“If My Favorite Pop Star Made It to the Budokan, I Would Die” Okayama Prefecture Sacred Site Pilgrimage Guide Complete Edition
“If My Favorite Pop Star Made It to the Budokan, I Would Die” (commonly known as “Oshibudo”) is an anime adaptation based on a popular manga by Auri Hirao. This work, which depicts the relationship between underground idols and their fans from a unique perspective, is set in Okayama Prefecture, and many fans visit to make pilgrimage trips to sacred sites.
This article provides detailed introductions to sacred site pilgrimage spots within Okayama Prefecture, thoroughly explains efficient pilgrimage routes, access methods, and gourmet information in the surrounding areas.
“If My Favorite Pop Star Made It to the Budokan, I Would Die” Overview
Work Summary
“If My Favorite Pop Star Made It to the Budokan, I Would Die” tells the story of Maina Ichii, a member of the underground idol group “ChamJam,” and Nikako Shajin, known as “Eripyo,” her passionate fan. The work is characterized by its innovative structure, focusing on the perspective of the fan rather than the idol, with the TV anime airing from January to March 2020.
Why Okayama is the Setting
Author Auri Hirao is from Okayama Prefecture, so Okayama Prefecture was chosen as the setting for the story. Many actual buildings and landscapes in and around Okayama City appear in the work, making it a pilgrimage destination for not only local fans but anime fans from across the country.
Major Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spots in Okayama Prefecture
Around Okayama Station
Okayama Station
Okayama Station, which Eripyo uses multiple times in the story, serves as an important starting point for sacred site pilgrimage. The station interior and station plaza scenes appear multiple times, with the east exit scenery being particularly impressive.
Access Information:
- JR Sanyo Shinkansen, Sanyo Main Line, Ako Line, Tsuyama Line, and Kibi Line station
- Okayama Electric Tramway (streetcar) terminus
Aeon Mall Okayama
A shopping mall directly connected to Okayama Station, which served as the setting for scenes where characters enjoy shopping. The exterior and interior atmosphere of the actual building are faithfully recreated.
Business Hours: 10:00～21:00 (varies by store)
Address: 1-2-1 Shiroishi, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture
Omotechi Shopping Street and Hohkanden Shopping Street
Omotechi Shopping Street
An arcade shopping street approximately 900m long located in central Okayama City. In the work, it appears as the area around ChamJam’s live venue and depicts scenes of Eripyo and other fans gathering. The atmosphere of this historic shopping street is depicted carefully in the anime.
Access: Get off at “Kencho-dori” Station on the Okayama Electric Tramway, immediately nearby
Hohkanden Shopping Street
Located about 5 minutes on foot from Okayama Station’s west exit, this shopping street has a retro Showa era atmosphere. It appears in nighttime scenes in the work, with unique signage and streetscape being depicted impressively.
Features: Many unique shops retaining Showa-era atmosphere
Access: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from JR Okayama Station west exit
Around Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden
Okayama Castle (Crow Castle)
Okayama Castle, also called “Ujō” (Crow Castle) due to its black exterior, appears as a distant view in the work. As a representative tourist spot in Okayama, it is worth visiting alongside the sacred site pilgrimage.
Opening Hours: 9:00～17:30 (admission until 17:00)
Admission: Adults 400 yen, Elementary and Middle School Students 100 yen
Address: 2-3-1 Marunouchi, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture
Okayama Korakuen Garden
A special scenic spot counted among Japan’s three most famous gardens, adjacent to Okayama Castle. It appears as a background in the work and is depicted as a place symbolizing Okayama’s beautiful scenery.
Opening Hours: 7:30～18:00 (varies by season)
Admission: Adults 410 yen, High School Students and Below Free
Address: 1-5 Korakuen, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture
Around Asahigawa River and Kyobashi Bridge
Kyobashi Bridge
Kyobashi Bridge spanning the Asahigawa River served as the setting for important scenes in the work. The scenery and night view from the bridge are depicted beautifully, and many fans visit to take photographs.
Features: Excellent location overlooking the Asahigawa River and Okayama Castle
Access: Approximately 10 minutes on foot from “Kencho-dori” Station on the Okayama Electric Tramway
Other Important Spots
Live Houses and Event Venues
Several facilities in Okayama City served as models for the venues where ChamJam holds live performances in the work. Experiencing the atmosphere of actual live houses allows you to immerse yourself more deeply in the world of the work.
Efficient Sacred Site Pilgrimage Model Courses
1-Day Course (For Beginners)
9:00 – Arrival at Okayama Station
View and photograph the station interior and station plaza
9:30 – Aeon Mall Okayama
Explore the shopping venue that appeared in shopping scenes
11:00 – Omotechi Shopping Street
Stroll through the arcade shopping street, search for lunch spots
12:00 – Lunch
Enjoy Okayama gourmet at restaurants in the Omotechi Shopping Street area
13:30 – Kyobashi Bridge and Asahigawa River Area
View Okayama Castle from the bridge, recreate scenes from the work
14:30 – Okayama Castle
Visit inside the castle, get a panoramic view of Okayama City from the observation deck
16:00 – Okayama Korakuen Garden
Stroll through the Japanese garden, enjoy the seasonal scenery
17:30 – Hohkanden Shopping Street
Experience the atmosphere from late afternoon to evening
19:00 – Dinner around Okayama Station
Finish with dinner at a local izakaya or restaurant
2-Day Course (For the Thorough Approach)
Day 1: Focus on Okayama Station vicinity, Omotechi Shopping Street, and Hohkanden Shopping Street
Day 2: Explore Okayama Castle, Korakuen Garden, Asahigawa River area, and other surrounding spots
With a 2-day course, you can take time at each spot, enjoy photography and sightseeing. Also, since the work has many nighttime scenes, we recommend experiencing both daytime and nighttime atmospheres.
Access Information
Transportation to Okayama
Shinkansen
- From Tokyo: Approximately 3 hours 20 minutes on Nozomi
- From Osaka: Approximately 45 minutes on Nozomi
- From Hiroshima: Approximately 35 minutes on Nozomi
- From Hakata: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes on Nozomi
Airplane
- From Okayama Airport (Okayama Momotaro Airport) to Okayama Station by airport limousine bus: Approximately 30 minutes
- From Tokyo (Haneda): Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
- From Sapporo (New Chitose): Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
Highway Bus
- From Tokyo: Approximately 9 hours 30 minutes
- From Osaka: Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes
- From Nagoya: Approximately 5 hours
Getting Around Okayama City
Okayama Electric Tramway (Streetcar)
A streetcar connecting major tourist attractions in Okayama City. It also appears in the work and is an indispensable transportation method for sacred site pilgrimage.
Fare: Adults 140 yen flat rate (as of 2024)
1-Day Pass: Adults 400 yen (unlimited boarding and alighting)
Rental Bicycles
Okayama City operates a public rental bicycle system called “Momochari,” with stations throughout the city where you can freely rent and return bicycles.
Rates: First hour 100 yen, then 100 yen for every 30 minutes thereafter
1-Day Pass: 500 yen
Walking
From Okayama Station to Omotechi Shopping Street and Okayama Castle area are within walking distance. On nice weather days, walking for your pilgrimage is also recommended.
Enjoying Sacred Site Pilgrimage and Etiquette
Photography Tips
Comparison Photography with the Work
The appeal of sacred site pilgrimage is taking photos at the same angles as scenes in the anime. Prepare anime screenshots in advance and compare them at the location while shooting, which will make it more enjoyable.
Recommended Photography Times
- Morning (7:00～9:00): Few people around, allowing peaceful photography
- Late Afternoon (16:00～18:00): Okayama Castle and Asahigawa River illuminated by sunset are beautiful
- Night (18:00 onwards): Can recreate nighttime scenes from the work
Etiquette to Follow
Consideration for Local Residents
Many sacred site pilgrimage spots are places where local residents use daily. Please pay attention to the following:
- Don’t speak loudly or make noise
- Don’t trespass on private property without permission
- Be careful not to obstruct traffic
- Always take trash with you
Etiquette in Shopping Streets
- Don’t take photos for long periods in front of operating stores
- Always get permission before photographing inside stores
- Try to shop or eat at local establishments to contribute to the community
Caution When Posting on SNS
- Be considerate so other tourists and local residents don’t appear in your photos
- Be cautious about sharing location information
- Don’t spread incorrect information
Okayama Gourmet Information
Okayama Specialty Dishes
Demi-katsu Donburi
Known as an Okayama soul food, demi-katsu donburi is a unique dish with cutlet topped with demi-glace sauce. There are many famous restaurants in the Omotechi Shopping Street area.
Recommended Restaurants: Nomura, Ajishi Nomura
Barazushi (Okayama Bara Sushi)
A local Okayama dish featuring vinegared rice topped with fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables arranged colorfully. With a gorgeous appearance, it is cherished as a dish for special occasions.
Ebimeshi
A B-grade gourmet originating in Okayama, characterized by its jet-black appearance, this dish is made by stir-frying shrimp and rice with sauce. Restaurants serving it can be found around Okayama Station and Omotechi Shopping Street.
Kibi Dango
A famous sweet from Okayama, well-known for the Momotaro legend. It is popular as a souvenir with various flavored versions available for purchase.
Cafés and Rest Spots Recommended for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Cafés Around Omotechi Shopping Street
The historic shopping street has retro-atmosphere cafés and long-established teahouses scattered throughout. They are ideal for resting during your pilgrimage.
Teahouses Around Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden
There is a traditional teahouse in Korakuen Garden where you can enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets. Resting while viewing the garden is exceptional.
Accommodation Information
Hotels Around Okayama Station
Hotels around Okayama Station are convenient as a base for sacred site pilgrimage. There are various accommodation options ranging from business hotels to city hotels.
Advantages:
- Good access to the Shinkansen and conventional trains
- Abundant dining options
- Many stores open late into the night
Accommodation in Omotechi and Kyobashi Bridge Area
This area is close to the entertainment district and allows you to enjoy the nighttime atmosphere. Guest houses and capsule hotels with relatively reasonable rates are also available.
Useful Goods and Apps for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Handy Items to Bring
- Work Materials: Anime screenshots, sacred site maps
- Camera and Smartphone: For photography and chargers
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: Essential for walking around the city
- Folding Umbrella: To prepare for weather changes
- Mobile Battery: Battery consumption increases quickly due to photography and map apps
Recommended Apps
- Google Maps: Navigation and location confirmation
- Okayama Electric Tramway Official App: Streetcar timetables and route maps
- Stage Meguri: Anime sacred site pilgrimage dedicated app (compatible with some works)
- Weather Forecast App: Check Okayama’s weather
Recommended Seasons
Spring (March～May)
The season when cherry blossoms and fresh greenery at Okayama Korakuen Garden are beautiful. Early April especially has peak cherry blossoms, allowing you to enjoy the collaboration of Okayama Castle and cherry blossoms.
Temperature: Approximately 10℃～20℃
Clothing: Light jacket or cardigan
Summer (June～August)
A season with many summer festivals and events, but with high temperatures and humid days. Heat stroke prevention is necessary.
Temperature: 25℃～35℃
Clothing: T-shirts, sunscreen, hat essential
Autumn (September～November)
A season with comfortable weather, optimal for sacred site pilgrimage. Autumn leaves at Okayama Korakuen Garden are also worth seeing.
Temperature: Approximately 15℃～25℃
Clothing: Long-sleeved shirt, light jacket
Winter (December～February)
Okayama is relatively warm, but mornings and evenings are cold. Fewer tourists allow for a leisurely pilgrimage.
Temperature: Approximately 5℃～10℃
Clothing: Coat, scarf, gloves
Surrounding Tourist Attractions
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
Approximately 15 minutes by train from Okayama Station, Kurashiki City has a historic quarter with Edo-period townscapes. The tasteful arrangement of white-walled storehouses is worth visiting alongside your sacred site pilgrimage.
Access: Approximately 15 minutes by Sanyo Main Line from JR Okayama Station to Kurashiki Station, approximately 15 minutes on foot from the station
Kibitsu Shrine and Kibitsu Hikohiko Shrine
These shrines, said to be the origin of the Momotaro legend, are spots where you can feel Okayama’s history and culture.
Access: Approximately 15 minutes by Kibi Line from JR Okayama Station to Kibitsu Station
Inujima and Naoshima (Art Islands)
The Seto Inland Sea islands known as contemporary art sacred sites are also accessible from Okayama. If time permits, extending your visit to these islands is also recommended.
Notes on Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Weather Impact
Okayama is known as the “Land of Clear Skies” with relatively warm weather, but caution is needed during the rainy season and typhoon season. Check the weather forecast in advance and prepare rain gear.
Confirming Business Hours and Closed Days
Shopping streets’ stores and tourist facilities have different closed days and business hours. Many facilities are closed on Mondays and during year-end and New Year holidays, so advance confirmation is important.
Event and Construction Information
When events are held in the city, traffic restrictions and congestion are expected. Also, some spots may not be visible due to building renovation work, so check the latest information.
Interaction with Fan Communities
Information Sharing on SNS
Using hashtags like “#おしぶど聖地巡礼” “#推し武道聖地” on Twitter and Instagram allows you to exchange information with other fans. Share the latest spot information and photography points.
Meetups and Events
Fan-organized sacred site pilgrimage meetups are held irregularly. Check SNS and fan sites for information.
To Enjoy the Work More Deeply
Preparation with Original Manga and Anime
Reviewing the original manga and anime before the sacred site pilgrimage allows you to enjoy it more deeply. Since the anime carefully depicts Okayama’s scenery, preparing beforehand will double the emotion experienced at the location.
Related Books and Guide Books
Official guidebooks and fan books may contain sacred site information and production stories. Reading them before pilgrimage may lead to new discoveries.
Summary
The sacred site pilgrimage for “If My Favorite Pop Star Made It to the Budokan, I Would Die” is a valuable experience where you can feel the world of the work. Okayama Prefecture has good transportation and many attractions, making it an optimal location even for first-time sacred site pilgrimages.
Using the spots introduced in this article as reference, try planning your own pilgrimage route. Don’t forget to show consideration for local people and observe etiquette to make your sacred site pilgrimage enjoyable.
Okayama’s beautiful scenery, warm people, and delicious gourmet food will surely make your sacred site pilgrimage more memorable. Why not visit Okayama with your love for the work in your heart?
Finally: Sacred site pilgrimage is a bridge between works and reality. Visiting the locations will allow you to rediscover the production staff’s love for the work and the charm of Okayama as a place. Enjoy a safe and fun sacred site pilgrimage!
