Girls und Panzer: Das Finale – Complete Guide to Ibaraki Prefecture Pilgrimage Sites [2025 Latest Edition]
Oarai Town in Ibaraki Prefecture is nationally known as the sacred pilgrimage site for “Girls und Panzer: Das Finale” (commonly known as GuP). Even now, more than 10 years after the anime’s initial broadcast, it continues to create a unique landscape where the local community and anime/manga/game culture merge, attracting many fans as a pilgrimage destination for 2D works.
Das Finale Episode 4 was released in October 2023, and Episode 5’s screening is scheduled for 2026. We thoroughly explain the appeal of pilgrimage to the stage of this ever-evolving work alongside its actual scenery, organized by area.
The Stage of Girls und Panzer: What is Oarai Town, Ibaraki Prefecture?
The Deep Connection Between the Work and Oarai Town
The stage of “Girls und Panzer” is Oarai Town, Higashiibaraki District, Ibaraki Prefecture. The Oarai Girls Academy attended by the protagonists is located in a city on the deck of a giant school carrier ship, with Oarai Port set as its home port.
The work features many actual locations in Oarai Town, including shopping streets, shrines, beaches, and the town hall, making the area hold special meaning as a “sacred site” for anime fans. This work has attracted national attention not merely as an anime pilgrimage site but as a successful case of regional revitalization.
New Pilgrimage Spots Appearing in Das Finale
Das Finale introduces new pilgrimage spots different from the TV series and theatrical version. Particularly from Episode 2 onward, more detailed regional depictions appear, including small alleys, shops, and coastal scenery within Oarai Town, diversifying the ways to enjoy pilgrimage.
With the release through Episode 4, the list of pilgrimage spots has become even more extensive. A culture of sharing new “discoveries” has taken root among fans.
Off to Oarai! Access Methods and Transportation
Access by Train
From Tokyo Area
- Approximately 70 minutes to “Mito Station” on JR Joban Line (using limited express)
- Transfer to Kashima Rinkai Railway Oarai Kashima Line at Mito Station
- Approximately 15 minutes to “Oarai Station”
The Appeal of Kashima Rinkai Railway
The Kashima Rinkai Railway arriving at Oarai Station is itself special for GuP fans. Character panels and posters are displayed throughout the station, allowing visitors to experience the pilgrimage atmosphere from the moment of arrival.
Access by Car
- Approximately 15 minutes from “Mito-Oarai IC” on Joban Expressway
- Approximately 20 minutes from “Mito-Minami IC” on Kita-Kanto Expressway
Public transportation is recommended during weekends and events like the Oarai Anglerfish Festival when parking lots become congested.
Oarai Station: The Starting Point for Pilgrimage
Oarai Station is the gateway to pilgrimage. The station building itself appears in the work, and life-size character panels including Nishizumi Miho are installed in front of the station.
Items to Obtain at the Station
- Pilgrimage map (free distribution at tourist information center)
- GuP collaboration railway stamp (popular as souvenir)
- Limited goods (station shop)
Sacred Site Map: Complete Guide by Area
Oarai Town’s pilgrimage spots can be broadly classified into five areas. To tour efficiently, understand the characteristics and representative spots of each area.
❶ Oarai Station Area
Main Spots
Oarai Station Building
- Appearing episodes: TV Series Episode 1, Das Finale Episode 1
- Highlights: Station building exterior, station front rotary
- Photo point: Angle looking up at station building from front
Oarai Station Shopping Street Entrance
- Stage of the scene where Nishizumi Miho and others first walk through Oarai town
- Numerous character panels installed
- Restaurants also abundant nearby
Tourist Information Center
- Essential stop for pilgrimage
- Latest pilgrimage map distribution
- GuP goods sales
- Stamp rally sheets available
❷ Shopping Street Area
Oarai’s shopping streets are the most frequently appearing area in the work. Many private shops display GuP-related decorations and sell goods, with the entire town functioning as an anime pilgrimage site.
Magarimutsu Shopping Street
Stage of numerous famous scenes, including where Nishizumi Miho and others walked while eating crepes.
- Sakanaya Honten: Treasure trove of anglerfish and GuP goods
- Onuki Shoten: Character panel installation shop
- Morita Suisan: Sells seafood and GuP goods
Characteristics of Each Store
Each store in the shopping street features different characters as their “favorites.” Character panels and tank panels are installed at storefronts, valuing interaction with fans.
Oarai Maiwai Market
- Market with fresh seafood
- Permanent GuP goods corner
- Dining space to enjoy local cuisine
GuP Café “Panzer Vor”
- Must-visit collaboration café for GuP fans
- Menu inspired by characters
- Interior decorated with work-related goods
❸ Oarai Sun Beach Area
Coastal scenery is one of GuP’s important stages. Particularly in Das Finale, many everyday beach scenes are depicted.
Oarai Sun Beach
- Appearing episodes: TV Series Episode 4, Das Finale Episode 2
- Highlights: Vast sandy beach, coastal scenery
- Best season: Swimming in summer, quiet pilgrimage possible other times
Oarai Marine Tower
- View of entire Oarai Town from 60m observation deck
- GuP Gallery annexed
- Can overview townscape appearing in Das Finale battle scenes
Oarai Seaside Station
- Shopping mall also familiar to locals
- Oarai GuP Gallery (permanent exhibition facility)
- Well-stocked goods shops and restaurants
- Optimal for obtaining latest goods
❹ Outlet Area
Oarai Resort Outlet
- Commercial facility appearing in the work
- Limited-time GuP collaboration shop openings
- Convenient as rest spot during pilgrimage
Nearby Attractions
- Oarai Wakuwaku Science Museum (near Aqua World Ibaraki Prefectural Oarai Aquarium)
- Shiosaino-yu (day-trip hot spring facility)
❺ Oarai Town Hall Area
Oarai Town Hall
- Appearing episodes: TV Series Episode 10, Das Finale Episode 1
- Appears in work as tankery tournament operations headquarters
- Character panels installed in front of building
- Tourism section provides GuP-related information
Oarai Isosaki Shrine
One of the most popular pilgrimage spots. Stage of the famous scene where Anglerfish Team and Pravda High School tanks rush down the stone steps in an exhibition match.
- Kamiiso Torii: Torii gate standing on coastal rocks is Oarai’s symbol
- Stone steps: Photography possible in same composition as the work
- Shrine grounds: Numerous GuP ema votive tablets dedicated
- Goshuin: GuP collaboration temple stamps also popular
Photography Points
- Early morning worship recommended (avoid crowds, beautiful sunrise photos)
- Angle looking down from top of stone steps optimal for recreating the work
- Low tide is best timing for photographing Kamiiso Torii
Pilgrimage Report: Actually Making the Tour
One-Day Model Course
Morning (9:00-12:00)
9:00 Arrive at Oarai Station, obtain materials at tourist information center
9:30 Oarai Station area photography
10:00 Start shopping street exploration
11:00 Seafood lunch at Oarai Maiwai Market
Afternoon (12:00-17:00)
12:30 Worship and photography at Oarai Isosaki Shrine
14:00 Oarai Sun Beach area
15:00 Oarai Marine Tower/GuP Gallery tour
16:00 Goods purchase at Oarai Seaside Station
17:00 Dinner at shopping street
The Appeal of Oarai Experienced Through Pilgrimage
When actually visiting, there’s the excitement of seeing scenery from the anime spread before your eyes. Particularly impressive is the atmosphere of the entire region welcoming GuP.
In the shopping streets, shop owners kindly talk to visitors, sometimes teaching them “this scene was filmed here.” The warm interaction between the community and fans makes Oarai pilgrimage special.
Ways to Enjoy by Season
Spring (March-May)
- Cherry blossom season, beautiful shrine surroundings
- Pleasant climate optimal for walking pilgrimage
Summer (June-August)
- Swimming at Oarai Sun Beach
- Summer festival events held
- Heat countermeasures essential
Autumn (September-November)
- Oarai Anglerfish Festival (November): Largest GuP event
- May coincide with Das Finale new release timing
- Crowds inevitable but most exciting period
Winter (December-February)
- Anglerfish hot pot season
- Relatively fewer tourists, leisurely pilgrimage possible
- Thorough cold protection necessary
GuP Goods & Gourmet Information
Must-See GuP Goods
Oarai GuP Gallery (inside Oarai Seaside Station)
- Largest selection of latest goods
- Many limited items
- Original artwork exhibition corner
Original Goods from Shopping Street Stores
- Unique items from each store
- One-of-a-kind handmade items also
- Conversation with shop owners also part of the fun
Popular Goods Ranking
- Character acrylic stands
- Tank models (Oarai limited colors)
- Collaboration T-shirts
- Goshuin books (Oarai Isosaki Shrine)
- Stickers and pin badges
Oarai Gourmet: GuP and Anglerfish
Anglerfish Cuisine
Oarai’s winter specialty anglerfish cuisine is a must-eat even for non-GuP fans.
- Anglerfish hot pot: Provided at various restaurants (November-March)
- Anglerfish dobu-jiru: Characterized by rich flavor
- Fried anglerfish: Some shops provide year-round
GuP Collaboration Menu
- Tank curry: Provided at multiple restaurants
- Character cakes: Limited period at cafés
- GuP ramen: Popular shops in shopping street
Seafood Gourmet
Fresh seafood unique to a port town is also Oarai’s appeal.
- Seafood rice bowl
- Fresh whitebait rice bowl (spring-autumn)
- Grilled clams
- Oarai-produced dried fish
Stamp Rally & Event Information
Permanent Stamp Rally
Oarai Town conducts the “GuP Sacred Pilgrimage Stamp Rally” year-round.
How to Participate
- Obtain stamp rally sheet at Oarai Station tourist information center
- Collect stamps installed at various locations in town
- Completion reward: Original goods present
Stamp Installation Locations (partial)
- Oarai Station
- Oarai Town Hall
- Oarai Marine Tower
- Oarai Isosaki Shrine
- Various cooperating shops
Major Events
Oarai Anglerfish Festival (November)
- Large-scale event with over 100,000 visitors
- Talk shows by GuP voice actors
- Limited goods sales
- Itasha (anime-decorated car) exhibition
- Many cosplayers
GuP Das Finale Release Commemoration Events
- Held coinciding with new release
- Screenings, exhibitions, goods sales
- Details announced on official site
Kairaku Festa (summer)
- Event to enjoy summer Oarai
- Beach events, fireworks
- GuP collaboration projects also
Accommodation Facilities and Access Information
Accommodation in Oarai Town
Oarai Hotel
- Long-established seaside hotel
- GuP collaboration rooms available (limited period)
- Hot spring facilities equipped
Oarai Park Hotel
- Location overlooking Pacific Ocean
- Abundant anglerfish cuisine plans
Guesthouses/Guest Houses
- Homey atmosphere
- Some accommodations provide services for GuP fans
- Relatively reasonable
Precautions During Large Events Like Anglerfish Festival
During large events, accommodations become fully booked months in advance.
Countermeasures
- Early reservations (3-6 months prior)
- Consider accommodations in nearby cities like Mito
- Day trip plans also an option
Pilgrimage Etiquette and Manners
Consideration for Local Residents
While Oarai Town is a tourist destination, it is also a living space for locals.
Manners to Observe
- No unauthorized entry onto private property
- Avoid loud voices and noise early morning/late night
- Always take garbage with you
- Support local community through shopping and dining in shopping streets
- Check surroundings for safety when photographing
Photography Precautions
- Consider not obstructing traffic when photographing on roads
- Ask permission before photographing in front of shops
- Don’t forget consideration for other tourists and fans
- Be careful with location information when posting on SNS
To Protect the “Sacred Site”
Oarai’s GuP pilgrimage site exists because of the good relationship between fans and the community. Each person’s manners contribute to preserving this special place for the future.
How to Obtain Latest Information
Official Information Sources
Girls und Panzer: Das Finale Official Site
- Latest episode release information
- Event announcements
- Goods information
Oarai Town Tourism Association Official Site
- Event calendar
- Latest pilgrimage map version
- Accommodation and gourmet information
Oarai Town Chamber of Commerce SNS
- Twitter/X: @oarai_info
- Real-time event information
- Latest store information
Fan Community
Latest pilgrimage information can be shared through various SNS hashtags.
- #GuPPilgrimage
- #OaraiPilgrimage
- #GuPDasFinale
Summary: The Appeal of GuP Pilgrimage
GuP pilgrimage to Oarai Town, Ibaraki Prefecture, is an experience beyond simply visiting anime locations. The excitement of seeing scenery from the work with your own eyes, warm interactions with local people, bonds with fellow fans who love the same work. Here in Oarai is a special place where all these elements merge.
Until Das Finale concludes, and even afterward, the story of Oarai and GuP will continue. Each visit brings new discoveries, and the town of Oarai shows different expressions with each season.
Please visit this sacred site once, or many times. The moment scenery seen in the anime spreads before your eyes, you too can become part of the GuP world.
Panzer Vor! The ultimate pilgrimage experience awaits in Oarai.
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Access Information Summary
- Address: Oarai Town, Higashiibaraki District, Ibaraki Prefecture
- Nearest station: Kashima Rinkai Railway “Oarai Station”
- Car: Approximately 15 minutes from “Mito-Oarai IC” on Joban Expressway
- Tourist information: Inside Oarai Station, Oarai Town Hall
- Official site: Oarai Town Tourism Association https://www.oarai-info.jp/
*Information is current as of 2025. Please confirm latest information before visiting.
