Introduction: “Wasteful Days of High School Girls” and Tokyo’s Sacred Sites
“Wasteful Days of High School Girls” (commonly known as “Girls’ Waste”) is a popular comic work by Biino that was adapted into a television anime in 2019 and a live-action drama in 2020, beloved by many fans. The everyday comedy featuring unique high school girls including the protagonist Tanaka (commonly known as “Baka”), Kikuchi (commonly known as “Robo”), and Sagimiya (commonly known as “Otaku”) captured the hearts of many viewers along with the scenery of Higashimurayama City and Tokorozawa City in Saitama Prefecture.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to all filming locations centered on Tokyo for those planning a pilgrimage to the sacred sites of “Wasteful Days of High School Girls.” We deliver all necessary information for your pilgrimage, including actual locations, access methods, notable scenes, and event information.
Tokyo Areas Featured in “Wasteful Days of High School Girls”
Higashimurayama City as the Central Stage
The main setting of “Wasteful Days of High School Girls” is Higashimurayama City, Tokyo. The real locations that served as models for “Sainotama Girls’ High School” where the protagonists attend, as well as shopping streets, parks, and other places depicting their daily lives actually exist, allowing visitors to experience the scenery from the anime and original work firsthand.
In the 2023 edition of “88 Anime Sacred Sites in Japan Worth Visiting,” Higashimurayama City was officially recognized as a sacred site for the anime “Wasteful Days of High School Girls.” The city actively promotes pilgrimages to these sites, creating an environment that is welcoming to fans.
Connection to Tokorozawa City
Tokorozawa City in Saitama Prefecture, adjacent to Higashimurayama City, is also an important area related to the work. In particular, “Tokorozawa Sakura Town” serves as a broadcasting base for the anime, functioning as a hub for various events and stamp rallies, making it a must-visit spot when undertaking a pilgrimage to these sacred sites.
Detailed Guide to Major Sacred Sites
Yasaka Station (Seibu Tamagawa Line)
Basic Information
- Location: 2-chome Sakae-cho, Higashimurayama City, Tokyo
- Line: Seibu Railway Tamagawa Line
- Nearest Station: Yasaka Station
Appearance in the Work
Yasaka Station is one of the most frequently featured sacred sites in “Wasteful Days of High School Girls.” It appears from Episode 1 “Amazing,” depicted as the station the protagonists use on their school commute. Scenes of Baka, Robo, and Otaku conversing on the station platform and walking in the surrounding area appear multiple times.
Highlights
Yasaka Station is a single-track local station where the atmosphere depicted in the anime remains intact. The station building exterior, platform structure, and surrounding landscape offer an excellent spot to compare the work with the actual location. The view from the station platform is particularly notable, as it has been used in the anime’s opening and ending sequences, making it an emotional moment for fans.
Access
Take the Seibu Shinjuku Line to “Higashimurayama Station” and transfer to the Seibu Tamagawa Line, arriving in approximately 5 minutes. Access from central Tokyo is also convenient, making it ideal as a starting point for your pilgrimage.
Higashimurayama Central Park
Basic Information
- Location: 5-4-67 Fujimi-cho, Higashimurayama City, Tokyo
- Opening Hours: Always open (Service Center: 9:00-17:00)
- Admission: Free
- Management: Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association
Appearance in the Work
Higashimurayama Central Park is one of the important settings in “Wasteful Days of High School Girls.” Appearing from Episode 1, it is frequently depicted as a place where the protagonists gather and converse after school. Multiple spots within and around the park, including the lawn area, playground area, management office, and nearby walking paths, appear in the work.
Highlights
The park contains the following sacred sites:
- Lawn Area: Featured in scenes of the protagonists spending time leisurely. This spacious, open area allows visitors to experience the anime’s atmosphere.
- Playground Area: Contains the actual playground equipment featured in scenes of Baka and others playing.
- Park Management Office: The building appearing in the work actually exists, allowing visitors to confirm its exterior.
- Tamagawa Lake Bicycle and Pedestrian Path: A walking path adjacent to the park featured in scenes of the protagonists walking.
Event Information
Regular events related to “Wasteful Days of High School Girls” are held at Higashimurayama Central Park. Past events have included:
- Higashimurayama Central Park Sacred Site Pilgrimage Stamp Rally (August 3 – August 31, 2025)
- Stamp rally pamphlets distributed at the Higashimurayama Central Park Service Center
- 3 stamps earn a postcard, 5 stamps earn an acrylic stand
- Merchandise distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until supplies run out
- Higashimurayama Sacred Site Pilgrimage Stamp Rally (November 11 – December 11, 2022)
- Large-scale stamp rally covering Higashimurayama City and Tokorozawa City
- Author Biino-sensei participated
Latest event information can be confirmed on the Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association’s official website and Higashimurayama Central Park’s official page.
Access
- Approximately 5-minute walk from “Yasaka Station” on the Seibu Tamagawa Line
- Approximately 15-minute walk from the east exit of “Higashimurayama Station” on the Seibu Shinjuku Line
- Parking available (paid)
Kumegawa Central-dori Shopping Street
Basic Information
- Location: Around Sakae-cho, Higashimurayama City, Tokyo
- Access: Immediately north of “Kumegawa Station” on the Seibu Shinjuku Line
Appearance in the Work
Kumegawa Central-dori Shopping Street appears in scenes where the protagonists shop and visit after school. The atmosphere of the shopping street and the exteriors of stores are faithfully recreated in the work, and walking through it allows visitors to experience the work’s worldview.
Highlights
Local shops line the shopping street, with a nostalgic landscape from the Showa era spreading throughout. The charm of pilgrimage to these sacred sites lies in searching for specific shops and buildings featured in the anime while walking through the street. This is a valuable spot where visitors can experience the daily lives of the protagonists.
Yasaka Shopping Street
Basic Information
- Location: Around 1-chome Sakae-cho, Higashimurayama City, Tokyo
- Access: Around Yasaka Station on the Seibu Tamagawa Line
Appearance in the Work
The shopping street around Yasaka Station also appears in the work. Located along the protagonists’ school commute route, it is depicted as an everyday landscape. Though small, the atmosphere of a shopping street rooted in the community matches the work’s worldview well.
Highlights
Located within walking distance of Yasaka Station, it can be visited together with nearby sacred site pilgrimages. Details such as street signs and building arrangements are faithfully depicted in the work, making comparison while walking recommended.
Other Sacred Sites
Kumano Shrine
A location that served as a model for a shrine appearing in the work. It appears in scenes such as the protagonists visiting for New Year’s prayers, with the shrine’s torii gate and grounds faithfully recreated.
Tamagawa Lake Bicycle and Pedestrian Path
An adjacent walking path to Higashimurayama Central Park featured in scenes where the protagonists walk or travel by bicycle. The verdant landscape along the path is one of the places symbolizing the work’s peaceful daily life.
Collaboration with Tokorozawa Sakura Town
What is Tokorozawa Sakura Town
Basic Information
- Location: 3-31-3 Higashitokorozawa Wada, Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture
- Access: Approximately 10-minute walk from “Higashitokorozawa Station” on the JR Musashino Line
- Operator: KADOKAWA Corporation
Role in Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Tokorozawa Sakura Town is a complex facility that opened in 2020 as a broadcasting base for pop culture including anime and manga. Operated by KADOKAWA, the publisher of “Wasteful Days of High School Girls,” it serves as a hub for work-related events and merchandise sales.
Stamp Rally Hub
Tokorozawa Sakura Town is often designated as one of the stamp points in stamp rallies covering the sacred sites in Higashimurayama City, allowing for a more enriched pilgrimage experience when visited in conjunction with the Higashimurayama area.
Highlights Within the Facility
- Kadokawa Musashino Museum: Anime and manga exhibitions may be held
- EJ Anime Museum: Permanent displays of anime-related materials
- Da Vinci Store: Possibility to purchase work-related merchandise
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Model Courses
Half-Day Course (Approximately 4 Hours)
9:00 Start at Seibu Shinjuku Line “Higashimurayama Station”
↓ 15-minute walk
9:15 Higashimurayama Central Park
- Tour sacred sites within the park (60 minutes)
- Confirm event information at the Service Center
↓ 5-minute walk
10:20 Yasaka Station
- Tour station building and platform (30 minutes)
- Take commemorative photos
↓ Immediately nearby
11:00 Yasaka Shopping Street
- Stroll through the shopping street (30 minutes)
↓ Travel by train
11:45 Kumegawa Station / Kumegawa Central-dori Shopping Street
- Stroll through the shopping street (45 minutes)
- Have lunch
↓ On foot
13:00 Other Nearby Spots
- Kumano Shrine and others (30 minutes)
13:30 Goal
Full-Day Course (Approximately 8 Hours)
A plan adding a visit to Tokorozawa Sakura Town in the afternoon to the half-day course.
14:00 Travel from Higashimurayama Station
↓ Via Seibu Shinjuku Line and JR Musashino Line
15:00 Tokorozawa Sakura Town
- Tour the facility (120 minutes)
- Purchase merchandise
- Rest at a café
17:00 End at Higashitokorozawa Station
Tips for Efficient Pilgrimage
- Weekday visits are recommended: Weekends may be crowded, allowing for more leisurely pilgrimage on weekdays.
- Target event periods: Limited merchandise becomes available during stamp rally periods.
- Use public transportation: With limited parking, travel by train is convenient.
- Preview the work beforehand: Watching the anime or reading the original work beforehand enhances enjoyment.
- Prepare comparison images: Saving anime screenshots on your smartphone makes comparison at the location easier.
Stamp Rally and Event Information
Past Events
2025 Higashimurayama Central Park Sacred Site Pilgrimage Stamp Rally
- Period: August 3 (Sunday) – August 31 (Sunday), 2025
- Location: Higashimurayama Central Park
- Rewards: Postcard for 3 stamps, acrylic stand for 5 stamps
- Distribution Location: Higashimurayama Central Park Service Center
2022 Higashimurayama Sacred Site Pilgrimage Stamp Rally
- Period: November 11 (Friday) – December 11 (Sunday), 2022
- Locations: Yasaka Station, Kumegawa Central-dori Shopping Street, Yasaka Shopping Street, Higashimurayama Central Park, Tokorozawa Sakura Town
- Rewards: Original merchandise (first-come, first-served)
- Special Note: Author Biino-sensei participated
Methods to Confirm Latest Event Information
Latest event information can be confirmed at the following official websites:
- Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association Official Website
- Higashimurayama Central Park event information page
- Tokorozawa Sakura Town Official Website
- Event information page
- Higashimurayama City Official Website
- Tourism and event information
- KADOKAWA Group Portal Website
- Products and services topics
- Official SNS
- Latest information distributed on Twitter, Instagram, and other platforms
Points for Obtaining Merchandise
Limited merchandise distributed during stamp rally periods is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and will end when supplies run out, so please note:
- Early visits are recommended as the period begins and may experience congestion
- Popular merchandise may sell out early
- Confirm distribution locations and times in advance
- Plan an efficient route to visit multiple stamp points
Preparation and Etiquette for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Packing Checklist
Essential Items
- Smartphone (map app, camera function)
- Transit IC card
- Drinking water
- Image data from the work (for comparison)
Convenient Items to Bring
- Mobile battery
- Notebook and pen (for recording impressions)
- Hat and sunscreen (for summer)
- Folding umbrella
- Eco bag (for merchandise purchases)
Etiquette for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Consideration for Local Residents
- Do not trespass on private property: Even if locations appear in the work, do not enter private land or restricted areas.
- Be mindful of noise: Avoid loud conversations or shouting in residential areas.
- Take trash with you: Ensure no litter is left behind in parks and shopping streets; take all trash with you.
- Follow traffic rules: Be careful not to run into the road while absorbed in photography.
Photography Precautions
- Photograph in locations that don’t inconvenience other users: Be considerate of the many people using parks and stations, ensuring photography does not obstruct traffic.
- Be considerate of shops when photographing in shopping streets: If shops appear in photographs, seek permission if possible.
- Check surroundings before using a tripod: Avoid using tripods during crowded times or in narrow spaces.
Contribution to the Local Economy
During your pilgrimage, shopping at local stores and dining at restaurants contributes to the local economy. Higashimurayama City’s shopping streets feature many attractive shops, and enjoying local cuisine is one of the pleasures of pilgrimage to sacred sites.
Detailed Access Information
Access to Higashimurayama Area
Access by Train
From Central Tokyo to Higashimurayama Station
- From Shinjuku Station: Approximately 30 minutes on the Seibu Shinjuku Line (express)
- From Ikebukuro Station: Approximately 40 minutes via Seibu Ikebukuro Line to Takadanobaba Station, then transfer to Seibu Shinjuku Line
- From Tokyo Station: Approximately 50 minutes via JR Chuo Line to Takadanobaba Station, then transfer to Seibu Shinjuku Line
Access to Yasaka Station
- Approximately 5 minutes on the Seibu Tamagawa Line from Higashimurayama Station
- Approximately 10 minutes on the Seibu Tamagawa Line from Seibu Yuenchi Station
Access by Car
Higashimurayama Central Park has a paid parking lot, but parking space is limited, so using public transportation is recommended.
- Approximately 20 minutes from “Shosai IC” on the Kan-Etsu Expressway
- Approximately 25 minutes from “Kunitachi Fuchu IC” on the Chuo Expressway
Access to Tokorozawa Sakura Town
Access by Train
- Approximately 10-minute walk from “Higashitokorozawa Station” on the JR Musashino Line
- Approximately 15 minutes by bus from “Tokorozawa Station” on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line
Travel from Higashimurayama Area
- From Higashimurayama Station: Approximately 40 minutes on the Seibu Shinjuku Line via Tokorozawa Station, then transfer to the JR Musashino Line
Surrounding Tourist Attractions
Tamagawa Lake (Murayama Reservoir)
Near Higashimurayama Central Park is Tamagawa Lake, a reservoir known for its beautiful scenery. Visitors can enjoy walking around the lakeside or cycling. Combining sacred site pilgrimage with enjoying nature is also recommended.
Yatsukuni Mountain Greenery
Yatsukuni Mountain Greenery, believed to be one of the models for the film “My Neighbor Totoro,” is also located in Higashimurayama City. With its verdant walking paths, it is perfect for refreshment.
Higashimurayama City Local Gourmet
Black Okonomiyaki Yakisoba
Known as a local specialty of Higashimurayama City, black yakisoba is a truly black-colored stir-fried noodle dish using squid ink. Served at multiple locations throughout the city, be sure to try it during your pilgrimage.
Sites Related to Shimura Ken
Higashimurayama City is also known as the birthplace of Shimura Ken, and the city contains several sites related to him.
For a Deeper Enjoyment of the Work
Watching the Anime Version
Viewing the 2019 anime adaptation of “Wasteful Days of High School Girls” before your pilgrimage is highly recommended. At 12 episodes of approximately 24 minutes each, it is an easy length to watch. Check if it is available on video distribution services.
Purchasing Original Manga
The original manga has over 10 published volumes, with many episodes not yet adapted into anime included. Bringing the original work on your pilgrimage and reading it at the location is one way to enjoy it.
Live-Action Drama Version
The live-action drama broadcast in 2020 starred Yuui Okada, Yuri Tsunematsu, and Yurika Nakamura as the leads. The live-action version was also filmed at the same sacred sites, allowing for enjoyment from a perspective different from the anime version.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Guidebook
At present, no guidebook specifically focused on pilgrimage to sacred sites for “Wasteful Days of High School Girls” has been released, but general anime sacred site pilgrimage guidebooks contain information on effective pilgrimage methods and photography techniques that may be helpful.
Significance of Sacred Site Designation and Future Outlook
Recognition as “88 Anime Sacred Sites in Japan Worth Visiting”
Higashimurayama City was recognized as a sacred site for the anime “Wasteful Days of High School Girls” in the 2023 edition of “88 Anime Sacred Sites in Japan Worth Visiting.” This recognition is selected by the Anime Tourism Association and determined through voting by anime fans across the country.
The recognition is expected to increase Higashimurayama City’s awareness and promote tourism, with the city actively conducting PR activities as a sacred site.
Cooperation with the Community
Multiple organizations, including Higashimurayama City, local shopping streets, the Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association, and KADOKAWA, cooperate to promote pilgrimage to these sacred sites. This cooperative system has made regular event hosting and maintenance of sacred sites a reality, creating an environment welcoming to fans.
Future Event Development
Given the success of past stamp rallies, regular events are likely to continue being held. Events are often planned around new publications or commemorative dates, so regularly checking official information is recommended.
Methods for Recording Your Pilgrimage
Sharing on SNS
When sharing your pilgrimage on SNS, using the following hashtags helps connect with other fans:
- #女子高生の無駄づかい (Wasteful Days of High School Girls)
- #女子無駄 (Girls’ Waste)
- #聖地巡礼 (Sacred Site Pilgrimage)
- #東村山市 (Higashimurayama City)
- #東村山中央公園 (Higashimurayama Central Park)
- #アニメ聖地 (Anime Sacred Site)
Creating a Pilgrimage Notebook
Recording visited locations, photographed images, and impressions in a notebook increases the enjoyment of reviewing them later. Use either digital or analog methods that suit you to preserve your memories.
Taking Comparison Photos
Taking photos of the same angles as anime scenes and creating comparison images is a classic way to enjoy pilgrimage to sacred sites. Using smartphone apps, you can easily create comparison images on location.
Conclusion: The Charm of “Wasteful Days of High School Girls” Sacred Site Pilgrimage
The pilgrimage to sacred sites of “Wasteful Days of High School Girls” is a valuable opportunity to experience the work’s worldview in reality. Sacred sites centered on Higashimurayama City in Tokyo are conveniently accessible from central Tokyo, and major spots can be visited in half a day to a day.
The locations featured in the work, including Higashimurayama Central Park, Yasaka Station, and shopping streets, actually exist, with the anime’s scenery faithfully recreated. Participating in regularly held stamp rallies and events provides opportunities to obtain limited merchandise.
Through pilgrimage to these sacred sites, you can experience the daily lives of Baka, Robo, and Otaku, and deepen your understanding of the work. Enjoy a fulfilling pilgrimage while remembering to be considerate of local residents and follow proper etiquette.
Latest event information can be confirmed on the Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association and Tokorozawa Sakura Town official websites, and planned visits are recommended. Create unforgettable memories at Higashimurayama, the sacred site of “Wasteful Days of High School Girls.”
