Shiroi Suna no Aquatope: Okinawa Prefecture Holy Land Pilgrimage Complete Guide
What is Shiroi Suna no Aquatope?
“Shiroi Suna no Aquatope” is a completely original animation produced by P.A.WORKS that aired for all 24 episodes from July to December 2021. Set against the backdrop of Okinawa’s beautiful sea and an aquarium, it is a coming-of-age ensemble drama depicting the growth of two girls: Miyazawa Hikari, a former idol who fled from Tokyo, and Kasakino Kukuru, who seeks to protect an aquarium in Okinawa.
The greatest appeal of this work is its beautiful landscape depiction centered on the real Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture. Through transparent background art and detailed expressions of marine life, viewers are drawn into the world of Okinawa’s nature and culture. The locations that serve as the stage for the anime can actually be visited, and many fans come on pilgrimage visits.
Plot
Miyazawa Hikari, who was working as an idol in Tokyo, suddenly flees to Okinawa due to a setback. There she meets Kasakino Kukuru, who works at a small aquarium “Gama Gama Aquarium” facing closure. Kukuru, who has passion for the aquarium, and Hikari, who seeks a place to belong, gradually deepen their bond.
The first half of the story depicts the two girls struggling to protect Gama Gama Aquarium. The second half, set in the new large-scale aquarium “Aquarium Tingara,” carefully portrays how they grow while confronting their respective dreams and realities.
[Holy Land Pilgrimage] What Locations in Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture Appear in Shiroi Suna no Aquatope?
Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture, is the main stage for this work. It is a relatively new city created in 2006 when four towns and villages merged, located in the southern part of Okinawa Island. The region has many beautiful coastlines, rich nature, and numerous historical sacred sites continuing from the Ryukyu Kingdom era.
The location that served as the model for the fictional “Gama Gama Aquarium” that appears in the anime has not been specifically identified, but many landscapes along the coast of Nanjo City and tourist attractions scattered throughout the region appear in the work. While there is no large-scale aquarium in actual Nanjo City, its simple and beautiful seaside scenery shapes the work’s worldview.
Shiroi Suna no Aquatope Holy Land 1: Azama Sunsan Beach
Azama Sunsan Beach is an important holy site that appears most frequently in the work. It is the place where Kukuru and Hikari first meet in Episode 1, and many symbolic scenes of the story were filmed at this location.
Beach Characteristics and Points of Interest
The actual Azama Sunsan Beach is an artificial beach in Chinen Azama, Nanjo City. It is characterized by white sandy beaches and highly transparent emerald green sea water, and is a bathing beach loved by local residents. The beach has actual facilities that appeared in the anime, such as pavilions and swings, making it possible to photograph from the same angles.
In the work, it is depicted as a memorable place Kukuru has frequented since childhood, and becomes the setting for important conversation scenes between her and Hikari. The view from the pavilion in particular remains an impressive cut in fans’ memories of the anime.
Access Information
From Naha Airport, it’s about 40 minutes by car, or from Naha Bus Terminal, take the route bus (38 or 50 Shikiya Line) and get off at “Azama Sunsan Beach Entrance,” then walk about 10 minutes. The parking lot is paid, costing 500 yen during summer season (April to October) and free in winter.
Shiroi Suna no Aquatope Holy Land 2: Nirai Kanai Bridge (National Route 331)
Nirai Kanai Bridge is an approximately 1.2 km long bridge on National Route 331 in Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture, and is a symbolic location appearing multiple times in the anime’s opening and main story.
Bridge Charm and Photography Spots
This elevated bridge connects two tunnels called Nirai Bridge and Kanai Bridge, offering a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean from a height of about 80 meters above sea level. In the work, it becomes the setting for impressive scenes of Kukuru commuting by motorcycle and Hikari being moved by Okinawa’s beauty.
There is an observation deck beneath the bridge from which you can see the entire bridge and sea. To photograph from the same angle as the anime, taking photos from this observation deck is recommended. Especially on clear days, the contrast between the blue sea and sky is spectacular, allowing you to experience the beauty of the anime’s background art.
Precautions When Visiting
Parking is prohibited on the bridge itself, so be sure to use the observation deck’s parking lot below the bridge. Access to the observation deck is via U-turn after crossing the bridge. The road has many curves, so careful driving is necessary.
Shiroi Suna no Aquatope Holy Land 3: Hyakuna Beach, Near Yaharazukasa
Hyakuna Beach is a natural beach in Hyakuna, Tamashiro, Nanjo City, and served as the setting for important scenes in the work. Particularly near Yaharazukasa, a rocky area, impressive scenes were filmed.
Beach Characteristics
Hyakuna Beach is an undeveloped natural beach where local people visit, a quiet coastline. At low tide, you can walk out far into the ocean and observe marine life in tide pools. This natural atmosphere matches the world of Gama Gama Aquarium.
Yaharazukasa is a sacred site appearing in Ryukyu creation mythology, said to be where Amamikyo, the Ryukyuan creation deity, descended. This sacred atmosphere is depicted in the work as an important element of the story.
Access and Precautions
It’s about a 15-minute walk from Hyakuna Bus Terminal. Parking is limited, so using public transportation is recommended. The path down to the beach has unmaintained sections, so visiting in easy-to-walk shoes is essential. Also, remembering that this is a sacred site and visiting with respect is important.
Shiroi Suna no Aquatope Holy Land 4: Hyakuna Bus Terminal
Hyakuna Bus Terminal appears as the place where Hikari first arrives in Nanjo City in the work. Though a small bus stop, it is an important sacred site symbolizing the story’s beginning.
Bus Terminal Appearance
The actual Hyakuna Bus Terminal is just a small bus stop with a simple waiting area. However, the benches that appeared in the anime and surrounding scenery actually exist, allowing you to recall the scene of Hikari sitting with an anxious expression.
The area around the bus terminal is a residential neighborhood, with ordinary Okinawan landscapes spreading out. This very ordinary scenery symbolizes the beginning of a new world for Hikari, who fled from Tokyo.
Bus Route Information
From Naha Bus Terminal, it takes about 1 hour on the 38 or 50 Shikiya Line. With only 1 to 2 buses per hour, it’s recommended to confirm the schedule in advance. As a base for holy land pilgrimage, planning around bus times is efficient.
Chinen Cape Park
Chinen Cape Park is a spectacular viewpoint overlooking the Pacific Ocean where multiple scenes from the work appear. Located at the eastern edge of Nanjo City, it is an observation park from which you can see Kuko Island.
Park Points of Interest
Inside the park there is an observation deck from which the horizon and blue sea visible are the anime’s beautiful background art itself. In the work, it became the setting for scenes where characters discuss the future and scenes where they come to terms with their emotions.
The park is free and open 24 hours, with special beauty during sunrise and sunset times. It is popular not only with anime fans but also with local residents and tourists.
Nearby Facilities
Near the park is Sefa Utaki (sacred site). As the highest sacred site of the Ryukyu Kingdom and registered as a World Heritage Site, this location also appears in the work as an important filming location. If you have time, a combined visit is recommended.
Kute Kataki Beach
Kute Kataki Beach is a quiet beach in Okutake, Tamashiro, Nanjo City, and appears in the work as the setting for ordinary daily scenes. With few tourists, it is a place where you can feel the local atmosphere.
Beach Characteristics
Though smaller in scale than Azama Sunsan Beach, it is a beautiful beach with its natural state preserved. In the work, it appears in scenes where characters observe marine life or visit between work shifts.
At low tide, you can explore the rocky areas and actually observe small fish and crabs. This experience provides a valuable opportunity to experience the daily lives of the characters who work at the aquarium.
Holy Sites in Naha City
Many scenes in the latter part of the story take place in Naha City. The new aquarium “Aquarium Tingara” is modeled after the Churaumi Aquarium (Motobu Town), but ordinary landscapes within Naha City also serve as important stages.
Kokusai Street
Kokusai Street in central Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, is an approximately 1.6 km long street known as the “Miracle 1 Mile,” a famous tourist spot. In the work, it appears in scenes where Hikari and Kukuru shop or walk through the city.
The actual Kokusai Street has souvenir shops and restaurants lined up, a place where you can feel Okinawan culture. While specific shops that appeared in the anime have not been identified, the street’s atmosphere is faithfully recreated.
Naha Bus Terminal
Naha Bus Terminal is a major departure point for route buses on Okinawa Island. In the work, it appears as an important transportation hub where characters travel between Nanjo City and Naha City.
The waiting area and bus platform scenery inside the terminal are faithfully recreated in the anime, and it is worth visiting as a starting or ending point for holy land pilgrimage. As actual route buses to Nanjo City also depart from here, it is practically important as well.
Naha Airport
Naha Airport appears in Episode 1 as the place where Hikari arrives in Okinawa from Tokyo. The airport’s exterior and arrival lobby scenery are depicted, becoming a place symbolizing Hikari’s mixed emotions of anxiety and anticipation.
Motobu Town and Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium Area
“Aquarium Tingara,” which serves as the stage for the latter part of the story, is modeled on the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Motobu Town in northern Okinawa Island. One of Japan’s leading aquariums with the world’s largest tank, “Kuroshio Sea,” many of the aquarium scenes in the work were drawn with reference to it.
Churaumi Aquarium
Churaumi Aquarium is a large-scale aquarium within the Ocean Expo Park, famous for its large tank where whale sharks and manta rays swim. In the work, it is depicted as the new workplace where Kukuru and Hikari come to work.
The actual Churaumi Aquarium differs in facility layout and exhibition content from what appears in the anime, but the atmosphere of the aquarium and love for marine life overlap with the work’s worldview. A visit is worthwhile in order to deepen understanding of the aquarium keeper profession.
Bise Fukugi Tree-Lined Avenue
Near Churaumi Aquarium is the Bise Fukugi Tree-Lined Avenue, which serves as the setting for scenes where characters take walks in the work. A beautiful settlement with centuries-old fukugi trees standing in rows, it is a place where you can feel Okinawa’s traditional landscape.
Kahobanta (Nuchimasu Kanko Seien Factory)
Kahobanta is a spectacular viewpoint in Uruma City, meaning “Cape of Fortune.” It appears in later episodes of the work and is depicted as a place symbolizing characters’ emotional turning point.
The view looking down at the Pacific Ocean from cliffs about 120 meters high is spectacular, with beautiful contrast between the emerald green sea and white sandy beach. It is located within the Nuchimasu Kanko Seien Factory grounds where visitors can also observe salt-making.
Sefa Utaki (Sefautaki)
Sefa Utaki is the highest sacred site of the Ryukyu Kingdom era and is registered as a World Heritage Site. In the work, it holds important meaning as a place symbolizing Okinawa’s spirituality and history.
Significance as a Sacred Site
This was a place where national rituals of the Ryukyu Kingdom were performed, particularly the installation ceremony of the “Kikoe Okimi,” the female high priestess. In the work, it appears in scenes where Kukuru reflects on her roots and Okinawan culture, embodying the work’s theme of “connection between places and people.”
Manners When Visiting
It is currently revered as a sacred site by local residents. When visiting, avoiding clothing with excessive exposure and viewing quietly is required. Admission for adults is 300 yen, and guided tours are also available.
Traditional Culture of Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture
Nanjo City is a region with rich traditional culture continuing from the Ryukyu Kingdom era. To deeply understand the work, knowing the cultural background of this region is also important.
Ryukyu Glass
Ryukyu glass workshops are scattered throughout the Nanjo area. Ryukyu glass, which began after World War II by reusing discarded bottles from the U.S. military base, has become a traditional craft representing Okinawa today. The work contains references to regional traditional crafts, expressing Okinawa’s cultural richness.
Eisa
Eisa, a traditional performing art of Okinawa, is performed throughout the region during the traditional Obon season. Nanjo City also has unique eisa for each district, appearing as festival scenes in the work. The powerful drum sounds and dancing evoke the vitality of Okinawan people.
Ryukyuan Cuisine
Unique food culture has developed in Okinawa Prefecture, including Nanjo City. Dishes like goya champuru, sooki soba, and saataa andagi appear in scenes where characters eat in the work. When undertaking a pilgrimage, enjoying local restaurant cuisine is also recommended.
Model Courses for Holy Land Pilgrimage
Here are model courses for efficiently visiting the holy sites. Since Nanjo City has limited public transportation, rental car use is most efficient.
1-Day Course (With Rental Car)
Morning
- 9:00 Depart Naha Airport
- 9:40 Nirai Kanai Bridge Observation Deck (30 minutes)
- 10:30 Azama Sunsan Beach (60 minutes)
- 12:00 Lunch in Nanjo City
Afternoon
- 13:00 Chinen Cape Park (30 minutes)
- 13:45 Sefa Utaki (60 minutes)
- 15:00 Hyakuna Beach, Hyakuna Bus Terminal (45 minutes)
- 16:00 Kute Kataki Beach (30 minutes)
- 17:00 Move to Naha City, explore Kokusai Street
2-Day Course (Including Motobu Town)
Day 1 is the above Nanjo City course, with Day 2 visiting Churaumi Aquarium in Motobu Town and the Bise Fukugi Tree-Lined Avenue. Since Motobu Town is about 2 hours by car from Naha, planning with adequate time is necessary.
Practical Information for Holy Land Pilgrimage
Transportation Methods
Rental Car: Offers the most freedom and efficiency for visiting holy sites. Many rental car companies are located around Naha Airport.
Route Bus: The 38 or 50 Shikiya Line connects major holy sites in Nanjo City, but with few buses, confirming the schedule is essential.
Taxi: From Naha City to Nanjo City costs approximately 5,000 to 7,000 yen one way. For multiple people, this becomes an option.
Accommodation
Nanjo City has resort hotels and inns, but it is common to stay in Naha City and make day trips. In Naha City, restaurants and tourist facilities are well-equipped.
Best Season
Okinawa is warm year-round, but the best seasons for holy land pilgrimage are April to June and October to November. July through September has intense heat and typhoon risk. Winter (December to March) is relatively cool with fewer tourists, making it a hidden gem.
Items to Bring
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses (UV protection)
- Comfortable walking shoes (for walking on beaches and rocky areas)
- Camera, smartphone (for recording the pilgrimage)
- Image data from the work (for comparative photography)
- Drinking water (some areas have few vending machines)
Reviews from People Who Visited Holy Sites
Fans who have undertaken holy land pilgrimage frequently report feelings of “being immersed in the anime’s world” and “being moved by Okinawa’s natural beauty.”
Particularly at Azama Sunsan Beach, reviews include “I could completely recreate the scene from Episode 1” and “Sitting in the pavilion watching the sea, it feels like I could hear Kukuru and Hikari’s conversation,” showing that engaging memories of the work remain.
For Nirai Kanai Bridge, many assessments are “The scenery was more beautiful than the anime” and “The view from the observation deck is a must-see,” revealing how the actual landscape’s splendor further enhances the anime’s appeal.
On the other hand, practical opinions noting “moving around is difficult with few buses” and “the summer heat is beyond imagination” point out the importance of advance planning.
About the Gama Gama Aquarium Memorial
In 2022, a “Gama Gama Aquarium Memorial” was installed in Nanjo City. As part of collaboration between the work and Nanjo City, it has attracted attention among fans as a new holy site.
The memorial bears the work’s illustration and message, becoming a popular commemorative photography spot for holy land pilgrimage. The exact location can be confirmed at Nanjo City tourism information.
About Marine Life Appearing in the Work
“Shiroi Suna no Aquatope” features diverse marine life that becomes an important element of the story. Penguins, dolphins, sea turtles, tropical fish, and other organisms that can actually be seen in Okinawa’s sea and aquariums are carefully depicted.
Visiting Churaumi Aquarium allows you to actually see many marine creatures that appeared in the work, deepening understanding of the characters’ work. Particularly, the large tank where whale sharks swim allows you to experience the work’s worldview.
Conclusion
A pilgrimage to the holy sites of “Shiroi Suna no Aquatope” is a wonderful journey allowing you to experience Okinawa’s beautiful nature and culture. Centering on Nanjo City, visiting the numerous real locations featured in the anime such as Azama Sunsan Beach, Nirai Kanai Bridge, Hyakuna Beach, and Chinen Cape Park will deepen your understanding and affection for the work.
When planning a pilgrimage, rental car use is recommended, though major holy sites are also visitable by route bus. Confirming the schedule in advance and planning with adequate time is key to success.
Okinawa’s beautiful sea, rich nature, and warm encounters with people are the world depicted in the anime itself. Through the work, rediscovering Okinawa’s charm and experiencing it in person allows you to pursue the emotion Kukuru and Hikari felt.
Holy land pilgrimage is not mere tourism but a special experience connecting the work, the region, and fans with one another. Enjoy the world of “Shiroi Suna no Aquatope” to the fullest while touching the beautiful landscapes and culture of Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture.
