Bocchi the Rock! Complete Tokyo Pilgrimage Guide [Thorough Explanation of Shimokitazawa, Shinjuku, and Ochanomizu]
“Bocchi the Rock!” is an anime series that aired in 2022, telling the story of Gotoh Hitori, who suffers from extreme social anxiety, as she meets the members of Kessoku Band and grows. Various locations throughout Tokyo that served as settings for the series are known as pilgrimage spots visited by many fans.
This article provides detailed introductions to pilgrimage spots in Tokyo, centered around Shimokitazawa, along with access methods, photography points, and precautions during pilgrimages. By actually visiting the live houses where Kessoku Band performed and the places where members spent their daily lives, you can experience the world of the series more deeply.
Basic Information for Bocchi the Rock! Pilgrimages
Overview of the Series and Settings
The main setting of “Bocchi the Rock!” is Shimokitazawa in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo. This town, alive with music and culture, is depicted as the central location of the story, where the live house “STARRY,” Kessoku Band’s base, is located.
In addition to Shimokitazawa, various areas throughout Tokyo appear in the series, including Shinjuku, Ochanomizu, Shin-Koenji, and Shindaita. Kanazawa-Hakkei and Enoshima in Kanagawa Prefecture are also depicted as important settings, with many pilgrimage sites easily accessible for Tokyo residents.
Planning and Preparation for Pilgrimages
To efficiently visit pilgrimage sites in Tokyo, we recommend organizing routes by area. The Shimokitazawa area alone requires half a day to a full day, and including Shinjuku and Ochanomizu, an ideal time allocation is one to two days.
Essential items include a smartphone (with saved anime scene images), camera, map app, and mobile battery. Also, wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the season.
Shimokitazawa Area Pilgrimage Spots
Around Shimokitazawa Station
Shimokitazawa Station | Odakyu Line Ticket Gate
Shimokitazawa Station is an important spot that appears many times in the series. The Odakyu Line ticket gate area is memorably depicted in scenes where Hitori visits Shimokitazawa. The station’s atmosphere is very similar to the actual location and anime, allowing you to feel as if you’ve entered the world of the series.
Access: Odakyu Line/Keio Inokashira Line “Shimokitazawa Station”
Photography Point: Taking photos from directly in front of the ticket gate gives you the same angle as the anime. However, be careful not to obstruct pedestrians.
Shopping Streets Around Shimokitazawa Station South Exit
The shopping streets extending from Shimokitazawa Station’s south exit appear many times in scenes where members walk. This area, lined with distinctive vintage clothing stores, general goods shops, and cafes, is a place where you can feel the authentic Shimokitazawa atmosphere.
Live Houses and Music-Related Spots
Shimokitazawa SHELTER (Model for STARRY)
The model for the live house “STARRY,” Kessoku Band’s base, is the actual live house “Shimokitazawa SHELTER.” It is the most important setting in the series and a central pilgrimage site visited by many fans.
Address: Senda Building B1F, 2-6-10 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Exterior Features: The exterior of STARRY depicted in the anime faithfully recreates SHELTER’s building. Details such as the stairs leading underground and the atmosphere of the signage match the series.
Precautions: As this is an operating live house, only photograph the exterior and be careful not to interfere with business operations. Extra caution is needed during live events.
Alley Next to ADRIFT
The alleys around STARRY also appear in the series. The alley next to ADRIFT (a vintage clothing store) is used in scenes where members converse, and is a spot with an authentic Shimokitazawa atmosphere.
The narrow, intricate alleys of Shimokitazawa’s streets are an important element forming the series’ worldview.
Around Village Vanguard Shimokitazawa Store
The area around Village Vanguard Shimokitazawa, which sells distinctive general goods and books, is also an area that appears in the series. It is one of the stores symbolizing Shimokitazawa, known as a mecca of subculture.
Parks and Outdoor Spots
Matsunoki Children’s Playground
Matsunoki Children’s Playground is a park that appears in important scenes, such as scenes where Hitori practices alone. Though a small park, it is an unmissable spot for series fans.
Address: 3-18-11 Daizawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Access: About 7 minutes walk from Shimokitazawa Station
Features: A quiet park in a residential area where the arrangement of playground equipment and trees matches the anime. You can sit on benches and recall scenes from the series.
Manners: As this is a park used by local children, be considerate by not making noise and not occupying it for long periods.
Donguri Hiroba Park
A park that appears in scenes where members gather. Its lush greenery colors the series’ daily life scenes.
Address: 3-16-22 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Access: About 10 minutes walk from Shimokitazawa Station
Photography Points: The park entrance area and around the benches are angles that appear in the anime.
Shimokita Senkogai Open Space
Shimokita Senkogai is a complex facility utilizing the former Odakyu Line railway tracks. The open space area that appears in the series is a spot where you can feel the modern charm of Shimokitazawa.
Address: Around 2-33 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Features: A green, open space with cafes and shops. It’s also ideal as a rest spot.
Other Shimokitazawa Spots
Tree Motif Mural
This mural became famous as the location where Kessoku Band’s artist photos were taken. This wall with tree motifs has become a popular spot where many fans take commemorative photos.
Note: There is information that this mural may be lost due to building redevelopment. We recommend checking the latest information before visiting.
Around “Geki” Small Theater
Shimokitazawa is also known as a theater town, with many small theaters. The atmosphere around small theaters is also depicted in the series, allowing you to feel Shimokitazawa’s cultural aspects.
Around Izakaya “Kokera”
Shimokitazawa’s restaurant district also appears in the series. The area around izakaya “Kokera” is used in scenes expressing nighttime Shimokitazawa atmosphere.
Detailed Spots Like Vending Machines and Stairs
In the series, specific vending machines and stairs are also carefully depicted as backgrounds. Finding these detailed spots is one of the pleasures of pilgrimage.
Shinjuku Area Pilgrimage Spots
Shinjuku LOFT
Shinjuku LOFT is an important setting where Kessoku Band performs on a large stage. The performance scenes at the large-scale live house depicted in the series are memorable as one of the story’s climaxes.
Address: Tatehana Building B2F, 1-12-9 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access: About 5 minutes walk from JR “Shinjuku Station” East Exit, about 3 minutes walk from Seibu Shinjuku Line “Seibu-Shinjuku Station”
Exterior Features: Located in the heart of Kabukicho, it’s a full-scale live house in the basement of a building. The exterior and entrance stairs are faithfully recreated in the anime.
About the Interior: The interior of the live house cannot be viewed outside of event participation as it is in operation. By actually watching a live performance, you can experience scenes from the series more deeply.
Around Shinjuku Station
Shinjuku Station and the surrounding downtown area also appear in the series. Scenes depicting Hitori’s nervousness in the hustle and bustle of the big city create an impressive contrast with Shimokitazawa.
Photography Points: The crowds at Shinjuku Station East Exit and the plaza in front of Alta are areas that appear in the series.
Ochanomizu Area Pilgrimage Spots
Around Ochanomizu Station
Ochanomizu is famous as a musical instrument store district and appears in the series in scenes such as purchasing guitars. It’s a fitting setting for a music-themed work.
Access: JR Chuo Line/Sobu Line “Ochanomizu Station”, Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line “Ochanomizu Station”
Musical Instrument Store District
Along Meidai-dori in Ochanomizu, numerous musical instrument stores line the street. This area, where you can find instruments needed for bands such as guitars, basses, and drums, is an important spot where you can feel the series’ worldview.
Major Musical Instrument Stores:
- Ishibashi Music
- Kurosawa Music
- Shimokura Musical Instruments
- Disk Union Ochanomizu Station Store (used instruments)
The exterior and interior atmosphere of musical instrument stores depicted in the series reference actual Ochanomizu music stores.
Hijiri Bridge
Hijiri Bridge near Ochanomizu Station is known as a beautiful arch bridge. It appears as a background scene in the series and is a spot where you can enjoy Ochanomizu’s characteristic scenery.
Photography Points: The view from the bridge and angles looking up at the bridge are recommended.
Other Tokyo Pilgrimage Spots
Shin-Koenji Area
The area around Shin-Koenji Station also appears in the series. Residential area atmospheres and shopping streets are depicted as settings for daily life scenes.
Access: Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line “Shin-Koenji Station”
Shindaita Area
Shindaita Station attracted attention for appearing in the end card of the anime’s final episode. It’s the station next to Shimokitazawa, characterized by a quiet residential atmosphere.
Access: Keio Inokashira Line “Shindaita Station” (one stop from Shimokitazawa Station)
Highlights: The station building exterior and surrounding residential areas match the scenery depicted in the end card.
Efficient Pilgrimage Route Suggestions
One-Day Course: Shimokitazawa Concentration Plan
Duration: About 6-8 hours
- Shimokitazawa Station (Odakyu Line ticket gate) – 9:00
- Shimokitazawa SHELTER exterior – 9:30
- Alley next to ADRIFT, shopping street exploration – 10:00
- Matsunoki Children’s Playground – 11:00
- Lunch (Shimokitazawa cafes/restaurants) – 12:00
- Donguri Hiroba Park – 13:30
- Shimokita Senkogai Open Space – 14:00
- Tree Motif Mural (Artist Photo Spot) – 15:00
- Around Village Vanguard – 15:30
- Shopping street souvenir hunting – 16:00
This course efficiently covers major spots in the Shimokitazawa area.
Two-Day Course: Complete Tokyo Conquest Plan
Day 1: Shimokitazawa/Shindaita Area
- Morning: Around Shimokitazawa Station, SHELTER, shopping streets
- Afternoon: Park tour, Shimokita Senkogai, artist photo spot
- Evening: Move to Shindaita Station, explore station area
Day 2: Shinjuku/Ochanomizu Area
- Morning: Ochanomizu Station, musical instrument district, Hijiri Bridge
- Afternoon: Move to Shinjuku, Shinjuku LOFT exterior, around Shinjuku Station
- Evening: Shin-Koenji (if time permits)
This course covers almost all major pilgrimage sites in Tokyo.
Half-Day Course: Shimokitazawa Highlights
Duration: About 3-4 hours
- Shimokitazawa Station – 13:00
- Shimokitazawa SHELTER exterior – 13:15
- Matsunoki Children’s Playground – 14:00
- Tree Motif Mural – 15:00
- Cafe break at Shimokita Senkogai – 15:30
This is a course selecting must-see spots for those with limited time.
Manners and Precautions During Pilgrimages
Basic Manners
As the popularity of “Bocchi the Rock!” pilgrimages grows, official warnings about manners have been issued. Pay attention to the following points.
Consideration in Residential Areas:
- Don’t make loud noise
- Avoid early morning/late night visits
- Don’t enter private property without permission
- Always take your trash with you
Photography Precautions:
- Photograph in locations that don’t obstruct pedestrians
- Be considerate not to capture faces
- Avoid prolonged occupation of locations
- Judge tripod use based on surrounding conditions
Operating Facilities:
- Don’t interfere with live house or shop operations
- Only photograph exteriors, don’t photograph interiors without permission
- Be considerate of staff and other customers
Precautions When Using Parks
Matsunoki Children’s Playground and Donguri Hiroba Park are public facilities used by local children.
- Don’t occupy playground equipment for long periods
- Prioritize children’s play
- Follow park rules
- Don’t forget consideration for nearby residents
Consideration When Posting on Social Media
When posting pilgrimage photos on social media, pay attention to the following points.
- Don’t include information that could identify pedestrians or nearby residents
- Refrain from publishing detailed exact addresses
- Avoid posts that encourage bad manners
- Be careful with location information handling
Background Knowledge to Enjoy the Series More
About Kessoku Band
Kessoku Band consists of four members: Gotoh Hitori (Bocchi-chan), Ijichi Nijika, Yamada Ryo, and Kita Ikuyo.
Members and Their Instruments:
- Gotoh Hitori: Guitar (Guitar Hero)
- Ijichi Nijika: Drums (Band Leader)
- Yamada Ryo: Bass
- Kita Ikuyo: Guitar/Vocals
The main axis of the series is their process of gradually improving their skills while being based at STARRY.
Appeal of Songs and Music in the Series
One of the great appeals of “Bocchi the Rock!” is its authentic band sound. Songs performed in the series are actually played and recorded by professional musicians.
Main Songs:
- “Seishun Complex”
- “Guitar to Kodoku to Aoi Wakusei”
- “Korogaru Iwa, Kimi ni Asa ga Furu”
- “Wasurete Yaranai”
- “Karakara”
Paying attention to the lyrics deepens your understanding of the series, as they express characters’ emotions and growth.
The Appeal of Shimokitazawa
The reason Shimokitazawa was chosen as the setting lies in the unique culture this town possesses.
Shimokitazawa’s Characteristics:
- Music town: Concentration of numerous live houses
- Theater town: Many small theaters, a hub of subculture
- Vintage clothing/general goods town: Distinctive shops line the streets
- Diversity of restaurants: Wide variety from cafes to izakayas
By learning about Shimokitazawa’s appeal through the series and actually visiting, you can experience its cultural atmosphere.
Useful Information for Pilgrimages
Access Information Summary
Access to Shimokitazawa:
- Odakyu Line: About 7 minutes express from Shinjuku
- Keio Inokashira Line: About 5 minutes express from Shibuya
Access to Shinjuku:
- Tokyo’s largest terminal station with JR lines and various private railways
Access to Ochanomizu:
- JR Chuo/Sobu Lines: About 6 minutes from Tokyo Station
- Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line: About 15 minutes from Shinjuku
Nearby Accommodations
When conducting pilgrimages over multiple days, hotels around Shimokitazawa or Shinjuku are convenient.
Shimokitazawa Area:
- Many guesthouses and hostels, reasonably priced
- Distinctive accommodations scattered throughout
Shinjuku Area:
- Wide selection from large hotels to budget hotels
- High access convenience
Recommended Restaurants
Enjoy Shimokitazawa’s gourmet food during your pilgrimage breaks.
Cafes:
- Numerous distinctive cafes
- Coffee and sweets for breaks
Lunch:
- Curry shops, ramen shops, set meal restaurants, and more
- Mainly reasonable price range
Dinner:
- Izakayas, bars, ethnic cuisine, etc.
- Restaurants where you can eat while listening to music
Related Goods and Souvenirs
Shimokitazawa also has stores selling anime goods.
- Village Vanguard: Anime-related goods
- Used bookstores: Manga and anime magazines
- Music shops: CDs, records
For official series-related goods, we recommend purchasing at specialty stores like Animate.
Visit Kanagawa Prefecture Pilgrimage Sites Together
After visiting pilgrimage sites in Tokyo, also visit pilgrimage sites in Kanagawa Prefecture.
Kanazawa-Hakkei
Kanazawa-Hakkei is the setting for Hitori’s home and one of the series’ important settings.
Access: Keikyu Line “Kanazawa-Hakkei Station” (about 40 minutes from Shinagawa)
Highlights:
- Shopping streets around the station
- Residential area atmosphere
- Parks with ocean views
Enoshima
Enoshima, which appears in episodes where band members visit, is also a popular tourist spot.
Access: Odakyu Line “Katase-Enoshima Station” (about 65 minutes from Shinjuku)
Highlights:
- Enoshima Bridge
- Coastal scenery
- Around Enoshima Shrine
Combined with Tokyo pilgrimage sites, we also recommend planning a 2-day/1-night or 3-day/2-night pilgrimage trip.
Summary: Experience the Series World Through Pilgrimage
“Bocchi the Rock!” Tokyo pilgrimage allows you to visit diverse areas centered on Shimokitazawa, including Shinjuku and Ochanomizu. Each location holds important scenes from the series, and by actually visiting, you can understand the story more deeply.
Pilgrimage sites unique to this music-themed work are scattered throughout, including live houses starting with Shimokitazawa SHELTER, parks where members spent time, and Ochanomizu lined with musical instrument stores.
When conducting pilgrimages, don’t forget consideration for local residents and facilities, and enjoy while following manners. Recognize that official warnings have been issued and it’s important to maintain moderate behavior.
A pilgrimage following Kessoku Band’s trajectory while discovering Shimokitazawa’s cultural appeal and Tokyo’s diverse expressions. Please use this guide to plan your own pilgrimage. With love for the series and respect for the region, please enjoy a wonderful pilgrimage journey.