【Shika no Ko no Ko no Ko Koshitantan】 Hino City, Tokyo
The anime “Shika no Ko no Ko no Ko Koshitantan,” which aired in summer 2024 and achieved massive buzz with over 10 million views on TikTok, centers around the mysterious deer-horned girl Kanoko and former delinquent Torashitorako in a girls’ comedy that captivated many fans with its surreal worldview and catchy OP theme “Shika-iro Days.”
Although it’s easy to assume Nara Prefecture is the setting due to the appearance of deer, the main stage of the story is actually Hino City, Tokyo. This article comprehensively introduces all holy sites appearing in the anime, explains efficient pilgrimage routes, access methods, and photography tips in detail.
About the Setting of the Anime “Shika no Ko no Ko no Ko Koshitantan”
Why Hino City is the Setting
Hino City, Tokyo, the stage of “Shika no Ko no Ko no Ko Koshitantan,” is a nature-rich town located approximately 30km west of central Tokyo. While the Tamagawa and Asakawa rivers flow through it and many green hills remain, it is also known as the birthplace of Shinsengumi vice-commander Hijikata Toshizo, making it a historic area.
In the anime, many real locations within Hino City appear. Particularly in the OP scenes, iconic spots of Hino City are shown one after another as students’ school commutes, becoming a major topic of conversation among local residents and fans.
Nara Park Also Appears in the ED
While the main stage of the story is Hino City, the ED animation depicts Nara Park in Nara City, Nara Prefecture. True to a work themed on deer, the scenery of Nara Park, where actual deer live, is incorporated. Fans aiming for a full-fledged pilgrimage are recommended to visit both Hino City and Nara Park.
Preparation and Access Methods for Holy Site Pilgrimage
Access to Hino City
Access to Hino City, Tokyo is primarily by train and bus. Hino City is close to central Tokyo with well-developed transportation networks, making it easy to access from various locations in the metropolitan area.
By Train:
- JR Chuo Line: Approximately 35 minutes by Tokkai express from Shinjuku Station to Hino Station, approximately 40 minutes by Kaisoku
- Tama Monorail: Approximately 10 minutes from Takahata Fudo Station, approximately 15 minutes to Shokuko Station
- Keio Line: Approximately 35 minutes by Tokusha express from Shinjuku Station to Takahata Fudo Station
By Car:
- Approximately 15 minutes from “Kunitachi Fuchu IC” on the Chuo Expressway
- Coin parking is available around each spot, but public transportation is recommended
Essential Items for Holy Site Pilgrimage
- Smartphone/Camera: For comparison photography
- Mobile battery: To prepare for long pilgrimages
- Comfortable walking shoes: Hino City has many hilly areas with considerable walking
- Drinks and light snacks: Heat stroke prevention is essential, especially in summer
- Map app: Such as Google Maps or NAVITIME
- Anime screen captures: For reference on shooting angles
Precautions During Pilgrimage
Holy sites in Hino City include many residential areas and public facilities. Note the following when photographing:
- Trespassing on private property is strictly forbidden
- Avoid loud conversations and noise
- Always take trash with you
- Follow traffic rules; prioritize safety when shooting on roads
- Consider not causing inconvenience to local residents
Holy Site Pilgrimage Model Courses
Two model courses for efficiently visiting holy sites within Hino City are introduced.
Half-Day Course (Approximately 4 hours)
Route: Takahata Fudo Station → Takahata Fudo Temple → Shokuko Station → Nakashokuko Bridge → JR Hino Station → Hino City Hall
- Start from “Takahata Fudo Station” on the Tama Monorail/Keio Line
- Takahata Fudo Temple (approximately 5 minutes on foot)
- Return to Takahata Fudo Station, take the Tama Monorail to Shokuko Station (approximately 5 minutes)
- Photography of school commute scenes around Shokuko Station (on foot)
- Nakashokuko Bridge (approximately 5 minutes on foot)
- Move to JR Hino Station by Tama Monorail or bus
- JR Hino Station building/Hijikata Toshizo statue in front of the station (walking distance)
- Hino City Hall (approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Hino Station)
Full-Day Course (Approximately 7 hours)
Route: Half-day course + Tamagawa riverbank + Shoseikourinsan hiking trail, Miharashi Park
In addition to the half-day course:
- Move from Hino City Hall to Tamagawa riverbank (near Hino Bridge) by bus or on foot (approximately 20 minutes on foot)
- Rest and photography at Tamagawa riverbank
- Move to Shoseikourinsan hiking trail area by bus
- Shoseikourinsan hiking trail, Miharashi Park (steep inclines present; recommended for those confident in stamina)
Caution: The Shoseikourinsan hiking trail is known as a “steep difficult section,” and walking is quite strenuous. If you have concerns about stamina, using a bus or taxi is recommended.
Detailed Guide to Major Holy Sites
Holy Site ①: Takahata Fudo Temple Niomon Gate
Address: 733 Takahata, Hino City, Tokyo
Access: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Takahata Fudo Station
Visiting Hours: Grounds are open (temple halls 9:00～16:00)
Admission: Free (Okunoden/Dainichiha paid)
Takahata Fudo Kongoji Temple is counted among the three major Fudo temples of the Kanto region and is a special head temple of the Shingon Chizan school. It is also known as the bodhi temple of Shinsengumi vice-commander Hijikata Toshizo, with a statue of him also built on the grounds.
In the anime, the Niomon Gate appears in the OP scene. The heavy vermillion-painted gate is a representative historical structure of Hino City and is popular as a photography spot. The expansive grounds feature nature across the seasons, attracting tourists beyond pilgrimage fans.
Photography Tips:
- Niomon Gate is best photographed from the front
- Early mornings and weekday mornings are relatively uncrowded
- Be considerate of worshippers
- Photography is free throughout the grounds, but some hall interiors prohibit photography
Holy Site ②: JR Hino Station
Address: 3-chome Hinohoncho, Hino City, Tokyo
Access: JR Chuo Line Hino Station
Hours: Station building is always open
JR Hino Station appears in the anime’s OP as students’ school commute scenery and is an important spot. The station building is relatively new with a modern design.
In front of the station stands a statue of Shinsengumi vice-commander Hijikata Toshizo, symbolizing Hino City’s connection to Hijikata Toshizo. This statue also appears in the anime and is a fan photography spot.
Photography Tips:
- Photographing the station exterior from the south exit is recommended
- The Hijikata Toshizo statue is in the station forecourt rotary
- Avoid commute and school hours when it’s crowded
- Obtain permission from station staff for photography inside the station
Holy Site ③: Shokuko Station Area/Nakashokuko Bridge
Address: Shokuko, Hino City, Tokyo
Access: Tama Monorail Shokuko Station
The Shokuko Station area appears in the anime’s OP as the route students use for school commutes. Exiting the ticket gate and turning right, descending stairs to the road and heading south, you can walk in the same direction as the students shown in the anime.
Walking south from the station leads to “Nakashokuko Bridge (Nakahodokuba Bridge),” another holy site appearing in the anime. The surrounding area is residential.
Photography Tips:
- Shokuko Station is an elevated station; the road after descending stairs is the photography spot
- The landscape from atop Nakashokuko Bridge matches the anime
- As it’s a residential area, noise and nuisance is strictly forbidden
- Early mornings and weekday mornings are relatively quiet
Holy Site ④: Hino City Hall
Address: 1-12-1 Shinmei, Hino City, Tokyo
Access: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Hino Station, or bus to “City Hall” stop
Office Hours: Weekdays 8:30～17:15 (closed weekends/holidays)
Hino City Hall’s building is depicted in the anime as a public facility appearing in the story. The modern building is surrounded by well-maintained parks and plazas.
The plaza in front of City Hall is an open space ideal for photography. However, as it’s a public facility used by many citizens on weekdays, care must be taken not to interfere with operations.
Photography Tips:
- The building exterior is best photographed from the front entrance
- Weekends and holidays have the building closed; exterior photography only
- The parking lot is for visitors; avoid using it for pilgrimage purposes
- Surrounding parks can also be photographed
Holy Site ⑤: Tamagawa Riverbank (Near Hino Bridge)
Address: Hino, Hino City, Tokyo
Access: Approximately 20 minutes on foot from JR Hino Station, or by bus
The Tamagawa riverbank appears in the anime as a natural holy site. Particularly near Hino Bridge, the expansive riverbank scenery is popular with locals enjoying walks and picnics.
The riverside promenade is well-maintained with joggers and cyclists. On clear days, distant views of the Tanzawa Mountains and Mount Fuji are possible.
Photography Tips:
- The riverbank is vast, so finding the exact anime angle may take time
- The view from Hino Bridge is also a photography spot
- Dusk scenery is especially beautiful
- The riverbank is open to the public, but beware during flooding
Holy Site ⑥: Shoseikourinsan Hiking Trail, Miharashi Park
Address: Misawa, Hino City, Tokyo
Access: Approximately 25 minutes on foot from Mangan’ji Station on Tama Monorail (steep inclines present), or bus recommended
The “Miharashi Park” on the Shoseikourinsan hiking trail is a park at a high point with excellent views as its name suggests. In the anime, it appears as the background to an impressive scene.
However, access to this spot is known as a “steep difficult section” requiring considerable stamina. Especially in summer, heat stroke risk is high, so using a bus or taxi is recommended rather than walking.
Photography Tips:
- Park views are excellent with panoramic city vistas
- Difficult access means fewer visitors
- Check bus schedules in advance if lacking stamina
- As a nature-rich area, insect repellent preparations are recommended
Efficient Transportation and Escape Routes
Utilizing the Tama Monorail
The Tama Monorail is highly convenient for holy site pilgrimage in Hino City, connecting major holy sites’ nearest stations including Takahata Fudo, Mangan’ji, and Shokuko stations.
Fare: From 160 yen
Frequency: Approximately every 10 minutes during daytime
Operating Hours: Early morning 5 o’clock～late evening 11 p.m.
No all-day passes are issued, but IC cards (Suica, PASMO) are accepted.
Utilizing Bus Routes
Bus routes operated by Keio Bus, Nishi Tokyo Bus, and others in Hino City are convenient for accessing holy sites distant from stations.
Main Routes:
- JR Hino Station～Hino City Hall～Tama Zoo
- Takahata Fudo Station～Hyakuso Station～Seiseki Sakuragaoka Station
Checking bus schedules in advance reduces waiting time.
Steep Section Escape Routes
For areas with steep inclines like Shoseikourinsan hiking trail, avoid overexertion and use these escape routes:
- Bus: From Mangan’ji Station to Misawa Dai area
- Taxi: Direct access from Takahata Fudo or Hino stations
- Bike Rental: Rental bike services available in Hino City (electric-assist recommended)
If feeling unwell or weather is poor, it’s important to alter plans without forcing yourself.
Attractions in Hino City to Enjoy with Holy Site Pilgrimage
Sites Related to Shinsengumi
Hino City is the birthplace of Shinsengumi vice-commander Hijikata Toshizo, with Shinsengui-related spots scattered throughout, including the Hijikata Toshizo Materials Museum and Ishidaji Temple (Hijikata’s grave).
Enjoying historical sightseeing in addition to “Shika no Ko” pilgrimage is a charm of Hino City.
Gourmet Spots
Around Hino Station:
- Local diners and coffee shops abound
- Station building has restaurants and cafes
Around Takahata Fudo Station:
- Soba shops and sweet shops line the approach
- Takahata buns and other local specialties
Taking rest breaks with local cuisine between pilgrimage stops is recommended.
Nature Spots
Hino City is abundant in nature with the Tamagawa and Asakawa rivers and hilly terrain.
- Tamagawa Riverbank: Ideal for walks and picnics
- Kurokawa Clear Stream Park: A park with beautiful spring water
- Hyakuso Garden: A Japanese garden known as a plum blossom spot
Different seasonal scenery means each visit brings new discoveries.
Recommended Visit Periods by Season
Spring (March～May)
- Cherry blossoms at Takahata Fudo Temple are beautiful
- Pleasant climate ideal for sightseeing
- Golden Week may bring crowds
Summer (June～August)
- Experience the same seasonal feel as anime broadcast time
- Heat countermeasures and heat stroke prevention essential
- Tamagawa riverbank offers cool breezes
Autumn (September～November)
- Beautiful autumn foliage on Shoseikourinsan
- Comfortable climate ideal for long pilgrimages
- Takahata Fudo Temple’s chrysanthemum festival is noteworthy
Winter (December～February)
- Fewer tourists allow unhurried photography
- Thorough cold-weather preparation needed
- Early sunsets require early action
Conclusion: Maximizing Enjoyment of Hino City Holy Site Pilgrimage
Hino City, Tokyo, the stage of anime “Shika no Ko no Ko no Ko Koshitantan,” is a charming town easily accessible from central Tokyo where nature and history harmonize.
Keys to successful pilgrimage are:
- Thorough preparation: Map apps, anime screen captures, transportation schedules
- Course selection suited to fitness: Enjoy at your own pace without overexertion
- Public transportation utilization: Efficiently navigate using monorail and buses
- Respecting manners: Never forget consideration for residents
- Enjoying Hino City’s charms: Beyond pilgrimage, explore Shinsengumi sites and nature spots
Holy site pilgrimage allowing you to fully immerse in “Shika no Ko no Ko no Ko Koshitantan’s” world while discovering Hino City’s attractions. Using this article as reference, enjoy a wonderful pilgrimage journey.
Upon witnessing landscapes depicted in the anime in person, your affection for the work will deepen further. Experience a special day immersed in “Shika no Ko’s” world in Hino City.
