Complete Guide to BanG Dream! Series Pilgrimage Sites in Tokyo
BanG Dream! is a comprehensive media mix project developed by Bushiroad, spanning anime, games, live performances, and more. Within Tokyo, where the series is set, there are numerous pilgrimage sites that fans will want to visit at least once.
This article provides detailed introductions to pilgrimage sites in Tokyo that appear in the BanG Dream! series, organized by band. Please use this as a complete guide covering actual locations, access methods, and photography tips.
What is BanG Dream! Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage refers to fan activities involving visits to real locations that appear in anime, manga, and other works. BanG Dream! features many real streets and facilities in Tokyo, allowing fans to experience the world of the series in reality.
The Appeal of Pilgrimage
- Immerse yourself in the world of the series: By actually seeing the scenery from the anime, you can experience the sensation of being in the same space as the characters
- New discoveries: You can discover attention to detail and the production team’s intentions that you wouldn’t notice just from watching the series
- Interaction with fellow fans: Meet other fans at pilgrimage sites, enjoy exchanging information and socializing
- Contributing to the community: Pilgrimage also contributes to regional revitalization, building good relationships between the series and local areas
Poppin’Party Sites
Poppin’Party is the central band in BanG Dream!, and many locations in Tokyo serve as activity bases for protagonist Kasumi Toyama and her friends.
Ekoda Area (Nerima Ward)
Ekoda is one of the main settings of BanG Dream!. The used bookstore that served as the model for “Ryuseido” in the series and the scenery around the school the characters attend are recreated here.
Main pilgrimage spots:
- Around Ekoda Station: You can feel the atmosphere of the shopping district that appears in the anime
- Ekoda no Mori Park: The park used in scenes where characters gather
- Shopping street in front of the station: Street scenes that frequently appear in daily life scenes
Access: Immediately after exiting “Ekoda Station” on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line
Shimokitazawa Area (Setagaya Ward)
Shimokitazawa, known as a music town, plays an important role in the series as a base for band activities.
Main pilgrimage spots:
- Around Shimokitazawa Station: An area where live houses gather, where you can strongly feel the atmosphere of the series
- Shopping district: Appears in scenes such as characters visiting music stores
- Small theater and live house district: Influences the series as the center of band culture
Access: Exit at “Shimokitazawa Station” on the Odakyu Line or Keio Inokashira Line
Kichijoji Area (Musashino City)
Kichijoji is also an important area appearing in BanG Dream!. The characters’ daily lives are depicted here, including Inokashira Park.
Main pilgrimage spots:
- Inokashira Park: Especially beautiful during cherry blossom season, the setting for important scenes in the series
- Around Kichijoji Station: Appears in shopping scenes
- Sun Road Shopping Street: Streets where characters walk
Access: Exit at “Kichijoji Station” on the JR Chuo Line or Keio Inokashira Line
Roselia Sites
Roselia is a popular band with gothic costumes and authentic performances. Pilgrimage sites related to them are characterized by urban and sophisticated locations.
Shinjuku Area
Shinjuku appears as a place where Roselia members are active, as the center of Tokyo.
Main pilgrimage spots:
- Around Shinjuku Station: Frequently appears as a background for urban scenes
- High-rise building district: The area where the building that served as the model for Yukina Minato’s apartment is located
- Shinjuku Gyoen: Sometimes used in quiet scenes
Access: Exit at “Shinjuku Station” on JR and private railway lines
Roppongi/Akasaka Area
A central area of the city that matches Roselia’s upscale image.
Main pilgrimage spots:
- Around Roppongi Hills: Appears as an urban background
- Near Akasaka Sacas: Many media-related facilities match the series’ worldview
Access: Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line “Roppongi Station”, Chiyoda Line “Akasaka Station”, etc.
Afterglow Sites
An area depicted as the hometown of Afterglow members, who formed the band as childhood friends.
Nakano Area
Nakano is known as a subculture mecca and is one of Afterglow’s activity bases.
Main pilgrimage spots:
- Nakano Broadway: The center of subculture
- Around Nakano Station: Shopping streets that appear in daily life scenes
- Around Nakano Sunplaza: Appears in the background as a landmark
Access: Exit at “Nakano Station” on the JR Chuo Line
Pastel*Palettes Sites
Pilgrimage sites related to the idol-type band Pastel*Palettes feature many glamorous locations.
Harajuku/Omotesando Area
Harajuku, the center of fashion and pop culture, is perfect for Pastel*Palettes’ image.
Main pilgrimage spots:
- Takeshita Street: Appears in the series as a fashion street
- Omotesando: Used in photo shoots and shopping scenes
- Around Meiji Shrine: As a background for quiet scenes
Access: Exit at “Harajuku Station” on the JR Yamanote Line, or “Meijingumae Station” on Tokyo Metro
Shibuya Area
Shibuya, the center of youth culture, is also an important setting.
Main pilgrimage spots:
- Shibuya Scramble Crossing: Appears as a place symbolizing Tokyo
- Center-gai: In shopping scenes
- Around Shibuya 109: As a fashion mecca
Access: Exit at “Shibuya Station” on JR and private railway lines
Hello, Happy World! Sites
Hello Happy World is a bright and fun band, associated with amusement parks and theme parks.
Asakusa Area
Asakusa, where tradition and modernity merge, symbolizes Hello Happy World’s diversity.
Main pilgrimage spots:
- Asakusa Hanayashiki: Influences the series as Japan’s oldest amusement park
- Nakamise Street: A lively shopping street
- Sensoji Temple: In the background as a Tokyo tourist attraction
Access: Exit at “Asakusa Station” on Tokyo Metro Ginza Line or Toei Asakusa Line
Odaiba Area
Odaiba, where entertainment facilities gather, is also a related spot.
Main pilgrimage spots:
- Palette Town: Colorful facility complex
- Odaiba Seaside Park: An open location
- DiverCity Tokyo: Shopping and entertainment
Access: Yurikamome “Odaiba-Kaihinkoen Station”, etc.
RAISE A SUILEN Sites
Pilgrimage sites related to hard rock band RAS are closely connected to live house culture.
Koenji Area
Koenji, where many live houses gather, is a mecca for indie bands.
Main pilgrimage spots:
- Around Koenji Station: Numerous live houses scattered throughout
- Koenji Junjo Shopping Street: Shopping street with a retro atmosphere
- Vintage clothing district: A treasure trove of rock fashion
Access: Exit at “Koenji Station” on the JR Chuo Line
Morfonica Sites
Pilgrimage sites for Morfonica, which has classical elements, center on cultural facilities.
Ueno Area
Ueno, where cultural facilities gather, matches Morfonica’s musicality.
Main pilgrimage spots:
- Around Tokyo University of the Arts: The center of classical music
- Ueno Park: Area where cultural facilities gather
- Ameyoko: Shopping street where diverse cultures mix
Access: Exit at “Ueno Station” on the JR Yamanote Line
Precautions for Pilgrimage
When enjoying pilgrimage, please pay attention to the following points.
Follow Etiquette
- Do not enter private property without permission: Unauthorized entry to schools, residences, and other private property is strictly prohibited
- Be mindful of noise: Act quietly in residential areas
- Take your trash home: To keep pilgrimage sites beautiful, always take your trash with you
- Follow traffic rules: Don’t let photography interfere with traffic
Consideration When Photographing
- In places that don’t interfere with passersby: Be considerate of surroundings in crowded areas
- Get permission for photography inside stores: Always check with staff before photographing inside stores
- Be careful when using tripods: Use of tripods may be restricted in public places
Coexistence with Local Communities
- Use local shops: When on pilgrimage, use local restaurants and shops to contribute to the local economy
- Respect local rules: Follow rules and etiquette specific to each region
- Have a sense of gratitude: Don’t forget to be grateful to the communities that provide pilgrimage sites
Efficient Pilgrimage Plans
Here are model plans for efficiently visiting BanG Dream! pilgrimage sites in Tokyo.
1-Day Course: Seibu Line Tour
Morning: Around Ekoda Station (Poppin’Party related)
- Visit spots within walking distance of Ekoda Station
- Time required: 2-3 hours
Afternoon: Kichijoji/Inokashira Park
- Lunch at Inokashira Park
- Walk around Kichijoji Station area
- Time required: 3-4 hours
1-Day Course: Central Tokyo Tour
Morning: Shibuya/Harajuku Area (Pastel*Palettes related)
- Walk through Takeshita Street and Omotesando
- Time required: 2-3 hours
Afternoon: Shinjuku/Nakano Area
- After lunch in Shinjuku, move to Nakano
- Visit Nakano Broadway
- Time required: 3-4 hours
Weekend 2-Day Course
Day 1: Experience Live House Culture
- Shimokitazawa → Koenji → Nakano
- Tour the live house districts in each area
Day 2: Sightseeing Tour
- Asakusa → Ueno → Odaiba
- Pilgrimage while enjoying sightseeing
Useful Apps and Tools for Pilgrimage
Map Apps
- Google Maps: For basic location confirmation
- Butai Meguri: An anime pilgrimage-specific app that allows you to compare location information with series scenes
Using Social Media
- Twitter/X: Check latest information with hashtag “#バンドリ聖地巡礼”
- Instagram: Discover new spots from other fans’ posts
Transportation IC Cards
- Suica/PASMO: Essential for getting around Tokyo. Charge in advance
Enjoying by Season
Spring (March-May)
- Cherry blossoms at Inokashira Park: Recreate the impressive cherry blossom scenes from the series
- Walking in parks with fresh greenery: The climate is good, making it the ideal season for pilgrimage
Summer (June-August)
- Odaiba night views: Odaiba summer nights are especially beautiful
- Focus on indoor spots: As a heat countermeasure, focus on shopping streets and indoor facilities
Autumn (September-November)
- Autumn foliage spots: Autumn colors at Ueno Park and Inokashira Park are at their peak
- Cultural festival season: While remembering cultural festival scenes from the series
Winter (December-February)
- Illuminations: The season when illuminations in Shibuya, Shinjuku, etc. are beautiful
- Warm restaurant tours: In cold weather, relax at cafes and restaurants around pilgrimage sites
Pilgrimage and Merchandise Collection
During BanG Dream! pilgrimage, you may be able to obtain limited merchandise in various locations.
Collaboration Cafes and Shops
In Tokyo, BanG Dream! collaboration cafes and shops sometimes open for limited periods. Check the official website and social media for the latest information.
Animate and Gamers
Animate and Gamers in Akihabara and other locations throughout the city have a wide selection of BanG Dream! merchandise.
Main stores:
- Animate Akihabara Main Store
- Gamers Akihabara Main Store
- Animate Ikebukuro Main Store
Tokyo as a Live Venue
Many BanG Dream! real-life concerts are also held in Tokyo.
Main Live Venues
- Nippon Budokan: Classic venue for large-scale concerts
- Tokyo Garden Theater: Latest music facility in Ariake
- Toyosu PIT: Ideal for medium-scale concerts
- Zepp Tokyo/DiverCity: Live houses in Odaiba
When concerts are held, the areas around venues also become busy as pilgrimage spots.
BanG Dream! Official Facilities and Events
Bushiroad Creative Studio
Bushiroad-related facilities that handle BanG Dream! are located in Tokyo. Special exhibitions and merchandise sales may be held during events.
Limited-Time Events
Limited-time events related to characters and bands, such as birthday events and anniversary events, are held in various locations throughout Tokyo.
Accommodation and Access
Accommodation information for those visiting from afar for pilgrimage.
Recommended Accommodation Areas
- Shinjuku: Good access to various parts of the city
- Ikebukuro: Convenient for Seibu Line access
- Shibuya: Center of youth culture where you can enjoy the nightlife
- Ueno: Convenient for cultural facility tours and relatively reasonable accommodation costs
Transportation Passes
- Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Ticket: Unlimited rides on city subways for 24 hours (600 yen)
- Toei Marugoto Ticket: Unlimited rides on Toei Subway, buses, and trams for one day (700 yen)
- JR Tokyo Metropolitan Area Pass: Unlimited rides on JR Yamanote Line area for one day (760 yen)
How to Record Your Pilgrimage
Photography Tips
- Find the same angle: Shooting from the same composition as anime scenes makes comparison enjoyable
- Match the time of day: Visiting at the same time of day as scenes in the series creates more atmosphere
- Value the sense of season: Visiting during the same season as in the series enhances immersion
Sharing on Social Media
Share photos you’ve taken on social media and interact with other fans.
Recommended hashtags:
- #バンドリ
- #バンドリ聖地巡礼
- #BanGDream
- #ポピパ聖地
- #ロゼリア聖地
Creating a Pilgrimage Notebook
Creating a pilgrimage notebook recording places visited, dates and times, and impressions adds to the enjoyment of looking back later.
Summary: To Maximize Your BanG Dream! Pilgrimage Experience
BanG Dream! series pilgrimage in Tokyo is a valuable opportunity to actually experience the worldview of the series. Diverse areas exist matching each band’s character, and there are new discoveries no matter how many times you visit.
When enjoying pilgrimage, follow etiquette and don’t forget to be considerate of local residents. And above all, it’s important to go on pilgrimage with love for the series and a sense of gratitude.
Using this guide as a reference, please enjoy your own BanG Dream! pilgrimage journey. By actually walking the roads the characters walked, your understanding and attachment to the series will deepen even further.
In Tokyo, there are still many hidden pilgrimage sites that are not yet well known. While checking official information and fan community information, enjoy the pleasure of finding your own pilgrimage sites.
Please fully enjoy the special experience woven by the world of BanG Dream! and the streets of Tokyo!
