[Theatrical Version “SHIROBAKO”] Musashino City, Tokyo

【Theatrical Version “SHIROBAKO”】 Musashino City, Tokyo

The theatrical version of “SHIROBAKO” released on February 29, 2020, is a beloved work as a sequel to the popular TV series depicting the anime production scene. The sacred sites in Tokyo that served as the setting for this work are scattered across a wide area centered on Musashisakai, including Ogikubo, Mitaka, and Shinjuku.

This article provides detailed introductions to all sacred sites and filming locations appearing in the theatrical version of “SHIROBAKO,” offering thorough explanations of efficient pilgrimage routes, photography tips, and highlights of each spot. By actually visiting the settings depicted in the work, you will be able to experience more deeply the world in which Miyamori Aoi and her colleagues work and live.

What is the Theatrical Version of “SHIROBAKO”? The Appeal of the Work and Characteristics of Sacred Sites

The theatrical version of “SHIROBAKO” depicts a world several years after the TV anime version, following Musashino Animation’s challenge in producing theatrical animation. It is a moving work depicting the growth of production staff led by the protagonist Miyamori Aoi and encounters with new companions.

Characteristics of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area Where the Work Is Set

The sacred sites of this work are mainly centered around Musashino City, Tokyo. The area around Musashisakai Station is where many anime production companies actually gather, and it makes sense that it was chosen as the setting for the work. Through meticulous background depictions based on the production team’s research, actual shopping streets and buildings are realistically reproduced, making this a work where you can fully savor the essence of sacred site pilgrimage.

In the theatrical version, in addition to locations that appeared in the TV version, many new sacred sites such as Shinjuku and Ogikubo also appear. As the story unfolds, various areas within Tokyo serve as the setting, creating a composition where pilgrimage to sacred sites across a wide area can be enjoyed.

Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spots in the Musashisakai Area

Musashisakai is the central setting of the theatrical version of “SHIROBAKO.” It is set as the location of Musashino Animation, and many of Miyamori Aoi’s daily scenes unfold in this area.

Around JR Musashisakai Station

JR Chuo Line Musashisakai Station is one of the most important sacred sites of the work. Located about 20 minutes from Shinjuku on the Chuo Line rapid train in the “Sakai” district of Musashino City, Tokyo, the station’s north-south free passage and ticketing area appear multiple times in the work, depicted in scenes of Miyamori and others commuting.

The landscape in front of the station is faithfully reproduced in the work, and as soon as you exit the station, you can experience the sensation of entering the world of “SHIROBAKO.” In particular, the north exit rotary is a frequently featured location where Miyamori moves around by bicycle.

Sukippu Dori Shopping Street

The Sukippu Dori Shopping Street, just a short walk from the north exit of Musashisakai Station, is depicted as the townscape around “Musashino Animation” in the work. The atmosphere of the arcade shopping street is realistically expressed in the work, appearing multiple times as a shopping street regularly used by Miyamori and others.

Numerous restaurants and retail shops line the shopping street, and many shops are actually in business. When strolling through the street comparing it with scenes from the work, you can feel the life of the characters more intimately. Since the shopping street’s decorations change with the seasons, it’s also appealing to enjoy a different expression depending on when you visit.

nonowa Musashisakai

nonowa Musashisakai, a commercial facility directly connected to Musashisakai Station, also appears in the work. This in-station facility, which opened in 2013, houses cafes, restaurants, bookstores, and more, with scenes depicted of Miyamori and others using it for meetings and breaks.

The cafe space within the facility is also ideal as a rest stop during sacred site pilgrimage. It’s a valuable spot where you can take a break while immersed in the world of the work.

Patisserie Ourson Musashisakai Store

The Patisserie Ourson Musashisakai Store, which appears in a scene where Miyamori and others purchase cake in the theatrical version, is an actual pastry shop within walking distance of Musashisakai Station. The exterior of the shop is faithfully depicted in the work, making it a must-see spot for fans.

Since it is an actively operating shop, visitors must respect shop rules and avoid inconveniencing other customers. It is also recommended to actually purchase cake as a memento of your pilgrimage.

Purification Plant Area Near Musashisakai

The purification plant area along Aome Kaido heading toward Musashisakai appears in an important scene of the theatrical version where Miyamori Aoi walks around on the verge of running out of ideas. Located diagonally across from a shopping mall, this area becomes the setting for an impressive scene expressing Miyamori’s emotional state.

The surrounding townscape is also carefully depicted in the work, and by walking the same path while recalling the scene, you can develop a deeper empathy for the character’s emotions.

Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spots in the Ogikubo Area

The Ogikubo area also appears as an important setting in the theatrical version. Scenes such as Miyamori’s first meeting with new character Miyai Kaede and important moments in the story unfold in Ogikubo.

JR Ogikubo Station West Exit

The JR Ogikubo Station West Exit appears in the theatrical version as a place where Miyamori and Miyai were talking about eating. Ogikubo Station, served by the Chuo Line and Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, has excellent access at about 10 minutes from Shinjuku.

The scenery of the station’s west exit is depicted in detail in the work, with the rotary and surrounding building layouts also faithfully reproduced. When you actually visit, you can experience the sensation of the work’s scenes spreading out before your eyes.

Pretale Ogikubo SS (Gas Station)

Pretale Ogikubo SS, a gas station appearing in the theatrical version as a place where Miyamori and Takanashi unexpectedly reunite, is an actual gas station in the Ogikubo area. It becomes the setting for an impressive scene where Takanashi and Miyamori reunite after a long time while Miyamori is filling up gas in her car.

A gas station—an ordinary everyday location—becomes an important turning point in the story, and this is a spot that shines with realistic direction of reunion in the midst of mundane daily life.

Nissan Prince West Tokyo Sales Ogikubo Store

The Nissan Prince West Tokyo Sales Ogikubo Store, which appears in a scene where Hiraoka and Honda are conversing in the theatrical version, is also one of the sacred sites in the Ogikubo area. The exterior of the automobile dealership and surrounding townscape are depicted in the work, appearing in character movement scenes.

Restaurants Near Ogikubo

Multiple restaurants in Ogikubo serve as models for establishments appearing in the work. By visiting the areas around shops that appeared after Miyamori and Miyai first met, you can feel the characters’ interactions more deeply.

Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spots in the Mitaka Area

Mitaka, the neighboring station to Musashisakai, also appears as an important setting in the theatrical version.

JR Mitaka Station

JR Mitaka Station appears in the theatrical version as a station where Miyamori gets off to make a phone call. One of the major stations on the Chuo Line, it is about 15 minutes from Shinjuku on the rapid train.

The station platform and ticketing area are depicted in the work, serving as the setting for a scene where Miyamori makes an urgent phone call. The atmosphere inside the station and surrounding scenery are also faithfully reproduced, making this a poignant spot when visited while recalling scenes from the work.

Townscape Around Mitaka Station

Commercial facilities and townscape around Mitaka Station also appear in the work. The landscape of the station plaza and shopping streets are depicted as backgrounds, showing a different urban character from Musashisakai.

Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spots in the Shinjuku Area

The Shinjuku area also appears as an important setting in the theatrical version, with important scenes unfolding toward the climax of the story.

Shinjuku Balto 9

Shinjuku Balto 9 is the actual movie theater where the theatrical version of “SHIROBAKO” was released, and it also appears in the work as a movie theater scene. Located about a 5-minute walk from the east exit of Shinjuku Station, it is a cinema complex.

In the work, scenes of Miyamori and others going to watch a movie appear, with the exterior depicted in ticket purchase scenes. In addition to visiting as a sacred site pilgrimage, you can also experience the special experience of actually watching the theatrical version of “SHIROBAKO” here.

Sunshine Aquarium

The Sunshine Aquarium inside Sunshine City in Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima Ward, Tokyo also appears in the theatrical version. It is depicted in the work as a location scouting scene, with a memorable scene of going to see octopuses.

Address: 3-1 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima Ward, Tokyo. It is about an 8-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station and is also a popular tourist attraction as an aquarium inside a high-rise building in the city center.

Shinjuku Alta Front / Giant Vision

The giant vision in front of Shinjuku Alta at the east exit of Shinjuku Station also appears in the work. This location where advertisements were displayed in conjunction with the theatrical release is also depicted as a background in the work, functioning as a symbolic spot of Shinjuku.

The atmosphere of Shinjuku’s bustling district is realistically expressed in the work, with an impressive contrast between anime production and urban hustle and bustle.

Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spots in the Nishi-Tokyo City Area

Continuing from the TV version, the area around Tano in Nishi-Tokyo City also appears as a setting for the theatrical version.

Around Seibu Shinjuku Line Tano Station

The area around Seibu Shinjuku Line Tano Station appeared in TV version episodes 8 and 16, and some scenes are also depicted in the theatrical version. Located in Nishi-Tokyo City, Tokyo, this area is somewhat distant from Musashisakai.

The landscape of shopping streets and residential areas around Tano Station is depicted in the work, allowing you to feel the expansion of the characters’ living spaces.

Proposals for Efficient Sacred Site Pilgrimage Routes

Since the sacred sites of the theatrical version of “SHIROBAKO” are scattered across a wide area within Tokyo, efficient route planning is important. Here, we introduce model courses for visiting major spots in one day.

Half-Day Course: Musashisakai Concentration Plan

For those with limited time, a course concentrated in the Musashisakai area is recommended.

1. JR Musashisakai Station (starting point): Photograph the station interior, ticketing area, and rotary
2. Sukippu Dori Shopping Street: Stroll through the shopping street and check each shop’s exterior
3. nonowa Musashisakai: Take a break at a cafe while reflecting on the work
4. Patisserie Ourson Musashisakai Store: Photograph the pastry shop exterior (note business hours)
5. Purification plant area: Recreate scenes along Aome Kaido

Required time: approximately 3–4 hours
Transportation: Walking or bicycle (rental bikes available)

One-Day Course: Complete Chuo Line Conquest Plan

A course to visit major sacred sites over a full day.

Morning

1. JR Musashisakai Station (start at 9:00 AM)
2. Visit sacred sites in the Musashisakai area (2 hours)
3. Move to JR Mitaka Station (5 minutes by train)
4. Stroll around Mitaka Station (1 hour)

Afternoon

1. Move to JR Ogikubo Station (approximately 15 minutes by train)
2. Sacred site pilgrimage in the Ogikubo area (2 hours)

• JR Ogikubo Station West Exit
• Pretale Ogikubo SS
• Nissan Prince West Tokyo Sales Ogikubo Store

1. Move to Shinjuku Station (approximately 10 minutes by train)
2. Sacred site pilgrimage in the Shinjuku area (2 hours)

• Shinjuku Balto 9
• Shinjuku Alta Front

Required time: approximately 8 hours
Transportation: Using JR Chuo Line

Two-Day Course: Complete Coverage Plan

A course for those who want to thoroughly visit all sacred sites.

Day 1: Musashisakai, Mitaka, and Nishi-Tokyo Areas

• Morning: Leisurely explore the Musashisakai area
• Afternoon: Visit sacred sites around Mitaka Station and Tano Station
• Evening: Return to Musashisakai and eat at the shopping street

Day 2: Ogikubo, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro Areas

• Morning: Detailed pilgrimage of the Ogikubo area
• Afternoon: Sacred site pilgrimage of the Shinjuku area
• Evening: Visit Sunshine Aquarium in Ikebukuro

With this plan, you’ll have time to take photos leisurely at each spot and enjoy meals.

How to Enjoy Sacred Site Pilgrimage by Season

The sacred sites of the theatrical version of “SHIROBAKO” display different expressions depending on the season.

Spring (March–May)

This is the season when cherry blossom rows around Musashisakai are beautiful. Since spring scenery is also depicted in scenes from the work, you can experience a special moment where the real season overlaps with the work’s world. Sukippu Dori Shopping Street is also decorated for spring, wrapped in a vibrant atmosphere.

Summer (June–August)

You can experience the seasonal feeling close to the theatrical release period. With beautiful new greenery, you can compare pilgrimage with summer scenes from the work. However, heat management is essential.

Autumn (September–November)

This is the optimal season for sacred site pilgrimage with comfortable weather. Fall foliage is beautiful, and trees around Musashisakai and street trees turn color. You can comfortably handle long periods of walking during this time.

Winter (December–February)

Since the theatrical version was released in February, the winter atmosphere perfectly matches the work’s world. The shopping street’s illuminations and year-end and New Year decorations are also worth seeing. Make sure to prepare for the cold.

Photography Tips and Etiquette When Visiting Sacred Sites

Photography techniques and etiquette to follow when visiting to enjoy sacred site pilgrimage more.

Photography Techniques

Angle matching: Save screenshots from the work on your smartphone beforehand, and finding the same angle at the location makes comparison photos easier to take.

Time selection: Visiting at the same time of day as the scene in the work makes the lighting and atmosphere closer. It’s recommended to visit in the morning for morning scenes and at dusk for evening scenes.

Wide-angle lens use: In narrow spaces like shopping streets, using your smartphone’s wide-angle mode or a wide-angle lens makes it easier to recreate the wide angle shown in the work.

Etiquette to Follow

Consideration for private property: Photography of shops and residences should be done with permission or limited to exteriors only. Always confirm with staff before photographing inside shops.

Not blocking traffic: In places with heavy foot traffic like shopping streets and stations, photos must be taken so as not to block other pedestrians. Avoid long photography sessions, and be modest during busy times.

Consideration for operating shops: For actually operating shops like Patisserie Ourson, either use them as a customer or limit photography to the exterior only. Even for sacred site pilgrimage purposes, the same etiquette as regular customers is required.

Noise consideration: In residential areas, avoid loud conversations and noise, respecting the lives of residents.

How to Enjoy Sacred Site Pilgrimage Affordably

Tips for keeping sacred site pilgrimage costs down while having a fulfilling experience.

Saving on Transportation Costs

Using one-day passes: When visiting a wide area along the Chuo Line, one-day passes such as the All Metropolitan Area Pass or Weekend Outing Pass are convenient. Usually, they cost less than round-trip fares and allow unlimited boarding and alighting for flexible route changes.

IC card points: Accumulating JRE POINTS or PASMO points can be applied to future transportation costs. For those making regular pilgrimages, linking with credit cards with high reward rates makes it even more economical.

Saving on Food Costs

Taking advantage of lunch time: Many restaurants in Musashisakai and Ogikubo offer affordable lunch set menus. Enjoying local cuisine while visiting sacred sites is also recommended.

Using convenience stores and supermarkets: Convenience stores and supermarkets are available inside nonowa Musashisakai and around stations, and purchasing bento boxes or drinks to eat at parks is economical.

Saving on Accommodation Costs

For those visiting from afar, there are few accommodation facilities around Musashisakai, so using hotels in Shinjuku or Kichijoji as a base is common. Using early booking discounts and weekday rates can reduce accommodation costs.

Useful Items and Apps for Sacred Site Pilgrimage

Items and apps to make sacred site pilgrimage more comfortable and efficient.

Essential Items

Smartphone: Maps app, saved work screenshots, photography, etc. A smartphone is an essential item for sacred site pilgrimage. Don’t forget to carry a mobile battery as well.

Comfortable shoes: When visiting multiple areas in a day, walking is extensive. Choose comfortable shoes like well-worn sneakers.

Drinks: Especially in summer, frequent hydration is important for heat stroke prevention.

Notebook and pen: Taking notes about visited places and observations is useful when reflecting later.

Recommended Apps

Google Maps: Essential as a basic map app. Pre-saving sacred site locations as favorites is convenient.

Transit apps: These help find the optimal route when using multiple lines like JR Chuo Line and Seibu Shinjuku Line.

Photo comparison apps: Apps that allow you to place work screenshots and photos taken on-site side by side double the enjoyment of sacred site pilgrimage.

Highlights and Summary of Theatrical Version “SHIROBAKO” Sacred Site Pilgrimage

The theatrical version of “SHIROBAKO” sacred site pilgrimage is a valuable opportunity to experience realistic Tokyo streets for a work depicting the behind-the-scenes world of anime production. The sacred sites centered around Musashisakai become special places where the work’s world and real reality intersect, with many anime production companies actually located in the area.

Experiences Gained from Sacred Site Pilgrimage

By visiting actual locations, you can experience the sense of life and presence of characters that cannot be felt from merely viewing the work. The station Miyamori Aoi passed through daily, the gas station where she reunited with Takanashi, the Ogikubo streets where she met Miyai. Standing at each location will carve the story more deeply into your heart.

Coexisting with Communities

Sacred site pilgrimage also serves as a bridge connecting work fans and local communities. When visiting places where shops actually operate, such as Musashisakai’s shopping street or Ogikubo stores, it’s important to be aware of contributing to the local economy while using them appropriately as customers.

Deepening Understanding of the Work

By visiting sacred sites, you can truly appreciate how carefully the production team conducted research and depicted realistic backgrounds. The work “SHIROBAKO” itself, which depicts anime production sites, is created based on thorough location scouting and research—you can experience this through sacred site pilgrimage.

The theatrical version of “SHIROBAKO” sacred site pilgrimage will be a special experience for work fans. Using the information provided in this article, please visit the sacred sites scattered throughout Tokyo and experience the world where Miyamori Aoi and her colleagues worked and lived. It will surely become an unforgettable memory that deepens your love for the work.

Final Checklist for Planning Sacred Site Pilgrimage

Before departing, confirm the following items to realize a fulfilling sacred site pilgrimage.

• [ ] List up sacred sites to visit and prioritize them
• [ ] Confirm transportation routes and required time
• [ ] Prepare work screenshots
• [ ] Check weather forecast (contingency plans for rain)
• [ ] Charge mobile battery
• [ ] Prepare comfortable clothing and shoes
• [ ] Confirm business hours (especially for shop-type spots)
• [ ] Check IC card balance
• [ ] Confirm camera/smartphone storage space
• [ ] Prepare water and light snacks

The theatrical version of “SHIROBAKO” sacred site pilgrimage becomes an enjoyable experience from planning, execution on the day, to photo organization after returning home. We hope this article helps make your sacred site pilgrimage more fulfilling. Please visit the world of “SHIROBAKO” scattered throughout Tokyo and experience it with your own feet.