[Bocchi the Rock!] Setagaya Ward, Tokyo

住所	〒155-0031 東京都世田谷区北沢2丁目

“Bocchi the Rock!” is an anime work that aired in 2022, telling the story of Gotou Hitori, an extremely shy person, meeting members of the band Kessoku Band and growing through her experiences. The various locations throughout Tokyo that served as the setting for the work are known as popular pilgrimage sites visited by many fans.

This article provides detailed information about pilgrimage sites centered on Shimokitazawa within Tokyo, including access methods, photography points, and precautions to take during your visit. By actually visiting the live houses where Kessoku Band performed and the places where the members spent their daily lives, you will be able to experience the world of the work more deeply.

Basic Information About Bocchi the Rock! Pilgrimage Sites

Overview of the Work and Its Settings

The main setting of “Bocchi the Rock!” is Shimokitazawa in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo. This town, where music and culture thrive, is home to “STARRY,” the live house that serves as the base for Kessoku Band and is depicted as the center of the story.

In addition to Shimokitazawa, the work features various areas throughout Tokyo, including Shinjuku, Ochanomizu, Shin-Takaido, and Shin-Yodabashi. Additionally, Kanazawa Hakkei in Kanagawa Prefecture and Enoshima are depicted as important settings, with many pilgrimage sites that are easily accessible for Tokyo residents.

Planning and Preparing for Your Pilgrimage

To efficiently visit the pilgrimage sites throughout Tokyo, it is recommended to organize routes by area. Approximately half a day to one day is ideal for just the Shimokitazawa area, while one to two days is recommended if including Shinjuku and Ochanomizu.

Essential items include a smartphone (with anime scene images saved), a camera, a map app, and a mobile battery. Also, wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the season.

Pilgrimage Sites in the Shimokitazawa Area

Around Shimokitazawa Station

Shimokitazawa Station | Odakyu Line Ticket Gate

Shimokitazawa Station is an important location that appears numerous times in the work. The Odakyu Line ticket gate area is particularly memorable in scenes where Hitori visits Shimokitazawa. The atmosphere of the station is very similar to the anime, allowing you to feel as though you’ve stepped into the world of the work.

Access: Odakyu Line / Keio Inokashira Line “Shimokitazawa Station”

Photography Point: Photographing from directly in front of the ticket gate will give you the same angle as the anime. However, be considerate of passersby.

South Exit Shopping Street Near Shimokitazawa Station

The shopping street extending from the south exit of Shimokitazawa Station appears multiple times in scenes where the members walk. This area, lined with unique vintage clothing stores, miscellaneous goods shops, and cafes, allows you to experience the characteristic atmosphere of Shimokitazawa.

Shimokitazawa SHELTER (Model for STARRY)

The live house “STARRY,” where Kessoku Band is based, is modeled after the actual live house “Shimokitazawa SHELTER.” It is the most important setting in the work and is the central pilgrimage destination visited by many fans.

Address: B1F, Sendai Building, 2-6-10 Kitazawa, Setagaya Ward, Tokyo

Exterior Features: The exterior of STARRY as depicted in the anime faithfully recreates SHELTER’s building. The atmosphere of the stairs leading underground and the signage all match the work in detail.

Precautions: As this is an operating live house, photography should be limited to the exterior, and care should be taken not to interfere with business operations. Special caution is needed during live event hours.

Alley Beside ADRIFT

The alleys around STARRY also appear in the work. The alley beside ADRIFT (a vintage clothing store) is particularly used in scenes where the members converse and has an atmosphere characteristic of Shimokitazawa.

The maze of narrow alleys in Shimokitazawa is an important element in forming the aesthetic of the work.

Village Vanguard Shimokitazawa Branch and Surroundings

The area around Village Vanguard Shimokitazawa branch, which handles unique miscellaneous goods and books, is featured in the work. As one of the stores symbolizing Shimokitazawa, known as a mecca of subculture, it captures the essence of the area.

Parks and Outdoor Spots

Matsunoki Children’s Playground

Matsunoki Children’s Playground appears in important scenes, including one where Hitori practices alone. Though small, this park is an essential spot for work fans.

Address: 3-18-11 Yodashiro, Setagaya Ward, Tokyo

Access: Approximately 7 minutes on foot from Shimokitazawa Station

Characteristics: Located within a residential area, this quiet park has playground equipment and trees positioned to match the anime. You can sit on the benches and recall scenes from the work.

Etiquette: As a park used by local children, consideration is necessary, such as not making noise and not monopolizing the space for extended periods.

Donguri Hiroba Park

A park appearing in scenes where the members gather, this location has a verdant atmosphere that enriches the everyday scenes depicted in the work.

Address: 3-16-22 Kitazawa, Setagaya Ward, Tokyo

Access: Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Shimokitazawa Station

Photography Point: The entrance area and benches around the park match the angles featured in the anime.

Shimokitazawa Senroku Street Vacant Land

Shimokitazawa Senroku Street is a complex facility utilizing the former right-of-way of the Odakyu Line. The open vacant land area that appears in the work allows you to experience the contemporary charm of Shimokitazawa.

Address: Vicinity of 2-33 Kitazawa, Setagaya Ward, Tokyo

Characteristics: A verdant open space with cafes and shops, making it ideal as a rest spot.

Other Shimokitazawa Spots

Wood Motif Mural

This mural has become famous as the photography location for Kessoku Band’s artist photos. The wall decorated with wood motifs has become a popular photography spot for many fans.

Note: There is information suggesting this mural may be lost due to building redevelopment. It is recommended to check for the latest information before visiting.

“Geki” Small Theater and Surroundings

Shimokitazawa is known as a theater town with numerous small theaters. The atmosphere of small theater areas appears in the work, allowing you to experience the cultural aspects of Shimokitazawa.

Izakaya “Kokera” and Surroundings

The dining area of Shimokitazawa also appears in the work. The izakaya “Kokera” area is used in scenes depicting the nighttime atmosphere of Shimokitazawa.

Vending Machines, Stairs, and Other Fine Details

The work carefully depicts specific vending machines and staircases as background elements. Finding these fine details is part of the joy of pilgrimage.

Pilgrimage Sites in the Shinjuku Area

Shinjuku LOFT

Shinjuku LOFT is an important venue where Kessoku Band performs on a large stage. The performance scenes depicted in the work on this large-scale live house stage are among the memorable climaxes of the story.

Address: B2F, Tatehanabi Building, 1-12-9 Kabukicho, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo

Access: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from the East Exit of JR “Shinjuku Station,” approximately 3 minutes on foot from “Nishi-Shinjuku Station” on the Shinjuku Line

Exterior Features: Located in the heart of Kabukicho, this professional live house situated in the basement of the building has exterior details and entrance stairs that faithfully recreate what appears in the anime.

Interior Access: The interior of the live house cannot be viewed outside of business hours. Actually attending a live event will allow you to experience the work’s scenes more deeply.

Shinjuku Station and Surroundings

Shinjuku Station and the surrounding entertainment district appear in the work. The depiction of Hitori’s nervousness amid the hustle and bustle of the metropolis creates an impressive contrast with Shimokitazawa.

Photography Points: The crowds at Shinjuku Station’s East Exit and the plaza in front of Alta are areas featured in the work.

Pilgrimage Sites in the Ochanomizu Area

Ochanomizu Station and Surroundings

Ochanomizu is famous as a musical instrument shopping district and appears in the work in scenes such as guitar purchases. It is an appropriate setting for a work themed around music.

Access: JR Chuo/Sobu Line “Ochanomizu Station,” Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line “Ochanomizu Station”

Musical Instrument Shopping District

Lined along Meida-dori near Ochanomizu Station are numerous musical instrument shops. This area, where guitars, basses, drums, and other instruments necessary for a band are available, is an important spot where you can feel the world of the work.

Major Musical Instrument Shops:

Ishibashi Musical Instruments
Kurosawa Musical Instruments
Shimokura Musical Instruments
Disk Union Ochanomizu Station Front Store (used instruments)

The exterior and interior atmosphere of the musical instrument shops depicted in the work are based on the actual shops of Ochanomizu.

Hijiri Bridge

The Hijiri Bridge near Ochanomizu Station is known as a beautiful arch bridge. It appears as a background scene in the work and is a spot where you can enjoy scenery characteristic of Ochanomizu.

Photography Point: Views from atop the bridge or angles looking up at the bridge are recommended.

Other Pilgrimage Sites in Tokyo

Shin-Takaido Area

The area around Shin-Takaido Station also appears in the work. The atmosphere of the residential neighborhood and shopping street are depicted as settings for everyday scenes.

Access: Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line “Shin-Takaido Station”

Shin-Yodabashi Area

Shin-Yodabashi Station gained attention after appearing in the end card of the anime’s final episode. Located one station from Shimokitazawa, this area is characterized by its quiet residential neighborhood atmosphere.

Access: Keio Inokashira Line “Shin-Yodabashi Station” (one station from Shimokitazawa)

Points of Interest: The station building exterior and surrounding residential streets match the scenery depicted in the end card.

Efficient Pilgrimage Route Proposals

1-Day Course: Shimokitazawa Intensive Plan

Duration: Approximately 6-8 hours

Shimokitazawa Station (Odakyu Line Ticket Gate) – 9:00
Shimokitazawa SHELTER Exterior – 9:30
Alley Beside ADRIFT, Shopping Street Exploration – 10:00
Matsunoki Children’s Playground – 11:00
Lunch (Shimokitazawa Cafe/Dining) – 12:00
Donguri Hiroba Park – 13:30
Shimokitazawa Senroku Street Vacant Land – 14:00
Wood Motif Mural (Artist Photo Spot) – 15:00
Village Vanguard Surroundings – 15:30
Souvenir Shopping in Shopping Street – 16:00

This course allows you to efficiently visit the major Shimokitazawa area spots.

2-Day Course: Complete Tokyo Conquest Plan

Day 1: Shimokitazawa and Shin-Yodabashi Area

Morning: Shimokitazawa Station area, SHELTER, shopping street
Afternoon: Park visits, Shimokitazawa Senroku Street, artist photo spot
Evening: Travel to Shin-Yodabashi Station, explore station surroundings

Day 2: Shinjuku and Ochanomizu Area

Morning: Ochanomizu Station, musical instrument shopping district, Hijiri Bridge
Afternoon: Travel to Shinjuku, Shinjuku LOFT exterior, Shinjuku Station area
Evening: Shin-Takaido (if time permits)

This course allows you to cover nearly all major pilgrimage sites in Tokyo.

Half-Day Course: Shimokitazawa Highlights

Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours

Shimokitazawa Station – 13:00
Shimokitazawa SHELTER Exterior – 13:15
Matsunoki Children’s Playground – 14:00
Wood Motif Mural – 15:00
Shimokitazawa Senroku Street Cafe Break – 15:30

This course, with limited time, highlights the must-see spots.

Etiquette and Precautions for Pilgrimage

Basic Etiquette

As the popularity of “Bocchi the Rock!” pilgrimage sites has grown, official notices about etiquette have been issued. Please note the following:

Consideration in Residential Areas:

Do not make loud noise
Avoid visiting early morning or late night
Do not trespass on private property
Always take trash with you

Photography Precautions:

Photograph in places that do not obstruct pedestrian traffic
Be considerate of people whose faces might be captured
Avoid monopolizing spaces for extended periods
Judge whether to use a tripod based on surrounding conditions

Facilities in Operation:

Do not interfere with business operations of live houses and shops
Limit photography to exteriors only; do not photograph interiors without permission
Be considerate of staff and other customers

Park Usage Precautions

Matsunoki Children’s Playground and Donguri Hiroba Park are public facilities used by local children.

Do not monopolize playground equipment for extended periods
Prioritize children’s play
Follow park rules
Remember to be considerate of neighboring residents

When posting about your pilgrimage on social media, please note the following:

Do not post information that could identify passersby or neighbors
Refrain from publishing detailed addresses
Avoid posts that encourage rule-breaking behavior
Be cautious with location tags

Preliminary Knowledge to Enhance Your Enjoyment of the Work

About Kessoku Band

Kessoku Band consists of four members: Gotou Hitori, Ijichi Nijika, Yamada Ryou, and Kita Ikuyo.

Members and Their Instruments:

Gotou Hitori: Guitar (guitar hero)
Ijichi Nijika: Drums (band leader)
Yamada Ryou: Bass
Kita Ikuyo: Guitar and vocals

Based at STARRY, the band’s gradual growth forms the main storyline of the work.

Appeal of In-Work Music and Soundtrack

One of the major attractions of “Bocchi the Rock!” is its authentic band sound. The songs performed in the work are actually played and recorded by professional musicians.

Main Songs:

“Youth Complex”
“Guitar and Loneliness and a Blue Planet”
“Rolling Stone, Morning Falls Upon You”
“I Won’t Forget and Let You Go”
“Karakara”

Paying attention to the lyrics deepens understanding of character emotions and growth.

The Charm of Shimokitazawa as a Town

Shimokitazawa was chosen as the setting because of the unique culture this town possesses.

Characteristics of Shimokitazawa:

Music town: Concentrated location of numerous live houses
Theater town: Many small theaters, a hub of subculture
Vintage clothing and miscellaneous goods town: Individually distinctive shops line the streets
Diverse dining: Everything from cafes to izakayas

Through the work, you can discover the charm of Shimokitazawa and, by visiting in person, experience its cultural atmosphere.

Information Useful for Pilgrimage

Access Information Summary

Access to Shimokitazawa:

Odakyu Line: Approximately 7 minutes by express from Shinjuku
Keio Inokashira Line: Approximately 5 minutes by express from Shibuya

Access to Shinjuku:

Tokyo’s largest terminal station served by JR and private railway lines

Access to Ochanomizu:

JR Chuo/Sobu Line: Approximately 6 minutes from Tokyo Station
Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line: Approximately 15 minutes from Shinjuku

Nearby Accommodations

For multi-day pilgrimages, hotels in the Shimokitazawa or Shinjuku areas are convenient.

Shimokitazawa Area:

Many guesthouses and hostels with reasonable rates
Unique accommodations scattered throughout

Shinjuku Area:

Wide range of options from large hotels to budget hotels
High transportation convenience

Recommended Dining

Enjoy Shimokitazawa cuisine while taking breaks during your pilgrimage.

Cafes:

Many distinctive cafes
Rest with coffee or sweets

Lunch:

Curry shops, ramen shops, set meal restaurants, and more
Generally reasonable prices

Dinner:

Izakayas, bars, ethnic cuisine, and more
Some restaurants where you can eat while listening to music

Stores in Shimokitazawa also carry anime merchandise.

Village Vanguard: Anime-related merchandise
Used bookstores: Comics and anime magazines
Music shops: CDs, records

Official work-related merchandise is best purchased at specialty stores like Animate.

Combine with a Pilgrimage to Kanagawa Prefecture Sites

After visiting Tokyo pilgrimage sites, consider visiting Kanagawa sites as well.

Kanazawa Hakkei

Kanazawa Hakkei is the setting for Hitori’s home and is one of the important settings of the work.

Access: Keikyu Line “Kanazawa Hakkei Station” (approximately 40 minutes from Shinagawa)

Points of Interest:

Station area shopping street
Residential neighborhood atmosphere
Ocean-view parks

Enoshima

Enoshima, which appears in episodes where band members visit, is also a popular tourist destination.

Access: Odakyu Line “Katase-Enoshima Station” (approximately 65 minutes from Shinjuku)

Points of Interest:

Enoshima Oohashi Bridge
Seaside scenery
Enoshima Shrine area

Combining Tokyo pilgrimage sites with these locations, you can plan multi-day pilgrimage trips such as one night/two days or two nights/three days.

Conclusion: Experience the World of the Work Through Pilgrimage

The “Bocchi the Rock!” pilgrimage sites throughout Tokyo center on Shimokitazawa while spanning diverse areas including Shinjuku and Ochanomizu. Each location bears the imprint of important scenes from the work, and visiting them in person allows you to understand the story more deeply.

From Shimokitazawa SHELTER and other live houses where band members performed, to parks where they spent time, to Ochanomizu’s concentrated musical instrument shops, pilgrimage sites characteristic of this music-themed work are scattered throughout.

When conducting a pilgrimage, remember to be considerate of local residents and facilities, following etiquette and conducting yourself with restraint. Recognizing the official cautions and maintaining respectful behavior is essential.

Tracing the footsteps of Kessoku Band while discovering the cultural charm of Shimokitazawa and the diverse expressions of Tokyo—pilgrimage is an opportunity for this. Please use this guide as a reference to create your own pilgrimage plan. Undertake your pilgrimage journey with affection for the work and respect for the community.