Super Cub Pilgrimage Complete Guide: A Journey Through Anime Location Sites in Yamanashi Prefecture
The anime “Super Cub” is a work primarily set in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture. The story of protagonist Koguma meeting a Super Cub and growing while deepening bonds with friends has captured the hearts of many fans. This article provides detailed information about pilgrimage spots in Yamanashi Prefecture that served as settings for the work.
What is Super Cub? The Appeal of the Work and Its Relationship with Yamanashi Prefecture
“Super Cub” is a work based on a light novel by Tone Koken, adapted into a television anime in 2021. Real landscapes are carefully depicted, centered on Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture, earning high praise not only from anime fans but also from motorcycle enthusiasts.
Yamanashi Prefecture, which served as the setting for the work, is a nature-rich region surrounded by Mount Fuji and the Southern Alps. Particularly, Hokuto City is located at the foot of Mount Yatsugatake, making it an attractive area with beautiful rural landscapes and clear air. In the anime, the everyday scenery of this region is carefully recreated, providing visiting fans with the special experience of “entering the world of the work.”
Major Pilgrimage Spots in Hokuto City
Yamanashi Prefectural Hokuto High School (Model School)
The model for the high school that Koguma and others attend is Yamanashi Prefectural Hokuto High School. The exterior of the school building and school gate appearing in the anime faithfully recreate the actual Hokuto High School. However, as it is an active educational facility, when visiting, refrain from entering the premises and limit yourself to viewing the exterior from public roads.
Access Information:
- About 10 minutes by car from JR Chuo Main Line “Nagasaka Station”
- About 15 minutes by car from Chuo Expressway “Nagasaka IC”
Roadside Station Kobuchisawa
“Roadside Station Kobuchisawa,” where the scene of Koguma and Reiko visiting is impressive in the work, is actually a popular rest stop. Fresh local vegetables and special products are sold here, making it an ideal place for a touring break.
From this roadside station, you can view the magnificent scenery of Mount Yatsugatake and actually experience the beautiful landscape depicted in the anime. The restaurant also offers dishes using local ingredients, so it’s recommended for a meal break during your pilgrimage.
Business Hours:
- 9:00-18:00 (varies by season)
- Regular holiday: Open year-round (except New Year holidays)
Kiyosato Area
Kiyosato is an area known as a tourist destination in Hokuto City, appearing in multiple scenes in the anime. Actual tourist spots such as Kiyosato Terrace and Kiyosato Seisen-ryo are depicted in the anime, making them unmissable places for fans.
Particularly, the soft serve ice cream at Kiyosato Seisen-ryo is mentioned in the work and is a specialty gourmet item you definitely want to taste during your pilgrimage. Soft serve ice cream eaten at an altitude of 1,400 meters in the highlands is exceptionally delicious.
Pilgrimage Spots in Kofu City
Around Kofu Station
The area around Kofu Station, where Koguma and others visit for shopping, is also an important setting in the work. The scenery in front of the station and the appearance of the shopping district are faithfully recreated, offering the joy of finding the anime world within everyday streetscapes.
Kofu Station is a transportation hub of Yamanashi Prefecture and is also convenient as a starting point for pilgrimage. The area around the station has abundant restaurants and hotels, making it suitable as a base for pilgrimages involving overnight stays.
Motorcycle Shop
The shop that served as the model for the motorcycle shop appearing in the anime actually exists in Kofu City. As the important place where Koguma purchased her Super Cub, many fans visit. The actual motorcycle shop displays and sells Honda vehicles, including the Super Cub.
Scenic Spots Around Mount Fuji
Lake Motosu
Lake Motosu, which appears in the scene where Koguma and Reiko enjoy camping in the work, is one of the Fuji Five Lakes and is also famous as the photography site for Mount Fuji depicted on the back of thousand-yen bills. The view of Mount Fuji from the lakeside is overwhelming, and you can enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons.
Campgrounds are also developed, making it possible to enjoy camping touring just like in the anime. Particularly, the “upside-down Fuji” reflected on the lake surface in early morning is a must-see spectacular view.
Lake Shoji and Lake Sai
Along with Lake Motosu, Lake Shoji and Lake Sai are also beautiful lakes that appear in the anime. The touring route around these lakes is a popular course where you can enjoy spectacular views of Mount Fuji while riding.
Recommended Routes and Plans for Pilgrimage
Day Trip Course (for Beginners)
Required Time: About 6-8 hours
- Start: JR Chuo Main Line “Kofu Station” (9:00)
- Kofu Station area exploration (9:00-10:00)
- Motorcycle shop visit
- Confirm pilgrimage spots in front of station
- Travel: Kofu Station → Hokuto City (about 40 minutes by car)
- Around Hokuto High School (11:00-11:30)
- Exterior viewing (no entry onto premises)
- Roadside Station Kobuchisawa (12:00-13:30)
- Lunch/break
- Purchase local specialty products
- Kiyosato Area (14:00-16:00)
- Soft serve ice cream at Kiyosato Seisen-ryo
- Kiyosato Terrace exploration
- Return: Hokuto City → Kofu Station (scheduled arrival at 17:00)
This course allows pilgrimage even for those without motorcycles by combining public transportation and rental cars.
1 Night 2 Days Course (for Serious Fans)
Day 1:
- Morning: Meet at Kofu Station, pilgrimage to sites in Kofu City
- Afternoon: Move to Hokuto City, Hokuto High School, Roadside Station Kobuchisawa
- Evening: Kiyosato area exploration
- Accommodation: Hotel/pension in Kiyosato or Kobuchisawa
Day 2:
- Morning: Move to Fuji Five Lakes area
- Campground visit and photography at Lake Motosu
- Touring around Lake Shoji and Lake Sai
- Afternoon: Return toward Kofu, souvenir shopping
- Evening: Disperse at Kofu Station
This course covers almost all major settings of the anime, allowing you to slowly immerse yourself in the work’s worldview.
Motorcycle Touring Course (for Advanced Riders)
A route for those considering pilgrimage on a Super Cub or scooter.
Recommended Route:
Kofu Station → National Route 20 → Hokuto City → Prefectural Route 11 → Kiyosato → National Route 141 → Nobeyama → National Route 299 → Lake Motosu → Lake Shoji → Lake Sai → Return to Kofu City
Total Mileage: About 150km
Required Time: 8-10 hours including breaks
This route is an attractive course where you can actually experience the roads that Koguma and others rode in the anime. However, as it includes mountain roads, it’s for those confident in their driving skills and physical stamina.
Precautions and Manners During Pilgrimage
Photography Manners
When taking photographs during pilgrimage, pay attention to the following points:
- No unauthorized entry onto private property: Especially schools and private homes are active facilities
- Be considerate not to obstruct traffic: Avoid long photography sessions on roads
- Be considerate of local residents: Refrain from early morning/late night visits and loud conversations
- Always take your trash with you: Keeping the work’s setting beautiful is also a fan’s duty
Precautions When Pilgrimaging by Motorcycle
When pilgrimaging by motorcycle such as a Super Cub:
- Prioritize safe driving: Be careful not to cause accidents while distracted by scenery
- Appropriate equipment: Safety equipment such as helmets and gloves is essential
- Fuel planning: Gas stations are scarce in mountainous areas, so confirm refueling points in advance
- Weather check: Mountain areas have changeable weather, so advance confirmation is important
- Winter precautions: From November to March, be careful about tire and route selection due to possible snow accumulation and freezing
Consideration for the Region
While pilgrimage is welcomed as part of regional tourism, be considerate of the following points:
- Contribute to local economy: Use roadside stations and restaurants, spending money in the region
- Observe traffic rules: Follow speed limits and no-parking zones
- Be considerate of noise: Be careful about motorcycle engine and exhaust sounds
- Confirm facility business hours: Particularly roadside stations and tourist facilities have business hours that vary by season
Best Season and Seasonal Attractions
Spring (March-May)
Spring is a season when cherry blossoms and fresh greenery are beautiful. In Hokuto City, cherry blossoms are at their best from mid to late April. The contrast between Mount Yatsugatake with remaining snow and cherry blossoms is spectacular. However, cold protection is necessary as mornings and evenings are still chilly.
Summer (June-August)
Summer is the best season to enjoy the refreshing highland climate. The Kiyosato area has high elevation, so it’s cooler and more comfortable than urban areas. It’s also the optimal time for camping at the Fuji Five Lakes. However, from July to August, there are many tourists, so early reservations for accommodations are necessary.
Autumn (September-November)
Autumn is a season with beautiful autumn leaves and optimal for touring. From mid-October to early November, autumn leaves around Mount Yatsugatake and the Fuji Five Lakes are at their best. Mount Fuji seen in clear air is exceptionally beautiful.
Winter (December-February)
While winter has beautiful snow scenery, pilgrimage by motorcycle becomes difficult. Some roads may be closed due to snow accumulation and road surface freezing. Pilgrimage by car is recommended, but preparation of studless tires or chains is essential.
Recommended Seasons: May, June, September, October
During these periods, weather is stable, temperatures are comfortable, and tourists are relatively fewer.
Accommodation Facilities and Gourmet Information
Recommended Accommodation Areas
Kiyosato/Kobuchisawa Area:
- Abundant pensions and mountain lodge-style hotels
- Can fully enjoy Mount Yatsugatake’s nature
- Price range: 8,000-15,000 yen per night with two meals
Kofu City:
- Abundant business hotels, relatively reasonable
- Convenient access by public transportation
- Price range: 5,000-8,000 yen room only
Fuji Five Lakes Area:
- Wide range of options from campgrounds to luxury resorts
- Can enjoy spectacular views of Mount Fuji
- Price range: Campgrounds from 1,000 yen, hotels from 10,000 yen
Local Gourmet
Hoto:
A miso-based noodle dish famous as Yamanashi Prefecture’s local cuisine. There are many famous shops in Hokuto City as well.
Kiyosato Seisen-ryo Soft Serve Ice Cream:
A Kiyosato specialty that also appears in the anime. An exquisite sweet using rich Jersey milk.
Koshu Wine Beef:
Beef raised with wine pomace mixed into the feed. Characterized by tender and richly flavored taste.
Shingen Mochi:
A souvenir staple. The combination of kinako (roasted soybean flour) and brown sugar syrup is exquisite.
Access Methods and Transportation
Public Transportation
Train:
- From Tokyo area: Get off at “Kofu Station” or “Kobuchisawa Station” on JR Chuo Main Line
- Travel time: About 90 minutes by limited express from Shinjuku Station (Kofu Station), about 120 minutes (Kobuchisawa Station)
Bus:
- Route buses from Kofu Station to Hokuto City area available
- However, frequency is limited, so confirm timetables in advance
Car/Motorcycle
From Tokyo area:
- Use Chuo Expressway
- Exit at “Kofu Showa IC” or “Nagasaka IC”
- Travel time: About 2 hours (depending on traffic conditions)
From Nagoya area:
- Use Chuo Expressway
- Travel time: About 3 hours
Rental Motorcycles/Rental Cars
There are multiple rental car companies around Kofu Station. Additionally, some motorcycle shops offer rental motorcycle services. Shops where Super Cub rentals are possible also exist, so it’s recommended for those who want the same experience as in the work.
Rental Fee Guidelines:
- Rental car (light vehicle): From 5,000 yen per day
- Rental motorcycle (scooter): From 3,000 yen per day
- Rental motorcycle (Super Cub): From 4,000 yen per day
Apps and Tools Useful for Pilgrimage
Stage Exploration Map Apps
Using apps and websites that share anime pilgrimage site information allows efficient pilgrimage. Photos and location information posted by fans are helpful.
Touring Support Apps
- Google Maps: Basic navigation
- Touring Supporter: Route search for motorcycles
- NAVITIME: Transfer guidance for public transportation
Weather Forecast Apps
Since mountain areas have changeable weather, using detailed weather forecast apps is important. Particularly “tenki.jp” and “Weathernews” are strong in weather forecasts for mountainous areas.
Surrounding Tourist Spots
Here are surrounding tourist spots you’ll want to visit along with pilgrimage.
Yamanashi Prefectural Museum of Art
Houses masterpieces including Millet’s “The Sower.” Located in Kofu City with convenient access.
Suntory Hakushu Distillery
A popular spot where you can tour the whiskey manufacturing process. Tastings are also available (reservation required).
Shosenkyo
A scenic spot boasting one of Japan’s finest gorge beauty. Located north of Kofu City, especially spectacular during autumn foliage season.
Yatsugatake Resort Outlet
An outlet mall in Kobuchisawa. You can enjoy shopping and dining.
Ways to Preserve Pilgrimage Memories
Creating a Pilgrimage Notebook
Creating a pilgrimage notebook that records visited places, photographed pictures, feelings, etc., will bring back enjoyable memories when you look back later.
Sharing on SNS
Posting on Twitter or Instagram with hashtags like “#SuperCubPilgrimage” “#YamanashiPrefecture” allows you to connect with fans of the same work.
“Pilgrimage Stamps” Instead of Temple Seals
Roadside stations and tourist facilities often have commemorative stamps installed. Bringing a stamp book to collect them is also an enjoyable recording method.
Deepening Interaction with the Region
Participating in Local Events
Various events are held throughout the year in Hokuto City. Participating in local festivals and markets allows deeper understanding of the culture of the region that served as the work’s setting.
Conversations with Locals
If you have the opportunity to talk with locals at roadside stations or cafes, it’s also interesting to ask about their impressions of the anime. Local people are also pleased that their hometown is attracting attention through the work.
Summary: The Appeal of Super Cub Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage to the anime “Super Cub” locations is a wonderful opportunity not only to experience the work’s worldview but also to encounter Yamanashi Prefecture’s beautiful nature and culture. The setting centered on Hokuto City has attractions throughout the four seasons, and there are new discoveries no matter how many times you visit.
Through pilgrimage, you should be able to experience for yourself the freedom and joy of adventure that Koguma and others felt with their Super Cub. Even if you don’t have a motorcycle, you can fully enjoy it by utilizing public transportation or rental cars.
While maintaining consideration and manners toward the region, with love for the work in your heart, please spend special time in Yamanashi Prefecture’s beautiful scenery. Surely, there will be emotions awaiting you that surpass the scenery seen in the anime.
Pilgrimage is not merely sightseeing but a special experience connecting the work, the region, and fans with each other. How about riding a Super Cub (or pretending to ride one), feeling the wind of Yamanashi Prefecture, and spinning your own story?
