‘BanG Dream!’ (Bandori!) is a comprehensive media mix project developed by Bushiroad, expanding across anime, games, live performances, and more. Within Tokyo, where the story is set, there are numerous sacred sites that fans want to visit at least once.
In this article, we will introduce in detail the sacred pilgrimage spots in Tokyo featured in the ‘BanG Dream!’ series, organized by band. Please use this as a complete guide covering actual locations, access methods, and photography tips.
What is ‘BanG Dream!’ Sacred Pilgrimage?
Sacred pilgrimage is a fan activity involving visiting real locations that appear in works like anime and manga. In ‘BanG Dream!’, numerous real streets and facilities in Tokyo appear, allowing you to realistically feel the world of the work.
The Appeal of Sacred Pilgrimage
- Enter the world of the work: By actually seeing the scenery you watched in anime, you can experience the sensation of being in the same space as the characters
- New discoveries: You can discover details and the intentions of the creators that you wouldn’t notice just from watching the work
- Fan community interaction: Meet other fans at sacred sites and enjoy information exchange and interaction
- Community contribution: Sacred pilgrimages contribute to regional revitalization and build positive relationships between works and communities
Poppin’Party Sacred Sites
Poppin’Party is the central band of ‘BanG Dream!’, and many locations serving as activity bases for the protagonist Kasumi Toyama and others exist within Tokyo.
Ekoda Area (Nerima Ward)
Ekoda is one of the main stages of ‘BanG Dream!’. The landscape recreates an old bookstore that served as the model for “Ryuuseidou” appearing in the work, as well as scenery around the school 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: A streetscape that appears frequently in daily scenes
Access: Just off the Seibu Ikebukuro Line “Ekoda Station”
Shimokitazawa Area (Setagaya Ward)
Shimokitazawa, known as the music district, plays an important role in the work as a base for band activities.
Main sacred sites:
- Around Shimokitazawa Station: An area with concentrated live houses where you can strongly feel the work’s atmosphere
- Shopping streets: Appear in scenes where characters visit music shops
- Small theaters and live house streets: As the center of band culture, they influence the work
Access: “Shimokitazawa Station” on the Odakyu Line and Keio Inokashira Line
Kichijoji Area (Musashino City)
Kichijoji is also an important area appearing in ‘BanG Dream!’. The daily lives of characters are depicted, including Inokashira Park.
Main sacred sites:
- Inokashira Park: Especially beautiful during cherry blossom season, serving as the stage for important scenes in the work
- Around Kichijoji Station: Appears in shopping scenes
- Sunroad Shopping Street: Streetscape where characters walk
Access: “Kichijoji Station” on the JR Chuo Line and Keio Inokashira Line
Roselia Sacred Sites
Roselia is a popular band known for Gothic-style costumes and authentic performances. Sacred sites related to this band are characterized by urban and sophisticated locations.
Shinjuku Area
Shinjuku, as the center of Tokyo, appears as a place where Roselia members are active.
Main sacred sites:
- Around Shinjuku Station: Appears frequently as a background for urban scenes
- High-rise building clusters: An area with buildings serving as models for Yukina Minato’s penthouse apartment
- Shinjuku Gyoen: May be used in quiet scenes
Access: “Shinjuku Station” on various JR and private railway lines
Roppongi and Akasaka Areas
Urban areas matching Roselia’s upscale image.
Main sacred sites:
- Around Roppongi Hills: Appears as an urban background
- Near Akasaka Saks: Many media-related facilities that match the work’s world
Access: “Roppongi Station” on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, “Akasaka Station” on the Chiyoda Line, etc.
Afterglow Sacred Sites
An area depicted as the hometown where Afterglow members, who are childhood friends, formed the band.
Nakano Area
Nakano, known as a subculture mecca, is one of Afterglow’s activity bases.
Main sacred sites:
- Nakano Broadway: Center of subculture
- Around Nakano Station: Shopping streets appearing in daily scenes
- Around Nakano Sun Plaza: Appears as a landmark in backgrounds
Access: “Nakano Station” on the JR Chuo Line
Pastel*Palettes Sacred Sites
Sacred sites related to Pastel*Palettes, an idol-style band, include many glamorous locations.
Harajuku and Omotesando Area
Harajuku, the center of fashion and pop culture, is perfect for Pastel*Palettes’ image.
Main sacred sites:
- Takeshita Street: Appears as a fashion street in the work
- Omotesando: Used in photo shoots and shopping scenes
- Around Meiji Shrine: Serves as a background for quiet scenes
Access: “Harajuku Station” on the JR Yamanote Line, “Meiji-jingumae Station” on Tokyo Metro
Shibuya Area
Shibuya, the center of youth culture, is also an important stage.
Main sacred sites:
- Shibuya Scramble Crossing: Appears as a location symbolizing Tokyo
- Center Street: Used in shopping scenes and such
- Around Shibuya 109: As a fashion mecca
Access: “Shibuya Station” on various JR and private railway lines
Hello, Happy World! Sacred Sites
Hello, Happy World! is a bright and fun band, and amusement parks and theme parks are related.
Asakusa Area
Asakusa, where tradition and modernity merge, symbolizes Hello, Happy World!’s diversity.
Main sacred sites:
- Asakusa Hanayashiki: Influences the work as Japan’s oldest amusement park
- Nakamise Street: A lively shopping street
- Senso-ji Temple: Appears as a background as a Tokyo tourist attraction
Access: “Asakusa Station” on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and Asakusa Line
Odaiba Area
Odaiba, where entertainment facilities are concentrated, is also a related spot.
Main sacred sites:
- Palette Town: A colorful facility cluster
- Odaiba Seaside Park: An open location
- Diver City Tokyo: Shopping and entertainment
Access: “Odaiba Kaihinkoen Station” on Yurikamome, etc.
RAISE A SUILEN (RAS) Sacred Sites
Sacred sites related to RAS, a hard rock band, are closely connected with 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 scattered throughout
- Koenji Junjo Shopping Street: A retro-atmosphere shopping street
- Vintage clothing street: A treasure trove of rock fashion
Access: “Koenji Station” on the JR Chuo Line
Morfonica Sacred Sites
Sacred sites related to Morfonica, which has classical elements, are centered on cultural facilities.
Ueno Area
Ueno, where cultural facilities are concentrated, aligns with Morfonica’s musicality.
Main sacred sites:
- Around Tokyo University of the Arts: The center of classical music
- Ueno Park: An area with concentrated cultural facilities
- Ameya Yokocho: A shopping street where diverse cultures blend
Access: “Ueno Station” on the JR Yamanote Line
Precautions During Sacred Pilgrimage
When enjoying sacred pilgrimage, please note the following points.
Follow Proper Etiquette
- Do not trespass on private property: Unauthorized entry into schools, residences, and other private land is strictly prohibited
- Be mindful of noise: Move quietly in residential areas
- Take your trash with you: Always bring your trash home to keep sacred sites beautiful
- Follow traffic rules: Don’t interfere with traffic while enthusiastically photographing
Photography Considerations
- Choose locations that don’t bother passersby: Be considerate of surroundings in areas with heavy foot traffic
- Get permission to photograph inside stores: Always confirm with staff before photographing inside
- Be cautious with tripod use: Tripod use may be restricted in public places
Coexistence with the Community
- Patronize local businesses: Contribute to the local economy by using local restaurants and shops during pilgrimage
- Respect local rules: Follow rules and etiquette unique to each area
- Maintain gratitude: Don’t forget your appreciation to the communities providing these sacred sites
Efficient Sacred Pilgrimage Plans
Here are model plans for efficiently visiting ‘BanG Dream!’ sacred sites throughout Tokyo.
1-Day Course: Seibu Line Tour
Morning: Around Ekoda Station (Poppin’Party-related)
- Tour spots within walking distance from Ekoda Station
- Time required: 2-3 hours
Afternoon: Kichijoji and Inokashira Park
- Lunch at Inokashira Park
- Explore around Kichijoji Station
- Time required: 3-4 hours
1-Day Course: Urban Tour
Morning: Shibuya and Harajuku Areas (Pastel*Palettes-related)
- Explore Takeshita Street and Omotesando
- Time required: 2-3 hours
Afternoon: Shinjuku and Nakano Areas
- Lunch in Shinjuku, then move to Nakano
- Visit Nakano Broadway
- Time required: 3-4 hours
Weekend 2-Day Course
Day 1: Experience live house culture
- Shimokitazawa → Koenji → Nakano
- Tour live house streets in each area
Day 2: Tourist site tour
- Asakusa → Ueno → Odaiba
- Enjoy sightseeing while enjoying sacred pilgrimage
Convenient Apps and Tools for Sacred Pilgrimage
Map Apps
- Google Maps: For basic location confirmation
- Stage Meguri: A dedicated anime sacred site pilgrimage app that cross-references location information and work scenes
SNS Usage
- Twitter/X: Check latest information with hashtag “#バンドリ聖地巡礼”
- Instagram: Discover new spots from other fans’ posts
Commuter IC Cards
- Suica/PASMO: Essential for moving around Tokyo. Charge in advance
Seasonal Enjoyment
Spring (March-May)
- Cherry blossoms at Inokashira Park: Recreate the impressive cherry blossom scenes from the work
- Park walks with fresh greenery: Good weather makes this an ideal season for pilgrimage
Summer (June-August)
- Odaiba night views: Odaiba is particularly beautiful on summer nights
- Focus on indoor spots: Tour shopping streets and indoor facilities as heat countermeasures
Autumn (September-November)
- Fall foliage spots: Autumn colors at Ueno Park and Inokashira Park are at their best
- School festival season: Reminisce about festival scenes from the work
Winter (December-February)
- Illuminations: Beautiful illuminations in Shibuya, Shinjuku, and other areas
- Café and restaurant tours: Relax at cafés and restaurants near sacred sites during cold weather
Sacred Pilgrimage and Goods Collection
During ‘BanG Dream!’ sacred pilgrimage, you can obtain limited edition goods in various locations.
Collaboration Cafés and Shops
In Tokyo, ‘BanG Dream!’ collaboration cafés and shops open for limited periods. Check official sites and SNS for the latest information.
Animate and Gamers
Animate and Gamers stores throughout Tokyo, including Akihabara, carry abundant ‘BanG Dream!’ merchandise.
Main stores:
- Animate Akihabara Main Store
- Gamers Akihabara Main Store
- Animate Ikebukuro Main Store
Tokyo as a Live Venue
Real ‘BanG Dream!’ live performances are held at numerous locations throughout Tokyo.
Major Live Venues
- Nippon Budokan: Standard venue for large-scale live performances
- Tokyo Garden Theater: Latest music facility in Ariake
- Toyosu PIT: Suitable for mid-scale live performances
- Zepp Tokyo/DiverCity: Live houses in Odaiba
When live performances are held, areas surrounding venues become busy as sacred pilgrimage spots.
‘BanG Dream!’ Official Facilities and Events
Bushiroad Creative Studio
Facilities related to Bushiroad, which handles ‘BanG Dream!’, exist in Tokyo. Special exhibitions and merchandise sales may occur when events are held.
Limited-Time Events
Limited-time events related to characters and bands, such as birthday events and anniversary celebrations, are held at various locations throughout Tokyo.
Accommodation and Access
Accommodation information for those visiting sacred sites from distant locations.
Recommended Accommodation Areas
- Shinjuku: Good access to various areas within Tokyo
- Ikebukuro: Convenient for Seibu Line access
- Shibuya: Enjoy youth culture and nightlife in the center of it all
- Ueno: Convenient for cultural facility tours with relatively reasonable accommodation costs
Transit Passes
- Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Ticket: 24-hour unlimited travel on Tokyo Metro subways (600 yen)
- Toei All-Around Pass: 1-day unlimited travel on Toei subways, buses, and trams (700 yen)
- JR Ku-nai Pass: 1-day unlimited travel on JR Yamanote Line (760 yen)
How to Record Your Sacred Pilgrimage
Photography Tips
- Find the same angle: Photographing from the same composition as anime scenes makes comparison enjoyable
- Match the time of day: Visiting at the same time as scenes in the work creates better atmosphere
- Value seasonality: Visiting during the season depicted in the work increases immersion
SNS Sharing
Share your photos on SNS 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 Notebook
Creating a notebook recording visited locations, dates, and impressions increases the enjoyment of looking back later.
Conclusion: Maximizing Your Enjoyment of ‘BanG Dream!’ Sacred Pilgrimage
‘BanG Dream!’ sacred pilgrimage throughout Tokyo offers a valuable opportunity to actually experience the work’s world. Diverse areas matching each band’s character exist, with new discoveries to be found no matter how many times you visit.
When enjoying sacred pilgrimage, remember to follow proper etiquette and show consideration to community members. Most importantly, approach pilgrimage with love and gratitude for the work.
Using this guide as reference, enjoy your own ‘BanG Dream!’ sacred pilgrimage journey. Walking the paths the characters walked will deepen your understanding and affection for the work.
Many undiscovered hidden sacred sites still exist throughout Tokyo. While checking official information and fan community information, also enjoy finding your own unique sacred sites.
Fully enjoy the special experience created by the world of ‘BanG Dream!’ and the streets of Tokyo!
