Director Makoto Shinkai’s blockbuster film “Weathering with You” features many real locations in Tokyo, and pilgrimages to these filming locations conducted by fans are thriving. Among the most impressive scenes depicted are the “Sarubia Maru,” a ship that the protagonist Hodaka boarded when heading to Tokyo, and the Takeshiba Passenger Terminal, its port of call.
In this article, we will thoroughly explain the Takeshiba Passenger Terminal and Sarubia Maru that appear in “Weathering with You,” providing essential information for filming location pilgrimages. From access methods to shooting spots, actual ship operation information, and comparisons with the film, we deliver content that is a must-see for fans.
The Role of Takeshiba Passenger Terminal and Sarubia Maru in Weathering with You
An Important Scene Symbolizing the Beginning of the Story
At the beginning of “Weathering with You,” the protagonist Hodaka Morishima runs away from an island and heads to Tokyo. The large passenger ship he boards at this time is the “Sarubia Maru,” operated by Tokai Kisen. The meeting with Keisuke Suga on the ship sailing through a storm becomes an important scene that heralds the beginning of the entire story.
Director Shinkai is known for meticulously depicting real locations, and in this scene too, the actual “Sarubia Maru” and Takeshiba Passenger Terminal are faithfully recreated. The design of the ship, the building of the terminal, and the surrounding scenery—details down to the finest points were incorporated into the work based on actual landscapes.
A Symbolic Stage for Hodaka’s Move to the City
Sarubia Maru is not merely a means of transportation but carries symbolic meaning representing Hodaka’s step from the island to the metropolis, from boyhood to the adult world. The sense of anxiety and anticipation mingling in the heart of the youth swaying on the turbulent ship resonated with many viewers.
The Takeshiba Passenger Terminal is depicted as the gateway through which Tokyo, the massive city, welcomes Hodaka. The high-rise buildings visible from the terminal and Rainbow Bridge serve as an important background visually expressing the gap between Hodaka’s yearning for Tokyo and reality.
Basic Information About Takeshiba Passenger Terminal
Overview and History
Takeshiba Passenger Terminal (official name: Tokyo Takeshiba Passenger Terminal) is a passenger ship terminal located in Kaigan 1-chome, Minato Ward, Tokyo. It opened in 1991 and is primarily used as a point of departure and arrival for ships heading to the Izu Islands and Ogasawara Islands.
The facility is a four-story building above ground, with the first floor serving as a boarding waiting area, the second floor as a departure lobby, the third floor as an observation deck and restaurant, and the fourth floor as a rooftop observation platform. The terminal building faces Tokyo Bay and offers views of Rainbow Bridge and the Odaiba area.
Operation and Functions
The terminal is managed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Port Bureau, and primarily serves large passenger ships operated by Tokai Kisen. It is an important transportation hub connecting Tokyo and the island regions that serves numerous tourists and islanders throughout the year.
The facility is equipped with waiting rooms, shops, restaurants, coin lockers, and other amenities, allowing visitors to spend long waiting periods comfortably. Barrier-free improvements have also been made, with elevators and ramps installed.
About Sarubia Maru
Ship Overview and Specifications
“Sarubia Maru” is a large passenger ship operated by Tokai Kisen that entered service in 1992. With a gross tonnage of 5,681 tons, a length of 118.7 meters, and a passenger capacity of 1,187, it is a large vessel.
The ship’s name “Sarubia” is derived from the salvia flower, the town flower of Izu Oshima. The ship’s hull is white with a distinctive red line running along the side, and this exterior design is faithfully depicted in “Weathering with You.”
Route and Timetable
Sarubia Maru operates primarily on the following routes:
- Tokyo Takeshiba ~ Oshima ~ Toshima ~ Niijima ~ Shikinejima ~ Kozushima
- Night service: Departs Tokyo at night and arrives at each island the next morning
- Day trip service: Operates seasonally
Normally, the ship departs Takeshiba around 10 PM and sequentially calls at each island starting around 5 AM the next day. On the return journey, it departs from each island in the afternoon and arrives at Takeshiba in the evening to night. However, the operation schedule may change depending on weather and season.
Ship Facilities
Sarubia Maru is equipped with the following facilities:
- Special class, first class, and second class rooms: Cabin types suited to various budgets
- Restaurant: Offers light meals and beverages
- Shop: Souvenirs and daily necessities
- Observation deck: An open space where you can view the ocean
- Shower rooms: Convenient for long voyages
The space where Hodaka spent time in the work is likely the second-class communal sleeping area. The actual ship interior has the same atmosphere as depicted in the work, and many fans make pilgrimages to ride the ship.
Filming Location Pilgrimage: Shooting Spots and Points of Interest
Takeshiba Passenger Terminal Exterior
The work depicts the exterior of the terminal when Hodaka arrives in Tokyo. When you visit in person, you can photograph the same angle as the movie scene.
Recommended Shooting Points:
- Near the terminal’s main entrance
- Full view of the terminal building from the sea side
- View of Tokyo Bay from the second-floor departure lobby
Particularly at dusk or night, the illuminated terminal and Rainbow Bridge are beautiful, allowing you to feel the atmosphere of the work.
Boarding Waiting Area and Lobby
The interior of the terminal also appears in the work. The first-floor waiting area and second-floor departure lobby are depicted as they actually exist.
The waiting area has ship models and island tourism information on display, and viewing them between shots is recommended. From the large windows of the departure lobby, you can see Sarubia Maru moored up close.
Observation Deck and Rooftop
The third-floor observation deck and fourth-floor rooftop observation platform offer panoramic views of Tokyo Bay. You can see Rainbow Bridge, Odaiba, and the Harumi area all at once, making it an ideal spot for photography.
While not directly depicted in the work, many fans visit this location to experience the view of Tokyo that Hodaka must have seen.
Sarubia Maru Aboard
By actually boarding Sarubia Maru, you can have the same experience as Hodaka. Particularly on the night service, you can experience the same scene as the opening of the work, departing Tokyo Bay at night.
Points of Interest Aboard:
- Passing Rainbow Bridge during departure
- Tokyo’s night scenery from the deck
- The moment of arriving at an island in the morning glow
However, weather can sometimes cause rough seas, so those concerned about seasickness are advised to bring motion sickness medication.
Access Methods and Visiting Tips
Access by Train
The nearest stations to Takeshiba Passenger Terminal are as follows:
Yurikamome “Takeshiba Station”
- 1-minute walk from the station (closest)
- About 5 minutes from Shimbashi Station
JR and Tokyo Metro “Hamamatsucho Station”
- About 7 minutes walk from the north exit
- Accessible via Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku lines
Toei Subway Oedo and Asakusa Lines “Daimon Station”
- About 10 minutes walk from B2 exit
Yurikamome’s Takeshiba Station is the most convenient, with the terminal building visible immediately upon exiting the station. It’s within walking distance from Hamamatsucho Station as well, and access from Tokyo and Shinagawa stations is also good.
Access by Car and Parking
The terminal has a paid parking lot, but since it prioritizes boarding passengers, public transportation is recommended for filming location pilgrimages only.
There are coin parking facilities like the Hinode Wharf Parking nearby, but they often get crowded on weekends, so arriving early is advisable.
Best Timing to Visit
Time of Day:
- Evening to night: The illuminated scenery is beautiful
- Early morning: You might see the Sarubia Maru returning to port
- Night service departure (around 10 PM): Most similar to the work’s atmosphere
Season:
- Spring and autumn: Mild weather, comfortable
- Summer: Island tourism season is lively
- Winter: Clear air makes night scenery beautiful
Visiting during the summer when the work is set allows you to immerse yourself more fully in the work’s world. However, note that during typhoon season (August-September), service may be suspended.
Actual Boarding Experience: How to Board Sarubia Maru
How to Make Reservations
Boarding Sarubia Maru can be reserved through Tokai Kisen’s official website or by phone. Especially during summer and holidays, it gets crowded, so early reservation is recommended.
Reservation Process:
- Access Tokai Kisen’s official site
- Select your desired date, route, and room type
- Enter passenger information
- Select payment method (credit card, convenience store payment, etc.)
- Receive reservation confirmation email
On the day, bring your reservation number and complete boarding procedures at the terminal by 30 minutes before departure time.
Estimated Fares
One-way fares between Tokyo and Oshima (reference prices as of 2024):
- Second class (communal sleeping): Approximately ¥4,000-5,000
- Second class berth: Approximately ¥6,000-7,000
- First class: Approximately ¥8,000-9,000
- Special class: Approximately ¥15,000-16,000
Fares vary depending on season and reservation status. Student discounts and round-trip discounts are available; check the official website for details.
Notes on Boarding
Items to Bring:
- Reservation confirmation (smartphone screen acceptable)
- ID (when using student discount, etc.)
- Motion sickness medication (if needed)
- Warm clothing (decks get cold at night)
Other Notes:
- Strong rocking may occur due to weather
- Second-class rooms are gender-mixed communal sleeping areas
- Valuables management is your responsibility
- Ship is non-smoking (smoking area available)
Nearby Filming Location Pilgrimage Spots
Around the Takeshiba Passenger Terminal, there are several spots featuring “Weathering with You” and other Shinkai works.
Hamarikyu Detached Palace Garden
A Japanese garden about 15 minutes’ walk from the terminal. While not directly featured in “Weathering with You,” it’s a recommended stop during filming location pilgrimages to enjoy Tokyo’s historical scenery.
Rainbow Bridge Promenade
Rainbow Bridge, visible from the terminal, appears in the work. You can walk the bridge’s promenade (free) and enjoy Tokyo Bay scenery.
Shiba Park and Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower, accessible on foot from Hamamatsucho Station, appears in the distance in “Weathering with You.” The view from Shiba Park is an important symbolic Tokyo scenery used in many scenes.
Roppongi and Yoyogi Areas
If you have time, consider heading to Shinjuku, Yoyogi, and Roppongi areas, which are main settings in the work. These are approximately 30 minutes away from Hamamatsucho Station via Yamanote Line.
Comparison Between Work and Reality: Accuracy and Changes
High Accuracy
Director Shinkai’s works are known for their high accuracy in reproducing actual scenery, and Takeshiba Passenger Terminal and Sarubia Maru are no exception.
Faithfully Reproduced Elements:
- Takeshiba terminal building’s exterior design
- Sarubia Maru’s hull color and form
- The atmosphere of the waiting area and boarding gate
- Tokyo Bay scenery and Rainbow Bridge
- The layout and atmosphere of the second-class room aboard ship
Many fans who visited in person have noted that “it was just like in the work,” making this a filming location pilgrimage spot with high satisfaction.
Production Changes
On the other hand, there are some changes made for narrative effect:
- Weather: The work shows a storm scene, but the actual weather varies
- Light expression at different times: Cinematic production techniques are applied
- Partial background simplification: Adjustments made in animation production
These are production choices to enhance the work’s artistry and do not diminish the charm of the actual location.
Filming Location Pilgrimage Etiquette and Rules
Facility Usage Etiquette
Takeshiba Passenger Terminal is not a tourist facility but an actual transportation facility used by people heading to islands. When pilgrimage visiting, follow these manners:
- Do not obstruct boarding passengers: Don’t get in the way of boarding procedures or movement
- Be considerate when photographing: Be careful that other users don’t appear in your shots
- Stay out of restricted areas: Follow “No Entry” signs
- Take trash with you: Keep the facility clean
- Don’t make loud noise: Maintain public space etiquette
Notes on Photography
- Tripod use: Avoid during crowded times, use in places that don’t obstruct passage
- Flash photography: Be considerate of other users
- Commercial use: Requires prior permission from facility management
- SNS posting: Be considerate when posting photos where other people’s faces appear; edit them as appropriate
Manners When Boarding Sarubia Maru
When actually boarding, follow the same rules as other passengers:
- Follow safety rules: Comply with ship announcements and crew instructions
- Be considerate of other passengers: Be especially quiet in second-class rooms
- No photography outside designated areas: Restricted areas like the wheelhouse are off-limits
- Night noise consideration: Be considerate of sleeping passengers
How to Enjoy the World of “Weathering with You” More Deeply
Preparation and Review of the Work
Rewatching the work before a pilgrimage visit allows you to enjoy it more deeply. In particular, watching the opening scenes featuring Takeshiba Passenger Terminal and Sarubia Maru several times before visiting helps create a vivid mental image of the actual location.
The work is available on Blu-ray, DVD, and various streaming services. The novelization and storyboard collection can also help deepen your understanding of the work.
Combining with Other Filming Locations
“Weathering with You” features many real-location spots throughout Tokyo. Starting from Takeshiba Passenger Terminal, you can plan filming location pilgrimage routes like the following:
Example One-Day Course:
- Morning: Takeshiba Passenger Terminal
- Late morning: Shinbashi and Ginza areas
- Noon: Yoyogi Hall surroundings (demolished)
- Afternoon: Shinjuku and Kabukicho
- Evening: Roppongi Hills observation deck
- Night: Tabata and Ikebukuro areas
Related Goods and Materials
The shop inside the terminal sells souvenirs from the Izu Islands. While there are no goods directly related to the work, purchasing them as souvenirs from the ship journey connecting Tokyo and the islands is a nice idea.
Shinkai works official merchandise can be obtained at stores like Animate and the Ghibli Museum Shop (some works).
Seasonal Ways to Enjoy
Spring (March-May)
Spring features mild weather, making it the ideal season for filming location pilgrimages. The cherry blossom season makes combining it with Hamarikyu Detached Palace Garden recommended.
The sea is relatively calm, and boarding Sarubia Maru is comfortable. Golden Week gets crowded, so weekday visits are a good option.
Summer (June-August)
Summer is the season in which “Weathering with You” is set. This is the perfect time to experience the summer atmosphere depicted in the work, but it’s also typhoon season, so weather requires careful attention.
During summer vacation, the number of tourists to the islands increases, and the terminal becomes lively. The nighttime remains relatively warm, making deck photography comfortable.
Autumn (September-November)
Autumn features clear air and beautiful night scenery. It’s the ideal period for Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba night scenery photography.
After October, when typhoon season subsides, operations become stable. During autumn foliage season, you can also enjoy park walks in the surrounding area.
Winter (December-February)
While cold weather requires preparation, winter is when night scenery is most beautiful. The Christmas season particularly offers the enjoyment of Odaiba area illuminations.
The sea can get rough, so it’s essential to check Sarubia Maru’s operation status in advance. Don’t forget to bring warm clothing.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Q1: Can I enter Takeshiba Passenger Terminal for free?
Yes, entry to the terminal building is free. The first-floor waiting area, second-floor departure lobby, third-floor observation deck, and fourth-floor rooftop observation platform are freely accessible to anyone. It’s possible to visit and photograph without boarding.
Q2: Can I see the ship without boarding Sarubia Maru?
Yes. The night service Sarubia Maru departs around 10 PM and returns between evening and night the next day. You can see the moored or arriving/departing ship from the terminal’s observation deck or second-floor lobby. However, operation schedules vary daily, so checking Tokai Kisen’s official website is recommended.
Q3: What is the best time for photography?
It depends on your objective. Daytime allows bright photography of the ship and terminal details, while evening to night offers beautiful illuminated night scenery. The most similar to the work’s atmosphere is around 10 PM when Sarubia Maru departs, when you can see scenery most like the opening scene.
Q4: Can I enjoy a filming location pilgrimage alone?
Of course. Takeshiba Passenger Terminal is easily accessible by public transportation and has good security. It’s suitable for taking your time with photography or immersing yourself in the work’s world alone. However, be careful about safety when visiting at night and manage valuables carefully.
Q5: Can I enjoy it on rainy days?
Rainy days offer a special experience where you can feel “weather,” the theme of “Weathering with You.” The terminal building has sufficient indoor facilities, allowing comfortable time in rain. However, rooftop observation deck and deck photography becomes difficult, so plan according to weather conditions.
Q6: Are there restaurants nearby?
The terminal has a restaurant with light meals. Additionally, numerous restaurants surround Hamamatsucho Station within walking distance, offering various dining options. There are also cafes and restaurants near Takeshiba Wharf Park.
Q7: Is wheelchair access available?
The terminal is barrier-free equipped with elevators and ramps. Yurikamome Takeshiba Station also has an elevator, making wheelchair access possible. Regarding boarding Sarubia Maru, advance consultation with Tokai Kisen can arrange accommodation.
Conclusion: Experience the World of Weathering with You
Takeshiba Passenger Terminal and Sarubia Maru are important filming locations symbolizing the beginning of “Weathering with You.” Through Director Shinkai’s meticulous depiction, the actual location and the work’s world beautifully fuse, offering deep emotion to visiting fans.
The terminal is easily accessible from the city center and free to visit, so you can enjoy filming location pilgrimages casually. If you have time, actually boarding Sarubia Maru to have the same experience as Hodaka would be a wonderful memory.
When visiting, remember to be considerate of facility users and enjoy your pilgrimage while following etiquette. You’ll be able to rediscover the multifaceted charm of Tokyo while immersing yourself in “Weathering with You’s” world.
As a fan of Shinkai’s works, or as part of your Tokyo sightseeing, please visit Takeshiba Passenger Terminal and Sarubia Maru. You should be able to confirm with your own eyes that special moment of “departure to Tokyo” as depicted in the work.
