“A Place Further Than the Universe” Complete Pilgrimage Guide to Tatebayashi City, Gunma Prefecture – Access, Model Routes, Latest Information
The television animation “A Place Further Than the Universe” (commonly known as Yorimoi), broadcast in 2018, is a coming-of-age story set primarily in Tatebayashi City, Gunma Prefecture. The story of four high school girls, including protagonist Tamaki Mari (Kimari), aiming for Antarctica has captured the hearts of many anime fans, and Tatebayashi City has been selected as one of the “88 Anime Pilgrimage Sites in Japan You Want to Visit” for six consecutive years.
This article thoroughly explains the pilgrimage spots for “A Place Further Than the Universe” in Tatebayashi City, Gunma Prefecture, including access methods, efficient pilgrimage routes, and local ways to enjoy your visit.
The Relationship Between “A Place Further Than the Universe” and Tatebayashi City, Gunma Prefecture
“A Place Further Than the Universe” is a story about protagonists attending high school in Gunma Prefecture who meet classmates aiming for Antarctica to find a missing mother, and head to Antarctica as civilian members of an Antarctic observation team. The title derives from former astronaut Mamoru Mohri’s description of Antarctica’s Showa Station as being “further than space.”
Many real locations in Tatebayashi City appear from episodes 1 to 5 of the series. Not only major tourist spots such as Tatebayashi Station, Azalea Hill Park, Morin-ji Temple, and the Jonuma area, but also everyday streetscapes and shopping districts are carefully depicted, making it a familiar work for local residents as well.
Tatebayashi City’s Anime Initiatives
After the series aired, Tatebayashi City has actively promoted anime tourism. The four main characters (Tamaki Mari, Kobuchizawa Shirase, Miyake Hinata, and Shiraishi Yuzuki) were appointed as “Tatebayashi Anime Ambassadors” and promote Tatebayashi in various contexts.
Pilgrimage map distribution points are set up throughout the city, creating an environment where fans can easily visit. Additionally, collaborative events and stamp rallies are held regularly, and even years after the broadcast, interaction between the local community and anime fans continues.
Access to Tatebayashi City
Access by Train
Access to Tatebayashi City is convenient via Tobu Railway.
From Tokyo:
- Tobu Isesaki Line (Tobu Skytree Line) from Asakusa Station, about 70 minutes on Limited Express Ryomo
- About 90 minutes using rapid service
- Also accessible from Kita-Senju Station
From Saitama:
- Tobu Isesaki Line from Kuki Station, about 30 minutes
From Tochigi:
- Tobu Sano Line from Sano Station, about 20 minutes
Tatebayashi Station appears multiple times in the series as an important location and is ideal as a starting point for pilgrimage.
Access by Car
Using Expressways:
- About 10 minutes to city center from Tohoku Expressway “Tatebayashi IC”
- About 20 minutes from Kita-Kanto Expressway “Ota-Kiryu IC”
Many tourist spots in the city have free parking, making car pilgrimage comfortable. However, since major spots are relatively compact, walking or cycling around the station area is recommended.
Using Rental Bicycles
Tatebayashi City offers free rental bicycles called “Pon-Chari.” There are rental and return stations at Tatebayashi Station and several locations in the city, making them very convenient for pilgrimage. Electric-assist bicycles are also available, allowing easy travel over long distances and slopes.
Pilgrimage Spots Around Tatebayashi Station
Tatebayashi Station
Tatebayashi Station, the starting point for pilgrimage, is an important location appearing from episode 1.
Highlights:
- “Yorimoi” character banners are displayed immediately outside the west exit
- The station plaza rotary appears in the scene where Kimari runs in episode 1
- Inside the station is a pilgrimage map distribution point where you can obtain necessary information
There is also a tourist information center in front of the station where you can check details of latest events and collaboration projects.
Tatebayashi Station Front Shopping Street
The shopping street extending south from the station is depicted as an everyday streetscape in the series.
Highlights:
- Roads and intersections where Kimari and friends walked
- Real shops and buildings (some have closed)
- Pilgrimage map distribution points are set up in the shopping street
Local gourmet spots are scattered throughout, allowing you to enjoy Tatebayashi specialties between pilgrimage stops.
Around Tatebayashi City Hall
The streetscape around city hall also appears in the series. Particularly in episode 2, surrounding roads and buildings are depicted in scenes such as Shirase running.
Pilgrimage Sites Around Azalea Hill Park
Azalea Hill Park
Azalea Hill Park is a location where important scenes unfold in the series and is a representative tourist spot of Tatebayashi City.
Highlights:
- The azumaya (gazebo) in the park appears as a place where Kimari and Shirase have important conversations
- The scenery facing Jonuma is beautifully depicted in the series
- In spring, about 10,000 azalea plants of 100 varieties bloom, including ancient trees over 800 years old
Access:
- About 20 minutes on foot from Tatebayashi Station
- About 10 minutes using rental bicycle
- Parking available (paid during azalea season)
The park is large, so visiting with time to spare is recommended. One way to enjoy it is to walk around searching for specific angles that appear in the series.
Jonuma
Jonuma, adjacent to Azalea Hill Park, is depicted as beautiful waterside scenery in the series. The promenade along the pond is ideal for strolling and shows different expressions each season.
Pilgrimage Sites Around Morin-ji Temple
Morin-ji-mae Station
Morin-ji-mae Station on the Tobu Isesaki Line is an important spot appearing in episode 1, such as the scene where Kimari misses the train.
Highlights:
- The simple atmosphere of the unmanned station is reproduced as-is in the series
- The view from the platform also appears in the series
- The exterior of the station building is popular as a photo spot
Access:
- One station from Tatebayashi Station on the Tobu Isesaki Line (about 3 minutes)
- About 15 minutes by bicycle from Tatebayashi Station
Morin-ji Temple
Morin-ji is a Soto Zen temple known for the legend of the Bunbuku Chagama (lucky teakettle) and appears in the series.
Highlights:
- 21 tanuki (raccoon dog) statues lining the approach (also depicted in the series)
- The atmosphere of the grounds matches the depiction in the series
- Exhibits related to the Bunbuku Chagama legend
Access:
- About 5 minutes on foot from Morin-ji-mae Station
- About 20 minutes by bicycle from Tatebayashi Station
The tanuki statues along the approach each have different expressions and poses, making them popular as photo spots. It’s a tourist spot enjoyable even for non-fans of the series.
Streetscape Around Morin-ji Temple
On the route from Morin-ji-mae Station to Morin-ji Temple, residential areas and rural landscapes appearing in the series spread out. You can immerse yourself in the worldview of the series while feeling the peaceful local atmosphere.
Other Pilgrimage Spots in Tatebayashi City
Mukai Chiaki Memorial Children’s Science Museum
A science museum commemorating astronaut Chiaki Mukai from Tatebayashi, this facility is also related to “space,” one of the series’ themes. While it doesn’t directly appear in the series, it’s worth visiting to contemplate the meaning of the title “A Place Further Than the Universe.”
Facility Information:
- Planetarium and space/science exhibits
- Interactive exhibits enjoyable for children and adults
- Admission: Adults 330 yen, Junior high students and under free
Former Nigyo Kenban Union Office
A historic building that served as the model for a building appearing in the series. While it may not currently be open to the public, the exterior conveys the atmosphere of the series.
Tatebayashi Streetscapes
In the series, not only specific tourist spots but also everyday streetscapes, intersections, and shops are carefully depicted. One way to enjoy it is to walk through the city searching for scenes from the series with a pilgrimage map in hand.
However, since several years have passed since the broadcast, some shops have closed and streetscapes have changed. Still, many places retain the atmosphere from the time of the series, providing a valuable experience for fans.
Efficient Pilgrimage Model Routes
Half-Day Course (Walking/Bicycle)
Duration: About 4-5 hours
- Tatebayashi Station (Starting point, obtain pilgrimage map)
- Tatebayashi Station Front Shopping Street (5 minutes on foot)
- Azalea Hill Park/Jonuma (10 minutes by bicycle/20 minutes on foot)
- Morin-ji-mae Station (15 minutes by bicycle/train available)
- Morin-ji Temple (5 minutes on foot)
- Tatebayashi Station (Return)
This course efficiently covers the series’ main pilgrimage sites. Half a day is sufficient if using a bicycle.
One-Day Course (Thorough Pilgrimage)
Duration: About 7-8 hours
- Tatebayashi Station (9:00 start)
- Tatebayashi Station Front Shopping Street (including gourmet exploration)
- Streetscape around City Hall
- Azalea Hill Park/Jonuma (lunch break)
- Mukai Chiaki Memorial Children’s Science Museum
- Morin-ji-mae Station
- Morin-ji Temple
- Other streetscape spots
- Tatebayashi Station (17:00 return)
The one-day course allows you to thoroughly visit even detailed spots appearing in the series. You can also spend time on photography and enjoying local gourmet food.
Pilgrimage Points
- Use pilgrimage maps: Maps distributed at Tatebayashi Station and shopping streets are essential items
- Use bicycles: Using free rental bicycles “Pon-Chari” allows efficient touring
- Consider seasons: Tatebayashi is known for being extremely hot in summer. Spring or autumn visits are recommended
- Check business hours: Some facilities have regular holidays and business hours, so advance confirmation is important
Tatebayashi Gourmet to Enjoy with Pilgrimage
Tatebayashi Udon
Gunma Prefecture is also known as an “udon prefecture,” and Tatebayashi has many delicious udon shops. Tasting local udon between pilgrimage stops is recommended.
Tatebayashi Confections
Tatebayashi has several long-established Japanese confectionery shops, ideal for souvenirs. Products using “Hanayama Udon” and local soy sauce are particularly popular.
Cafes and Restaurants in Shopping Street
Cafes and restaurants loved by locals are scattered throughout the station front shopping street. They can be used as rest spots during pilgrimage.
Latest Event Information and Collaboration Projects
Regular Events
Collaborative events with “A Place Further Than the Universe” are held regularly in Tatebayashi City.
- Stamp Rallies: Stamp rallies touring various locations in the city held irregularly
- Panel Exhibitions: Character panel exhibitions at stations and tourist facilities
- Collaboration Goods Sales: Limited goods sales events
Information Gathering Methods
Latest event information can be checked at:
- Special page on Tatebayashi City official website
- Official SNS of Tatebayashi City Tourism Association
- Tourist information center at Tatebayashi Station
Visiting during event periods allows for experiences beyond ordinary pilgrimage.
Pilgrimage Precautions and Manners
Basic Manners
- No trespassing on private property: Some locations appearing in the series are private property. Unauthorized entry is strictly prohibited
- Consideration when photographing: Be careful not to obstruct the passage of general public or vehicles
- Take trash home: To preserve beautiful streetscapes, always take trash home
- Maintain quiet: In residential areas, be mindful of noise and considerate of local residents
Precautions at Morin-ji Temple
Morin-ji is an active religious facility. Observe worship manners and behave quietly on the grounds. Photography inside the main hall may be prohibited.
Summer Heat Stroke Prevention
Tatebayashi City is sometimes known as “Japan’s hottest city.” For summer pilgrimage:
- Adequate hydration
- Use of hats or parasols
- Frequent breaks
- Using cooler times in early morning or evening
should be kept in mind.
Accommodation Information and Nearby Sightseeing
Accommodation in Tatebayashi City
Tatebayashi City has multiple accommodation facilities, mainly business hotels. Those who want to thoroughly pilgrim or visit from afar may want to consider accommodation.
Nearby Tourist Spots
Ashikaga City (Tochigi Prefecture):
- About 30 minutes by car from Tatebayashi
- Famous for large wisteria at Ashikaga Flower Park
Ota City:
- Adjacent city, corporate castle town of Fuji Heavy Industries (now SUBARU)
- Subaru Visitor Center, etc.
Sano City (Tochigi Prefecture):
- Famous for Sano Ramen
- Sano Premium Outlets
Along with pilgrimage, you can enjoy sightseeing in surrounding areas.
The Appeal of “A Place Further Than the Universe” Pilgrimage
What makes pilgrimage to “A Place Further Than the Universe” special is not just visiting anime locations, but that the entire region warmly welcomes fans.
Even years after the broadcast, Tatebayashi City continues collaborative work with the anime and works on regional revitalization. Local hospitality is high, and many fans feel they “want to live in Tatebayashi.”
The series’ themes of “courage to take a step forward” and “bonds with companions” can be felt more deeply by actually visiting Tatebayashi. Walking the same roads that Kimari and friends walked and seeing the same scenery becomes a valuable experience of immersing yourself in the series’ worldview.
Summary: Making Your “A Place Further Than the Universe” Pilgrimage a Success
Pilgrimage to “A Place Further Than the Universe” in Tatebayashi City, Gunma Prefecture, is an unforgettable experience for anime fans. The compact city center allows touring major spots in half a day to one day, making it ideal for first-time pilgrimage.
Points for Successful Pilgrimage:
- Advance preparation: Check pilgrimage maps and latest event information
- Transportation: Efficient travel using rental bicycles
- Season selection: Comfortable seasons of spring or autumn recommended
- Manner compliance: Don’t forget consideration for local residents
- Local gourmet: Also enjoy Tatebayashi’s food culture
“A Place Further Than the Universe” is a story about aiming for the distant place of Antarctica, but Tatebayashi, its starting point, is not far at all. Day trips from Tokyo are also possible.
We recommend the pilgrimage experience in Tatebayashi to all fans who love the series. Why not take the same step in Tatebayashi that Kimari and friends took?
Visiting the actual location will deepen your understanding of the series and provide new discoveries. And you will also be able to experience the charm of the city of Tatebayashi itself. The pilgrimage to “A Place Further Than the Universe” is a special experience created together by anime and the local community.
