【’BanG Dream!’ Series】 Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo
‘BanG Dream!’ is a comprehensive media mix project developed by Bushiroad, expanding across anime, games, live performances, and more. There are numerous sacred sites throughout Tokyo that every fan should visit at least once, as the work is set in the city.
This article provides detailed introductions to sacred site pilgrimage spots in Tokyo featured in the ‘BanG Dream!’ series, organized by band. Use it as a complete guide covering actual locations, access methods, and photography tips.
What is ‘BanG Dream!’ Sacred Site Pilgrimage?
Sacred site pilgrimage refers to fan activities of visiting real locations that appear in works such as anime and manga. In ‘BanG Dream!’, numerous real streets and facilities throughout Tokyo are featured, allowing fans to realistically experience the world of the work.
Appeal of Sacred Site Pilgrimage
- Immersion into the work’s world: By actually seeing the scenery shown in anime, you can experience the sensation of being in the same space as the characters
- New discoveries: You can discover details and the production team’s intentions that you might not have noticed just from watching the work
- Fan interaction: You can meet other fans at sacred sites, exchanging information and enjoying interaction
- Community contribution: Sacred site pilgrimage contributes to regional revitalization and builds positive relationships between works and communities
Poppin’Party Sacred Sites
Poppin’Party is the central band of ‘BanG Dream!’, and numerous locations that serve as activity bases for protagonist Kasumi Toyama and others exist throughout Tokyo.
Ekoda Area (Nerima Ward)
Ekoda is one of the main stages of ‘BanG Dream!’. Scenes from the work are recreated here, including an old bookstore that served as the model for “Ryuuseido” in the anime and the school area where the characters attend.
Main Sacred Sites:
- Around Ekoda Station: You can feel the atmosphere of the shopping street that appears in the anime
- Ekoda no Mori Park: A park used in scenes where characters gather
- Station-front shopping street: Street scenery that frequently appears in daily scenes
Access: Get off at Seibu Ikebukuro Line “Ekoda Station”
Shimokitazawa Area (Setagaya Ward)
Known as the street of music, Shimokitazawa plays an important role in the work as a base for band activities.
Main Sacred Sites:
- Around Shimokitazawa Station: A live house district where you can vividly feel the atmosphere of the work
- Shopping streets: Appear in scenes where characters visit music shops
- Small theaters and live house district: As the center of band culture, it influences the work
Access: Get off at Odakyu Line / Keio Inokashira Line “Shimokitazawa Station”
Kichijoji Area (Musashino City)
Kichijoji is also an important area featured in ‘BanG Dream!’. The daily lives of characters are depicted starting with Inokashira Park.
Main Sacred Sites:
- Inokashira Park: Particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season, it is the stage of important scenes in the work
- Around Kichijoji Station: Appears in shopping scenes
- Sunroad Shopping Street: The street scenery where characters walk
Access: Get off at JR Chuo Line / Keio Inokashira Line “Kichijoji Station”
Roselia Sacred Sites
Roselia is popular for its Gothic-style costumes and authentic performances. The sacred sites associated with them are characterized by urban and refined locations.
Shinjuku Area
Shinjuku, as the center of Tokyo, appears as a place where Roselia members are active.
Main Sacred Sites:
- Around Shinjuku Station: Frequently appears as a background for urban scenes
- High-rise building district: An area where buildings that served as models for Yukina Minato’s apartment are located
- Shinjuku Gyoen: May be used in quiet scenes
Access: Get off at JR / Private railways “Shinjuku Station”
Roppongi / Akasaka Area
An urban area matching Roselia’s image of luxury and sophistication.
Main Sacred Sites:
- Around Roppongi Hills: Appears as an urban background
- Near Akasaka Sacas: Coincides with the work’s world view, with many media-related facilities
Access: Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line “Roppongi Station”, Chiyoda Line “Akasaka Station”, etc.
Afterglow Sacred Sites
An area depicted as the hometown where the Afterglow members, who formed the band as childhood friends, are based.
Nakano Area
Known as a sacred site of subculture, Nakano is one of the activity bases for Afterglow.
Main Sacred Sites:
- Nakano Broadway: Center of subculture
- Around Nakano Station: Shopping streets that appear in daily scenes
- Around Nakano Sun Plaza: Appears as a landmark in backgrounds
Access: Get off at JR Chuo Line “Nakano Station”
Pastel*Palettes Sacred Sites
The sacred sites associated with Pastel*Palettes, an idol-style band, include many glamorous locations.
Harajuku / Omotesando Area
Harajuku, the center of fashion and pop culture, perfectly matches the image of Pastel*Palettes.
Main Sacred Sites:
- Takeshita Street: Appears as a fashion street in the work
- Omotesando: Used in photography and shopping scenes
- Around Meiji Shrine: Background for quiet scenes
Access: Get off at JR Yamanote Line “Harajuku Station”, Tokyo Metro “Meiji-jingumae Station”
Shibuya Area
Shibuya, the center of youth culture, is also an important stage.
Main Sacred Sites:
- Shibuya Scramble Crossing: Appears as a place that symbolizes Tokyo
- Center Gai: Used in shopping scenes
- Around Shibuya 109: As a sacred site of fashion
Access: Get off at JR / Private railways “Shibuya Station”
Hello, Happy World! Sacred Sites
Hello, Happy World! is a bright and fun band, with amusement parks and theme parks related to it.
Asakusa Area
Asakusa, where tradition and modernity fuse, symbolizes the diversity of Hello, Happy World!
Main Sacred Sites:
- Asakusa Hanayashiki: Influences the work as Japan’s oldest amusement park
- Nakamise Street: A lively shopping street
- Senso-ji Temple: Appears in backgrounds as a famous Tokyo tourist spot
Access: Get off at Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Toei Asakusa Line “Asakusa Station”
Odaiba Area
Odaiba, where entertainment facilities are concentrated, is also a related spot.
Main Sacred Sites:
- Palette Town: A colorful cluster of facilities
- Odaiba Seaside Park: Open location
- Diver City Tokyo: Shopping and entertainment
Access: Yurikamome “Odaiba Kaihinkoen Station”, etc.
RAISE A SUILEN (RAS) Sacred Sites
The sacred sites related to RAS, a hard rock band, are closely connected to live house culture.
Koenji Area
Koenji, where many live houses are concentrated, is a sacred site for indie bands.
Main Sacred Sites:
- Around Koenji Station: Multiple live houses are scattered around
- Koenji Junjo Shopping Street: A shopping street with a retro atmosphere
- Vintage clothing street: A treasure trove of rock fashion
Access: Get off at JR Chuo Line “Koenji Station”
Morfonica Sacred Sites
With classical elements, Morfonica’s sacred sites focus on cultural facilities.
Ueno Area
Ueno, where cultural facilities are concentrated, matches Morfonica’s musical style.
Main Sacred Sites:
- Around Tokyo University of the Arts: Center of classical music
- Ueno Park: An area with cultural facilities
- Ameyoko: A shopping street where diverse cultures coexist
Access: Get off at JR Yamanote Line “Ueno Station”
Precautions When on a Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Keep the following points in mind when enjoying a sacred site pilgrimage.
Follow Etiquette
- Do not trespass on private property: Unauthorized entry to schools and residences is strictly prohibited
- Be mindful of noise: Act quietly in residential areas
- Take trash with you: Be sure to take all trash with you to keep sacred sites clean
- Follow traffic rules: Do not obstruct traffic while absorbed in photography
Considerations for Photography
- Photograph in places that do not inconvenience passersby: Be considerate of surroundings in busy areas
- Get permission for in-store photography: Always confirm with staff before photographing inside shops
- Be cautious with tripod use: Tripod use may be restricted in public spaces in some areas
Coexistence with the Community
- Patronize local shops: Support the local economy by using local restaurants and shops
- Respect local rules: Follow rules and etiquette unique to each area
- Remember gratitude: Do not forget gratitude to the communities that provide sacred sites
Efficient Sacred Site Pilgrimage Plans
Here are model plans for efficiently visiting ‘BanG Dream!’ sacred sites throughout Tokyo.
One-Day Course: Seibu Line Pilgrimage
Morning: Around Ekoda Station (Poppin’Party related)
- Visit spots within walking distance from Ekoda Station
- Time required: 2-3 hours
Afternoon: Kichijoji / Inokashira Park
- Have lunch at Inokashira Park
- Explore around Kichijoji Station
- Time required: 3-4 hours
One-Day Course: Downtown Tour
Morning: Shibuya / Harajuku Area (Pastel*Palettes related)
- Explore Takeshita Street and Omotesando
- Time required: 2-3 hours
Afternoon: Shinjuku / Nakano Area
- Have lunch in Shinjuku, then move to Nakano
- Visit Nakano Broadway
- Time required: 3-4 hours
Two-Day Weekend Course
Day 1: Experience live house culture
- Shimokitazawa → Koenji → Nakano
- Visit live house districts in each area
Day 2: Tourist attraction tour
- Asakusa → Ueno → Odaiba
- Enjoy pilgrimage while also sightseeing
Helpful Apps and Tools for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Map Apps
- Google Maps: For confirming basic locations
- Butai Meguri: A dedicated anime sacred site pilgrimage app that matches location information with work scenes
Social Media Usage
- Twitter/X: Check latest information with hashtag “#バンドリ聖地巡礼”
- Instagram: Discover new spots from other fans’ posts
Transportation IC Cards
- Suica/PASMO: Essential for moving around Tokyo. Charge in advance
Seasonal Ways to Enjoy
Spring (March-May)
- Cherry blossoms at Inokashira Park: Recreate the impressive cherry blossom scenes from the work
- Exploring parks with new greenery: Ideal season for sacred site pilgrimage with pleasant weather
Summer (June-August)
- Night view of Odaiba: Odaiba in summer nights is especially beautiful
- Focus on indoor spots: Center on shopping streets and indoor facilities as heat protection
Autumn (September-November)
- Autumn foliage spots: Autumn colors at Ueno Park and Inokashira Park are in full bloom
- School festival season: Reminisce about school festival scenes from the work
Winter (December-February)
- Illuminations: A season when illuminations in Shibuya and Shinjuku are beautiful
- Visiting warm restaurants: Slow down at cafes and restaurants around sacred sites during the cold season
Sacred Site Pilgrimage and Goods Collection
During ‘BanG Dream!’ sacred site pilgrimages, you can sometimes acquire limited goods at various locations.
Collaboration Cafes and Shops
Limited-time ‘BanG Dream!’ collaboration cafes and shops sometimes open throughout Tokyo. Check official sites and social media for the latest information.
Animate and Gamers
Stores such as Animate and Gamers in areas like Akihabara throughout the city stock abundant ‘BanG Dream!’ related merchandise.
Main Stores:
- Animate Akihabara Main Hall
- Gamers Akihabara Flagship Store
- Animate Ikebukuro Main Store
Tokyo as a Live Venue
Many real live concerts for ‘BanG Dream!’ are held throughout Tokyo.
Major Live Venues
- Nippon Budokan: Standard venue for large-scale live performances
- Tokyo Garden Theater: Latest music facility in Ariake
- Toyosu PIT: Optimal for mid-scale live performances
- Zepp Tokyo/DiverCity: Live houses in Odaiba
When live events are held, the surrounding areas become bustling sacred site pilgrimage spots.
Official ‘BanG Dream!’ Facilities and Events
Bushiroad Creative Studio
Related facilities of Bushiroad, which produces ‘BanG Dream!’, exist throughout the city. Special exhibitions and merchandise sales are held when events are conducted.
Limited-Time Events
Limited-time events related to character birthdays and anniversary celebrations are held in various locations throughout Tokyo.
Accommodation and Access
Accommodation information for those visiting from afar to do sacred site pilgrimages.
Recommended Accommodation Areas
- Shinjuku: Good access to all areas
- Ikebukuro: Convenient for Seibu Line access
- Shibuya: Can enjoy nightlife in the center of youth culture
- Ueno: Convenient for visiting cultural facilities with relatively affordable accommodation
Transportation Passes
- Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Ticket: Unlimited travel on Tokyo Metro subways for 24 hours (600 yen)
- Toei All-Around Ticket: One-day unlimited travel on Toei subways, buses, and tram (700 yen)
- JR Tokyo Area Pass: One-day unlimited travel on JR Yamanote Line (760 yen)
Methods to Record Your Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Photography Tips
- Find the same angle: Photographs in the same composition as anime scenes allow for enjoyable comparisons
- Match the time of day: Visiting at the same time as scenes in the work creates better atmosphere
- Value seasonal feel: Visiting during the same season as the work enhances immersion
Sharing on Social Media
Share your photographed images on social media and interact with other fans.
Recommended Hashtags:
- #バンドリ
- #バンドリ聖地巡礼
- #BanGDream
- #ポピパ聖地
- #ロゼリア聖地
Create a Pilgrimage Journal
Creating a pilgrimage journal where you record visited locations, dates, and impressions adds to the fun of looking back later.
Conclusion: Maximizing Your Enjoyment of ‘BanG Dream!’ Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Sacred site pilgrimages of ‘BanG Dream!’ series locations throughout Tokyo offer a precious opportunity to actually experience the work’s world. With diverse areas matching the color of each band, there are always new discoveries no matter how many times you visit.
When enjoying sacred site pilgrimages, remember to follow etiquette and be considerate of local residents. Most importantly, approach your pilgrimage with love and gratitude for the work.
Using this guide, enjoy your own unique ‘BanG Dream!’ sacred site pilgrimage journey. Walking the actual roads the characters walked will deepen your understanding of and affection for the work even further.
Numerous undiscovered hidden sacred sites still exist throughout Tokyo. Check official information and fan community information as you discover sacred sites uniquely your own.
Fully enjoy the special experiences woven between the world of ‘BanG Dream!’ and the streets of Tokyo!
