SHIROBAKO and Musashisakai: A Complete Guide to Pilgrimage Sites
“SHIROBAKO,” a masterpiece depicting the behind-the-scenes of the animation industry, is set primarily in the Musashisakai area of Musashino City, Tokyo. This article provides a comprehensive explanation of all essential pilgrimage spots, from the headquarters of Musashino Animation featured in the work to the shopping streets and restaurants that characters walked through daily.
The Relationship Between SHIROBAKO and Musashisakai
“SHIROBAKO” is an anime production by P.A.WORKS set in the animation industry, which aired from October 2014 to March 2015. It depicts five women, including protagonist Miyamori Aoi, engaging in anime production from different perspectives.
In the work, the anime production company “Musashino Animation” has its address set as “Sakaikaita-cho, Musashino City, Tokyo,” with the actual Musashisakai area faithfully depicted. Located approximately 20 minutes from Shinjuku on the JR Chuo Line, Musashisakai is known as the station next to Kichijoji and features a quiet residential neighborhood coexisting with shopping streets.
The anime production company model is based on the real company Actas Inc. (Momoi, Suginami Ward, Tokyo), but the setting in the work centers on the Musashisakai area, with many scenes featuring actual landscapes.
Musashisakai Station and Access Methods
Overview of JR Chuo Line Musashisakai Station
Musashisakai Station is a rapid stop on the JR Chuo Line, accessible in approximately 20 minutes from Shinjuku and about 40 minutes from Tokyo Station. Located in the “Sakai” address division of Musashino City, Tokyo, the adjacent stations are Kichijoji to the east and Higashi-Koganei to the west.
The station is elevated, with the current station building completed in 2009. In the work, the platform and station plaza appear repeatedly, depicted in characters’ commuting scenes.
Connection with Seibu Tamagawa Line
Musashisakai Station connects the JR Chuo Line and the Seibu Tamagawa Line. The Seibu Tamagawa Line is a local line originating from Musashisakai Station, extending to Zesshoji Station, and appears frequently in the work. Particularly in Episode 6, a scene showing movement from the Musashisakai station platform to the Seibu Line platform is depicted, allowing pilgrims to confirm both station interiors.
Characteristics of the Station Surroundings
Musashisakai Station is divided into north and south exits, each with distinct atmospheres. The north exit features the shopping street “Skip Street” as a commercial area, while the south exit has the quieter cultural facilities area including Musashino Place.
The station building “Emio Musashisakai” also appears in the work, depicted as station-front scenery in Episode 6. It continues to operate unchanged from that time and can be used as a rest spot during pilgrimage visits.
Skip Street: A Representative Pilgrimage Site of SHIROBAKO
Overview and History of Skip Street
Skip Street is a shopping street that spreads directly ahead of the north exit of Musashisakai Station. Though officially named “Musashisakai Station North Exit Shopping Street,” it is affectionately called “Skip Street” locally. The approximately 300-meter street features about 80 shops including restaurants, miscellaneous goods stores, and bookstores.
The name “Skip” combines “Skip” and “Sukippu” (liked), expressing the meaning of a shopping street to enjoy walking through. Though lacking arcades, the wide road makes it easy to walk, endearing it to local residents.
Scenes in the Work
Skip Street is one of the most frequently appearing locations in SHIROBAKO. Scenes of Musashino Animation employees going out for lunch or shopping, and walking home from work are depicted multiple times as everyday scenery.
Particularly striking are scenes of Miyamori Aoi running around as a production coordinator. The linear road continuing from the entrance through the street, shop signs lining both sides, and street trees are faithfully recreated from actual views.
Current Skip Street
Since 2020, as a collaboration project between Musashino City and SHIROBAKO, design manhole covers have been installed around Skip Street. Manhole covers featuring character designs have attracted attention as new pilgrimage spots.
The shopping street itself maintains nearly the same appearance as during the broadcast period, with many shops that appeared in the work continuing to operate. However, some shops have changed, so checking the latest information when planning pilgrimage visits is recommended.
The Model Location of Musashino Animation Headquarters
Musashino Fire Station Sakai Outpost
The location depicted as Musashino Animation’s headquarters in the work is actually where “Musashino Fire Station Sakai Outpost” is located. It is approximately a 10-minute walk from Musashisakai Station’s north exit via Skip Street.
While the building’s exterior differs from that in the work, the surrounding roads, intersection layouts, and adjacent buildings are faithfully reproduced. Due to the nature of a fire station, interior tours are not possible, but confirming the exterior allows one to feel the atmosphere of the work.
Surrounding Scenery
The area around Musashino Fire Station Sakai Outpost is mixed with residential neighborhoods and small commercial facilities. The commuting routes employees walk through in the work, nearby intersections, and bus stops—many everyday landscapes—appear.
Particularly, the Sakurabashi intersection on Musashisaka-dori is an important location appearing in Episode 1 and multiple other episodes. The view from in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Water Bureau Sakai Water Purification Plant looking south is depicted in the work and maintains unchanged scenery today.
Relationship with the Actual Actas Headquarters
As mentioned, the actual model for Musashino Animation is Actas Inc. in Momoi, Suginami Ward. Under the cooperative framework of P.A.WORKS and Actas, the atmosphere of actual animation production is reflected in the work.
However, as Musashisakai was chosen as the setting, the building’s exterior and surrounding environment use actual locations in the Musashisakai area. This separation of “model company” and “setting location” is a distinctive element in SHIROBAKO’s pilgrimage experience.
Food and Beverage Spots Appearing in the Work
Patisserie Ourson Musashisakai Branch
The cake shop where Honda Toyoi works is “Patisserie Ourson Musashisakai Branch.” It is a real pastry shop located at 2-23-8 Sakai, Musashino City, Tokyo, approximately a 5-minute walk from Musashisakai Station’s north exit.
In the work, Honda Toyoi’s work as a part-time employee is depicted, with the shop’s exterior and interior faithfully recreated. At the actual shop, one can purchase cakes and breads and use it as a rest spot during pilgrimage visits.
Ourson is a long-established local pastry shop with rich seasonal limited products. After SHIROBAKO’s broadcast, fan visits increased, and product development reflecting the work’s connection has sometimes occurred.
Musashisakai Tsubasa-ya (Ramen Shop)
In Episode 2, a ramen shop visited by Takayanagi Tarou and other production staff is “Tsubasa-ya.” It is an actual ramen shop near Musashisakai Station that operates late into the night, depicted in the work as a place where employees stop by on their way home from work.
The shop’s exterior, counter seat arrangement, and menu are faithfully recreated in detail, making it a must-see spot for ramen-loving fans. Visiting in person and ordering the same menu as characters in the work allows for deeper immersion.
The family ramen shop is characterized by rich broth and thick noodles, providing the perfect bowl of energy for staff working deep into animation production nights.
Sakai-tei (Izakaya)
The izakaya where employees hold celebrations and drinking parties is “Sakai-tei,” an actual izakaya near Musashisakai Station characterized by a homey atmosphere.
Appearing in Episode 4 and multiple other episodes, it is depicted in scenes where team bonding deepens and project milestones are celebrated. The interior seating arrangement and decoration are also reproduced in the work, and making a reservation is recommended when visiting for pilgrimage.
Mastu-tei (Japanese Restaurant) – Kichijoji
The restaurant where novice voice actress Sakaki Shizuka works as a part-time employee, “Mastu-tei,” actually exists at 5-1-3 Kichijoji Minami-cho, Musashino City, Tokyo. Kichijoji Station, one station from Musashisakai on the Chuo Line, is the nearest station.
In the work, scenes of Shizuka’s customer service and her reflecting on voice acting work in the shop are depicted. The actual shop also has a calm atmosphere serving Japanese cuisine and is a worthwhile stop during Kichijoji area pilgrimage visits.
Musashino Place and Sakai-minami Fureai Plaza Park
Overview of Musashino Place
“Musashino Place,” located approximately 1 minute’s walk from Musashisakai Station’s south exit, is a complex facility with four functions: library, lifelong learning support, citizen activity support, and youth activity support. Opened in 2011 as a relatively new facility, it is also known for beautiful architectural design.
In the work, the exterior appears in Episode 13 and other episodes. The distinctive building design is depicted as a new landmark of Musashisakai, serving as an element expressing the atmosphere of a modern city.
Sakai-minami Fureai Plaza Park
“Sakai-minami Fureai Plaza Park,” adjacent to Musashino Place, also appears in the work. With spacious lawn areas and play equipment zones, it serves as a gathering place for local residents.
In the work, characters are depicted resting or having meetings in the park. As a representative open space on the south side of Musashisakai Station, it is ideal as a rest spot during pilgrimage visits.
Characteristics of the South Exit Area
The Musashisakai Station south exit area, in contrast to the north exit shopping street, has a quiet atmosphere centered on cultural facilities and parks. Musashino Place’s library functions are well-equipped, with abundant animation and manga materials, allowing one to search for SHIROBAKO-related resources.
Pilgrimage Spots in the Kichijoji Area
Relationship Between Kichijoji and SHIROBAKO
Kichijoji, the adjacent station to Musashisakai, is also an important setting for SHIROBAKO. Located one station away on the Chuo Line and approximately 20 minutes on foot, Kichijoji is known as a representative commercial area in western Tokyo.
In the work, scenes of characters visiting for shopping and dining, and voice acting audition venue settings appear in various scenes. Conducting pilgrimage with Musashisakai as a set allows for a more fulfilling experience.
Kichijoji Station Surroundings
The Kichijoji Station area is a bustling zone with concentrated commercial facilities. In the work, multiple iconic Kichijoji landscapes appear, such as the station rotary and shopping street entrances.
Particularly in Episode 4, numerous Kichijoji cuts appear, with detailed depictions of characters walking through the street. Shopping streets like Sunroad and Diamond-gai, roads continuing toward Inokashira Park, and other actual geographical relationships are faithfully recreated.
Inokashira Park
Inokashira Onshi Park, spanning Mitaka City and Musashino City, is also an important location appearing in the work. In Episode 4, the park’s pond and promenade are depicted, with characters shown taking walks.
Inokashira Park is known as one of Tokyo’s premier cherry blossom viewing spots, drawing many flower-viewing crowds in spring. In the work, it is effectively used as a background to express seasonality.
Other Appearing Spots
Swing Road
“Swing Road,” another shopping street near Musashisakai Station, also appears in the work. Positioned parallel to Skip Street, it features shops closely connected to local life.
In the work, characters’ commuting scenes and shopping visits are depicted. Though not appearing as frequently as Skip Street, it is a spot where one can feel Musashisakai’s everyday atmosphere.
Musashino Fishing Center
The fishing pond model appearing in Episode 19 is “Musashino Fishing Center.” Located somewhat away from Musashisakai Station, it is depicted as an important location in the work.
The scene of characters enjoying fishing is one of the most impressive moments in the work, expressing fishing’s appeal as daily relaxation. The actual facility continues to operate, making it a worthwhile spot for fishing enthusiast fans.
Japan Air Self-Defense Force Hamamatsu Public Relations Center (Air Park)
The stage newly introduced in Episode 13, located in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, is the “Japan Air Self-Defense Force Hamamatsu Public Relations Center (Air Park).” Though distant from Musashisakai, it becomes the setting for an important episode.
The actual facility features aircraft displays and flight simulator experiences, open to the public for learning about Japan Air Self-Defense Force activities. As an advanced pilgrimage destination, it is worthwhile to venture to.
Practical Pilgrimage Guide
Recommended Pilgrimage Route
SHIROBAKO pilgrimage in the Musashisakai area can be completed in half a day to a full day starting from Musashisakai Station. Below is a proposed efficient pilgrimage route.
Morning Route:
- Arrival at JR Musashisakai Station (via Chuo Line rapid)
- Confirmation of station interior and platform (including Seibu Tamagawa Line platform)
- Emio Musashisakai exterior confirmation
- Head to Skip Street from north exit
- Explore Skip Street (search for SHIROBAKO manhole)
- Musashino Fire Station Sakai Outpost (Musashino Animation model location)
- Musashisaka-dori Sakurabashi intersection
Afternoon Route:
- Purchase cake at Patisserie Ourson Musashisakai Branch
- Lunch at Musashisakai Tsubasa-ya
- Move to south exit
- Musashino Place and Sakai-minami Fureai Plaza Park
- Move to Kichijoji via Chuo Line (one station)
- Kichijoji Station area and shopping streets exploration
- Inokashira Park (if time permits)
Precautions When Pilgriming
When conducting pilgrimage, please note the following:
Manners in Residential Areas: The area around Musashino Fire Station Sakai Outpost is residential. Avoid loud conversations and extended stays, being considerate of neighbors.
Photography Consideration: When photographing shops or facilities, be mindful not to interfere with operations, and if possible, alert staff before photographing.
Fire Station Characteristics: Musashino Fire Station Sakai Outpost is an active fire facility. Maintain sufficient distance to avoid obstructing emergency vehicle entry and exit.
Verify Business Hours: Restaurants and shops may have changing holidays or hours. Confirming the latest information before visiting is recommended.
Items and Preparation
Items and preparation to better enjoy pilgrimage visits:
- Work Materials: Saving work scene screenshots to a smartphone or tablet makes on-site comparisons easier.
- Map Apps: Marking major spots beforehand in Google Maps enables efficient navigation.
- Camera: A single-lens reflex or mirrorless camera allows for higher-quality documentation photos.
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: The Musashisakai area relies primarily on foot travel, so choose comfortable shoes.
- Beverages: Particularly in summer, frequent water intake is necessary for heat stroke prevention.
SHIROBAKO Manhole Project
Background of Manhole Installation
In October 2020, design manhole covers were installed around Musashisakai Station as a collaboration project between Musashino City and SHIROBAKO. This was undertaken as an effort to strengthen the work and community connection while creating new pilgrimage appeal.
Musashino City actively pursues regional revitalization using content such as anime and manga, with the SHIROBAKO manhole project being realized as part of this initiative.
Manhole Locations and Types
SHIROBAKO manholes are installed at multiple locations around Musashisakai Station. Primary installation locations are as follows:
- Near the southern end of Skip Street
- Central part of Skip Street
- Musashisakai Station north exit station plaza
Each manhole features illustrations of main characters and is colorful and photogenic. Manhole card distributions have been conducted, making it attractive for collectors.
Tips for Manhole Hunting
Tips for conducting efficient manhole hunts:
- Watch the Ground While Walking: Since manholes are installed on ground level, attention must be directed downward while walking.
- Choose Time of Day: Daytime hours with bright conditions make designs clearly visible and suitable for photography.
- SNS Information Sharing: Searching hashtags like “#SHIROBAKOmanhole” on Twitter (X) and Instagram provides current location information.
The Theatrical Version SHIROBAKO and Musashisakai
Theatrical Release and Reception
Released February 29, 2020, the theatrical version “SHIROBAKO” also depicts the Musashisakai area as an important setting. Set in a world four years after the TV series, it shows grown characters again engaging in a new project at Musashino Animation.
In the theatrical version, Musashisakai scenery including Skip Street appears, providing fans both nostalgia and freshness. Following the theatrical release, visiting pilgrims have continued to increase.
New Pilgrimage Spots
The theatrical version depicts new spots not appearing in the TV series. The changed Musashisakai townscape over time and new character activity bases add new elements to pilgrimage experiences.
Watching the theatrical version before conducting pilgrimage allows for deeper understanding and emotion. Viewing Musashisakai from both the TV series and theatrical version perspectives heightens immersion in the work’s world.
Community and Fan Exchange
Musashino City’s Efforts
Musashino City actively leverages SHIROBAKO as a community resource. Beyond the manhole project, measures include manhole mark distribution at city tourism offices and community event collaborations.
Local shopping streets also welcome SHIROBAKO pilgrimage, with some shops providing work-related goods and information. The positive relationship between community and fans is a key attraction of Musashisakai’s pilgrimage experience.
Fan Events and Exchange
The SHIROBAKO fan community is active, with periodic meetups and pilgrimage tours organized. SNS-based information exchange is vibrant, with new discoveries and location changes shared.
Particularly on work commemorative dates and character birthdays, many fans visit Musashisakai, enjoying the work in their own ways. Such fan-to-fan interaction is one of pilgrimage’s appeals.
Nearby Accommodation and Access Information
Accommodations
While large hotels are scarce in the Musashisakai area, adjacent Kichijoji and several stations away on the Chuo Line toward Shinjuku and Tokyo have numerous facilities. When visiting from afar, staying in these areas and visiting Musashisakai during daytime is common.
Recommended Accommodation Areas:
- Kichijoji: One station from Musashisakai, within walking distance
- Shinjuku: About 20 minutes via Chuo Line rapid, abundant accommodations
- Tokyo Station Area: About 40 minutes via Chuo Line rapid, convenient as a tourism base
Transportation Access
Train Access:
- From Shinjuku Station: About 20 minutes via JR Chuo Line rapid
- From Tokyo Station: About 40 minutes via JR Chuo Line rapid
- From Haneda Airport: About 90 minutes via Keihin Line, Yamanote Line, and Chuo Line transfer
- From Narita Airport: About 120 minutes via Narita Express and Chuo Line transfer
Car Access:
Paid parking is available around Musashisakai Station, though spaces are limited. Public transportation use is recommended.
Conclusion: The Appeal of SHIROBAKO and Musashisakai
Musashisakai, Tokyo, the setting for SHIROBAKO, is a charming pilgrimage destination where one can feel the atmosphere of animation production. With diverse spots concentrated within walking distance—Skip Street shopping district, Musashino Animation’s model location, and restaurants appearing in the work—pilgrimage can be enjoyed efficiently.
Despite being conveniently located next to Kichijoji, Musashisakai maintains a quiet atmosphere. The everyday scenery depicted in the work remains largely unchanged, and actually walking the paths characters traversed provides deep understanding of and empathy with the work world.
The positive relationship between community and fans, continuous collaboration projects, and love for the work make Musashisakai more than just a filming location—a special place. For SHIROBAKO fans, a Musashisakai pilgrimage is an essential experience for deeper work enjoyment.
SHIROBAKO depicts the passion and hardship of animation production and bonds with comrades. Visiting Musashisakai, where the work is set, allows its message to resonate more deeply in your heart. Please use this article as reference when planning your Musashisakai pilgrimage.
