Kaminomachi Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall Anpanman Museum Complete Guide | Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spot in Kochi Prefecture
Located in Kaminaka-cho, Kami City, Kochi Prefecture, the “Kaminomachi Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall Anpanman Museum” is a special art museum built in the hometown of Yanase Takashi, creator of the nationally beloved character “Anpanman.” With the announcement of NHK’s 2025 spring asadora (morning drama) “Anpan,” it has garnered attention as a sacred pilgrimage site for anime fans and asadora enthusiasts, as a place connected to Yanase Takashi and his wife Noboru.
This article provides comprehensive information necessary for planning a pilgrimage visit, from the charm of the Anpanman Museum to practical visitor information.
What is Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall? The Overall Picture of Anpanman’s Sacred Site
The Kaminomachi Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall is a complex cultural facility composed of three facilities—the “Anpanman Museum,” the “Poetry and Fairy Tale Picture Book Hall,” and an “Annex”—as well as the “Yanase Takashi Memorial Park.” On August 26, 2018, it was selected as one of the “88 Anime Sacred Sites in Japan Worth Visiting” by the Japan Anime Tourism Association, officially being recognized as an anime sacred site.
Characteristics of the Anpanman Museum
The Anpanman Museum is located in a mountainous area surrounded by the rich nature of Kami City, Kochi Prefecture, where Yanase Takashi was born and raised. Unlike urban-style Anpanman museums in Yokohama or Kobe, this is the only place where visitors can touch the origins of Mr. Yanase’s creative work.
No difficult art knowledge is required, and there is no predetermined route. The design allows children and adults alike to enjoy the Anpanman world at their own pace. In the museum, visitors can appreciate large-scale tableau paintings specially drawn by Yanase for the memorial hall, as well as valuable picture book original paintings.
The Appeal of Poetry and Fairy Tale Picture Book Hall
The “Poetry and Fairy Tale Picture Book Hall” allows visitors to experience Yanase Takashi works beyond Anpanman. Centered on collections themed around the magazine “Poetry and Fairy Tale,” which Mr. Yanase served as editor-in-chief for, the hall displays diverse works including illustrations, poetry, picture books, and manga.
This valuable space allows visitors to understand the complete picture of Yanase Takashi as a creator, not just Anpanman, and is highly regarded among adult fans.
Museum Highlights | Sacred Pilgrimage Spots Not to Miss
Fourth Floor “Yanase Takashi Gallery”
The fourth-floor gallery is the space where you can most feel Yanase Takashi’s artistic sensibility. The large-scale tableau paintings drawn specifically for this museum are impressive, allowing you to enjoy the Anpanman world from new perspectives. In the display of original picture book paintings, you can appreciate the delicate brushwork and colors up close, which cannot be conveyed in printed form.
Special exhibitions are held regularly, and the charm lies in the fact that there are new discoveries each time you visit. We recommend checking the official website’s news page for the latest exhibition information before your visit.
Underground “Anpanman World”
“Anpanman World” on the basement level is the most popular area with children. Large-scale dioramas depicting the town where Anpanman and his companions live are displayed, starting with the Anpan Factory.
From Baikinman’s hideout to Shokupanman’s truck and Currypanman’s shop, famous locations from the anime are intricately crafted, allowing you to experience what it’s like to step into the Anpanman world. While enjoying encounters with characters, it’s also an ideal photo spot.
Yanase Takashi Memorial Park
In the outdoor Yanase Takashi Memorial Park, character statues from Anpanman are scattered about. With the beautiful Shikoku Mountains as a backdrop, it’s an excellent photo spot for commemorative photos with Anpanman characters. Since you can enjoy different seasonal expressions of nature, each visit offers a fresh experience.
Admission Fees and Opening Information | Basic Information to Know Before Your Visit
Admission Fees
The Kaminomachi Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall uses the following pricing system.
Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall Admission Ticket
- Adults: 1,000 yen
- Middle and high school students: 700 yen
- Children (3 years old to elementary school students): 500 yen
- Under 3 years old: Free
When purchasing the admission ticket, you can enter both the “Anpanman Museum” and “Poetry and Fairy Tale Picture Book Hall.” The QR code or ticket is valid until 17:00 on the date of entry, and re-entry is possible. However, when re-entering, you must present the date stamp on the QR code or ticket to staff.
Business Hours and Closed Days
Business Hours
- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission 4:30 PM)
Closed Days
- Tuesdays (if a holiday, the following day)
- Other temporary closures may occur
We strongly recommend checking the official website’s opening information page for the latest information on closed days and temporary closures before your visit. Business hours may differ from usual during consecutive holidays and long vacations.
Access | How to Get to Kami City, Kochi Prefecture
By Car
It is approximately 25 minutes by car from the “Nankoku IC” on the Kochi Expressway. Free parking is available, making it convenient to visit by rental car or personal vehicle. From Kochi City, it takes approximately 40 minutes via National Route 195.
As it is located in a mountainous area, use car navigation or smartphone map apps to search for “Kaminomachi Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall” or “Anpanman Museum Kochi.”
By Public Transportation
From JR Dosan Line “Tosayamada Station,” take JR Bus Daiotokus Line to “Anpanman Museum Station.” However, the number of buses is limited, so it is necessary to check the timetable in advance.
If considering access from Kochi Ryoma Airport or Kochi Station, rental car use is the most efficient. Travel by public transportation alone requires planning with ample time.
Sacred Pilgrimage Points | Exploring Sites Related to Yanase Takashi
Connection to Asadora “Anpan”
NHK’s asadora “Anpan,” scheduled to air in spring 2025, is a story modeled after Yanase Takashi and his wife Noboru. With this broadcast announcement, Kami City as a whole is being re-spotlighted as a sacred site for the Yanase world.
The Anpanman Museum has become a central sacred pilgrimage spot in Kami City, Kaminaka-cho, Yanase’s hometown, and will be a must-visit place for asadora fans.
Nearby Sacred Pilgrimage Spots
In Kami City, there are numerous spots related to Yanase Takashi beyond the Anpanman Museum.
Anpanman Street
In Kami City’s shopping district, many objects and murals inspired by Anpanman characters are installed. The entire street is colored with the Anpanman world view, making it enjoyable just to stroll around.
Ryugado Cave
One of Japan’s three largest limestone caverns, Ryugado Cave is also located in Kami City. By visiting it together with the Anpanman Museum, you can fully experience both Kochi’s nature and culture.
How to Enjoy Sacred Pilgrimage
At the Anpanman Museum, selected as one of the anime’s 88 sacred sites, you can enjoy commemorative photos at various locations throughout the museum. Many Instagram-worthy spots are available, and by posting with hashtags such as “#YanaseTakashiMemorialHall,” “#AnpanmanMuseumKochi,” “#AnimeSacredSitePilgrimage,” you can interact with other pilgrims.
Official pamphlets and institutional magazines are available at the museum, and we recommend taking them home as mementos of your visit. These materials include detailed exhibition information and creative secrets about Yanase, making your pilgrimage memories even more profound.
How to Spend Time in the Museum | For a More Fulfilling Experience
Estimated Time Required
If you thoroughly view both the Anpanman Museum and the Poetry and Fairy Tale Picture Book Hall, we recommend allocating 2-3 hours. When visiting with children, the time spent in Anpanman World tends to be longer, so planning with more margin is advisable.
Museum Shop
The museum shop sells limited-edition merchandise available nowhere else and local Kochi specialties. Items featuring handwritten illustrations by Yanase Takashi and Anpanman Museum original goods are popular as sacred pilgrimage mementos.
Dining Facilities
Dining facilities are limited around the memorial hall, so we recommend eating at cafes or restaurants within the facility or having meals beforehand. Kami City has dining establishments using local ingredients, allowing you to enjoy Kochi’s food culture as well.
Precautions and Etiquette When Visiting
Photography
Photography in the museum is generally allowed, but some areas and artworks have photography restrictions. Follow staff instructions and be considerate to avoid hindering other visitors’ appreciation. Flash photography is often prohibited for artwork protection, so caution is necessary.
Accessibility
The memorial hall has barrier-free facilities, and entry by wheelchair is possible. Some areas may have steps, so we recommend confirming with staff in advance.
Crowd Situations
Crowding is expected during Golden Week, summer vacation, and year-end holidays. Additionally, following the start of the 2025 asadora “Anpan,” even more visitors are anticipated. Aiming for weekdays or times shortly after opening allows for relatively unhurried viewing.
The Charm of Kami City, Kochi Prefecture | Where Nature and Culture Merge
Natural Environment of Kami City
Kaminaka-cho, Kami City, Kochi Prefecture, is a nature-rich region surrounded by the beautiful mountains of the Shikoku Mountains. The landscapes created by clear streams and valleys are said to have greatly influenced Yanase Takashi’s creative activities.
The spirit of Anpanman’s “offering food to those in trouble and hunger”—an unchanging sense of justice—is thought to have been nurtured in this abundant nature and the warmth of the people.
Tourist Attractions in Kami City
Beyond the Anpanman Museum, Kami City has numerous attractive tourist destinations.
Befu Gorge
A beautiful gorge surrounded by clear streams and greenery, where hiking and river play are enjoyed.
Monobe River
One of Shikoku’s three major rivers, known for its clear water. Summers see crowds enjoying river play and camping.
Ryugado Museum
A museum where you can learn about the history and geology of limestone caverns. Visiting it together with Ryugado Cave is recommended.
Yanase Takashi’s World View | Thoughts Embedded in Anpanman
Philosophy of “Unchanging Justice”
Anpanman, created by Yanase Takashi, is not merely a children’s character. The setting of “offering one’s own face to eat to those in trouble” contains the teacher’s deep philosophy.
Justice can change depending on era and position, but giving food to a hungry person is an absolute good and “unchanging justice.” This universal message is one reason Anpanman continues to be loved across generations.
Origins of Creation
Yanase Takashi was a war survivor who personally knew the suffering of starvation. This experience led to the creation of Anpanman, an ultimate hero image. The convergence of the teacher’s sensibility, nurtured in the nature of Kami City, and the worldview gained from war experience gave birth to the Anpanman world.
Latest Information and Events | Information to Check Before Your Visit
Exhibition Information
Throughout the year, various special and featured exhibitions are held at the Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall. In addition to Yanase’s works, exhibitions of related artists’ works are sometimes presented.
The official website’s “Exhibitions” and “News” pages are regularly updated with the latest exhibition and event information. We recommend checking these before your visit and planning your visit to coincide with special exhibitions or events.
Institutional Magazine and Pamphlets
The memorial hall periodically publishes an institutional magazine featuring explanations of Yanase’s works and reports on the hall’s activities. Along with pamphlets, these materials become valuable mementos of your pilgrimage and precious resources for reflecting on your visit afterward.
Summary | Special Experiences Gained Through Sacred Pilgrimage
The Kaminomachi Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall Anpanman Museum is not merely a tourist facility, but a special place where you can touch the origins of Yanase Takashi’s life and creative work. Selected as one of anime’s 88 sacred sites and now spotlighted as the setting for the 2025 asadora “Anpan,” its value as a sacred pilgrimage destination continues to increase.
Surrounded by abundant nature in Kaminaka-cho, Kami City, Kochi Prefecture, immerse yourself in the Anpanman world while feeling the message of “unchanging justice” that Yanase embedded. This memorial hall, enjoyable from the perspectives of both children and adults, is sure to provide special memories to all who visit.
By thoroughly checking opening information, closed days, business hours, and admission fees in advance and planning with ample time, you can realize a more fulfilling sacred pilgrimage experience. Enjoy your journey immersing yourself completely in the Yanase Takashi world at your own pace within the museum.
