【SHIROBAKO】Musashisakai, Musashino City, Tokyo
A masterpiece depicting the behind-the-scenes world of animation, “SHIROBAKO.” The main stage of this work was the Musashisakai area of Musashino City, Tokyo. This article thoroughly explains all the essential spots for pilgrimage, including the headquarters of Musashino Animation featured in the work, the shopping streets where characters walked daily, and restaurants.
The Relationship Between SHIROBAKO and Musashisakai
“SHIROBAKO” is an animation industry-themed work produced by P.A.WORKS that aired from October 2014 to March 2015. It depicts five women, led by protagonist Miyamori Aoi, engaging in anime production from their respective positions.
The anime production company “Musashino Animation” in the work is set at the address “Kitasaikaichi-cho, Musashino City, Tokyo,” and the actual Musashisakai area is faithfully depicted. Located about 20 minutes by train from Shinjuku on the JR Chuo Line, Musashisakai is known as the station next to Kichijoji, featuring a calm residential area coexisting with shopping streets.
The model for the animation production company was the actual corporation Aktas (Momoi, Suginami Ward, Tokyo), but as the work’s setting, the Musashisakai area is central, with many scenes featuring real landscapes.
Musashisakai Station and Access
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 “Saikai” residential area of Musashino City, Tokyo, with Kichijoji to the east and Higashikoganei to the west as neighboring stations.
The station is elevated, and the current station building was completed in 2009. In the work, the elevated platform and station plaza appear multiple times, depicted in commute scenes of the characters.
Connection with Seibu Tamagawa Line
At Musashisakai Station, the JR Chuo Line connects with the Seibu Tamagawa Line. The Seibu Tamagawa Line, starting from Musashisakai Station, connects to Zesshoji Station as a local line, also appearing frequently in the work. Particularly in episode 6, scenes are depicted of characters moving from the Musashisakai Station platform to the Seibu Line platform, allowing visitors to confirm both station interiors during pilgrimage.
Characteristics of the Station Surroundings
Musashisakai Station has north and south exits with different atmospheres. The north side centers on “Skip-do Street,” a commercial area, while the south side features cultural facilities like Musashino Place, creating a calm environment.
The station building “Emio Musashisakai” also appears in the work, depicted as the station area in episode 6. It continues to operate much as it did then, serving as a rest spot for pilgrims.
Skip-do Street: Representative Sacred Site of SHIROBAKO
Overview and History of Skip-do Street
Skip-do Street spreads directly in front of the north exit of Musashisakai Station. Formally named “Musashisakai Station North Exit Shopping Street,” locals affectionately call it “Skip-do Street.” The approximately 300-meter street features around 80 shops including restaurants, miscellaneous goods stores, and bookstores.
The name “Skip-do” combines “Skip” and “Sukippuki” (meaning “like”), conveying the sense of a fun street to walk. Though without an arcade, the wide street is beloved by residents for its walkability.
Appearance in the Work
Skip-do Street is one of the most frequently appearing locations in SHIROBAKO. It’s depicted multiple times as a daily scene—employees of Musashino Animation going out for lunch or shopping, walking home from work.
Particularly impressive are scenes of Miyamori Aoi rushing around as a production assistant. The straight road extending from the street’s entrance to its depths, shop signs lining both sides, and street trees are all faithfully recreated from reality.
Current Skip-do Street
Since 2020, as a collaboration project between Musashino City and SHIROBAKO, design manhole covers have been installed around Skip-do Street. Manhole lids featuring character designs have become new sacred sites for pilgrimage, drawing attention.
The shopping street itself remains nearly unchanged from the broadcast period, with many shops appearing in the work continuing to operate. However, some shops have been replaced, so checking the latest information before pilgrimage is recommended.
Model Site of Musashino Animation Headquarters
Musashino Fire Department Saikai Branch
The location depicted as Musashino Animation’s headquarters in the work is actually where the “Musashino Fire Department Saikai Branch” is located. It’s approximately a 10-minute walk from the north exit of Musashisakai Station, via Skip-do Street.
While the building’s exterior differs from the work’s depiction, the surrounding roads, intersection layout, and adjacent buildings are faithfully recreated. Due to the nature of a fire department, building interiors cannot be toured, but viewing the exterior allows experiencing the work’s atmosphere.
Surrounding Landscape
The Musashino Fire Department Saikai Branch area is a mixed-use space of residences and small commercial facilities. Many daily landscapes appear in the work—employees’ commute routes, nearby intersections, bus stops.
Particularly, the Sakurabashi intersection on Musashisakai-dori is an important location appearing in episode 1 and multiple episodes. The landscape viewed south from in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Waterworks Bureau Saikai Purification Plant is depicted in the work and maintains unchanged scenery today.
Relationship with Actual Aktas Headquarters
As previously noted, the actual model for Musashino Animation was Aktas Corporation in Momoi, Suginami Ward. Under the cooperative framework of P.A.WORKS and Aktas, the atmosphere of actual animation production is reflected in the work.
However, as the work’s setting, Musashisakai was chosen, so the building exterior and surrounding environment use actual places in the Musashisakai area. This separation of “model company” and “setting location” is characteristic of SHIROBAKO pilgrimage.
Dining Spots Featured in the Work
Patisserie Urson Musashisakai Branch
The cake shop where Honda Toyoyasu works is “Patisserie Urson Musashisakai Branch.” It’s a real pastry shop located at 2-23-8 Saikai, Musashino City, Tokyo. It’s approximately a 5-minute walk from the north exit of Musashisakai Station.
In the work, Honda’s work as a part-time employee is depicted, with the shop’s exterior and interior faithfully recreated. At the actual store, pastries and bread can be purchased, making it popular as a rest spot for pilgrims.
Urson is a long-loved local pastry shop with abundant seasonal limited products. After SHIROBAKO’s broadcast, fan visits increased, with product development sometimes showing awareness of the work’s connection.
Musashisakai Tsubasa-ya (Ramen Restaurant)
In episode 2, the ramen shop visited by Takayanagi Taro and other production staff is “Tsubasa-ya.” A real ramen shop near Musashisakai Station, it stays open late, so the work depicts it as a place where employees stop after work.
The shop’s exterior, counter seat layout, and menu are faithfully recreated in detail—a must-see spot for ramen-loving fans. Visiting in person and ordering the same menu as the characters allows deeper immersion.
The shop’s distinctive rich broth and thick noodles of its tonkotsu ramen make it an ideal energy source for staff working at late-night animation studios.
Sakai-tei (Izakaya)
The izakaya where employees hold celebrations and drinking parties is “Sakai-tei,” an actual izakaya near Musashisakai Station known for its homey atmosphere.
It appears in episode 4 and multiple episodes, depicted in scenes deepening team bonds and celebrating project milestones. The interior seating arrangement and decoration are recreated in the work; reservations are recommended when visiting for pilgrimage.
Matsu-tei (Kichijoji)
The restaurant where newcomer voice actress Sakaki Shizuka works part-time, “Matsu-tei,” actually exists at 5-1-3 Kichijoji-minamicho, Musashino City, Tokyo. The nearest station is Kichijoji, one station from Musashisakai on the Chuo Line.
In the work, Shizuka’s customer service and her worrying about voice acting work are depicted. The actual shop has a calm Japanese cuisine atmosphere—a must-visit spot when pilgrimage touring the Kichijoji area.
Musashino Place and Kyounan Fureai Hiroba Park
Overview of Musashino Place
“Musashino Place,” located about 1 minute on foot from the south exit of Musashisakai Station, 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’s also known for its beautiful architectural design.
In the work, the exterior appears in episode 13 and multiple episodes. The distinctive building design is depicted as a new Musashisakai landmark, expressing the atmosphere of a modern town.
Kyounan Fureai Hiroba Park
“Kyounan Fureai Hiroba Park,” adjacent to Musashino Place, also appears in the work. A park featuring a spacious lawn and play equipment area, it serves as a community gathering space.
In the work, scenes show characters resting or having meetings. As a representative open space on the south side of Musashisakai Station, it’s ideal as a rest spot for pilgrimage.
Characteristics of the South Exit Area
The south exit area contrasts with the north exit’s shopping street, centered on cultural facilities and parks with a calm atmosphere. Musashino Place’s library features are enriched with abundant animation and manga materials, allowing searches for SHIROBAKO-related resources.
Sacred Sites in the Kichijoji Area
Relationship Between Kichijoji and SHIROBAKO
Kichijoji, the neighboring station to Musashisakai, is another important stage for SHIROBAKO. Located one station away on the Chuo Line or about 20 minutes on foot, Kichijoji is known as a representative commercial area in Tokyo’s west.
In the work, characters visit for shopping and dining, scenes are set at voice actress audition venues, and various scenes occur. Pilgrimage touring Kichijoji together with Musashisakai allows more enriching experience.
Kichijoji Station Surroundings
The Kichijoji Station area is a bustling commercial zone with densely packed facilities. Multiple scenes feature Kichijoji’s iconic landscapes—the station plaza, shopping street entrances.
Episode 4 particularly features many Kichijoji scenes with detailed depiction of characters walking the streets. Sunroad and Diamond-gai shopping streets, roads leading toward Inokashira Park, and actual geography are faithfully recreated.
Inokashira Park
Inokashira Bestowed Park, spanning Mitaka and Musashino cities, is an important work location. Episode 4 depicts the park’s pond and walking paths with characters strolling—a significant romantic setting.
Inokashira Park is renowned as one of Tokyo’s premier cherry blossom spots, bustling with crowds each spring. The work effectively uses seasonal scenery as background expression.
Other Featured Spots
Swing Road
Another shopping street near Musashisakai Station, “Swing Road,” also appears in the work. Located parallel to Skip-do Street, it features shops close to local life.
The work depicts characters using it as a commute route and visiting for shopping. While less frequently appearing than Skip-do Street, it conveys Musashisakai’s daily atmosphere.
Musashino Fishing Center
The fishing pond model in episode 19 is “Musashino Fishing Center.” Located slightly away from Musashisakai Station, it plays a significant role in the work.
Characters’ fishing scene is memorable, expressing fishing’s appeal as daily respite. The actual facility continues operating, offering value for fishing-enthusiast fans.
Japan Air Self-Defense Force Hamamatsu Public Relations Hall (Air Park)
The “Japan Air Self-Defense Force Hamamatsu Public Relations Hall (Air Park)” in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, appeared as a new stage in episode 13. While distant from Musashisakai, it’s central to important episodes.
The facility, open to the public, features aircraft displays and flight simulator experiences. As advanced pilgrimage, it’s worth visiting for dedicated fans.
Practical Pilgrimage Guide
Recommended Pilgrimage Routes
Musashisakai area pilgrimage starting from Musashisakai Station can be completed in half to a full day. Below is an efficient proposed route:
Morning Route:
- Arrive at JR Musashisakai Station (via Chuo Line rapid)
- Confirm station interior and platform (including Seibu Tamagawa Line platform)
- Confirm Emio Musashisakai exterior
- North exit to Skip-do Street
- Explore Skip-do Street (search for SHIROBAKO manholes)
- Musashino Fire Department Saikai Branch (Musashino Animation model location)
- Musashisakai-dori and Sakurabashi intersection
Afternoon Route:
- Purchase cake at Patisserie Urson Musashisakai Branch
- Lunch at Musashisakai Tsubasa-ya
- Move to south exit
- Musashino Place and Kyounan Fureai Hiroba Park
- Move to Kichijoji via Chuo Line (one station)
- Kichijoji Station and shopping street exploration
- Inokashira Park (if time allows)
Pilgrimage Precautions
When pilgrimage touring, observe these points:
Residential Area Etiquette: The Musashino Fire Department Saikai Branch area is residential. Avoid loud conversations and extended stays, respecting neighbors.
Photographic Consideration: When photographing shops or facilities, avoid disrupting business and obtain staff permission if possible.
Fire Department Characteristics: Musashino Fire Department Saikai Branch is an operational fire facility. Maintain sufficient distance to avoid obstructing emergency vehicles.
Confirm Operating Hours: Shop and restaurant hours may change. Check latest information before visiting.
Essential Items and Preparation
Items and preparation for enhanced pilgrimage:
- Work Materials: Saving work scene screenshots on smartphones or tablets enables easy in-situ comparison.
- Map Apps: Pre-marking major spots on Google Maps allows efficient touring.
- Camera: DSLR or mirrorless cameras produce higher-quality documentation photos.
- Comfortable Shoes: Musashisakai touring centers on walking; choose comfortable footwear.
- Beverages: Particularly in summer, frequent hydration prevents heat illness.
SHIROBAKO Manhole Project
Manhole Installation Background
In October 2020, as a Musashino City and SHIROBAKO collaboration, design manhole covers were installed around Musashisakai Station. Implemented to strengthen work-region connection and create new pilgrimage appeal.
Musashino City actively promotes regional development using anime and manga content, with the SHIROBAKO manhole project realizing such efforts.
Manhole Locations and Types
SHIROBAKO manholes are installed at multiple locations near Musashisakai Station. Primary installation sites include:
- Near Skip-do Street’s south end
- Skip-do Street’s central section
- Musashisakai Station north exit plaza
Each manhole features main character illustrations in colorful, photogenic finishes. Manhole card distributions attract collectors.
Manhole Touring Tips
Efficient manhole touring points:
- Watch the Ground While Walking: As ground-level installations, attention to the ground while walking is necessary.
- Time of Day Selection: Daytime offers clearer designs and better photography conditions.
- SNS Information Sharing: Twitter (X) or Instagram hashtag searches like “#SHIROBAKOmanhole” provide latest location information.
Theatrical Version SHIROBAKO and Musashisakai
Theatrical Release and Reception
Released February 29, 2020, theatrical version “SHIROBAKO” features Musashisakai as an important stage. Depicting the world four years after the TV series, it shows matured characters undertaking new projects again at Musashino Animation.
The theatrical version also features Musashisakai landscapes, including Skip-do Street, offering fans both nostalgia and freshness. Pilgrimage visits continue increasing post-theatrical release.
New Sacred Sites
The theatrical version depicts new spots absent from the TV series. Musashisakai’s changed landscapes with time and new character bases add pilgrimage elements.
Viewing the theatrical version before pilgrimage allows deeper understanding and emotion. Viewing both the TV series and theatrical version provides enhanced immersion in the work world.
Community and Fan Interaction
Musashino City Initiatives
Musashino City actively utilizes SHIROBAKO as a regional resource. Beyond manhole projects, the tourism information office distributes sacred site maps, and local events feature collaborative projects.
Local shopping streets welcome SHIROBAKO pilgrimage, with some shops providing work-related merchandise and information. Positive relationships between community and fans constitute pilgrimage appeal.
Fan Events and Exchange
The SHIROBAKO fan community actively hosts offline meetings and pilgrimage tours. SNS information exchange is active, sharing new discoveries and location changes.
Especially on work anniversaries and character birthdays, many fans visit Musashisakai, enjoying the work individually. Such fan interaction exemplifies pilgrimage appeal.
Surrounding Accommodation and Access Information
Accommodation Facilities
While Musashisakai lacks large hotels, neighboring Kichijoji and stations several stops away on the Chuo Line toward Shinjuku and Tokyo offer numerous accommodations. Visitors from afar typically stay in these areas and visit Musashisakai daytime.
Recommended Accommodation Areas:
- Kichijoji: One station away, within walking distance
- Shinjuku: About 20 minutes via Chuo Line rapid, abundant accommodation
- Tokyo Station Area: About 40 minutes via Chuo Line, convenient as tourism base
Transportation Access
Train Access:
- From Shinjuku: JR Chuo Line rapid approximately 20 minutes
- From Tokyo: JR Chuo Line rapid approximately 40 minutes
- From Haneda Airport: Keikyu Line, Yamanote Line, Chuo Line transfers approximately 90 minutes
- From Narita Airport: Narita Express, Chuo Line transfers approximately 120 minutes
Car Access:
Paid parking lots surround Musashisakai Station with limited spaces. Public transportation is recommended.
Conclusion: Appeal of SHIROBAKO and Musashisakai
Musashisakai, Tokyo, SHIROBAKO’s stage, is a charming sacred site conveying animation production atmosphere. Skip-do Street shopping district, Musashino Animation model site, and featured restaurants concentrate within walking distance, enabling efficient pilgrimage enjoyment.
Musashisakai, while conveniently located next to Kichijoji, maintains calm atmosphere. Landscapes depicted in the work remain unchanged, and walking characters’ paths enables deep work understanding and empathy.
Positive community-fan relationships, continued collaborative projects, and love for the work make Musashisakai more than just a location—it becomes special. For SHIROBAKO fans, Musashisakai pilgrimage is essential for deeper work enjoyment.
SHIROBAKO depicts animation production passion, hardship, and comradeship bonds. Visiting Musashisakai deepens the work’s message impact. Please reference this article in planning Musashisakai pilgrimage.
