere. However, daytime temperatures rise, making heat stroke prevention essential. Early morning or evening visits are recommended.
Recommendation Level: ★★★☆☆
Autumn (September-November)
The weather is mild, making it the ideal season for pilgrimages. While there are few autumn leaves, the pleasant temperature allows for comfortable long walks. This coincides with the broadcast period of Season 2 anime, allowing you to experience the atmosphere.
Recommendation Level: ★★★★★
Winter (December-February)
Clear air provides good conditions for photography, but cold weather measures are necessary. Since there are many indoor facilities around the station, the area is easy to navigate even on cold days.
Recommendation Level: ★★★☆☆
Detailed Access Information
Train Access
Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line / Yurakucho Line
- From Ikebukuro Station: About 10 minutes on express, about 15 minutes on local train
- From Shinjuku-sanchome Station: About 20 minutes on Fukutoshin Line
- From Shibuya Station: About 30 minutes on Fukutoshin Line
- From Yokohama Station: About 60 minutes on Fukutoshin Line direct connection
Tobu Tojo Line
- From Ikebukuro Station: About 12 minutes on express, about 15 minutes on semi-express
- From Kawagoe Station: About 20 minutes on express
Fare (from Ikebukuro Station): 220 yen (when using IC card)
Car Access
Multiple coin parking lots are available around Wako City Station, but they can get congested on weekends. Public transportation use is recommended.
Major roads:
- About 5 minutes from “Wako IC” on the Tokyo Outer Expressway
- Along National Route 254 (Kawagoe Street)
Pilgrimage Etiquette and Rules
Basic Manners
- No trespassing on private property: Most photography spots are public spaces, but never enter private property.
- Be mindful of noise: Since residential areas are nearby, avoid loud conversations and visits during early morning or late night hours.
- Always take trash with you: To keep pilgrimage sites beautiful, always carry away your trash.
- Follow traffic rules: Never rush into the street so absorbed in photography or other dangerous actions that violate traffic laws.
- Consideration for local residents: Pilgrimage sites are living spaces for local people as well. Remember greetings and gratitude.
Photography Notes
- Inside the station: Tripod use is generally prohibited. Use handheld photography to finish quickly.
- Commercial facilities: Photograph building exteriors only from public streets. Always ask permission for indoor photography.
- Parks: Be considerate so other users are not captured in photos.
- Privacy rights: Avoid SNS posts of photos where ordinary people happen to be visible.
Surrounding Accommodation and Dining Information
Accommodations
Hotel Yokohama Inn Wako City Station Front Store
A business hotel that is also one of the pilgrimage sites. Convenient location, just a 1-minute walk from the station.
Price range: Single rooms from around 5,000 yen
Hotels around Wako City
Several business hotels are located near Wako City Station. Alternatively, staying near Ikebukuro Station and commuting via the Fukutoshin Line is also convenient.
Dining Spots
Gusto Wako City Station Front Store
One of the pilgrimage sites. A family restaurant where you can eat at reasonable prices.
Dining in the station building
The commercial facility directly connected to Wako City Station has multiple cafes and restaurants.
Dining around the station
The south exit area has diverse dining options including ramen shops, set meal restaurants, and cafes.
Wako City’s Charm as a ‘Saekano’ Pilgrimage Site
A Place Deeply Connected to Utaha’s Story
Wako City is not merely a background but a place deeply connected to the inner world and growth of the character Utaha Kase. It is the setting for her debut work ‘Metronome of Love,’ and numerous important scenes depicting the changing relationship between her and Tomoya are depicted.
Easy to Combine with Tokyo Urban Pilgrimage Sites
The 15-minute distance from Ikebukuro makes it easy to plan pilgrimage routes that combine it with pilgrimage sites around Zoshigaya in Toshima Ward (such as Nozoki Slope and Toden Zoshigaya Station), allowing you to deeply experience the world of ‘Saekano’ in one day.
Cooperative Local Attitude
Wako City has an attitude of leveraging anime pilgrimage appeal for regional revitalization, with information provision at city hall and an atmosphere that welcomes pilgrimage visitors.
Combinations with Other Saitama Prefecture Anime Pilgrimage Sites
Saitama Prefecture has many other anime pilgrimage sites. Here are some pilgrimage sites easy to combine with Wako City.
‘Lucky☆Star’ (Washinomiya Shrine, Kuki City)
From Wako City, head toward Kasukabe on the Tobu Tojo Line, transfer, and continue to Kuki City. This work was a pioneer in Japan’s anime pilgrimage boom.
‘Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day’ (Chichibu City)
From Wako City, via Ikebukuro to Seibu Line, or toward Yorii on the Tobu Tojo Line. Chichibu is a representative anime pilgrimage site in Saitama Prefecture.
Conclusion: Experience the ‘Saekano’ World in Saitama’s Wako City
Saitama Prefecture’s Wako City is an indispensable important pilgrimage site in the ‘How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend’ series for depicting the relationship between Utaha and Tomoya. Major spots are concentrated within walking distance of Wako City Station, making it compactly manageable with only half a day.
Convenient access from Tokyo, the cooperative attitude of the community, and the deep connection to the anime world. These elements combine to make Wako City a special place for ‘Saekano’ fans.
Through pilgrimage, seeing the scenery from the anime in person and tracing the paths walked by characters will deepen your understanding of and affection for the work. Respecting proper etiquette and remembering gratitude to the community, please enjoy a wonderful pilgrimage journey.
Just 15 minutes by Fukutoshin Line from Ikebukuro. Why not visit Wako City this weekend, where Utaha and Tomoya’s precious memories are treasured? The anime world truly exists there.
