Girls Band Cry Kanagawa Prefecture Pilgrimage Guide –

Girls Band Cry Complete Kanagawa Prefecture Pilgrimage Guide | Thorough Explanation of All Anime Setting Spots

What is Girls Band Cry

“Girls Band Cry” (ガールズバンドクライ) is an original animation work broadcast in 2024. Produced by Toei Animation, this music anime depicting the youth and struggles of girls who come to Tokyo to pursue band activities has captured the hearts of many fans.

The story centers on the protagonist Nina, who leaves her hometown and comes to Tokyo, where she meets unique members and forms the band “Togenashi Togenari.” The work’s major features include realistic psychological portrayals, powerful live scenes, and carefully depicted background art of real cityscapes.

The main setting of this work is primarily the area centered around Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture. The production team actually conducted location scouting on-site and faithfully incorporated real landscapes and buildings into the work. For this reason, it has attracted attention among anime fans as a target for “seichi junrei” (pilgrimage to sacred sites), and many fans have visited Kanagawa Prefecture since the broadcast.

Why Kanagawa Prefecture Was Chosen as the Setting

There are several reasons why Kanagawa Prefecture, especially Kawasaki City, was chosen as the setting for “Girls Band Cry.”

First, Kawasaki City is a town with its own culture and history while maintaining good access to central Tokyo. As a place where people from rural areas first live after coming to Tokyo, and as a base for young people starting music activities, it provides a very realistic setting.

The area around Kawasaki Station is well-equipped with commercial facilities and youth culture is deeply rooted. There are many live houses and music studios, and it’s actually an area where indie band activities are thriving. This aspect as a “music town” is considered to have been ideal as the setting for a band anime.

Additionally, Kawasaki City is adjacent to Tokyo across the Tama River and has a unique landscape where urban and suburban areas coexist. The contrast between the station area lined with high-rise buildings and residential neighborhoods a bit removed is also effectively used as a background symbolizing the protagonists’ emotional states.

Sacred Site Spots Around Kawasaki Station

Kawasaki Station East Exit

Kawasaki Station East Exit is an important location that appears many times in the work. In the scene where protagonist Nina first sets foot in Kawasaki, the station ticket gates and East Exit rotary are depicted in detail.

The exterior of the large commercial facility “Lazona Kawasaki Plaza” in front of the station also appears in the work, used as background for scenes where members go shopping or dining. When actually visiting, you can take photos from the angles seen in the anime, and many pilgrims enjoy commemorative photography.

Access Information:

Immediately upon exiting JR Tokaido Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Nambu Line “Kawasaki Station”
About 5 minutes walk from Keikyu Main Line “Keikyu Kawasaki Station”

Kawasaki Station West Exit / Around Muza Kawasaki

On the Kawasaki Station West Exit side is the music hall “Muza Kawasaki Symphony Hall.” While there are few direct appearance scenes in the work, it is sometimes depicted in the distant view as architecture symbolizing Kawasaki as a music town.

The West Exit pedestrian deck and station plaza also appear in scenes where members meet up. The West Exit rotary scene at dusk is particularly one of the work’s memorable moments.

Kawasaki Ginryugai / Kawasaki Ginza Street

“Ginryugai,” the shopping street extending from Kawasaki Station East Exit, is a historic shopping street retaining Showa-era atmosphere. In the work, it appears in scenes where members search for music stores or browse vintage clothing shops.

The unique atmosphere of the arcade street and the appearance of distinctive shops lined up are faithfully recreated, and actually walking through allows you to feel the work’s worldview more deeply. The nighttime Ginryugai landscape with neon lights lit particularly overlaps with the work’s nostalgic atmosphere.

Sacred Site Spots Along the Tama River

Tama River Riverbank

The Tama River riverbank is one of the most important sacred sites in “Girls Band Cry.” It appears many times as the setting for important scenes where members practice or talk together.

Especially from the Kawasaki side riverbank, you can see the building clusters on the opposite Tokyo side, and this landscape is impressively depicted in the work. The Tama River at dusk is effectively used as beautiful background reflecting the protagonists’ emotions.

Recommended Visit Times:

Evening (16:00-18:00): Sunsets are beautiful, easy to recreate scenes from the work
Early morning (6:00-8:00): Few people, can enjoy quiet atmosphere

Tamagawa Ohashi Bridge

Tamagawa Ohashi Bridge and its surroundings also appear multiple times in the work. Scenes looking down at the river from the bridge and members conversing at the foot of the bridge are depicted.

From the bridge sidewalk, you can enjoy views of the Tama River in both upstream and downstream directions, and on clear days, you can even see Mt. Fuji in the distance. This open scenery also seems to symbolize the protagonists’ emotional liberation.

Access Information:

About 15 minutes walk from JR Nambu Line “Yakou Station”
Bus use also possible from Kawasaki Station

Live Houses and Music Spots in Kawasaki City

Club Citta Kawasaki

“Club Citta Kawasaki,” a representative live house of Kawasaki, is considered one of the models for the live houses appearing in the work. It’s actually a sacred site where many bands perform live, becoming an important element supporting the work’s realism.

In the work, there are scenes where the exterior is depicted as the large live house that Togenashi Togenari aims for. When actually visiting, you can feel its presence and passion for music.

Facility Information:

Address: 5-7 Ogawa-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: About 5 minutes walk from JR Kawasaki Station East Exit
Note: Interior viewing not possible except during live events

Small-Scale Live Houses and Music Studios

Small-scale live houses and music studios are scattered around Kawasaki Station. The studio where the protagonists practice in the work and the small live house where they perform for the first time are presumed to be modeled on these actual facilities.

Especially in mixed-use buildings at the East Exit, multiple music studios are housed, bustling with young people actually doing band activities. The existence of this “real music scene” enhances the work’s persuasiveness.

Residential Area and Living Zone Sacred Sites

Residential Areas in Kawasaki City

The exteriors of apartments and share houses where the protagonists live, and the surrounding residential neighborhood scenery, are also modeled on actual places in Kawasaki City. Particularly, alleys in residential areas a bit away from Kawasaki Station and areas lined with old apartments appear in the work.

These casual everyday landscapes are important elements supporting the work’s realism. When making pilgrimages, it’s necessary to consider that these are residential areas and be careful not to inconvenience residents.

Convenience Stores and Shops

The work also features many everyday places such as convenience stores where members gather late at night and music stores where they buy guitar strings. Rather than specific stores, these recreate the atmosphere of general stores that actually exist in Kawasaki City.

Other Sacred Site Candidates in Kanagawa Prefecture

Yokohama Direction

While Kawasaki is central in the work, Yokohama direction scenery is also believed to appear in some scenes. Particularly seaside landscapes and urban cityscapes may incorporate Yokohama elements.

Keikyu Line Stations

Stations and interior scenes on the Keikyu Line also appear in the work. In movement scenes from Kawasaki Station toward Yokohama or Tokyo, Keikyu Line’s characteristic red trains are depicted.

Effective Ways to Tour Sacred Sites

One-Day Model Course

Morning (10:00-12:00):

Start from JR Kawasaki Station East Exit
Explore around Lazona Kawasaki
Walk through Ginryugai and Ginza Street
Location photography around the station

Lunch (12:00-13:00):

Lunch at restaurants around Kawasaki Station

Afternoon (13:00-16:00):

Move toward Tama River (bus or on foot)
Explore Tama River riverbank
Around Tamagawa Ohashi Bridge
Explore residential area (observe etiquette)

Evening (16:00-18:00):

Around Kawasaki Station West Exit
Photograph twilight station scenery
Around Club Citta Kawasaki (exterior only)

Half-Day Course

If time is limited, it’s recommended to focus on the two areas of around Kawasaki Station and Tama River riverbank. From the station to Tama River is about 30 minutes on foot, or 10-15 minutes accessible by bus.

Access and Transportation Information

Access from Tokyo Direction

Train:

JR Tokaido Line: Tokyo Station to Kawasaki Station about 18 minutes
JR Keihin-Tohoku Line: Shinagawa Station to Kawasaki Station about 10 minutes
Keikyu Main Line: Shinagawa Station to Keikyu Kawasaki Station about 10 minutes

Car:

About 5 minutes from Shuto Expressway Kanagawa Route 1 Yokohane Line “Kawasaki IC”
Parking: Multiple coin parking lots around the station

Access from Yokohama Direction

Train:

JR Tokaido Line: Yokohama Station to Kawasaki Station about 8 minutes
Keikyu Main Line: Yokohama Station to Keikyu Kawasaki Station about 8 minutes

Transportation Within the City

The following transportation methods are convenient for moving around Kawasaki City:

City buses: Cover wide range from Kawasaki Station to Tama River direction
Walking: Main spots around the station are within walking distance
Bicycle: Rental bicycle services also available

Pilgrimage Etiquette and Precautions

Basic Etiquette

When enjoying sacred site pilgrimages, observe the following etiquette:

Consideration in residential areas: Don’t talk loudly, avoid extended stays
Photography etiquette: No trespassing on private property without permission, be considerate not to include others in photos
Take trash with you: Keep visited places clean
Observe traffic rules: When photographing on sidewalks, be careful not to obstruct traffic
Etiquette in commercial facilities: Get permission for photography in stores, avoid extended stays without purchases

Consideration for Residents

Many sacred sites in Kawasaki City are places where people actually live. Especially in residential areas and shopping streets, it’s important to respect local residents’ daily lives.

Avoid early morning and late night visits
Don’t enter private property or residential premises
Refrain from large group activities
Be mindful of noise

Photography Precautions

When using tripods, choose locations that don’t obstruct traffic
Many places within commercial facilities prohibit photography, so check in advance
Be considerate not to include other tourists or locals in photos
When posting to SNS, don’t publish location information in too much detail

Surrounding Tourist Spots and Gourmet Information

Kawasaki City Tourist Spots

Tourist spots in Kawasaki City to visit along with sacred site pilgrimages:

Kawasaki Daishi:

One of the three great Kanto temples, famous as New Year’s visit spot
About 10 minutes from Kawasaki Station on Keikyu Daishi Line

Kawasaki City Museum:

Exhibits art, history, and folk materials
Accessible by bus from Musashi-Kosugi Station

Lazona Kawasaki Plaza:

Large shopping mall
Ideal for breaks and shopping

Recommended Gourmet

Kawasaki City has diverse restaurants:

Kawasaki Gourmet Characteristics:

Abundant multinational cuisine (especially Korean and Chinese)
Many izakaya and ramen shops around the station
Many reasonably priced establishments

Recommended Areas:

Restaurant district at Kawasaki Station East Exit
Long-established diners in Ginryugai and Ginza Street
Restaurant floors in Lazona Kawasaki

Seasonal Highlights

Spring (March-May)

Cherry blossoms bloom on the Tama River riverbank, also popular as a flower viewing spot. Visiting during spring scenes from the work allows you to feel the work’s worldview more.

Summer (June-August)

Summer festivals and events are sometimes held at Tama River. However, heat countermeasures are essential. Early morning or evening visits are recommended.

Autumn (September-November)

Comfortable climate, ideal season for sacred site pilgrimages. The twilight Tama River scenery is especially beautiful, perhaps the time when you can feel the work’s atmosphere most.

Winter (December-February)

Clear air makes distant views clearer. Illuminations around Kawasaki Station are also highlights. Visit with proper cold weather preparations.

Methods for Recording Pilgrimages

Photo Tips

Points for taking photos recreating scenes from the work:

Find the same angle: While comparing with scene photos from the work, find the same angle
Match the time of day: Visit at the same time period as scenes in the work—morning, afternoon, evening
Consider the season: Visiting at the same season as in the work brings the atmosphere closer

Sharing on SNS

When sharing sacred site pilgrimage records on SNS:

Utilize hashtags like “#GirlsBandCry” “#SeichiJunrei”
Enjoy interaction with other fans
Be considerate about spoilers in posts
Be cautious about publishing location information (especially for residential areas)

Background Knowledge to Enjoy the Work More

How to Watch the Work

Before sacred site pilgrimages, it’s recommended to watch or rewatch the work. Confirming locations appearing in each episode makes pilgrimages more fulfilling.

Related Products and Goods

Official goods and soundtracks also help you taste the work’s worldview more deeply. Some may be available at anime shops around Kawasaki Station.

Fan Communities

By exchanging information with other fans on SNS and fan sites, you can discover new sacred site spots and obtain information about efficient pilgrimage routes.

Significance and Enjoyment of Sacred Site Pilgrimages

Sacred site pilgrimages are not just about visiting work locations, but acts of understanding the work’s worldview more deeply and reflecting on the creators’ intentions and protagonists’ emotions.

By actually walking through the town of Kawasaki, you can feel the anxiety and expectations of the protagonists who came to Tokyo, and emotions like challenges in new environments, more intimately. Feeling the wind on the Tama River riverbank while remembering scenes where they talked together—such experiences are the real pleasure of sacred site pilgrimages.

It also becomes an opportunity to rediscover the charm of the actual town of Kawasaki City. You can realize that the town you learned about through anime actually has rich culture and history, and is a place where many people live.

Future Developments and Changes to Sacred Sites

As long as “Girls Band Cry” remains popular, Kawasaki City’s attention as a sacred site will also increase. In the future, official collaboration events and tie-ups with local shopping streets are also anticipated.

On the other hand, sacred sites are also “living places.” There’s also the possibility that scenery from the work may change due to redevelopment or store turnover. That’s precisely why visiting now and recording current scenery has meaning.

Summary: To Fully Enjoy Girls Band Cry Sacred Site Pilgrimages

Sacred site pilgrimages for “Girls Band Cry” in Kanagawa Prefecture are concentrated in a compact area centered around Kawasaki Station and Tama River riverbank, fully enjoyable even in one day. Access from central Tokyo is also good, making it ideal for first-time sacred site pilgrimages.

When visiting, it’s important to remember consideration for local residents and enjoy while observing etiquette. Pilgrimaging with love for the work and respect for the actual town will make the experience more fulfilling.

A journey tracing the protagonists’ trajectory while feeling the atmosphere of the town of Kawasaki—it should be a special experience that brings deeper understanding of the work and new discoveries. Please use this article as reference to plan your own sacred site pilgrimage.

Kawasaki, a town where stories of music, youth, and girls pursuing dreams live. Why not overlay your own story within that landscape?