Complete Guide to Maebashi Witches Pilgrimage | A Journey Through Gunma Prefecture’s Anime Locations
What are Maebashi Witches? The Appeal of Pilgrimage
“Maebashi Witches” is community-based content set in Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture, as a spin-off of the popular anime series “Strike Witches.” With official cooperation from Gunma Prefecture and Maebashi City, there are numerous pilgrimage spots where the anime’s worldview merges with real locations.
The greatest feature of this work is that actual landmarks and tourist spots in Maebashi City appear in the series, allowing fans to actually visit them. It has become recommended tourist content not only for anime fans but also for local residents who want to rediscover the charm of Gunma Prefecture.
How to Enjoy Pilgrimage
The main way to enjoy pilgrimage is “location hunting,” where you take photographs from the same angles as scenes that appeared in the anime. Multiple pilgrimage spots are scattered throughout Maebashi City, making it possible to leisurely tour them over a full day or efficiently visit the main spots in half a day.
Major Pilgrimage Spots in Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture
JR Maebashi Station Area
JR Maebashi Station is the optimal starting point for pilgrimage. Maebashi Witches-related exhibits and panels are sometimes installed inside the station and in the station plaza, with many fans taking commemorative photos here first.
Within walking distance from the north exit are shopping streets and restaurants that appear in the work. The “Maebashi Central Shopping Street” area in particular is depicted as a place where anime characters spend their daily lives, allowing you to experience the emotion of the real townscape overlapping with the anime’s worldview.
Maebashi Park & Sachi no Ike
Maebashi Park is a historic park located in the center of Maebashi City and appears as an important location in Maebashi Witches. The “Sachi no Ike” pond area in particular is depicted as a relaxation spot for characters, where you can enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons.
With cherry blossoms in spring, lush green trees in summer, autumn foliage, and snowy landscapes in winter, the park shows different expressions depending on the season you visit, offering fresh discoveries each time. Strolling around the pond while recalling anime scenes is part of the real pleasure of pilgrimage.
Gunma Prefectural Office Observatory Hall
The Gunma Prefectural Office 32nd Floor Observatory Hall is a free observation spot where you can overlook Maebashi City. The view from 127 meters above ground is breathtaking and is used in impressive scenes in Maebashi Witches.
From the observatory hall, you can view the Jomo Sanzan (three mountains of Jomo): Mt. Akagi, Mt. Haruna, and Mt. Myogi, and on clear days you can see as far as Mt. Asama. Sunsets and night views are also beautiful, making it popular not only with anime fans but also as a date spot.
Opening hours are from 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM on weekdays and from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekends and holidays, with convenient access about 10 minutes by bus from Maebashi Station.
Maebashi Lunapa-ku (Maebashi City Central Children’s Amusement Park)
“Lunapa-ku,” known as Japan’s cheapest amusement park, is also one of the Maebashi Witches pilgrimage sites. The retro-atmosphere rides and merry-go-round appear in nostalgic scenes in the anime.
With rides costing just 10 or 50 yen per ride, it’s a relaxation spot for Maebashi citizens from children to adults. During pilgrimage breaks, actually experiencing the rides is also recommended.
Hirose River Riverside
The riverside of Hirose River flowing through Maebashi City is also an important location appearing in the work. The promenade around “Hirose River Museum of Art” in particular is used in scenes of characters taking walks, where you can spend leisurely time.
The cherry blossom trees along the river are also famous as a spring hanami spot, becoming a place where anime fans and local hanami visitors interact.
Efficient Pilgrimage Route Plans
Half-Day Course (Approximately 4 Hours)
9:00 Start at JR Maebashi Station
Take commemorative photos around the station, obtain pilgrimage map at tourist information center
9:30 Maebashi Park & Sachi no Ike
Travel on foot or by bus (about 15 minutes), stroll through the park
11:00 Gunma Prefectural Office Observatory Hall
Walk about 10 minutes, overlook the city from the observatory hall
12:00 Lunch at Maebashi Central Shopping Street
Explore the shopping street while enjoying local gourmet food
13:00 Lunapa-ku
Photography at the retro amusement park, ride experience
This course allows you to efficiently visit major spots and is optimal for first-time pilgrimage.
Full-Day Enjoyment Course (Approximately 8 Hours)
In addition to the half-day course, the following spots can be added:
14:30 Hirose River Riverside Stroll
Search for photo spots while walking along the river
16:00 Tour of Anime Shops & Collaboration Cafes in Maebashi City
Enjoy purchasing limited goods and collaboration menu items
18:00 Revisit Prefectural Office Observatory Hall at Sunset
Conclude the day with night view photography
Access Methods and Transportation
Access by Train
From Tokyo Area
- About 1 hour 50 minutes to Takasaki Station on JR Takasaki Line
- About 15 minutes from Takasaki Station to Maebashi Station on JR Ryomo Line
- Or about 1 hour 40 minutes from Ueno Station to Takasaki Station using Limited Express “Kusatsu” or “Shima”
From Nagano/Niigata Area
- Get off at Takasaki Station on Hokuriku Shinkansen, transfer to JR Ryomo Line
Access by Car
Using Kan-Etsu Expressway
- Exit at Maebashi IC, about 15 minutes to city center
- Parking is available at each tourist spot, but the prefectural office has paid parking
Transportation Within the City
Maebus (Maebashi City Circular Bus)
A convenient community bus connecting major pilgrimage spots. It costs 100 yen per ride, with a day pass available for 300 yen, which is a good deal.
Rental Bicycles
Rental bicycles are available at Maebashi Station and major spots. With mostly flat terrain, pilgrimage by bicycle is comfortable.
On Foot
Major spots are concentrated within a 2km radius of Maebashi Station, making pilgrimage on foot possible. However, as visiting all spots on foot takes time, combining with buses or rental bicycles is recommended.
Maebashi Witches Limited Goods & Collaboration Information
Official Goods Stores
At tourist information centers and affiliated stores in Maebashi City, you can purchase Maebashi Witches limited goods. A wide variety of items that serve as pilgrimage mementos are available, including keychains, clear files, T-shirts, and can badges.
At the Maebashi Station Tourist Information Center, you can check the latest goods information and stock availability. Popular items sometimes sell out, so early purchase is recommended.
Limited-Time Collaboration Projects
Maebashi City regularly holds collaboration events with Maebashi Witches.
- Stamp Rally: Collect stamps by touring pilgrimage spots to receive limited goods
- Collaboration Cafes: Restaurants in the city serve menus inspired by characters
- Panel Exhibitions: Character panels and original artwork displays at stations and commercial facilities
- Voice Actor Events: Voice actor talk shows and handshake events may be held for anniversaries
The latest collaboration information can be checked on the official website and SNS of Maebashi City Tourism Promotion Division.
Photography Etiquette and Points During Pilgrimage
Photography Etiquette
Consideration for local residents and etiquette are very important when enjoying pilgrimage.
Etiquette to Follow
- No unauthorized entry onto private property
- Photography in locations that don’t obstruct traffic
- Avoid loud conversations and noise
- Always take garbage with you
- Be considerate not to interfere with business in shopping streets
- Greetings and gratitude toward local residents
Best Photography Timing
Time of Day
- Morning: Good light conditions with fewer tourists
- Evening: Atmospheric photos possible with beautiful magic hour light
- Night: Optimal for night view spots like the prefectural office observatory hall
Season
- Spring (March-May): Beautiful cherry blossoms and fresh greenery, pleasant climate
- Summer (June-August): Lush greenery but heat countermeasures needed
- Autumn (September-November): Beautiful autumn foliage, comfortable climate
- Winter (December-February): Clear air for crisp distant views, cold weather gear essential
Recommended Photography Equipment
- Smartphone: Convenient with sufficient image quality, also handy for SNS posting
- Mirrorless/DSLR Camera: For those wanting to take serious pilgrimage photos
- Wide-Angle Lens: Convenient for capturing entire buildings or landscapes
- Tripod: Necessary for night photography or group photos (in locations that don’t obstruct passage)
Maebashi Local Gourmet and Rest Spots
Maebashi Specialty Gourmet
Here are Maebashi and Gunma gourmet foods to enjoy during pilgrimage breaks.
Tonkatsu
Gunma Prefecture has thriving pork production, with many delicious tonkatsu restaurants in Maebashi City. Thick-cut tonkatsu using “Joshu Pork” is exquisite.
Yaki-Manju
A Gunma Prefecture local confection of steamed manju coated with sweet and savory miso sauce and grilled. Available at Japanese sweets shops and stalls in Maebashi City.
Himokawa Udon
Gunma specialty udon characterized by wide, flat noodles. Its slippery texture and smooth passage down the throat are attractive.
Daruma Bento
A famous ekiben from Takasaki Station, also available in Maebashi. The daruma-shaped container is cute and makes an excellent souvenir.
Recommended Rest Spots
Maebashi Plaza Genki 21
A complex facility near Maebashi Station with extensive cafes and restaurants. Optimal for spreading out your pilgrimage map and planning your next destination.
Starbucks Maebashi Park Store
Near Maebashi Park, convenient for breaks during strolls. You can view the park’s greenery from terrace seats.
Michi-no-Eki Maebashi Akagi
Near Maebashi IC, convenient for pilgrims traveling by car. You can purchase local fresh vegetables and specialty products.
Combinations with Surrounding Tourist Spots
Mt. Akagi Area
Mt. Akagi, located in the northern part of Maebashi City, is one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains and also appears in the background of Maebashi Witches. If you have time to spare, a short trip to Mt. Akagi is also recommended.
Akagi Shrine: Popular shrine as a power spot
Onuma: Crater lake where you can enjoy boating and fishing
Akagi Onsen: Day-trip hot spring to heal pilgrimage fatigue
Takasaki City Area
Adjacent Takasaki City also has good access, just 15 minutes by train from Maebashi, making combination tourism possible.
Takasaki Byakue Dai-Kannon: Giant Kannon statue overlooking the city
Around Takasaki Station: Extensive shopping and gourmet spots
Shorinzan Daruma-ji: Famous as the birthplace of daruma
Ikaho Onsen & Kusatsu Onsen
Hot spring resorts representing Gunma Prefecture can also be visited as day trips or overnight stays from Maebashi. Plans combining pilgrimage and hot spring trips are also popular.
Accommodation Facilities and Recommended Hotels
Hotels Around Maebashi Station
Hotel 1-2-3 Maebashi Mercury
Within walking distance of Maebashi Station, reasonably priced business hotel type.
Hotel Sanderson
Right at Maebashi Station north exit, excellent access, optimal as a pilgrimage base.
Maebashi Terusa
Hotel with hot spring facilities where you can heal pilgrimage fatigue.
Combinations with Hot Spring Inns
For enjoying both pilgrimage and hot springs, a plan staying one night at a hotel in Maebashi City then moving to Ikaho Onsen or Kusatsu Onsen is also recommended.
Event & Festival Information
Maebashi Festival
The largest festival in Maebashi City held every October, where collaboration projects with Maebashi Witches are sometimes implemented. You can enjoy the fusion of traditional festival culture with anime culture, including floats, portable shrines, and Danbee dancing.
Maebashi Hatsuichi Festival
A traditional market held in January, famous for daruma sales. Limited Maebashi Witches daruma are sometimes sold.
Anime Events
Check the official website and SNS for information on irregularly held voice actor talk shows, fan meetings, screenings, and other events.
Maebashi Witches Pilgrimage Q&A
Q: How much time is needed for pilgrimage?
A: Just visiting the major spots is possible in half a day (about 4 hours), but a full day is recommended for thoroughly enjoying photography and meals. Including surrounding tourism, a 1-night 2-day plan is ideal.
Q: Where can I obtain a pilgrimage map?
A: Free distribution at the tourist information center at JR Maebashi Station, the tourism division at Gunma Prefectural Office, Maebashi City Hall, etc. PDF versions can also be downloaded from the official website.
Q: I don’t have a car, but can I get around using only public transportation?
A: Yes, it’s possible. By utilizing Maebus (city circular bus) and rental bicycles, major spots can be efficiently visited. Even with just walking, many spots are within a 2km radius.
Q: Can it be enjoyed on rainy days?
A: There are spots that can be enjoyed in rain, such as Gunma Prefectural Office Observatory Hall, indoor facilities, and shopping street arcades. However, park and riverside strolls are more comfortable on sunny days.
Q: What clothing is appropriate for pilgrimage?
A: Easy-to-walk-in sneakers or athletic shoes are essential. In summer, prepare a hat and sunscreen; in winter, prepare proper cold weather gear. Season-appropriate clothing plus camera/smartphone chargers and beverages are reassuring to bring.
Q: Can Maebashi Witches goods be purchased online?
A: Some goods can be purchased through online shops, but limited items and region-exclusive goods are only available locally. Visiting in person is recommended for certain acquisition.
Summary: To Maximize Enjoyment of Maebashi Witches Pilgrimage
Maebashi Witches pilgrimage is a valuable experience for anime fans to experience the work’s worldview. Precisely because it’s set in the real city of Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture, you can taste the emotion of anime and reality intersecting.
Points for successful pilgrimage are as follows:
- Advance Preparation: Obtain pilgrimage map, confirm access methods, check event information
- Efficient Route Planning: Decide between half-day or full-day course, secure transportation
- Follow Etiquette: Consideration for local residents, observe photography manners
- Enjoy Local Gourmet: Enrich travel memories with Maebashi/Gunma specialty cuisine
- Obtain Limited Goods: Purchase commemorative goods locally
- Share on SNS: Interact with other fans using hashtags
Maebashi City has good access, about 2 hours from Tokyo, making it optimal for weekend short trips. It’s an attractive tourist destination where you can enjoy not only as an anime pilgrimage site but also Gunma Prefecture’s history, culture, and nature.
A journey touring the city of Maebashi, which shows different expressions through the four seasons, together with Maebashi Witches characters will surely become an unforgettable memory. Please use this guide as reference to create your own unique pilgrimage plan.
Maebashi City and local residents warmly welcome anime fan visits. While observing etiquette, please fully enjoy the world of Maebashi Witches.
