The TV anime “mono” is a youth story set in Yamanashi Prefecture, with beautiful depictions of real landscapes throughout the prefecture. This article comprehensively introduces all the information needed for “mono” pilgrimage tourism in Yamanashi Prefecture, including all 53 model locations featured in the anime, efficient pilgrimage routes, and how to obtain pilgrimage maps.
The Relationship Between TV Anime “mono” and Yamanashi Prefecture
“mono” is an anime work with a story centered on Yamanashi Prefecture, with tourist spots and everyday scenery throughout the prefecture, including the Kenao Net Yamanashi area, carefully depicted. In Yamanashi Prefecture, which serves as the setting for the work, the region is actively developing collaboration projects with the anime and actively supporting fans’ pilgrimage tourism.
What is Kenao Net Yamanashi?
Kenao Net Yamanashi is a wide-area tourism region composed of seven cities and towns: Kofu City, Kai City, Chuo City, Showa Town, Minami-Alps City, Nirasaki City, and Hokuto City. This area has numerous model locations that appear in important scenes of “mono,” making it the center of pilgrimage tourism. Tourism associations in each municipality collaborate to distribute pilgrimage maps and provide tourism information, creating an environment where fans can feel secure in their pilgrimage.
How to Use the “mono” Pilgrimage Digital Map
Features of the Digital Map
Through official collaboration between Kenao Net Yamanashi and “mono,” a digital map featuring all 53 spots in the anime has been released. This map has the following features:
- GPS-Linked Function: Search for the nearest model location from your current location
- Scene Comparison: Display which scenes from the anime are depicted at each spot
- Route Guidance: Propose optimal routes between selected spots
- Photo Upload Function: Community features to record your visits
- Stamp Rally: Digital stamp feature to record visited spots
How to Access the Digital Map
The digital map can be accessed for free from the “Kenao Net Yamanashi × TV Anime ‘mono’ Official Website.” You can open it on your smartphone browser and use it in real-time linked with GPS on location. Bookmarking it in advance allows smooth use even in mountainous areas with unstable signal.
Distribution Locations for Paper Pilgrimage Maps
Along with the digital map, paper pilgrimage maps are distributed at various locations throughout the prefecture. The paper version includes detailed tourism information and recommended courses and is popular as a souvenir.
List of Major Distribution Locations
Hokuto City Area
- Kiyosato Station Front Tourist Information Center
- Hokuto City Tourism Association Branches
Kofu City Area
- Kofu City Tourist Information Office (inside JR Kofu Station)
- Kofu City Hall Tourism Division
Minami-Alps City Area
- Minami-Alps City Tourism Association
- Michi-no-Eki Shirane
Other Distribution Locations
- Mitama-no-Yu (Reception Front)
- Major Michi-no-Eki throughout the prefecture
- Tourist information offices in each municipality
Distribution may be limited in quantity, so those who want to obtain one are recommended to call ahead to confirm inventory.
Introduction to “mono” 53 Major Model Locations
Model Locations in Kofu City
Isawa Onsen Station
An important spot appearing in the anime’s opening scene. The scenery around the station is faithfully recreated, making it the place many fans visit first. There are also many hot spring inns nearby, making it ideal as a lodging base.
Yamanashi Prefectural Science Museum
Appears in an episode where characters challenge scientific experiments. The museum’s exhibits are also substantial, allowing you to enjoy actual scientific experiences alongside pilgrimage tourism. The planetarium is also popular, allowing you to gaze at the starry sky while immersed in the anime’s worldview.
Kofu Station Area Shopping Street
A shopping street that frequently appears in everyday scenes. Real shops are depicted in the anime, and locals also warmly welcome fans. When photographing, be considerate not to interfere with business.
Model Locations in Hokuto City and Kiyosato Area
Kiyosato Station
A station used in scenes with fresh highland atmosphere. The station building’s exterior and surrounding natural scenery are beautifully depicted in the anime. From spring through autumn, flowers bloom abundantly, making it ideal for photography.
Kiyosato Terrace
A spot where you can enjoy spectacular views from 1,900 meters elevation, which also served as the stage for important scenes in the anime. Take the panorama lift for about 10 minutes, and from the summit you can overlook the Yatsugatake Mountains and Mount Fuji.
Moegi-no-Mura
A tourist spot with a fairy-tale-like atmosphere. It appears in the anime in scenes where characters enjoy shopping. Cafes and restaurants are substantial, and it’s ideal for breaks.
Model Locations in Minami-Alps City Area
Minami-Alps City Fruits Park
A spot where the scenery of fruit orchards is depicted. You can enjoy landscapes characteristic of Yamanashi Prefecture’s fruit cultivation. You can also experience fruit harvesting by season and enjoy Yamanashi’s flavors alongside pilgrimage tourism.
Kushigata Mountain
A mountain appearing in hiking scenes. A course easy enough for beginners is well-maintained, and the view from the summit is spectacular. In June, it’s known as a habitat for iris flowers, with a purple carpet spreading across.
Model Locations in Chuo City and Nirasaki City Area
Linear Exhibition Center
Appears in episodes touching on cutting-edge technology. There are actual superconducting maglev trains on display and experience corners where you can re-experience scenes from the anime.
Nirasaki Central Park
A park depicted as an everyday place of respite. A familiar spot used by local people, where you can feel the everyday nature of the anime.
Recommended Pilgrimage Model Courses
Full Day Course (By Car)
Time Required: Approximately 8 hours
- 9:00 Start at Isawa Onsen Station (30 minutes stay)
- 9:45 Yamanashi Prefectural Science Museum (90 minutes stay)
- 12:00 Lunch in Kofu City (60 minutes)
- 13:30 Minami-Alps City Fruits Park (60 minutes stay)
- 15:00 Move to Kiyosato Area (90 minutes)
- 16:30 Kiyosato Station and Moegi-no-Mura (90 minutes stay)
- 18:00 Hot spring at Mitama-no-Yu (90 minutes)
This course efficiently tours major model locations while also enjoying Yamanashi tourism. Car travel is the basis, but distances between each spot are around 30 minutes, making it a manageable schedule.
Public Transportation Course (2 Days)
Day 1: Kofu City Concentrated Course
- Tour model locations in the city on foot and by bus from JR Kofu Station as a base
- About 30 minutes by bus to Yamanashi Prefectural Science Museum
- Kofu Station area shopping street is within walking distance
- Accommodation: Isawa Onsen or a hotel in Kofu City
Day 2: Kiyosato Area Course
- Move from JR Kobuchisawa Station to Kiyosato Station
- Tour model locations around Kiyosato Station on foot
- Use taxi or local bus for Kiyosato Terrace
- Return: Head home via Kiyosato Station to Kobuchisawa Station
Half-Day Easy Course
Time Required: Approximately 4 hours
A beginner-friendly course focusing on major spots in Kofu City. Starting from JR Kofu Station, you can tour efficiently on foot and by bus.
- Kofu Station (Start)
- Station area shopping street (15 minutes walk)
- Yamanashi Prefectural Science Museum (30 minutes by bus)
- Return to Kofu Station for lunch
Recommended Visiting Times by Season
Spring (March–May)
Cherry blossom season allows cherry blossom viewing at each spot. The Kiyosato area is particularly beautiful from late April to early May, allowing you to experience the spring scenery depicted in the anime. Daytime temperatures around 15–20 degrees are comfortable and ideal for pilgrimage tourism.
Summer (June–August)
The high-elevation Kiyosato area is comfortable as a summer retreat. The Kofu Basin gets hot, but early morning and evening pilgrimages are recommended. It’s also fruit-picking season, where you can combine peach and grape harvesting experiences with pilgrimage tourism.
Autumn (September–November)
A season of beautiful autumn leaves. The autumn foliage from Kiyosato Terrace and Kushigata Mountain is spectacular. The climate is also stable, making it perhaps the best time of year for pilgrimage tourism. You can also enjoy grape and pear harvests.
Winter (December–February)
A season where you can recreate scenes with beautiful snowy landscapes. However, mountainous areas have snow accumulation, so winter tires are essential for vehicle travel. Incorporating breaks at hot spring facilities allows comfortable pilgrimage.
Transportation Access for Pilgrimage Tourism
By Car
From Tokyo
- Approximately 2 hours using the Chuo Expressway
- Exit at Kofu Showa IC or Kofu Minami IC
- Multiple rental car shops near Kofu Station
From Nagoya
- Approximately 3 hours via the Chuo Expressway
- Nirasaki IC or Suyama IC exits also convenient
Parking Information
Parking lots for tourists are established at each model location, but weekends and holidays can be crowded. Especially in the Kiyosato area, which gets crowded in summer, visiting at earlier times is recommended.
By Public Transportation
Railway
- Express trains from Shinjuku Station to Kofu Station on the JR Chuo Line in approximately 90 minutes
- From Kofu Station toward Kiyosato direction use the JR Koumi Line
- Isawa Onsen Station is approximately 10 minutes from Kofu Station on the Chuo Line
Local Bus
- Local bus from Kofu Station toward Yamanashi Prefectural Science Museum area
- Sightseeing shuttle buses operate from Kiyosato Station (seasonal operation)
- Bus routes connecting major tourist sites are substantial
Taxi
Taxi stands are available at each station, convenient for moving between model locations. Particularly useful for moving to spots with difficult public transportation access.
Yamanashi Tourism Enjoyable Alongside Pilgrimage
Food Information
Houtou
Yamanashi Prefecture’s local cuisine. Many long-established houtou specialty shops in Kofu City, ideal for lunch during pilgrimage tourism.
Fruit Parfait
Parfaits and sweets using fresh Yamanashi Prefecture fruit are popular. You can enjoy seasonal fruits each season.
Wineries
The prefecture has approximately 80 wineries where tasting and tours are possible. Many wineries can be visited during breaks in pilgrimage tourism.
Hot Spring Facilities
Isawa Onsen
A hot spring town also appearing in the anime. Many facilities offer day-trip bathing, allowing you to soothe pilgrimage fatigue.
Mitama-no-Yu
A day-trip hot spring facility that also distributes pilgrimage maps. The open-air bath’s views are wonderful and very relaxing.
Kiyosato Onsen
A highland hot spring, ideal for breaks after touring the Kiyosato area. Accommodations are substantial.
Manners and Rules for Pilgrimage Tourism
Notes on Photography
- No unauthorized entry onto private property: Some model locations include private land. Never enter places marked with no entry signs
- Consideration for operating shops: In shopping streets and similar areas, photograph from places that don’t interfere with traffic
- Tripod use: Avoid using tripods during crowded times or in narrow spaces
- Noise management: Avoid loud conversation in residential areas and avoid visiting early morning or late night
Consideration for the Community
- Always take trash with you: Keep model locations clean
- Utilize local shops: Contribute to the local economy through dining and shopping
- Follow traffic rules: Illegal parking and stopping in dangerous places are prohibited
- Greet residents: Interact politely with locals when the opportunity arises
Wrapped Bus and Collaboration Project Information
Kofu City Wrapped Bus
A wrapped bus designed with “mono” characters operates in Kofu City. It operates as a route bus that you can actually use and is popular both as a transportation method and photo spot.
Operation Information
- Operating routes: Major routes centered on Kofu Station
- Operating period: Check official website for latest information
- Fare: Standard local bus fare
Other Collaboration Projects
- Stamp Rally: Limited-time digital stamp rallies
- Exclusive Merchandise Sales: Limited merchandise sold at each tourist information office
- Collaboration Cafes: Some shops offer anime collaboration menus for limited periods
Recommended Accommodations
Isawa Onsen Area
Ideal as a pilgrimage base. Easy access to both Kofu City and Kiyosato area. A wide range of options from hot spring inns to business hotels.
Kofu City Hotels
Business hotels are substantial around JR Kofu Station. Convenient for pilgrimage tourism by public transportation with abundant dining options.
Kiyosato Area Pensions
Pensions and small hotels where you can enjoy a highland resort atmosphere. You can relax in an environment surrounded by nature.
Packing List Useful for Pilgrimage Tourism
Essential Items
- Smartphone (for digital map)
- Mobile battery
- Paper pilgrimage map (as backup)
- Camera (smartphone is fine too)
- Drinks and light snacks
- Comfortable walking shoes
Helpful Items to Have
- Sunscreen and hat (summer)
- Warm clothing (winter/high altitude)
- Rain gear (umbrella)
- Notebook and pen (for recording)
- Binoculars (to enjoy scenery)
Summary: Maximizing Your “mono” Pilgrimage Experience
The TV anime “mono” pilgrimage tourism is not only a valuable opportunity to re-experience the anime world, but also to touch Yamanashi Prefecture’s rich nature and culture. The key to success is using digital and paper maps to tour at your own pace without overexertion.
The 53 model locations centered on the Kenao Net Yamanashi area each have unique charm. It’s difficult to visit all of them in one day, so visiting over multiple trips is also recommended. Yamanashi Prefecture’s landscapes, which change appearance by season, offer new discoveries no matter how many times you visit.
Pilgrimage tourism is made possible through the cooperation of community members. By maintaining manners and approaching pilgrimage with gratitude, the good relationship between anime fans and the community continues. Enjoy the world of “mono” to the fullest while discovering Yamanashi Prefecture’s charm on your wonderful journey.
The official website and SNS regularly update the latest collaboration information and event details. Be sure to check before departure and plan a fulfilling pilgrimage trip.
