Love Live! Superstar!! Complete Ibaraki Prefecture Pilgrimage Guide | Thorough Explanation of Ushiku City Locations
Introduction: Ibaraki Prefecture Becomes a “Love Live! Superstar!!” Sacred Site
In the third season of the TV anime “Love Live! Superstar!!” broadcast in 2024, newly introduced characters—the Onizuka sisters, Natsumi and Tomari—are set as residents of Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture, and many scenes featuring Liella! members visiting Ushiku City appeared in the series. While previous Love Live series primarily featured Tokyo locations, this marks the first time Ibaraki Prefecture has been depicted as a sacred site, attracting significant attention from fans nationwide.
This article provides thorough explanations of detailed information, access methods, photography points, and surrounding attractions for each sacred site in Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture that appeared in the anime, based on actual pilgrimage experiences.
What is Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture? Home of the Onizuka Sisters
Ushiku City is a city of approximately 80,000 people located in southern Ibaraki Prefecture. About 60km from central Tokyo, it’s accessible in about 1 hour from Ueno Station on the JR Joban Line, or about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Harajuku Station—a realistic distance that aligns with the series’ setting.
Known as an attractive tourist destination where history and culture blend, it features the “Ushiku Daibutsu,” one of the world’s largest bronze statues, and “Ushiku Chateau,” Japan’s first full-scale winery. In the anime, these landmarks are depicted as important settings visited by the Onizuka sisters and Liella! members.
Ushiku Station: Starting Point for Pilgrimage
Station Highlights
JR Joban Line Ushiku Station serves as the gateway for Ibaraki Prefecture pilgrimages. After the anime aired, life-size panels of the Onizuka sisters were installed immediately after the ticket gates, becoming a popular photography spot for fans.
The station building divides into East and West exits; use the East exit for Ushiku Daibutsu and Ushiku Chateau. The station-front scenery depicted in the series is modeled after the actual Ushiku Station East exit, with the rotary and plaza layout matching the anime.
Access Information
From Tokyo area:
- About 50 minutes from Ueno Station on JR Joban Line Rapid
- About 1 hour 10 minutes from Shinagawa Station
- About 1 hour 30 minutes from Harajuku Station via Yamanote Line and Joban Line transfer
Fares:
- 990 yen one-way from Ueno Station (IC card)
- Free passes like Holiday Pass also available
Station Area Facilities
The Ushiku Station East exit has a tourist information center where you can obtain pilgrimage maps and local tourism information. Convenience stores and restaurants are also plentiful, convenient for pre-pilgrimage preparation.
Ushiku Daibutsu: An Overwhelming Sacred Site
Appearance in the Series
Ushiku Daibutsu is one of the most impressive settings in “Love Live! Superstar!!” Season 3. It appears in scenes where the Onizuka sisters guide Liella! members, with its overwhelming scale faithfully recreated in the anime. The scene where Keke and other members are amazed by the statue’s size became a memorable moment for many fans.
Basic Information on Ushiku Daibutsu
Ushiku Daibutsu is one of the world’s largest bronze statues at 120 meters tall (including pedestal) and is recognized in the Guinness World Records. Officially named “Ushiku Amida Buddha,” it was erected in 1993 by Higashi Honganji Temple, the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu Higashi Honganji sect.
Visiting Hours:
- March–September: Weekdays 9:30–17:00, Weekends/Holidays 9:30–17:30
- October–February: Weekdays 9:30–16:30, Weekends/Holidays 9:30–17:00
Admission:
- Including Buddha interior: Adults 800 yen, Children 400 yen
- Garden only: Adults 500 yen, Children 300 yen
Photography Points
For angles matching the anime, shots from the main approach are recommended. Especially on clear days, you can photograph the majestic Buddha against a blue sky. The upward angle from the Buddha’s feet, also depicted in the series, lets you experience its overwhelming presence.
The Buddha’s interior has five floors, with an observation deck offering panoramic views of Ushiku City. On clear days, you can sometimes see Tokyo Skytree and Mount Fuji—an attraction to enjoy alongside your pilgrimage.
Surrounding Attractions
“Ushiku Joen,” where Ushiku Daibutsu is located, features gardens with seasonal flowers and a small animal park. You can enjoy different scenery each season, particularly cherry blossoms and moss phlox in spring, sunflowers in summer, and cosmos in autumn.
Ushiku Chateau: A Sacred Site Full of Historical Romance
Birthplace of Japanese Wine
Ushiku Chateau is Japan’s first full-scale winery, established in 1903 (Meiji 36) by Kamiya Denbe. Designated as a National Important Cultural Property in 2020, it’s preserved as a historically valuable structure.
In the anime, scenes depicting the Onizuka sisters guiding Liella! members to this historic building feature impressive brick construction and beautiful gardens.
Tour Highlights
Opening Hours:
- 10:00–16:00 (Last entry 15:30)
- Closed: Mondays (or following day if holiday), Year-end/New Year
Admission:
- Free (some facilities charge fees)
Within Ushiku Chateau grounds are solid brick winery buildings, the Kamiya Denbe Memorial Hall, and office buildings. The fountain plaza and building exteriors depicted in the series match actual scenery, allowing photo recreations of anime scenes.
Photography Spots
You can tour locations appearing in the anime including the brick path from the main gate, red brick winery walls, and courtyard fountain. The autumn foliage season is especially beautiful, with striking contrast between brick architecture and colored trees—ideal for photography.
Local Cuisine
“La Terrasse d’Oenon,” a restaurant on the grounds, serves dishes using local ingredients. The gift shop sells Ushiku Chateau original wines and merchandise.
Other Sacred Sites
Nanbu Coffee
Around Ushiku Station are several cafes and restaurants possibly appearing in the series. Nanbu Coffee is a locally beloved coffee shop that many fans visit as a pilgrimage rest stop.
Kashiwada Shrine Area
Ushiku City has multiple shrines and temples, some suggested as models for scenes in the series. Recommended as walking spots to experience local atmosphere.
Actually Touring Ushiku: Model Courses
Half-Day Course (About 4 Hours)
9:00 Arrive at JR Ushiku Station, photo with Onizuka sisters panel
9:30 Bus from East exit to Ushiku Daibutsu (about 25 minutes)
10:00 Visit/photograph Ushiku Daibutsu (about 90 minutes)
11:30 Bus to Ushiku Chateau
12:00 Tour/photograph Ushiku Chateau (about 90 minutes)
13:30 Return to Ushiku Station by bus
14:00 Lunch and souvenir shopping around station
Full-Day Course (About 8 Hours)
In addition to the half-day course, tour other Ushiku City tourist spots and locations possibly appearing in the series. Using rental bicycles allows more efficient touring.
Ibaraki Prefecture sometimes offers deals like “1000 Yen Rental Car Campaigns,” so checking in advance is recommended.
Detailed Access to Ushiku
Train Access
JR Joban Line is the most convenient access method. Using rapid trains allows smooth arrival from the Tokyo area.
Travel Time from Major Stations:
- From Ueno Station: About 50 minutes (rapid)
- From Tokyo Station: About 1 hour (rapid, via Ueno)
- From Shinagawa Station: About 1 hour 10 minutes
- From Harajuku Station: About 1 hour 30 minutes (Yamanote Line/Joban Line transfer)
Car Access
Via Joban Expressway:
- About 20 minutes from Sakura-Tsuchiura IC
- About 30 minutes from Yatabe IC
Parking available at both Ushiku Daibutsu and Ushiku Chateau.
Bus Transportation
Route buses operate from Ushiku Station East exit to Ushiku Daibutsu and Ushiku Chateau.
To Ushiku Daibutsu:
- Kanto Railway Bus “Ushiku Daibutsu/Ushiku Joen”
- Travel time: About 25 minutes
- Fare: About 500 yen one-way
To Ushiku Chateau:
- About 15 minutes walk or taxi
Timetables vary by season and day, so checking Kanto Railway’s website in advance is recommended.
Accommodations and Recommended Areas
Accommodations in Ushiku City
Ushiku City has several business hotels usable as pilgrimage bases. However, facilities are limited, requiring early booking for weekends and holidays.
Nearby Area Accommodation Options
Tsukuba City:
- About 15 minutes by train from Ushiku Station
- Abundant hotel options
- Good access to Tokyo area via Tsukuba Express
Tsuchiura City:
- About 10 minutes by train from Ushiku Station
- Enjoy Lake Kasumigaura area sightseeing
Stay in Tokyo:
- Day trips fully feasible
- Can combine with other “Love Live! Superstar!!” sacred sites (Harajuku/Shibuya area)
Pilgrimage Manners and Tips
Basic Manners
- No Trespassing on Private Property: Some locations in the series are private property not open to the public. Avoid entering without permission.
- Consideration in Residential Areas: Refrain from loud conversations or early morning/nighttime photography, respecting local residents’ lives.
- Follow Facility Rules: Observe photography rules and regulations at facilities like Ushiku Daibutsu and Ushiku Chateau.
- Take Trash Home: To keep sacred sites beautiful, always take trash with you.
- Small Group Pilgrimages: Especially in residential areas or narrow spaces, quiet pilgrimages in small groups are recommended.
Photography Tips
Time of Day:
Choosing the same time or weather as anime scenes creates more atmospheric photos. Ushiku Daibutsu photographs beautifully in morning front-lighting.
Angles:
Save anime screenshots and compare on-site while searching for matching angles for efficiency.
Seasons:
Visiting during seasons depicted in the series provides experiences closer to the work’s atmosphere.
Combination Plans with Tokyo Sacred Sites
The main setting of “Love Live! Superstar!!” is Tokyo (Harajuku, Yoyogi Park, Shibuya area). Combining with Ibaraki Prefecture pilgrimage allows a more fulfilling pilgrimage trip.
2-Day Plan Example
Day 1: Tokyo Sacred Sites
- Harajuku Station area (Yuigaoka Academy model area)
- Yoyogi Park (practice scene setting)
- Takeshita Street, Omotesando
- Shibuya area
Day 2: Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture
- Morning: Ushiku Daibutsu
- Afternoon: Ushiku Chateau
- Evening: Ushiku Station area
With about 1 hour 30 minutes access from Harajuku to Ushiku, touring both in one day is possible if time permits.
Ibaraki Prefecture Official Initiatives
Ibaraki Prefectural Government actively promotes collaboration with “Love Live! Superstar!!”. The official website publishes sacred site maps, with staff reports of actually touring with Onizuka sisters panels.
Tourism campaigns and stamp rallies are regularly held, so checking Ibaraki Prefecture’s official tourism site before visiting provides deals and latest event information.
Surrounding Tourist Spots
Tsukuba City
Tsukuba City, known as a science city, is about 15 minutes by train from Ushiku City. Attractions include Mount Tsukuba and JAXA Tsukuba Space Center.
Tsuchiura City
Facing Lake Kasumigaura, Tsuchiura City offers lakeside scenery and water town charm. The Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition (held in November) is famous as one of Japan’s three major fireworks festivals.
Aqua World Ibaraki Prefectural Oarai Aquarium
Though somewhat distant from Ushiku City, this is a representative Ibaraki Prefecture tourist spot. Located in Oarai Town, also known as a “Girls und Panzer” sacred site.
Conclusion: Appeal of Ibaraki Prefecture Pilgrimage
The Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture sacred sites newly added in “Love Live! Superstar!!” Season 3 brought new appeal to previously Tokyo-centered pilgrimages. Rich in spots enjoyable not only for anime fans but general tourists, including the world’s largest Ushiku Daibutsu and historic Ushiku Chateau.
Ushiku City, connected with the appealing Onizuka sisters characters, will attract increasing attention as a sacred site. Good access from Tokyo and feasible day-trip distance are also appealing.
A pilgrimage where you can actually visit beautiful scenery depicted in the anime, immerse yourself in the work’s atmosphere, and discover Ibaraki Prefecture’s charms. Please use this article as reference for an enriching pilgrimage journey.
Detailed information on toured locations and latest tourism guidance can be found on the Ibaraki Prefecture official website and Ushiku City Tourism Association site. Check seasonal event information and campaign deals to achieve the best pilgrimage experience.
