Non Non Biyori and Ibaraki Prefecture: Comprehensive Explanation of Pilgrimage Sites and the Charm of the Work
About Non Non Biyori
“Non Non Biyori” is a Japanese manga work by Atto, serialized in KADOKAWA’s “Monthly Comic Alive” from November 2009 to April 2021. It is a beloved comedy manga among many fans, depicting the daily lives of students attending a rural school called “Asahioka Branch School.”
The work has also been adapted into anime, with Season 1 (2013), Season 2 “Non Non Biyori Repeat” (2015), Season 3 “Non Non Biyori Nonstop” (2021), and the theatrical film “Non Non Biyori Movie: Bakēshon” (2018) being produced. It remains a content that has been supported by many fans over the years.
The Setting of Non Non Biyori and Ibaraki Prefecture
About the Work’s Setting
The setting of “Non Non Biyori” is a peaceful countryside somewhere in Japan. The original author Atto does not base the work on a specific location, but rather constructs the world of the work by drawing inspiration from multiple places, including the land where he lived as a child and places he visited while traveling.
This approach was also followed in the production of the anime version. The production staff conducted location scouting in multiple regions including Tokyo, Chiba, Saitama, Wakayama, and Niigata, and created the work’s unique rural landscape by incorporating the best of each region.
Why Ibaraki Prefecture Attracts Attention
There are several reasons why many fans search for the relationship between Non Non Biyori and Ibaraki Prefecture.
Similarity of Rural Scenery
Ibaraki Prefecture, particularly in the northern and western parts of the prefecture, features beautiful agricultural landscapes similar to those in the work. Rice paddies, fields, countryside mountain scenery, and old wooden schoolhouses—many elements of Non Non Biyori’s worldview exist here.
Connection to Hitachinaka Seaside Railway
The Hitachinaka Seaside Railway’s Miki 300 type (formerly the Miki Railway 300 type) is used as a model for the electric train that appears in the work. This railway runs through Hitachinaka City in Ibaraki Prefecture as a local line, and the way it runs through a peaceful agricultural area resonates with the atmosphere of the work.
Actual Pilgrimage Sites
Shimosato Branch School in Ogawa Town, Saitama
In fact, the main pilgrimage site confirmed for Non Non Biyori is the “Ogawa Town Ogawa Elementary School Shimosato Branch School” located in Ogawa Town, Hiki County, Saitama Prefecture. This abandoned wooden schoolhouse served as a model for Asahioka Branch School, which appears in the work.
- Opened: Meiji 7 (1874)
- Closed: Heisei 15 (2003)
- Decommissioned: Heisei 23 (2011)
This branch school is recognized as a “pilgrimage site” among fans, as many elements including the exterior and interior structure of the schoolhouse and the surrounding landscape match those in the work.
Spots in Ibaraki Prefecture Where You Can Enjoy Non Non Biyori-like Scenery
Ibaraki Prefecture has many places where you can experience the worldview of Non Non Biyori.
Hitachi-Ōta City and Daigo Town Area
Located in the northern part of the prefecture, this area features beautiful agricultural landscapes and countryside mountains. Daigo Town in particular maintains a natural environment that can be called Japan’s primordial landscape, making it a worthwhile destination for Non Non Biyori fans.
Chikusei City and Sakuragawa City Area
These areas in the western part of the prefecture retain old-fashioned rural scenery. The combination of flatlands with rice paddies and Mount Tsukuba visible in the distance provides a truly Japanese countryside landscape.
Hitachinaka Seaside Railway Line
The Hitachinaka Seaside Railway, which served as a model for the train in the anime, is a local line connecting Katsuta Station to Ajigaura Station. Agricultural landscapes extend along the line, allowing you to experience a leisurely passage of time.
The Charm of Non Non Biyori
Appeal of the Characters
Main Characters
At the center of the work are the unique and individual students attending Asahioka Branch School.
- Renge Miyauchi: A first-grader known for her distinctive greeting “Nyanpasu” and her carefree, innocent personality
- Hotaru Ichijo: A fifth-grader who transferred from Tokyo. While raised in the city, she adapts to rural life
- Natsumi Koshigaya: A second-year middle school student. Full of energy and mischievous
- Komari Koshigaya: A first-year middle school student. Small and cute in appearance, but with a reliable personality
- Kazuho Miyauchi: The teacher at the branch school and Renge’s older sister. She has a laid-back personality
The Work’s Worldview
The greatest charm of Non Non Biyori lies in its depiction of the leisurely passage of time in the countryside, away from the hustle and bustle of cities. The work carefully portrays the beauty of nature through the four seasons, the purity of children’s daily lives, and human relationships unique to rural areas—values that are being lost in modern society.
Healing Elements
The work belongs to the genre of “slice-of-life anime,” with no major incidents or dramatic developments. Instead, small daily events, seasonal changes, and casual conversations between children are depicted carefully. This very “nothing happening” provides viewers with deep healing.
Development of the Anime Series
Television Anime Series
Season 1 “Non Non Biyori” (2013)
The first anime adaptation. The beautiful depiction of rural landscapes and the charm of the characters’ daily lives were highly praised, gaining many fans.
Season 2 “Non Non Biyori Repeat” (2015)
Set in the same time frame as Season 1, it focuses primarily on episodes not previously depicted. True to its title “Repeat,” it depicts the same year from a different perspective.
Season 3 “Non Non Biyori Nonstop” (2021)
The timeline progresses, and the story of a new year unfolds. The growth of the characters is also evident in this installment.
Theatrical Films
“Non Non Biyori Movie: Bakēshon” (2018)
A story about the branch school members taking a trip to Okinawa to the home of Kazuho’s brother’s family. The daily lives of the characters are depicted in a subtropical landscape different from their usual countryside.
Rural Tourism Spots in Ibaraki Prefecture
Places Where You Can Experience Non Non Biyori-like Atmosphere
Ibaraki Prefecture has numerous tourism spots where you can experience the worldview of Non Non Biyori.
Komorebi Mori no Ibaraido
An experiential agricultural park in Inashiki City. You can enjoy nature in the countryside while interacting with animals and experiencing farming. It is an ideal spot to spend leisurely time.
Museum Park Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of Natural History
A nature-themed museum in Bandō City. The surrounding area features vast nature, allowing you to enjoy landscapes that change with the seasons.
Hitachi Seaside Park
A vast park in Hitachinaka City. With spring nemophila and autumn kochia, beautiful flowers bloom in different seasons. You can spend leisurely time in spacious surroundings.
Enjoying Ibaraki’s Agricultural Landscapes
Around Kasumigaura
Surrounding Kasumigaura, Japan’s second-largest lake, beautiful agricultural landscapes spread out. Cycling roads are also developed, allowing you to enjoy the scenery while moving at a leisurely pace.
Around the Base of Mount Tsukuba
The foothills of Mount Tsukuba retain old-fashioned agricultural village scenery. Old private residences are scattered among rice paddies and fields, presenting truly Japan’s primordial landscape.
Ibaraki Prefecture Visitor’s Guide for Non Non Biyori Fans
Access Methods
From Tokyo to Ibaraki Prefecture
- Train: About 1 hour 30 minutes to Mito Station on JR Joban Line
- Car: About 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours using the Joban Expressway
- Express Bus: Direct buses available from Tokyo Station to various locations
Access to Hitachinaka Seaside Railway
Transfer to the Hitachinaka Seaside Railway Minato Line from Katsuta Station on the JR Joban Line. Enjoy the journey on a local line running through peaceful agricultural landscapes.
Recommended Visiting Periods
Spring (March to May)
A season when rice planting preparations begin and fresh greenery is beautiful. The nemophila at Hitachi Seaside Park comes into full bloom.
Summer (June to August)
A season when lush green rice paddies spread out. Perfect for countryside experiences during summer vacation.
Autumn (September to November)
A beautiful season when golden rice stalks sway in the wind. The harvest time arrives, and countryside scenery can be enjoyed.
Winter (December to February)
It can snow, and a quiet, calm countryside landscape spreads out. The air is clear, allowing views of distant mountains.
Cultural Impact of Non Non Biyori
Increased Interest in the Countryside
Non Non Biyori has become a work that helps many people living in cities rediscover the charm of rural areas. Through the work, more people are developing appreciation for the leisurely passage of time and longing for life surrounded by nature.
Contribution to Regional Revitalization
In Ogawa Town, Saitama, which has become a pilgrimage site, the increase in Non Non Biyori fan visits has contributed to local revitalization. In Ibaraki Prefecture as well, there is an increasing trend of tourists visiting in search of countryside landscapes that resonate with the work’s worldview.
Countryside Living Experiences Available in Ibaraki Prefecture
Agricultural Experience Programs
Agricultural experience programs are implemented in various locations throughout Ibaraki Prefecture. You can actually experience farming activities such as rice planting, rice harvesting, and vegetable harvesting—activities that the characters in Non Non Biyori experience as part of their daily lives.
Historic Farmhouse Stays
An increasing number of renovated historic farmhouses have become accommodations throughout the prefecture. Spending time in traditional Japanese homes offers an excellent opportunity to experience the work’s worldview.
Regional Events
Various regional events are held throughout the year in agricultural areas of Ibaraki Prefecture. Participating in festivals and harvest celebrations allows you to experience the warmth of community relationships depicted in Non Non Biyori.
Elements in the Work and Common Points with Ibaraki Prefecture
Natural Environment
The beautiful natural scenery depicted in Non Non Biyori can be seen in various locations throughout Ibaraki Prefecture. Vast rice paddies, countryside mountain scenery, the babbling of streams, starry skies—the natural elements depicted in the work actually exist.
Local Railways
The Hitachinaka Seaside Railway served as a model for the train in the anime and offers a leisurely countryside railway experience. Single-car vehicles running through peaceful agricultural landscapes are the very embodiment of the work’s world.
Branch Schools and Small Schools
Many branch schools once existed in rural areas of Ibaraki Prefecture. While mergers and closures have progressed, small schools remain today, and the small-scale educational environments depicted in the work actually exist.
Non Non Biyori Merchandise and Ibaraki Prefecture Souvenirs
Work-Related Merchandise
Official Non Non Biyori merchandise can be purchased at online shops and specialty stores. Character goods, Blu-rays, books, and various other products are available.
Ibaraki Prefecture Specialties
When visiting Ibaraki Prefecture, it is recommended to bring local specialty products as souvenirs.
- Hitachi Beef: A representative Japanese brand beef
- Hoshi-imo (Dried Sweet Potato): Ibaraki accounts for approximately 90% of nationwide production
- Nattō: Mito nattō is famous nationwide
- Melons: Production is among the top nationwide
- Local Sake: The prefecture has many sake breweries where delicious Japanese sake can be enjoyed
Summary
While the direct relationship between Non Non Biyori and Ibaraki Prefecture is limited, the countryside scenery and lifestyle depicted in the work can actually be experienced in various parts of Ibaraki Prefecture. Elements related to the work also exist, such as the Hitachinaka Seaside Railway, making it a worthwhile destination for fans.
Ibaraki Prefecture can be called an ideal tourism destination for those who wish to experience the “beautiful Japanese countryside” depicted in Non Non Biyori and spend leisurely time away from the hustle and bustle of cities. It is recommended that not only fans of the work but also everyone who wishes to rediscover the charm of the countryside visit Ibaraki’s agricultural regions.
Beautiful nature, warm people, delicious food, and a leisurely passage of time. Why not experience the “richness” that Non Non Biyori teaches us in Ibaraki Prefecture?
