Tsurikichi Sanpei Akita Prefecture Sacred Site Pilgrimage Complete Guide｜Yokote City Stage Spots and Access Information
“Tsurikichi Sanpei,” an immortal masterpiece by Takao Yaguchi, holds a special place for anime fans and fishing enthusiasts. Yokote City in Akita Prefecture, the setting of this work, is a destination worth visiting. This article comprehensively introduces the pilgrimage spots known as the sacred sites of Tsurikichi Sanpei in Yokote City, Akita Prefecture.
What is Tsurikichi Sanpei? The Appeal of the Work and Its Deep Connection to Akita Prefecture
“Tsurikichi Sanpei” is a masterpiece of fishing manga that was serialized in “Weekly Shonen Magazine” from 1973 to 1983. The work’s author, Takao Yaguchi, is from Masuda Town, Yokote City (now Yokote City), Akita Prefecture, and his native region’s abundant nature and fishing culture are deeply reflected in the work.
The protagonist Sanpei Sanpei lives with his grandfather Sanpei Ichihei in the mountainous regions of Akita Prefecture, where he develops exceptional talent for fishing. Through serious matches with various fish such as iwana, yamame, and black bass, his growth has moved many readers.
Yokote City in Akita Prefecture, which served as the setting for the work, is blessed with a rich natural environment and clear streams. The author’s own experiences and local scenery have been woven into the work, making it hold special meaning as a “sacred site” for fans.
In 2008, a live-action film was produced, with location filming conducted in Yokote City, Yuzawa City, Higashinaruse Village in Sugachi District, and Yurihonjo City, among other areas. This film adaptation renewed attention to the connection between the work and Akita Prefecture.
Recognized Sacred Sites: “88 Japanese Anime Sacred Sites Worth Visiting”
Yokote City in Akita Prefecture was selected as one of the “88 Japanese Anime Sacred Sites Worth Visiting” and has been officially recognized as a hub for anime tourism. This recognition is part of a project launched in 2017 by the Japan Anime Tourism Association, an effort to utilize locations associated with anime works as tourism resources.
Yokote Masuda Manga Art Museum and “Tsurikichi Sanpei no Sato” are registered as recognized spots, with official recognition plaques and memorial stamps installed at each facility. Collecting these stamps as a memento of your sacred site pilgrimage is one of the enjoyable aspects.
Yokote City as an anime sacred site attracts attention from domestic and international fans as a valuable place where you can experience the world of the work.
“Tsurikichi Sanpei no Sato” Experience Learning Hall｜Main Spot for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Facility Overview and History
“Tsurikichi Sanpei no Sato” Experience Learning Hall is a lodging experience and exchange learning facility that opened in June 2010 (Heisei 22). It was created by renovating the former Masuda East Elementary School, which was located in the Norohannai district of Masuda Town, Yokote City, and draws attention as a facility renovated from a closed school.
The facility retains the character of the school building while incorporating the world view of Tsurikichi Sanpei, creating a unique atmosphere that is its charm. Many Tsurikichi Sanpei-related exhibits and objects are installed within the facility, making it a space truly worthy of being called a sacred site for fans of the work.
Experiential Activities
The experience learning hall offers agricultural village experiences and outdoor activities. Specifically, the following activities can be enjoyed:
- Fishing Experience: Stream fishing for iwana and yamame and other freshwater fish is available at fishing ponds near the facility
- Nature Walks: Walk along maintained nature trails while experiencing the Akita scenery that appeared in the work
- Obstacle Course: Outdoor obstacle course facilities where both children and adults can enjoy physical activities
- Agricultural Experience: Seasonal agricultural work experience programs
- Lodging Experience: Lodging is available in rooms created by renovating school classrooms
Fishing experience in particular is a precious opportunity to experience the charm of fishing just like the work’s protagonist Sanpei. Equipment rental and instruction are provided so that even beginners can enjoy it with confidence.
Facility Information and Access
Location: 101 Nanakumageshita, Norohannai, Masuda Town, Yokote City, Akita Prefecture
Access Methods:
- Approximately 20 minutes by car from JR Jumonji Station
- Approximately 45 minutes by car from JR Yokote Station
- Approximately 30 minutes by car from Yokote IC on the Akita Expressway
Operating Hours and Fees:
Prior reservation is recommended for facility use. For details on lodging and experience programs, please contact the Yokote City official website or the facility directly.
Surrounding Environment:
The facility is located within the Tenkamoriyama Sports and Recreation Area, surrounded by abundant nature. Along Prefectural Route 274, signage and objects related to Tsurikichi Sanpei are scattered about, enhancing the atmosphere of sacred site pilgrimage.
Yokote Masuda Manga Art Museum｜Immerse Yourself in Takao Yaguchi’s World
Museum Features
The Yokote Masuda Manga Art Museum is known as Japan’s only manga art museum with “original artwork” on permanent display. The section dedicated to Takao Yaguchi is particularly comprehensive, with many original drawings and materials from Tsurikichi Sanpei on display.
At the museum, you can learn in detail about Yaguchi’s background, the background of the work’s creation, and his connection to Akita Prefecture. Being able to feel up close the delicate brushwork of the original artwork and the thoughts embedded in the work is a precious opportunity.
Exhibition Content and Highlights
Permanent Exhibitions:
- Takao Yaguchi artwork original collection
- Exhibits recreating famous scenes from Tsurikichi Sanpei
- Tools and materials used in work creation
- Introduction to other manga works set in Akita Prefecture
Special Exhibitions:
Special exhibitions are held regularly, featuring Tsurikichi Sanpei-related special collections and works by other renowned manga artists.
Experience Corner:
Manga creation experiences and workshops are held, allowing you to experience manga culture up close.
Access and Usage Information
Location: 285 Shinmachi, Masuda, Masuda Town, Yokote City, Akita Prefecture
Access:
- Approximately 10 minutes by car from JR Jumonji Station
- Approximately 25 minutes by car from JR Yokote Station
- Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Masuda Bus Stop
Opening Hours: Normally 9:00～17:00 (last admission 16:30)
Closed Days: Third Tuesday (if a national holiday, the following day), year-end and new year period
Admission:
- General: 800 yen
- High school students: 400 yen
- Junior high school students and younger: Free
(Fees may differ during special exhibitions)
The museum is also close to Masuda’s preserved townscape area, and visiting it in combination with a tour of the Important Traditional Building Preservation District is recommended.
Tenkamoriyama Sports Recreation Area｜Sacred Site in the Midst of Great Nature
Overview of the Area
Tenkamoriyama Sports Recreation Area is a vast natural park that forms the core of “Tsurikichi Sanpei no Sato.” It is packed with fully equipped spots that can be enjoyed throughout the seasons, making it ideal for visits by families and groups.
It is a place where you can discover new emotions together with friends and family under the big sky and in great nature, and is loved by local people as well.
Main Facilities and Activities
Fishing Ponds:
At fishing ponds stocked with iwana, yamame, and other stream fish, you can enjoy the atmosphere of authentic stream fishing. The fish you catch can be cooked and eaten on the spot.
Flower Tree Garden:
The flower tree garden, where beautiful flowers bloom with each season, is an ideal spot for walks and picnics. From cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, to autumn foliage, you can enjoy the natural beauty of each season.
Obstacle Course:
An obstacle course utilizing the natural terrain is set up where both children and adults can have fun.
Nature Trail:
Walking along maintained trails, you can experience Akita mountain scenery like that appearing in the work. Bird watching and forest bathing are also possible.
Campground:
With tent sites and bungalows set up, you can enjoy nature while lodging.
Seasonal Ways to Enjoy
Spring (March～May):
The season of new greenery that arrives with the snowmelt. The stream fishing season begins, and the activity of iwana and yamame increases.
Summer (June～August):
A season comfortable for activities in lush forests. Ideal for camping and river play.
Autumn (September～November):
A season of beautiful autumn foliage. The colors of Akita’s mountains are spectacular and perfect for photography.
Winter (December～February):
There are unique ways to enjoy winter, such as walking in snow scenery and snowshoeing.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Model Courses｜Efficient Ways to Explore
Day Trip Course (Duration: approximately 6～8 hours)
9:00 Yokote Masuda Manga Art Museum
Visit the museum early in the morning. You can view the exhibits leisurely while avoiding crowds. Duration: approximately 1.5～2 hours
11:30 Lunch in Masuda Town
Enjoy Akita local cuisine at a restaurant near the preserved townscape area of Masuda. Inaniwa udon and Yokote yakisoba are recommended.
13:00 Transfer to “Tsurikichi Sanpei no Sato” Experience Learning Hall
Approximately 20 minutes by car.
13:30 Experience Learning Hall and Tenkamoriyama Area Exploration
Enjoy facility exhibits, fishing experience, nature walks, etc. Duration: approximately 3～4 hours
17:00 Return
1 Night 2 Day Course (Deeper Experience of the Sacred Site)
Day 1
- 10:00 Yokote Masuda Manga Art Museum
- 12:00 Lunch in Masuda Town and townscape walk
- 14:00 “Tsurikichi Sanpei no Sato” Experience Learning Hall check-in
- 15:00 Fishing experience and nature walk
- 18:00 Dinner (cuisine using local ingredients)
- Evening: Star gazing and nighttime nature experience
Day 2
- 8:00 Morning walk
- 9:00 Breakfast
- 10:00 Check-out
- 10:30 Tour nearby fishing spots
- 12:00 Bathe and have lunch at local hot spring facility
- 14:00 Return
Nearby Fishing Spots
For those who want to enjoy authentic stream fishing like that appearing in the work, the following spots are also recommended:
- Naruse River: Clear stream where iwana and yamame inhabit
- Minase River: Fishing spot flowing through Yokote City
- Omonogawa River System: Major river where diverse fish species can be targeted
However, when fishing at these rivers, it is necessary to purchase a fishing license and confirm closed seasons. Check information at local fishing tackle shops or fishery cooperatives.
Access Methods and Detailed Transportation Information
Access by Public Transportation
From the Tokyo area:
- Transfer from the Tohoku Shinkansen to the Akita Shinkansen and get off at JR Yokote Station (approximately 3 hours 30 minutes)
- From Yokote Station, rent a car or take a taxi to each facility
From the Sendai area:
- Get off at JR Yokote Station on the Akita Shinkansen (approximately 2 hours)
- Or get off at JR Jumonji Station on local trains
Local Buses:
Bus routes serve Yokote City and the Masuda area, but the number of buses is limited, so advance confirmation of timetables is necessary.
Access by Automobile
From the Tokyo area:
- Via Tohoku Expressway～Akita Expressway to Yokote IC (approximately 6 hours)
- From Yokote IC to each facility approximately 20～30 minutes
From the Sendai area:
- Via Tohoku Expressway～Akita Expressway to Yokote IC (approximately 3 hours)
From Akita Airport:
- Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car
GPS Navigation Settings:
- Yokote Masuda Manga Art Museum: 285 Shinmachi, Masuda, Masuda Town, Yokote City, Akita Prefecture
- Tsurikichi Sanpei no Sato Experience Learning Hall: 101 Nanakumageshita, Norohannai, Masuda Town, Yokote City, Akita Prefecture
Car Rental Information
A car is most convenient for sacred site pilgrimage. Multiple car rental companies are available around JR Yokote Station and Akita Airport. During busy periods, reservations fill up quickly, so advance reservations are recommended.
Lodging Facilities and Recommended Hot Springs
Lodging Facilities Near the Sacred Site
“Tsurikichi Sanpei no Sato” Experience Learning Hall:
A precious facility where you can lodge at the sacred site itself. Lodging rooms created by renovating classrooms have a nostalgic atmosphere like a school field trip.
Hotels in Yokote City:
- Diverse options from business hotels to hot spring inns
- The area around Yokote Station is convenient with many restaurants
Inns and Minshuku in Masuda Town:
- Enjoy interaction with local people
- Taste Akita local cuisine
Nearby Hot Spring Facilities
Akita Prefecture is a treasure trove of hot springs. Here are hot spring facilities where you can soothe the fatigue of sacred site pilgrimage.
Yuppuru:
A day-use hot spring facility in Yokote City. Equipped with open-air baths and saunas.
Doroyu Hot Spring:
A secluded hot spring in Yuzawa City. Worth extending your trip for this famous spring.
Aki no Miya Hot Spring Area:
Hot spring area in Yuzawa City. Multiple hot spring inns with different mineral compositions to enjoy.
Masuda Hot Spring:
Hot spring facility in Masuda Town. Convenient location to visit after sacred site pilgrimage.
Tourist Spots in Yokote City, Akita Prefecture and Food Culture
Masuda Preserved Townscape Area
Masuda Town in Yokote City is designated as an Important Traditional Building Preservation District, with the merchant town streetscape continuing from the Edo period. What is distinctive is the “uchikura” (interior storehouse), traditional warehouses with elaborate decorations hidden from view outside.
Taking a walk here together with the manga museum allows deeper understanding of the historical background of Tsurikichi Sanpei.
Yokote Yakisoba
Yokote yakisoba is famous as a local specialty of Yokote City. It is characterized by thick straight noodles, sweet sauce, and a fried egg topping. There are numerous yokote yakisoba restaurants throughout the city, recommended for meals during sacred site pilgrimage.
Kamakura Festival
“Kamakura,” Yokote’s snow festival held every February, is a traditional event with approximately 450 years of history. If you visit during winter, timing your visit with this period offers a special experience.
Akita Local Cuisine
Kiritanpo:
Akita’s representative local dish made by mashing rice and rolling it around a stick before grilling. It can be enjoyed as a hot pot dish.
Inaniwa Udon:
A specialty product of southern Akita Prefecture. Hand-stretched production method creates smooth texture.
Iburi Gakko:
Pickled radish smoked over the fireplace hearth. Has a unique aroma and flavor.
Higo Jidori:
Akita’s representative local chicken. Can be enjoyed in kiritanpo hot pot or oyakodon.
Points for Enjoying Sacred Site Pilgrimage and Etiquette
Prior Preparation
Reviewing the Work:
Reading the original manga, anime, or live-action film beforehand makes sacred site pilgrimage more deeply enjoyable. In particular, reading relevant episodes from the original manga is recommended.
Confirming Reservations:
Lodging and experience programs at the experience learning hall may require advance reservation. Especially during weekends and holidays, expect crowding, so early reservations provide peace of mind.
Clothing and Items:
- Comfortable clothing and shoes (for nature walks and obstacle courses)
- Change of clothes for fishing experience
- Insect repellent spray (summer season)
- Rain gear (weather changes easily in mountainous areas)
- Camera (for recording memories)
Pilgrimage Etiquette
Consideration for Local Residents:
The sacred site is also the living space of local people. Avoid loud conversations and trespassing on private property.
Protection of Natural Environment:
The abundant nature is the source of the work’s appeal. Always take your trash with you and be careful not to harm flora and fauna.
Photography Etiquette:
Some areas within facilities may be off-limits for photography. Also be considerate so other visitors do not appear in your photos.
Fishing Rules:
When fishing in rivers, always purchase a fishing license and follow rules regarding closed seasons and size restrictions.
Ways to Enjoy Pilgrimage Economically
Circulation Passes and Discount Tickets:
Using circulation passes and discount tickets issued by tourism associations in Yokote City and Akita Prefecture allows economical touring of multiple facilities.
Point Services:
Take advantage of points from travel reservation sites and credit card points to reduce lodging and transportation costs.
Off-Season Visits:
Visiting outside tourist season sometimes lowers lodging costs. However, winter driving on snowy roads requires caution.
Event Information and Latest News
Regularly Held Events
Yokote City and “Tsurikichi Sanpei no Sato” host various events throughout the year.
Fishing Competitions:
Fishing competitions held near the experience learning hall. Open to participants from beginners to advanced.
Nature Experience Classes:
Nature observation meetings and agricultural experience programs held with the seasons.
Takao Yaguchi Memorial Special Exhibitions:
Special exhibitions held periodically at the Masuda Manga Art Museum.
How to Check Latest Information
Official Websites:
- Yokote City Official Tourism Website
- Masuda Manga Art Museum Official Website
- Tenkamoriyama Sports and Recreation Area Official Website
SNS:
Official SNS accounts for each facility provide event information and latest news regularly.
Tourism Associations:
Contacting the Masuda Town Tourism Association or Yokote City Tourism Association will provide detailed information.
Recording and Creating Memories of Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Photo Spots
Sanpei Statue in Front of Experience Learning Hall:
The Sanpei object at the facility entrance is a standard photo spot.
Signage Along Prefectural Route 274:
Tsurikichi Sanpei signage and objects scattered along the roadside must not be missed.
Fishing Pond Catch Photos:
Memorial photos with the fish you actually caught. Experience the feeling of the work’s protagonist.
Masuda Manga Art Museum Exhibits:
Photography of original artwork and displays in permitted areas.
Stamp Rally
You can collect official recognition stamps for the 88 Anime Sacred Sites and stamps original to each facility. Prepare a dedicated sheet to keep as a memento.
Sharing on SNS
When sharing memories of sacred site pilgrimage on SNS, utilizing hashtags like “#TsurikichSanpei,” “#AkitaPrefectureSacredSitePilgrimage,” and “#YokoteCity” allows connection with people sharing similar interests.
Conclusion: Have a Special Experience at the Sacred Site of Tsurikichi Sanpei
Yokote City in Akita Prefecture holds special meaning for Tsurikichi Sanpei fans. It is the hometown of the author Takao Yaguchi and the setting of the work, and the abundant nature that served as the story’s background still remains.
At “Tsurikichi Sanpei no Sato” Experience Learning Hall, you can experience the work’s world view while lodging and fishing. At Yokote Masuda Manga Art Museum, you can view precious original artwork. At Tenkamoriyama Sports and Recreation Area, you can enjoy activities in nature through the seasons.
Through sacred site pilgrimage, not only does your understanding of the work deepen, you also gain appreciation for Akita Prefecture’s abundant nature and culture, as well as meeting its warm people. Why not create unforgettable memories at the sacred site of Tsurikichi Sanpei in Yokote City, Akita Prefecture?
With advance preparation and consideration for the community in mind, enjoy a fulfilling sacred site pilgrimage. For all fans who love this work, Yokote City in Akita Prefecture is a special place well worth visiting.
