Goodbye My Cramer Saitama Sacred Sites Complete Guide: Thorough Explanation of the Warabi and Saitama City Stages
“Goodbye My Cramer,” a girls’ soccer manga by Naoji Shinkawa, is a youth sports story centered in Warabi City, Saitama Prefecture. With the broadcast of a television anime in 2021 and the release of the theatrical film “Goodbye My Cramer First Touch,” various locations in Saitama Prefecture that serve as the story’s setting have garnered attention as sacred sites.
This article provides detailed introductions to real locations featured in the anime and manga, and thoroughly explains Saitama sacred site pilgrimage information, from efficient pilgrimage routes to ways to enjoy the experience like a local.
What is Goodbye My Cramer? The Work’s Appeal and Setting
“Goodbye My Cramer” is a girls’ soccer manga serialized in Monthly Boys’ Magazine from June 2016 to January 2021. The story is set at the fictional “Warabi Seinan High School” where the protagonist Noda Nozomi studies, depicting the members of the girls’ soccer club “Warabies” aiming for national championship.
A major characteristic of the work is its faithful reproduction of real Warabi City, Saitama Prefecture. Known as Japan’s smallest city, Warabi has a history of prosperity as a post town on the Nakasendo route and is also famous as the birthplace of the coming-of-age ceremony. Author Naoji Shinkawa carefully researched Warabi’s streets and incorporated them into the work.
The anime version aired from April to June 2021, with the theatrical film “Goodbye My Cramer First Touch” released on June 11 of the same year. The film adapts “Goodbye Football,” which depicts Noda Nozomi’s middle school years, and features landscapes from Kawaguchi and Warabi cities.
Major Sacred Sites in Warabi City, Saitama Prefecture
JR Warabi Station Area
JR Warabi Station, the gateway to Warabi City, is an important location that appears multiple times in the work. Scenes of the main characters, including Noda Nozomi, using the station for their commute are depicted, and the station’s surroundings are faithfully reproduced in the anime.
The area around the station features a shopping street with a sense of local life. It’s an ideal base for pilgrimage, with many sacred sites within walking distance.
Kawaguchi-Warabi Overpass Area
The area around the Kawaguchi-Warabi overpass appears in anime episode 2 as a place where Noda Nozomi and others walk. Located near the border between Warabi and Kawaguchi cities, this overpass symbolizes the daily scenes of the characters.
Near the overpass is a bicycle parking area where photos can be taken from the same angle as shown in the anime. Since the area has heavy traffic, please exercise caution for safety when photographing.
Warabi High School (Model School)
Saitama Prefectural Warabi High School is believed to be the model for “Warabi Seinan High School” that appears in the work. The school building’s exterior and surrounding atmosphere are reflected in the work, making it a place with special significance for fans.
However, as an actual educational facility, unauthorized entry to the grounds is strictly prohibited. It’s best to view the exterior from a distance and be considerate not to disturb students and staff.
Warabi Citizens Sports Hall
The Warabi Citizens Sports Hall is an official sacred site location where commemorative stamp seals are available. It was selected as part of the “88 Japanese Anime Sacred Sites Worth Visiting (2025 Edition)” by the General Incorporated Association Anime Tourism Association, showing that Warabi City officially supports sacred site pilgrimage.
The facility also hosts actual soccer and futsal practice, allowing visitors to experience the world of the work. Stamps can be pressed during facility operation hours.
Warakubi Shrine
Warakubi Shrine, related to the origin of Warabi’s name, is a spot where you can feel the region’s history. It’s also designated as a checkpoint for sacred site pilgrimage walking events, making it recommended for both work fans and those interested in local history.
The area around the shrine is a quiet residential neighborhood where you can enjoy Warabi’s everyday scenery. When visiting, please follow proper shrine etiquette.
Coming-of-Age Ceremony Origin Monument
Warabi City is known as the “birthplace of the coming-of-age ceremony,” having held Japan’s first such ceremony. A monument is placed in the city, making it a worthwhile stop alongside sacred site pilgrimage.
This monument is also a checkpoint in the sacred site pilgrimage walking event, positioned as a place to learn about Warabi’s history and culture.
Seven-Eleven Saitama Kuragura 5-chome Store
The convenience store near the high school depicted in anime episode 1 is Seven-Eleven Saitama Kuragura 5-chome. Appearing as the setting for everyday scenes, it’s an important location that conveys the characters’ daily lives.
The actual store continues to operate, and photography from the same angles as the anime is possible. However, be mindful not to disturb the store or other customers while photographing.
Sacred Sites in Saitama City
Saitama Stadium 2002
Known as the sacred site of Japanese soccer, Saitama Stadium 2002 appears as an important setting in the work’s ending and the final volume of the manga. Particularly in manga volume 14, the full view of the stadium and adjacent second ground are depicted throughout, functioning as a fitting climactic location for the story about aiming for the top of women’s soccer.
This is Japan’s largest dedicated soccer stadium with a capacity of 63,700 and serves as the home stadium of J-League’s Urawa Red Diamonds. Stadium tours and surrounding strolls are possible even on non-match days.
Saitama Stadium Second Ground
The second ground adjacent to the main stadium is depicted in detail in the manga’s final volume. Used for actual women’s soccer matches and practice, it’s a spot where you can realistically experience the work’s world.
The area around the stadium is developed as a park, with people enjoying walks and jogging. It’s also recommended to walk while searching for scenes that appear in the work.
Sacred Sites in Kawaguchi City (First Touch Related)
The theatrical film “Goodbye My Cramer First Touch” depicts the protagonist Noda Nozomi’s middle school years, with numerous Kawaguchi City landscapes appearing. Adjacent to Warabi City, Kawaguchi is one of Saitama’s most populated cities and is ideal for visiting in conjunction with Warabi.
The film faithfully reproduces schools and streetscapes in Kawaguchi, depicting Noda Nozomi’s struggles with the boys’ soccer club. The Kawaguchi-Warabi overpass area spans both cities and is an important spot appearing in both the anime main series and the film.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Model Courses
Half-Day Course (Warabi City Center)
Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours
- JR Warabi Station (starting point)
- Warabi Citizens Sports Hall (obtain commemorative stamp seal) – approximately 15 minutes on foot
- Warakubi Shrine – approximately 10 minutes on foot
- Coming-of-Age Ceremony Origin Monument – approximately 5 minutes on foot
- Kawaguchi-Warabi Overpass Area – approximately 15 minutes on foot
- Warabi High School Surroundings (exterior only) – approximately 10 minutes on foot
- JR Warabi Station (goal) – approximately 15 minutes on foot
This course allows you to efficiently visit major sacred sites in Warabi City and is a beginner-friendly route. Everything is within walking distance and lets you fully enjoy the charm of Warabi, Japan’s smallest city.
Full-Day Course (Warabi City + Saitama City)
Duration: Approximately 6-8 hours
Morning: Sacred site pilgrimage in Warabi (same as half-day course)
Lunch: Enjoy local cuisine around Warabi Station
Afternoon:
- Transfer by train from JR Warabi Station
- Transfer at Urawa Station
- Get off at “Urawa-Misono Station” on the Saitama Stadium Line – approximately 40 minutes
- Saitama Stadium 2002 – approximately 15 minutes on foot
- Explore around Saitama Stadium Second Ground
- Return from Urawa-Misono Station
This course covers all major locations in the work. Particularly for manga fans, Saitama Stadium, the setting of the final volume, is a must-see.
Walking Event Participation Course
Warabi City regularly holds “Goodbye My Cramer Sacred Site Pilgrimage Walking Events.” The first event was held in January 2022, with over 80 participants registering for the 100 available spots.
The official walking event offers benefits such as explanations by local guides and special access to normally restricted areas. Information about the latest events can be found on the official sites of the General Incorporated Association Warabi Nigiwai Machizukuri Federation and the Warabi Sayokura Support Group.
Access and Transportation Information
Access to Warabi City
By Train
- From Tokyo Station: Approximately 30 minutes on JR Keihin-Tohoku Line to Warabi Station
- From Shinjuku Station: Approximately 40 minutes via Omiya on JR Saikyo Line
- From Ikebukuro Station: Approximately 30 minutes on JR Saikyo Line with transfer at Akabane
JR Warabi Station is a stop on the Keihin-Tohoku Line, offering very convenient access from central Tokyo. Express trains do not stop here, so use local trains.
By Car
- Approximately 10 minutes from “Shinaisku IC” on Metropolitan Expressway Kawaguchi Line
- Approximately 15 minutes from “Kawaguchi-Nishi IC” on Tokyo Outer Ring Expressway
While Warabi City has multiple coin parking lots, the area around the station can get crowded, so public transportation is recommended.
Access to Saitama City (Saitama Stadium)
By Train
- Transfer from JR Musashino Line “Higashikawaguchi Station” to Saitama Rapid Railway, get off at “Urawa-Misono Station,” approximately 15 minutes on foot
- Transfer from JR Keihin-Tohoku Line “Urawa Station” to Saitama Rapid Railway, get off at “Urawa-Misono Station,” approximately 15 minutes on foot
On match days, shuttle buses may operate from Urawa-Misono Station.
By Car
- Approximately 20 minutes from “Urawa IC” on Tohoku Expressway
- Approximately 25 minutes from “Urawa-Minami IC” on Metropolitan Expressway Saitama-Omiya Line
The stadium has a large parking lot, but it often reaches capacity on match days, requiring advance confirmation.
Tips for Enjoying Sacred Site Pilgrimage Even More
Using the 2025 Edition Sacred Site Pilgrimage Map
In April 2025, the Warabi Sayokura Support Group completed the “Goodbye My Cramer・Warabi City Sacred Site Pilgrimage Map.” This map is linked with Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Google Maps, allowing easy access to sacred site information via smartphone.
With Google Maps integration, you can check the shortest route from your current location and travel time, enabling efficient pilgrimage planning. The SNS-linked feature also allows you to check posts and latest information from other pilgrims.
Combining with Local Cuisine
One pleasure of sacred site pilgrimage is enjoying local food. Warabi has a history as a post town on the Nakasendo, with many long-established restaurants remaining.
Around Warabi Station, there are various established eateries, ramen shops, and cafes. Enjoying local flavors during pilgrimage lets you experience the charm of Warabi more deeply.
Seasonal Ways to Enjoy
Warabi City hosts seasonal events, which combined with sacred site pilgrimage offer even richer experiences.
Spring: Cherry blossoms can be enjoyed in parks throughout the city.
Summer: The Warabi Citizens Festival showcases the area’s vitality.
Autumn: Warakubi Shrine surroundings are beautifully colored with fall foliage.
Winter: Special events may be held in January as the birthplace of the coming-of-age ceremony.
Photography Etiquette
Photography is a fun part of sacred site pilgrimage, but observe these rules:
- No unauthorized entry to private property: Especially careful around schools and residential areas
- Don’t obstruct traffic: Check surroundings when photographing on sidewalks or roads
- Get permission before photographing in stores: Ask staff at convenience stores and similar locations
- Respect residents’ lives: Avoid early morning or late night visits, and be mindful of noise
- Always take trash with you: Maintaining sacred sites is fans’ responsibility
Initiatives of Warabi Sayokura Support Group
The Warabi Sayokura Support Group is a community organization that supports WE League and women’s soccer through “Goodbye My Cramer.” They undertake various activities connecting the work and community, such as creating sacred site pilgrimage maps and hosting walking events.
Working with the General Incorporated Association Warabi Nigiwai Machizukuri Federation, they provide local recommendations and information for pilgrims. Their official website and SNS regularly update the latest event and sacred site information, so checking before your visit is recommended.
Connection with Women’s Soccer
“Goodbye My Cramer” uses women’s soccer as its subject, and watching actual women’s soccer matches deepens enjoyment of the work world.
Saitama Prefecture is home to “Omiya Ardija VENTUS,” a WE League team, with matches held at Saitama Stadium and NACK5 Stadium Omiya. When visiting sacred sites, checking match schedules and attending actual games is recommended.
High school girls’ soccer matches like the “Warabies” in the work are held at various Saitama schools. As a sacred site of high school soccer, Saitama offers many opportunities to watch high-level matches.
Significance of Anime Sacred Sites 88 Recognition
Warabi City, the setting of “Goodbye My Cramer,” was selected for the General Incorporated Association Anime Tourism Association’s “88 Japanese Anime Sacred Sites Worth Visiting (2025 Edition).”
This recognition is chosen through anime fan voting, certifying both the work’s popularity and the charm of the location as a sacred site. This designation has made Warabi widely known to anime fans nationwide and contributes to regional revitalization.
The commemorative stamp seal placed at Warabi Citizens Sports Hall can be collected as part of anime sacred sites 88 tours, making it an important spot for collectors visiting national sites.
Enjoying Differences Between Original Manga and Anime
For deeper enjoyment of sacred site pilgrimage, checking both original manga and anime versions is recommended.
The original manga concludes in 14 volumes, with particular detail given to Saitama Stadium 2002 and surroundings in the final volume. Due to time constraints, the anime omits some scenes and locations, so reading the manga can reveal new sacred sites.
Additionally, the theatrical film “First Touch” adapts “Goodbye Football,” depicting Noda Nozomi’s middle school years, with more detailed Kawaguchi City scenery. Covering all anime, theatrical film, and original manga allows broader and deeper sacred site exploration throughout Saitama.
Accommodation Information for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
For visits from distant areas or more leisurely pilgrimage, overnight stays are recommended.
Around Warabi Station: Several business hotels are within walking distance of Warabi Station. Though small in scale, they’re convenient as pilgrimage bases.
Around Kawaguchi Station: The adjacent station to Warabi has more hotel options. The location provides good access to sacred sites like the Kawaguchi-Warabi overpass.
Around Saitama City・Urawa Station: Considering access to Saitama Stadium, hotels around Urawa Station are options. As the prefectural capital, accommodations and restaurants are well-equipped.
Around Omiya Station: Omiya, Saitama’s largest terminal station, offers the most abundant hotel options. It’s very accessible to Warabi Station at approximately 15 minutes by train.
Money-Saving Ways to Enjoy Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Reducing Transportation Costs
Utilizing all-day pass tickets: When visiting widely across Saitama, JR East’s “Holiday Okodekake Pass” (2,720 yen for adults) is convenient. It allows all-day unlimited use of JR regular trains in the metropolitan area.
IC card point services: Registering for Suica or PASMO point services returns a portion of transportation costs as points.
Reducing Meal Costs
The Warabi Station area has many reasonably-priced set meal restaurants and chain establishments. Walking through the local shopping streets offers delicious affordable meals.
Purchasing light meals at convenience stores and picnicking in parks offers a unique sacred site pilgrimage experience.
Utilizing Free Spots
Most sacred sites in Warabi City are outdoor locations with no admission fees. Planning around free spots like Warakubi Shrine and the Coming-of-Age Ceremony Origin Monument allows comprehensive pilgrimage while controlling costs.
The Saitama Stadium area is also freely accessible for strolls on non-match days. While stadium tours are paid, the exterior and surrounding parks are free to enjoy.
Visiting Related Work Sacred Sites
Saitama Prefecture has many other anime and manga work sacred sites beyond “Goodbye My Cramer.” While visiting Saitama, combining other works’ sacred sites is recommended.
“Crayon Shin-chan”: Kasukabe City is the setting, located at a relatively close distance from Warabi.
“Lucky Star”: Washimiya Shrine (Kuki City) was a pioneering location in the anime sacred site pilgrimage boom.
“Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day”: Chichibu City is the setting and one of Saitama’s representative sacred sites.
Combining these sacred sites allows you to more broadly enjoy Saitama’s anime tourism.
Conclusion: The Appeal of Goodbye My Cramer Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Warabi City, Saitama Prefecture, the setting of “Goodbye My Cramer,” is a charming location where you can fully experience the work’s world despite being Japan’s smallest city. Sacred sites concentrated in the compact municipal area can be efficiently visited on foot.
With the completion of the 2025 edition sacred site pilgrimage map and recognition as an anime sacred site 88, the pilgrimage environment continues to improve. Active information sharing by local Warabi Sayokura Support Group and Warabi Nigiwai Machizukuri Federation provides strong support for pilgrims.
The inclusion of Saitama Stadium 2002, Japan’s soccer sacred site, allows sacred site pilgrimage linked with the work’s women’s soccer theme. Combining with actual women’s soccer viewing deepens work understanding and affection.
With excellent access from central Tokyo, Warabi can be enjoyed either as a day trip or overnight visit. As the historic post town on the Nakasendo and birthplace of the coming-of-age ceremony, it’s a city with profound depth.
Why not rediscover Saitama’s charm through “Goodbye My Cramer” sacred site pilgrimage? Walking Warabi’s streets where Noda Nozomi and friends rushed through will deepen your work affection further.
