LoveLive! Superstar!! Ibaraki Prefecture Holy Land Pilgrimage Complete Guide | Thorough Explanation of Ushiku City Stages
Preface: Ibaraki Prefecture Becomes the “Holy Land” of “LoveLive! Superstar!!”
In the 3rd season of the TV anime “LoveLive! Superstar!!” broadcast in 2024, newly introduced characters Onitsuka Natsumi and Onitsuka Fuyumaril sisters are set as residents of Ushiku City in Ibaraki Prefecture, with many scenes of Liella! members visiting Ushiku City appearing in the work. While previous LoveLive series had their main stages within Tokyo, this is the first time Ibaraki Prefecture has been depicted as a holy land, garnering enormous attention from fans nationwide.
This article, based on experience from actual pilgrimage to holy lands in Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture that appeared in the anime, will thoroughly explain the detailed information, transportation, filming locations, and surrounding attractions of each landmark.
What is Ushiku City in Ibaraki Prefecture? Hometown of the Onitsuka Sisters
Ushiku City is a city with a population of approximately 80,000 located in the southern part of Ibaraki Prefecture. About 60km from central Tokyo, it takes about 1 hour from Ueno Station on the JR Joban Line, and even from Harajuku Station it takes only about 1 hour 30 minutes—a sense of realistic distance that matches the setting in the work.
It is famous for the “Ushiku Daibutsu,” the world’s largest-class bronze statue, and “Ushiku Winery,” Japan’s first authentic wine brewery, making it an attractive tourist destination that blends history and culture. In the anime, these landmarks are depicted as important stages visited by the Onitsuka sisters and Liella! members.
Ushiku Station: Starting Point of Holy Land Pilgrimage
Station Highlights
JR Joban Line Ushiku Station is the entrance to Ibaraki’s holy land pilgrimage. After the anime aired, life-size display panels of the Onitsuka sisters were installed at the ticket gate area, becoming a popular photo spot for fans.
The station building is divided into East and West exits; to reach Ushiku Daibutsu and Ushiku Winery, use the East exit. The station front scenery depicted in the work is modeled after the actual Ushiku Station East exit, with the traffic circle and station plaza layout matching the anime.
Transportation Information
From Tokyo Direction:
- About 50 minutes by JR Joban Line rapid train from Ueno Station
- About 1 hour 10 minutes from Shinagawa Station
- About 1 hour 30 minutes from Harajuku Station with Yamanote Line and Joban Line transfers
Fares:
- 990 yen one-way from Ueno Station (when using IC card)
- Weekend outings pass and other free-ride tickets also available
Station Vicinity Facilities
There is a tourism information center at Ushiku Station East exit where you can obtain holy land pilgrimage maps and surrounding tourism information. Additionally, convenience stores and restaurants are well-stocked, making it convenient for pre-pilgrimage preparations.
Ushiku Daibutsu: Shocking in Scale as a Holy Land
Appearances in the Work
Ushiku Daibutsu is one of the most impressive stages in the 3rd season of “LoveLive! Superstar!!” It appears in the scene where the Onitsuka sisters lead Liella! members on a visit, with its overwhelming sense of scale faithfully reproduced in the anime. The scene where members like Koko are surprised at the Daibutsu’s enormous size has become a memorable scene for many fans.
Basic Information about Ushiku Daibutsu
Ushiku Daibutsu stands 120 meters tall (including the pedestal) and is the world’s largest-class bronze statue, also recognized by the Guinness World Records. Its official name is “Ushiku Amida Daibutsu,” established in 1993 by Higashi Hongan-ji, the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu Higashi Hongan-ji School.
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 Fees:
- Including Daibutsu interior: Adults 800 yen, Children 400 yen
- Garden only: Adults 500 yen, Children 300 yen
Photography Spots
To capture from the same angle as the anime, it’s recommended to shoot from the front approach. Especially on clear days, you can capture the solemn appearance of the Daibutsu against a blue sky. Additionally, the angle of looking up from beneath the Daibutsu’s feet is also depicted in the work and allows you to experience its impact.
The Daibutsu interior has five levels, and from the observation deck you can overlook Ushiku City. On good weather days, you can also see Tokyo Skytree and Mt. Fuji—attractions that can be enjoyed alongside holy land pilgrimage.
Surrounding Attractions
Within the “Ushiku Joen” where Ushiku Daibutsu is located, there are gardens with flowers blooming in all seasons and a small animal park. Particularly in spring with cherry blossoms and moss phlox, summer sunflowers, and autumn cosmos, you can enjoy different scenery depending on the season.
Ushiku Winery: Holy Land Full of Historical Romance
Birthplace of Japanese Wine
Ushiku Winery was established in 1903 (Meiji 36) by Kamiya Denbei as Japan’s first authentic wine brewery. In 2020 it was designated as a nationally important cultural property and is preserved as a historically valuable building.
In the anime, the scene where the Onitsuka sisters lead Liella! members to visit this historical building makes a deep impression with its brick buildings and beautiful gardens.
Visiting Points
Opening Hours:
- 10:00–16:00 (last entry 15:30)
- Closed: Mondays (holidays postponed), year-end/new year
Admission:
- Free (some facilities charge admission)
Within the Ushiku Winery grounds are scattered brick brewery buildings, the Kamiya Denbei Memorial Hall, administrative offices, and more. The fountain plaza and building exteriors depicted in the work match the actual scenery, allowing you to photograph recreations of anime scenes.
Photography Spots
The brick path extending from the main gate, red brick walls of the brewery, the fountain in the courtyard—you can tour the locations that appear in the anime. Especially during autumn when leaves are red, the brick buildings and trees create a beautiful contrast, ideal for photography.
Surrounding Cuisine
The grounds have a restaurant called “La Terrasse de Oenon” where you can enjoy dishes using local ingredients. Additionally, a souvenir shop sells Ushiku Winery original wines and merchandise.
Other Holy Land Spots
Nanbu Coffee
Near Ushiku Station there are several cafes and restaurants that may appear in the work. Nanbu Coffee is a locally popular coffee shop where many fans visit as a rest point during holy land pilgrimage.
Kashiwada Shrine Vicinity
There are multiple shrines and temples within Ushiku City that are pointed out as possible prototypes for scenes in the work. Recommended as a walking spot to feel the local atmosphere.
Actual Ushiku Tour: Sample Routes
Half-Day Route (approximately 4 hours)
9:00 Arrive at JR Ushiku Station, take commemorative photo with Onitsuka sisters display panel
9:30 Take bus from Station East exit to Ushiku Daibutsu (approximately 25 minutes)
10:00 Visit Ushiku Daibutsu · Photography (approximately 90 minutes)
11:30 Take bus to Ushiku Winery
12:00 Visit Ushiku Winery · Photography (approximately 90 minutes)
13:30 Take bus back to Ushiku Station
14:00 Lunch around the station · Purchase souvenirs
Full-Day Enriched Route (approximately 8 hours)
Building on the above half-day route, add other tourist attractions in Ushiku City and possible locations that appear in the work. Using a rental bicycle allows for more efficient touring.
Ibaraki Prefecture sometimes offers “1,000 yen car rental campaigns” and other tourism discount programs; it’s recommended to check in advance.
Detailed Transportation to Ushiku
Train Transportation
The JR Joban Line is the most convenient transportation method. Using the rapid train, you can reach from the Tokyo direction smoothly.
Required Time from Major Stations:
- From Ueno Station: Approximately 50 minutes (rapid)
- From Tokyo Station: Approximately 1 hour (rapid, via Ueno)
- From Shinagawa Station: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes
- From Harajuku Station: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (Yamanote Line · Joban Line transfer)
Driving
Using Joban Expressway:
- From Sakura Tsuchiura IC approximately 20 minutes
- From Yatabe IC approximately 30 minutes
Both Ushiku Daibutsu and Ushiku Winery have parking lots.
Bus Movement
Bus routes operate from Ushiku Station East exit to Ushiku Daibutsu and Ushiku Winery.
To Ushiku Daibutsu:
- Kanto Railway Bus “toward Ushiku Daibutsu · Ushiku Joen”
- Required time: Approximately 25 minutes
- Fare: Approximately 500 yen one-way
To Ushiku Winery:
- About 15 minutes walking, or use taxi
Schedules vary by season and day of week; it’s recommended to confirm in advance on the Kanto Railway website.
Accommodation Facilities and Recommended Areas
Accommodations in Ushiku City
There are several business hotels in Ushiku City that can serve as bases for holy land pilgrimage. However, the number of facilities is limited, and advance reservation is necessary on weekends and consecutive holidays.
Accommodation Options in Neighboring Areas
Tsukuba City:
- Approximately 15 minutes by train from Ushiku Station
- Rich selection of hotels
- Tsukuba Express convenient for heading toward Tokyo
Tsuchiura City:
- Approximately 10 minutes by train from Ushiku Station
- Can also enjoy Kasumigaura surrounding areas
Accommodations in Tokyo:
- Same-day round-trip pilgrimage is completely feasible
- Can combine with other “LoveLive! Superstar!!” holy lands (Harajuku · Shibuya areas)
Holy Land Pilgrimage Etiquette and Points
Basic Etiquette
- Prohibition on Entering Private Property: Among locations appearing in the work, there are private properties not open to the public. Be careful not to enter without permission.
- Caution in Residential Areas: Avoid loud conversation and photography in early morning or late evening, respecting local residents’ lives.
- Comply with Facility Rules: Follow photography rules and usage regulations at each facility such as Ushiku Daibutsu and Ushiku Winery.
- Take Trash With You: To keep the holy land beautiful, dispose of all trash properly.
- Small-Group Pilgrimage: Especially in residential areas and narrow spaces, small-group quiet pilgrimage is recommended.
Photography Techniques
Time of Day:
Selecting the same time and weather as the anime scene allows for more atmospheric photography. Ushiku Daibutsu photographs best in the morning when lit from the front.
Angles:
Saving anime scene screenshots and comparing them at the location to find matching angles is more efficient.
Seasons:
Visiting to match the seasons depicted in the work provides an experience closer to the work’s world view.
Combination Plans with Tokyo Holy Lands
The main stages of “LoveLive! Superstar!!” are within Tokyo (Harajuku, Yoyogi Park, Shibuya areas). Combined with Ibaraki’s holy land pilgrimage, you can enjoy a more enriched pilgrimage trip.
Sample 2-Day Plan
Day 1: Holy Lands in Tokyo
- Harajuku Station area (prototype area of Yuika Academy)
- Yoyogi Park (practice scene stage)
- Takeshita Street, Omotesando
- Shibuya area
Day 2: Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture
- Morning: Ushiku Daibutsu
- Afternoon: Ushiku Winery
- Evening: Ushiku Station area
From Harajuku to Ushiku takes about 1 hour 30 minutes; with ample time, visiting both locations in one day is possible.
Official Ibaraki Prefecture Initiatives
The Ibaraki Prefecture government actively promotes cooperation with “LoveLive! Superstar!!” Official websites publish holy land maps, and there have been reports of officials actually pilgrimaging with the Onitsuka sisters display panel.
Additionally, regular tourism events and stamp-collecting activities are held; checking the Ibaraki Prefecture official tourism website before visiting allows you to obtain discount information and latest activity updates.
Surrounding Tourist Attractions
Tsukuba City
Known as the City of Science, Tsukuba City is approximately 15 minutes by train from Ushiku City. Rich with attractions including Mt. Tsukuba and JAXA Tsukuba Space Center.
Tsuchiura City
Facing Kasumigaura, Tsuchiura City offers lakeside scenery and water town atmosphere. Additionally, the Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition (held in November) is famous as one of Japan’s three largest fireworks displays.
Aqua World Ibaraki Oarai Aquarium
Though at some distance from Ushiku City, it is a representative tourist attraction in Ibaraki. Also the holy land of “Girls und Panzer” in Oarai Town.
Conclusion: Charm of Ibaraki Prefecture Holy Land Pilgrimage
The newly added Ushiku City holy land in Ibaraki Prefecture from the 3rd season of “LoveLive! Superstar!!” adds new charm to holy land pilgrimages previously centered on Tokyo. There are abundant attractions enjoyable not just by anime fans but regular tourists alike, from the world’s largest-class Ushiku Daibutsu to the historic Ushiku Winery.
Ushiku City, connected to appealing characters the Onitsuka sisters, will become an increasingly noticed holy land in the future. The convenient transportation from Tokyo and the distance allowing for same-day round-trip pilgrimage is also appealing.
Experiencing the beautiful scenery depicted in the anime in person, immersing yourself in the work’s world view, while also discovering Ibaraki’s charm—a holy land pilgrimage that achieves all this. Please refer to this article and enjoy a fulfilling pilgrimage journey.
Detailed information about locations visited this time and the latest tourism guides can be confirmed on the Ibaraki Prefecture official website and Ushiku City Tourism Association website. Also check seasonal activity information and discount campaign information to realize the best holy land pilgrimage experience.
