Liz and the Blue Bird × Uji City, Kyoto Complete Guide｜Thorough Explanation from Holy Land Pilgrimage to the World of the Work
The theatrical anime “Liz and the Blue Bird,” produced by Kyoto Animation, was released on April 21, 2018, as a spin-off of the novel series “Sound! Euphonium” by Ayano Takeda. The setting for this work is Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture. In this article, we will thoroughly explain the relationship between Uji City and Liz and the Blue Bird, covering everything from the appeal of the work to holy land pilgrimage spots and access methods.
What is Liz and the Blue Bird?
“Liz and the Blue Bird” is a coming-of-age ensemble drama set at the Kita-Uji High School Symphonic Band, depicting the complex relationship between Mizore Yoroizuka, who plays the flute, and Natsuki Kasaki, who plays the oboe. The delicate direction by director Naoko Yamada and the music by Kensuke Ushio received high praise and won numerous awards as an animation work.
Work Overview
The original work is “Sound! Euphonium: Kita-Uji High School Symphonic Band, the Turbulent Second Movement” by Ayano Takeda, and it is positioned as a theatrical version of the television anime series. However, this work was created as an independent piece that can be enjoyed even by audiences unfamiliar with the “Sound! Euphonium” series.
At the center of the story is a musical piece called “Liz and the Blue Bird” selected as the free piece for the symphonic band competition. This piece is based on the fairy tale “Liz and the Blue Bird,” and is depicted as a play-within-a-play with beautiful animation.
Plot Summary
Mizore Yoroizuka and Natsuki Kasaki, third-year students at Kita-Uji High School Symphonic Band. For Mizore, Kasaki is a special presence, and she cherishes every moment they spend together above all else. Meanwhile, Kasaki acknowledges Mizore’s talent but harbors complex feelings about their relationship.
As practice progresses for the free piece “Liz and the Blue Bird” at the competition, the two are tasked with performing solo parts. However, Mizore’s oboe solo does not go well, and she receives criticism from their instructor, Masahiro Hashimoto. The cause is that Mizore’s musical expression is bound by her feelings for Kasaki.
The fairy tale “Liz and the Blue Bird” tells the story of a girl named Liz and a blue bird who became human. Liz gives the blue bird freedom because she loves it, and the blue bird flies away because it loves Liz——this story reflects the relationship between Mizore and Kasaki.
In the end, the two confront their true feelings for each other and make the determination to walk their own paths. After graduation, Kasaki pursues admission to a music university, while Mizore chooses the path of pursuing her own music.
Deep Connection with Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture
The relationship between “Liz and the Blue Bird” and the “Sound! Euphonium” series with Uji City is extremely profound, and the city was chosen as the venue for the work’s announcement.
Work Announcement at Uji City Cultural Center
On June 4, 2017, a press conference announcing the new film “Liz and the Blue Bird” was held at Uji City Cultural Center. This was an event demonstrating Kyoto Animation’s strong ties with the region by announcing the work directly to fans in the city that served as the work’s setting.
Uji City Cultural Center also served as a model for cultural festival and concert scenes of Kita-Uji High School within the work, holding special significance for fans. The atmosphere of the large hall’s seating and stage are faithfully recreated in the work, making it an important pilgrimage spot.
Collaboration with Uji City’s Regional Promotion
Uji City has leveraged the “Sound! Euphonium” series for regional revitalization, undertaking proactive initiatives such as creating tourism maps and hosting holy land pilgrimage events. Through the work, the charm of Uji City has been disseminated nationwide, and many fans now visit.
Complete Guide to Holy Land Pilgrimage Spots
Throughout Uji City, there are numerous holy sites from “Liz and the Blue Bird” and the “Sound! Euphonium” series. Here, we introduce the main spots in detail.
Around Kyoto Prefectural Usui High School
Kyoto Prefectural Usui High School (Uji Koto Gakko), which served as the model for Kita-Uji High School, is a prefectural high school that opened in 1985. The school building exterior, gate, stairs, and other elements that appear in the work are faithfully recreated, making it one of the most important pilgrimage sites.
Access:
- Approximately 15 minutes walk from “Okubo Station” on the Kintetsu Kyoto Line
- Approximately 20 minutes walk from “Shinden Station” on the JR Nara Line
Notes for Pilgrimage:
Usui High School is an active educational facility. Entry onto the school grounds is strictly prohibited, and photography in the surrounding area must be done with consideration for not interfering with school operations. Choose weekends or early morning/evening hours and view quietly.
Oyoshiyama Observation Deck
The Oyoshiyama Observation Deck appears in important scenes such as the conversation between Mizore and Kasaki. It’s a scenic spot overlooking Uji City, where you can fully experience the atmosphere of the work.
Located at the summit of Oyoshiyama at an elevation of approximately 130 meters, you can overlook the Uji River, the Byodo-in Temple, and Uji City. The landscape at dusk especially evokes the emotionally rich scenes from the work.
Access:
- Approximately 30 minutes walk from JR/Keihan “Uji Station” (via mountain trail)
- If you choose a paved route, it’s relatively easy to climb, but sneakers or other comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Happy Ice Cream Scene
The “Happy Ice Cream!!” scene that makes a strong impression in the work’s finale. This filming location is in a residential neighborhood near Usui High School, and many fans visit it as a symbolic scene where Mizore and Kasaki take a new step forward.
Because it is located within a residential area, special consideration for nearby residents is necessary during photography. Avoid loud voices and extended stays, and practice courteous pilgrimage.
Near Autoworks Kyoto
A location that appears in scenes of Mizore walking. While somewhat removed from Usui High School, it’s a spot where you can feel the everyday scenery depicted in the work.
Uji River Surrounding Area
Along the Uji River, a symbol of Uji City, there are bridges and riverside areas that appear in the work. The areas around Uji Bridge and Asagiri Bridge appear in scenes where band members walk after practice.
The area along the Uji River has well-maintained walking paths, allowing you to slowly immerse yourself in the world of the work. Spring brings cherry blossoms and autumn brings colored foliage, offering different expressions in each season.
Obaku Area
Obaku, located in the northern part of Uji City, is an important location in the “Sound! Euphonium” series. The area around Obaku Station and local shopping streets also appear in the work, depicting the daily lives of band members.
Access to Uji City
Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, is located between Kyoto City and Nara City, with excellent accessibility from the Kansai region.
Access by Train
From Kyoto Station:
- JR Nara Line to “Uji Station” in approximately 17 minutes (when using rapid trains)
- Approximately 25-30 minutes by regular train
From the Osaka area:
- From “Yodoyabashi Station” on the Keihan Railway to “Uji Station” on the Keihan Uji Line in approximately 50 minutes
- Via “Okubo Station” on the Kintetsu Kyoto Line is also convenient
From the Nara area:
- JR Nara Line to “Uji Station” in approximately 30 minutes
When Using Shinkansen
When visiting from Tokyo, Nagoya, Hakata, and other areas, getting off at Kyoto Station and transferring to the JR Nara Line is most convenient. The distance from Kyoto Station to Uji Station is short, making same-day pilgrimage quite feasible.
Access by Car
Kyushu-Shiga Bypass “Uji-East IC” or “Uji-West IC” are the nearest exits. However, since most pilgrimage sites are in residential areas with limited parking, public transportation is recommended.
Efficient Way to Tour Holy Land Pilgrimage Sites
Since the pilgrimage sites in Uji City are scattered over a relatively wide area, setting an efficient route is important.
Half-Day Course (For Beginners)
- Arrive at JR Uji Station
- Uji River Area Sightseeing (30 minutes)
- Uji City Cultural Center Visit (30 minutes)
- Usui High School Area (1 hour)
- Happy Ice Cream Scene Photography Location (30 minutes)
Full-Day Course (For Those Who Want to Take Their Time)
Morning:
- Arrive at JR Uji Station
- Uji River area and Byodo-in Temple Sightseeing (1 hour)
- Oyoshiyama Observation Deck Climbing (1.5 hours round trip)
Afternoon:
- Lunch (Uji specialty matcha cuisine)
- Uji City Cultural Center (30 minutes)
- Usui High School Area Pilgrimage (2 hours)
- Obaku Area (1 hour)
Convenient Tools for Pilgrimage
Map Apps:
- Bookmark holy sites on Google Maps
- Check in at holy sites using Swarm app (records from other pilgrims are also helpful)
Holy Land Pilgrimage Maps:
It’s convenient to download pilgrimage maps in advance that are available from the Uji City Tourism Association and various fan sites.
Appeal of Staff and Cast
The high completion of “Liz and the Blue Bird” is supported by excellent staff and cast.
Staff
Director: Naoko Yamada
A director representing Kyoto Animation who has directed “K-On!,” “Tamako Love Story,” and “A Silent Voice.” Known for delicate psychological depiction and visual beauty, she demonstrates outstanding direction in this work as well, expressing the emotions of characters through sound and visuals.
Screenplay: Reiko Yoshida
A veteran screenwriter who has worked on numerous animation works. She also collaborated with director Yamada on the “K-On!” series, depicting the delicate feelings of young girls.
Character Design: Taishi Nishiya
A leading animator at Kyoto Animation. In this work, she draws Mizore and Kasaki’s expressions carefully with a soft and gentle touch.
Music: Kensuke Ushio
Following “A Silent Voice,” he works on director Yamada’s works. Beginning with the dramatic piece “Liz and the Blue Bird,” he expresses the work’s worldview through music.
Cast
Voice of Mizore Yoroizuka: Atsumi Tanezaki
A third-year student who plays the oboe. Introverted and having difficulty expressing emotions, she harbors deep feelings for Kasaki. Atsumi Tanezaki’s restrained performance beautifully expresses Mizore’s complex emotions.
Voice of Natsuki Kasaki: Nao Toyama
A third-year student who plays the flute. With a bright and sociable personality, she contrasts with Mizore. Nao Toyama’s bright yet delicate performance conveys Kasaki’s internal conflict.
Voice of Rirka Kengaki: Shiori Sugiura
A first-year student who plays the euphonium. She becomes another axis of the work, objectively observing the relationship between Mizore and Kasaki.
Other prestigious voice actors continuing from the “Sound! Euphonium” series voice the members of the Kita-Uji High School Symphonic Band.
The Charm of Uji City: Enjoying Together with Holy Land Pilgrimage
Enjoy Uji City-specific tourism together with holy land pilgrimage.
World Heritage Site: Byodo-in Temple
Byodo-in Hōōdō, also famous as the design on the 10-yen coin, is Uji’s representative tourist attraction. You can experience Japanese history and culture while taking breaks from pilgrimage.
Uji Tea and Matcha Sweets
Uji is a representative tea region of Japan. After walking tired from pilgrimage, savor Uji-exclusive cuisine such as matcha parfait and matcha soba at established tea shops. Along the Uji River are many cafes and tea houses perfect for rest.
Uji Shrine
Registered as a World Heritage Site, it houses the oldest sacred architecture in Japan. The quiet precinct soothes the spirit.
Collaboration Events and Exhibition Information
“Liz and the Blue Bird” has developed various collaborations following its release.
Kyoto Tower Hotel “Liz and the Blue Bird Room”
Kyoto Tower Hotel offered collaboration rooms themed on “Liz and the Blue Bird” for a limited period. The space provided a special experience for fans, featuring newly commissioned illustrations, display items related to the work, a book modeled after the picture book “Liz and the Blue Bird,” and screening of the work via projector.
Events in Uji City
At Uji City Cultural Center, events related to the “Sound! Euphonium” series are held regularly. Initiatives such as voice actor talk shows and symphonic concerts have been implemented, allowing deeper enjoyment of the work’s world.
The latest collaboration information can be confirmed on the official X (formerly Twitter) account @liz_bluebird and the Kyoto Animation official website.
Work Evaluation and Impact
“Liz and the Blue Bird” received high evaluation from its initial release and won numerous film awards.
Awards
- 22nd Japan Academy Prize Animation Department Award for Excellence
- 42nd Japan Academy Prize Excellence in Animation Award
- 27th Japan Film Critics Association Award Animation Category Work Award
and has been highly evaluated domestically and internationally.
Innovation in Visual Expression
Director Naoko Yamada’s direction is evaluated as expanding the possibilities of animation expression. In particular, detailed direction such as foot-level shots, use of spacing, and sound design elevates the completion of the work.
The fairy tale “Liz and the Blue Bird” portion inserted as a play-within-a-play is drawn in a picture book style different from the main storyline, providing visual contrast that deepens the narrative.
Impact on the Symphonic Band World
Following the work’s influence, more symphonic bands have begun performing “Liz and the Blue Bird” (composed by Akihito Matsuda), which appears in the work. Additionally, more young people have begun playing oboe and flute, contributing to the spread of symphonic band culture.
Relationship with the Series
“Liz and the Blue Bird” is part of the “Sound! Euphonium” series but can also be enjoyed as an independent work.
Connection with the “Sound! Euphonium” Series
It is set during the timeline of television anime season two and depicts the story of Mizore and Kasaki as third-year students. If you are familiar with the series, you can more deeply understand the two’s past and relationships with other members, but this work alone provides a sufficiently moving and complete story.
Relationship with “Liz and the Blue Bird Movie: The Vow of the Finale”
“The Vow of the Finale,” released after “Liz and the Blue Bird,” depicts the aftermath of Mizore and Kasaki and the Kita-Uji High School Symphonic Band’s challenge at the national competition. Watching both works together allows for deeper understanding of the entire series’ narrative.
Pilgrimage Etiquette and Requests
Please observe the following etiquette to enjoy pilgrimage responsibly.
Basic Etiquette
- Do Not Enter Private Property or School Grounds: Never enter the grounds of active facilities such as Usui High School
- Consideration in Residential Areas: Do not shout loudly, avoid extended stays, take trash with you
- Observance of Traffic Rules: Be careful of cars and bicycles when photographing on roads
- Consideration for Residents: Avoid visiting early morning or late night, view quietly
Notes on Photography
- Be considerate so other pilgrims or general people do not appear in photos
- When using a tripod, select locations that do not obstruct passage
- When posting on SNS, be careful about sharing location information (in the case of residential areas)
Contributing to the Community
By patronizing local shops and visiting tourist facilities, you can express gratitude to the region that has become a pilgrimage site. Discovering the charm of Uji City and maintaining an attitude of loving both the work and the region supports a sustainable pilgrimage culture.
Blu-ray and DVD Information
The Blu-ray & DVD of “Liz and the Blue Bird” was released on December 5, 2018.
Contents
- Main Feature (approximately 90 minutes)
- Bonus Features (making-of, cast interviews, etc.)
- Audio Commentary
- Some Theater-Exclusive Bonuses
Through video bonuses, you can learn about the production process and music recording sessions, discovering the behind-the-scenes of the work.
Streaming Information
The work is also available on various video distribution services. Watching the work before visiting Uji City will make pilgrimage more enjoyable.
Conclusion: The Special Relationship Between Liz and the Blue Bird and Uji City
“Liz and the Blue Bird” and Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, have a special relationship where the work and setting are deeply connected. Since Kyoto Animation’s headquarters is located in Kyoto Prefecture, careful attention is given to ties with the region in creating the work.
Uji City is a historic tourist destination with World Heritage sites while also captivating many fans as an anime pilgrimage site. The delicate worldview of the work beautifully harmonizes with Uji City’s serene atmosphere, providing visitors with a special experience.
Through holy land pilgrimage, immersing yourself in the work’s refined world while also enjoying Uji City’s history, culture, and cuisine will result in a more fulfilling journey. Why not embark on a pilgrimage tracing the path where Mizore and Kasaki walked, touching the depth of their feelings?
By using recommended hashtags “#リズと青い鳥” “#響けユーフォニアム” “#宇治市” to share your pilgrimage experience, you can express your love for the work and community.
Experience the beautiful and poignant story of “Liz and the Blue Bird” in Uji City.
