【Your Lie in April】 Nerima Ward, Tokyo

【Your Lie in April】 Nerima Ward, Tokyo

Introduction: The Appeal of “Your Lie in April” and Holy Site Pilgrimage

The manga work “Your Lie in April” by Naoshi Arakawa was adapted into an anime in 2014, captivating many fans with its beautiful musical depictions and poignant coming-of-age story. The setting of the story, centered on protagonist Kosei Arima and heroine Kaori Miyazono, is based on real locations centered around Nerima Ward, Tokyo.

This article provides a detailed introduction to holy site pilgrimage spots where you can experience the world of the work. By actually visiting these locations, you can have a special experience of retracing the paths walked by the characters while recalling scenes from the story.

About the Setting of “Your Lie in April”

The Main Stage of the Work: Nerima Ward, Tokyo

The story of “Your Lie in April” unfolds primarily on the fictional town of “Sumitani,” modeled after Nerima Ward, Tokyo. Located in the northwestern part of Tokyo’s 23 wards, Nerima Ward is characterized by quiet residential areas and abundant greenery. The schools, parks, shopping streets, and stations that appear in the work are inspired by places that actually exist in Nerima Ward.

Why Nerima Ward Was Chosen

Original author Naoshi Arakawa is said to have connections to Nerima Ward, and the work contains detailed depictions of local scenery. With good access to the city center while still conveying a sense of peaceful daily life, the townscape proved to be an ideal setting for depicting the youth of the main characters.

Detailed Guide to Major Holy Sites

1. Hikari ga Oka Park (Nerima Ward)

Scenes in the Work

Hikari ga Oka Park is one of the most impressive locations in the work. It serves as the setting for numerous memorable scenes, including the cherry blossom-lined path where Kosei and Kaori first meet, the bench where they discuss music together, and crucial scenes that form the climax of the story.

Characteristics of the Actual Park

Hikari ga Oka Park is a vast metropolitan park spanning approximately 60 hectares, attractive for its rich nature and open spaces. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom magnificently, and you can actually see the beautiful cherry-lined path depicted in the work. The park includes open plazas, baseball fields, tennis courts, and barbecue areas, serving as a gathering place for local residents.

Holy Site Pilgrimage Points

• Cherry Blossom Path: Visit in spring (late March to early April) to recreate the scene where Kaori and Kosei meet
• Keyaki Plaza: The model for the plaza where the two perform in the work
• Benches in the Park: Search for the bench where the characters had their meaningful conversations

Access Information

• 8 minutes walk from “Hikari ga Oka Station” on the Toei Oedo Line
• 15 minutes walk from “Masago Station” on the Tobu Tojo Line
• Address: 4-1-1 Hikari ga Oka, Nerima Ward, Tokyo
• Admission: Free
• Hours: Always open (excluding certain facilities)

2. Nerima Culture Center

Importance in the Work

The Nerima Culture Center is modeled after the venue where the piano competition is held in the work. It holds symbolic significance in the story as the setting for an important scene where Kosei faces the piano again.

Overview of the Facility

A comprehensive cultural facility equipped with a main hall with 1,190 seats and a small hall with 250 seats, where classical music concerts and recitals are frequently held. For fans of the work, attending a classical music concert here would allow for a deeper appreciation of the atmosphere in the story.

Points When Visiting

• The interior of the hall is accessible only during performances
• The lobby and exterior can be viewed freely
• Performance schedules are available on the official website

Access Information

• 1 minute walk north exit of “Nerima Station” on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line and Toei Oedo Line
• Address: 1-17-37 Nerima, Nerima Ward, Tokyo

3. Shakujii Park (Nerima Ward)

Depiction in the Work

Shakujii Park appears in the work in scenes where Kosei and Kaori go on a date and in everyday scenes spent with their friends. In particular, the landscape around Shakujii Pond is depicted several times as background in the work.

Characteristics of the Park

A nature-rich park centered around two large ponds: Shakujii Pond and Sanbo-ji Pond. You can enjoy boat rides on Shakujii Pond and bird watching around Sanbo-ji Pond, experiencing nature in all seasons.

How to Enjoy Pilgrimage

• Take a stroll around the pond while recalling scenes from the work
• Enjoy the view from the water by taking a boat ride (paid)
• The autumn foliage season is particularly beautiful

Access Information

• 7 minutes walk from “Shakujii Park Station” on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line
• Address: 1-26-1 Shakujii, Nerima Ward, Tokyo
• Admission: Free

4. Stations Along the Seibu Ikebukuro Line

Nerima Station

The model for the station used by the main characters in the work. The shopping street around the station and the station plaza landscape appear in the work. While redevelopment is ongoing, some traces of the past remain.

Oizumi Gakuen Station

A station that appears in several scenes in the work. The rotary in front of the station and the shopping street are depicted.

5. Locations That Served as Models for Schools

The “Sumitani Junior High School” in the work is not modeled after any specific school, but is said to have been inspired by the atmosphere of junior high schools in Nerima Ward. Since actual schools are private property, viewing the exterior from a distance is appropriate, but absolutely do not enter the premises.

6. Shopping Streets and Streetscapes

Shopping Street Around Nerima Station

The model for the shopping street where Kosei and his friends walk in their daily lives. The landscape of traditional shops reflects the atmosphere of the work.

Photography Points

• The shopping street arcade
• The station plaza
• Alleyways in residential neighborhoods

Proposed Efficient Holy Site Pilgrimage Route

Half-Day Course (Approximately 4 Hours)

Morning Start Plan

1. Nerima Station Assembly (9:00)

• Explore the area around the station, walk through the shopping street (30 minutes)

1. Nerima Culture Center (9:30)

• Photograph the exterior, tour the lobby (30 minutes)

1. Transfer to Hikari ga Oka Park (10:00)

• Take the Toei Oedo Line to Hikari ga Oka Station (10 minutes)
• Explore Hikari ga Oka Park (2 hours)
• Visit the cherry blossom path, Keyaki Plaza, benches, etc.

1. Lunch (12:00)

• Near Hikari ga Oka Station or Nerima Station (1 hour)

Full-Day Course (Approximately 8 Hours)

Comprehensive Plan from Morning to Evening

1. Shakujii Park (10:00-12:00)

• Exploration tour around the two ponds
• Boat ride (for those interested)

1. Lunch (12:00-13:00)

• Around Shakujii Park Station

1. Around Nerima Station (13:30-15:00)

• Tour the Nerima Culture Center
• Explore the shopping street
• Photograph the surrounding streetscape

1. Hikari ga Oka Park (15:30-17:30)

• Visit major spots leisurely
• Photograph during sunset

Recommended Visiting Seasons

Spring (Late March to Early April)

The most recommended season. The cherry blossoms in Hikari ga Oka Park and Shakujii Park are in full bloom, allowing you to experience the impressive cherry blossom scenes depicted in the work firsthand. The cherry blossom path in Hikari ga Oka Park is a must-see.

Summer (June to August)

The foliage is lush and vibrant, and you can enjoy an energetic landscape. Boat rides in Shakujii Park are pleasant during this season. However, heat precautions are essential.

Autumn (October to November)

Beautiful foliage season, with particularly stunning views around Sanbo-ji Pond in Shakujii Park. The pleasant weather makes it ideal for exploration.

Winter (December to February)

Clear skies are favorable for photography. With fewer visitors, you can explore at a leisurely pace. Make sure to prepare for the cold.

Photography Techniques for Holy Site Pilgrimage

Comparative Photography with Anime Scenes

Items to Prepare

• Smartphone or camera
• Screenshots from the anime (for reference)
• Extra batteries

Photography Tips

1. Match the Angle: Adjust your position to recreate the camera angle from the anime by referring to screenshots
2. Consider the Time of Day: Visit at the same time as the scene in the work for similar lighting conditions
3. Take Advantage of Weather: Enjoy different atmospheres in clear and cloudy conditions
4. Include People: If visiting with friends, recreating character poses can be fun

Instagram-Worthy Photography Spots

• Cherry blossom path in Hikari ga Oka Park (spring only)
• Landscape of ponds and trees in Shakujii Park
• Exterior of the Nerima Culture Center
• Streetscape of shopping streets

Manners and Rules for Holy Site Pilgrimage

Basic Etiquette

Holy site pilgrimage is an enjoyable experience, but the places you visit are where people actually live. Always follow the following manners.

Manners in Residential Areas

• Do not speak loudly
• Do not trespass on private property
• Be considerate of residents
• Take all trash with you
• Avoid visiting early in the morning or at night

Manners Around Schools

• Never enter school premises
• Avoid times when students are arriving or leaving
• Refrain from using telephoto lenses
• Do not interfere with school events

Manners at Public Facilities

• Follow facility rules
• Do not inconvenience other users
• Do not take photographs in prohibited areas
• Be considerate when using tripods

Photography Precautions

• Photograph from locations that do not obstruct foot traffic
• Be considerate if other people appear in photos (use caution when posting to social media)
• Obtain permission before photographing in shops
• Never photograph in dangerous locations (roads, railway tracks, etc.)

Nearby Tourist Attractions and Dining Information

Other Tourist Attractions in Nerima Ward

Toshimaen Ruins (Currently Under Development)

The site of a long-beloved amusement park. Future developments are attracting attention.

Makino Memorial Garden

The former residence of Tomitaro Makino, father of Japanese botany. Enjoy plants in all seasons.

Recommended Dining Spots

Around Nerima Station

• Local favorite ramen shops
• Traditional coffee shops
• Everything from chain restaurants to independently-run eateries

Around Hikari ga Oka Station

• Restaurant street in Hikari ga Oka IMA Shopping Center
• Cafes and fast food restaurants

Around Shakujii Park Station

• Cafes convenient for stopping by after exploring the park
• Local set meal restaurants

Access and Transportation Information

Access from Central Tokyo

By Train

• From Ikebukuro: Approximately 10 minutes to Nerima Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line, approximately 15 minutes to Shakujii Park Station
• From Shinjuku: Approximately 20 minutes to Nerima Station on the Toei Oedo Line, approximately 25 minutes to Hikari ga Oka Station
• From Shibuya: Approximately 25 minutes to Nerima Station on the Fukutoshin Line

By Car

There are multiple coin parking lots in Nerima Ward, but public transportation is recommended. Parking lots are particularly crowded on holidays.

Getting Around in the Ward

By Train

• Seibu Ikebukuro Line: Nerima Station ⇔ Shakujii Park Station (approximately 5 minutes)
• Toei Oedo Line: Nerima Station ⇔ Hikari ga Oka Station (approximately 10 minutes)

By Bus

• Seibu Bus and Kokusai Kogyo Bus operate throughout the ward
• Routes connecting major spots available

On Foot or Bicycle

• Approximately 30 minutes walk from Nerima Station to Hikari ga Oka Park
• Bicycle rental is convenient (rental cycle ports at stations)

Accommodation Information

Accommodation in Nerima Ward

While there are few large hotels in Nerima Ward, business hotels and vacation rental accommodations are available.

Accommodation in Surrounding Areas

Ikebukuro Area

Good access to Nerima with a wide selection of hotels. You can also enjoy sightseeing and shopping.

Shinjuku and Shibuya Areas

Approximately 30 minutes by train to central tourist areas.

“Your Lie in April” Related Event Information

Past Events

Events and stamp rallies related to “Your Lie in April” have been held in Nerima Ward in the past.

How to Obtain Latest Information

• Official website of Nerima Ward Tourism Association
• Nerima Animation Site
• Official social media accounts
• Fan communities

Community Exchange with Fans

Information Sharing on Social Media

Sharing your pilgrimage experiences on social media allows you to interact with other fans.

Recommended Hashtags

• #YourLieInApril
• #YourLieInAprilHolySitePilgrimage
• #KunikiPilgrimage
• #NerimaWardHolySitePilgrimage

Meetups and Pilgrimage Tours

Participating in pilgrimage tours and meetups organized by fans is also an enjoyable experience. Check social media and fan sites for information.

To Enjoy the Work More Deeply

Preparation Before Pilgrimage

Rewatching the Anime

Rewatching the anime before pilgrimage will make your impressions of each location more vivid. Pay particular attention to scenes with detailed background depictions.

Reading the Original Manga

There are depictions different from the anime and episodes not adapted into anime.

Listen to the Soundtrack

Familiarizing yourself beforehand with the classical music performed in the work will make attending concerts at the Nerima Culture Center even more enjoyable.

Ways to Enjoy During Pilgrimage

While Listening to Music

Listening to the work’s soundtrack while on pilgrimage allows you to immerse yourself more deeply in the world of the work. However, be fully aware of surrounding safety.

Keeping a Pilgrimage Journal

Recording the places you visit, your impressions, photographs, and more creates additional enjoyment when looking back later.

Conclusion: Experience the World of the Work Through Holy Site Pilgrimage

A holy site pilgrimage of “Your Lie in April” is a precious opportunity to actually experience the beautiful world of the work. The holy sites centered around Nerima Ward, Tokyo, are easily accessible from central Tokyo, and you can visit the major spots in a single day.

If you visit during the cherry blossom season in spring, you can relive the impressive scenes from the work. The cherry-lined path in Hikari ga Oka Park, the quiet pond in Shakujii Park, the solemn atmosphere of the Nerima Culture Center—each location brings back the story of Kosei and Kaori.

Holy site pilgrimage not only deepens your love of the work but also brings new discoveries and encounters. Remember to follow proper etiquette and be considerate of local residents as you enjoy your pilgrimage journey. This article is meant to help with your “Your Lie in April” holy site pilgrimage. Retrace the paths walked by Kosei and Kaori with your own feet. Your appreciation for the work will surely deepen.