“SHIROBAKO” Movie Theater Edition Tokyo Sacred Ground Pilgrimage Complete Guide｜All Location Maps and Tips for Visiting
Released on February 29, 2020, the theatrical version of “SHIROBAKO” is a sequel to the popular TV series depicting the behind-the-scenes world of anime production and is beloved by many fans. The sacred grounds in Tokyo that serve as the setting for this work are scattered across a wide area centered on Musashisakai, including Ogikubo, Mitaka, and Shinjuku.
This article provides detailed information about all sacred grounds and filming locations featured in the theatrical version of “SHIROBAKO,” thoroughly explains efficient pilgrimage routes, photography tips, and highlights of each spot. By actually visiting the places where Miyamori Aoi and others work and live, you will be able to experience their world more deeply.
What is the Theatrical Version of “SHIROBAKO”? The Appeal of the Work and Characteristics of Sacred Grounds
The theatrical version of “SHIROBAKO” depicts a world several years after the TV anime version, following Musashino Animation’s challenge to produce a theatrical anime. It portrays the growth of production staff led by protagonist Miyamori Aoi and her encounters with new team members in this moving story.
Characteristics of the Tokyo Area That Becomes the Work’s Setting
The sacred grounds of this work are primarily centered on Musashino City, Tokyo. The area around Musashisakai Station is where animation production companies actually concentrate, making the choice of this work’s setting understandable. Through meticulous background depiction based on the production team’s research, real shopping streets and buildings are faithfully reproduced, making this a work where pilgrims can fully enjoy the charm of sacred ground visits.
In the theatrical version, in addition to places that appeared in the TV version, many new sacred grounds appear, such as Shinjuku and Ogikubo. Various areas within Tokyo become settings matched to the story’s development, creating a configuration that allows for wide-ranging sacred ground pilgrimage.
Sacred Ground Pilgrimage Spots in the Musashisakai Area
Musashisakai is the central setting of the theatrical version of “SHIROBAKO.” It is set as the location of Musashino Animation, and many of Miyamori Aoi’s daily scenes unfold in this area.
JR Musashisakai Station and Surroundings
JR Chuo Line Musashisakai Station is one of the most important sacred grounds of the work. Located about 20 minutes from Shinjuku on the Chuo Line Rapid, in the “Sakai” district of Musashino City, Tokyo, the station’s north-south free passage and ticket gates appear multiple times in the work, depicted in commute scenes of Miyamori and others.
The landscape in front of the station is faithfully reproduced within the work, and the moment you exit the station, you can feel as if you’ve entered the “SHIROBAKO” world. In particular, the North Exit rotary frequently appears in scenes of Miyamori moving by bicycle.
Skip Street Shopping Street
Skip Street Shopping Street, just a short walk from the North Exit of Musashisakai Station, is depicted as the streetscape around “Musashino Animation” in the work. The atmosphere of the covered shopping street is realistically expressed in the work, appearing multiple times as a shopping street that Miyamori and others use in their daily lives.
The shopping street is lined with restaurants and retail shops, and many of the shops are currently operating. Strolling while comparing scenes from the work allows you to feel the life of the characters more intimately. The street’s decoration changes with the seasons, so you can enjoy different expressions depending on when you visit.
nonowa Musashisakai
nonowa Musashisakai, a commercial facility directly connected to Musashisakai Station, also appears in the work. This in-station facility, which opened in 2013, houses cafes, restaurants, bookstores, and more, with scenes depicting Miyamori and others using it for meetings and breaks.
The cafe space within the facility is also perfect as a rest stop during sacred ground pilgrimage. It’s a valuable spot where you can take a break while immersing yourself in the work’s world.
Patisserie Ourson Musashisakai Branch
Patisserie Ourson Musashisakai Branch, which appears in scenes where Miyamori and others purchase cakes in the theatrical version, is a real pastry shop within walking distance from Musashisakai Station. The store’s exterior is faithfully depicted in the work, making it a must-see spot for fans.
Since it is an operating shop, visitors must follow store rules and be considerate of other customers. As a memento of the pilgrimage, actually purchasing a cake is recommended.
Water Purification Plant Area Near Musashisakai
Appearing as a place where Miyamori Aoi walked while running out of options before total failure in an important scene of the theatrical version is the water purification plant area along Aome Kaido heading toward Musashisakai. Located diagonally across from a shopping mall, this area becomes the stage for a particularly impressive scene expressing Miyamori’s emotional state.
Including the surrounding streetscape, this area is depicted carefully in the work, and walking the same path while recalling the scene allows you to empathize more deeply with the character’s emotions.
Sacred Ground Pilgrimage Spots in the Ogikubo Area
The Ogikubo area also appears as an important setting in the theatrical version. Important scenes in the story’s development, such as Miyamori’s encounter with new character Miyai Kaede, unfold in Ogikubo.
JR Ogikubo Station West Exit
JR Ogikubo Station West Exit appears in the theatrical version as the place where Miyamori and Miyai discuss going out to eat. Ogikubo Station, served by the Chuo Line and Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, is about 10 minutes from Shinjuku with excellent access.
The scenery at the station’s west exit is depicted in detail in the work, with the rotary and building arrangement accurately reproduced. Visiting in person allows you to experience the sensation of the work’s scenes unfolding before your eyes.
Pritel Ogikubo SS (Gas Station)
Pritel Ogikubo SS, which appears in the theatrical version as the place where Miyamori and Takanashi reunite by chance, is a real gas station near Ogikubo Station. It becomes the stage for an impressive scene where Miyamori, while putting gas in her car, reunites with Takanashi after a long time.
A mundane place like a gas station becomes an important turning point in the story, and this spot shines with the realistic depiction of a reunion in everyday life.
Nissan Prince West Tokyo Sales Ogikubo Shop
Nissan Prince West Tokyo Sales Ogikubo Shop, which appears in a scene where Hiraoka and Honda have a conversation in the theatrical version, is also one of the sacred grounds in the Ogikubo area. The exterior of the car dealership and surrounding streetscape are depicted in the work, appearing in scenes of characters’ movements.
Restaurants Near Ogikubo
Multiple restaurants in Ogikubo have become models for establishments appearing in the work. By visiting areas surrounding restaurants that became the stage for important story scenes, such as where Miyamori and Miyai first met, you can feel the characters’ interactions more deeply.
Sacred Ground Pilgrimage Spots in the Mitaka Area
Mitaka, the station next to Musashisakai, also appears as an important setting in the theatrical version.
JR Mitaka Station
JR Mitaka Station appears in the theatrical version as the station where Miyamori got off to make a phone call. As one of the major stations on the Chuo Line, it is about 15 minutes from Shinjuku on the rapid train.
The station’s platforms and ticket gates are depicted in the work, becoming the stage for a scene where Miyamori responds to an emergency phone call. The station’s interior atmosphere and surrounding scenery are faithfully reproduced, making it a poignant spot when recalling scenes from the work.
Streetscape Around Mitaka Station
The commercial facilities and streetscape around Mitaka Station also appear in the work. The rotary in front of the station and shopping street scenery are depicted as backgrounds, presenting a different urban expression from Musashisakai.
Sacred Ground Pilgrimage Spots in the Shinjuku Area
The Shinjuku area also appears as an important setting in the theatrical version, with important scenes leading to the story’s climax unfolding there.
Shinjuku Balto 9
Shinjuku Balto 9 is the movie theater where the theatrical version of “SHIROBAKO” was actually released and also appears in the work as a movie theater scene. This cinema complex is located about a 5-minute walk from the Shinjuku Station East Exit.
In the work, there is a scene of Miyamori and others going to see a movie, with the exterior depicted in moments such as ticket purchase. In addition to visiting as a sacred ground pilgrimage, it’s possible to have the special experience of actually watching the theatrical version of “SHIROBAKO” here.
Sunshine Aquarium
Sunshine Aquarium inside Sunshine City in Toshima Ward, Tokyo, also appears in the theatrical version. It is depicted in the work as a location scouting scene, with an impressive scene of going to see an octopus.
Located at 3-1 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima Ward, Tokyo, Sunshine City. About an 8-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station, it is a popular tourist attraction as an aquarium in a high-rise building in the city center.
Shinjuku Alto Entrance / Giant Video Display
The giant video display in front of Shinjuku Alto at the Shinjuku Station East Exit also appears in the work. This location, where advertisements were posted in conjunction with the theatrical release, is depicted as a background in the work and functions as a symbolic spot in Shinjuku.
The atmosphere of Shinjuku’s bustling district is realistically expressed in the work, with an impressive contrast between the city’s hustle and bustle and anime production.
Sacred Ground Pilgrimage Spots in the Nishi-Tokyo City Area
Continuing from the TV version, the Tanashiro area in Nishi-Tokyo City also appears as a setting in the theatrical version.
Seibu Shinjuku Line Tanashi Station and Surroundings
The area around Seibu Shinjuku Line Tanashi Station appeared in episodes 8 and 16 of the TV version and also features in some scenes of the theatrical version. Located in Nishi-Tokyo City, Tokyo, it is somewhat removed from Musashisakai.
The scenery around Tanashi Station, including the shopping street and residential areas, is depicted in the work, allowing you to feel the expansion of the characters’ living areas.
Proposals for Efficient Sacred Ground Pilgrimage Routes
Since the sacred grounds of the theatrical version of “SHIROBAKO” are scattered across a wide area within Tokyo, planning an efficient route is important. Here, we introduce model courses for visiting major spots in one day.
Half-Day Course: Musashisakai Concentrated Plan
For those with limited time, a course concentrated in the Musashisakai area is recommended.
- JR Musashisakai Station (starting point): photograph the station interior, ticket gates, and rotary
- Skip Street Shopping Street: stroll through the shopping street and check each store’s exterior
- nonowa Musashisakai: take a break at a cafe while reflecting on the work
- Patisserie Ourson Musashisakai Branch: photograph the cake shop exterior (note business hours)
- Water Purification Plant Area: recreate scenes along Aome Kaido
Time required: approximately 3-4 hours
Transportation: on foot or by bicycle (rental bikes available)
Full-Day Course: Complete Chuo Line Conquest Plan
A course for thoroughly visiting major sacred grounds over a full day.
Morning
- JR Musashisakai Station (starting at 9:00 AM)
- Visit sacred grounds in Musashisakai area (2 hours)
- Move to JR Mitaka Station (5 minutes by train)
- Explore the area around Mitaka Station (1 hour)
Afternoon
- Move to JR Ogikubo Station (approximately 15 minutes by train)
- Sacred ground pilgrimage in Ogikubo area (2 hours)
- JR Ogikubo Station West Exit
- Pritel Ogikubo SS
- Nissan Prince West Tokyo Sales Ogikubo Shop
- Move to Shinjuku Station (approximately 10 minutes by train)
- Sacred ground pilgrimage in Shinjuku area (2 hours)
- Shinjuku Balto 9
- Shinjuku Alto Entrance
Time required: approximately 8 hours
Transportation: utilizing JR Chuo Line
Two-Day Course: Complete Coverage Plan
For those who want to thoroughly visit all sacred grounds.
Day 1: Musashisakai, Mitaka, and Nishi-Tokyo Areas
- Morning: leisurely explore Musashisakai area
- Afternoon: visit sacred grounds around Mitaka Station and Tanashi Station
- Evening: return to Musashisakai and dine in the shopping street
Day 2: Ogikubo, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro Areas
- Morning: visit sacred grounds in Ogikubo area in detail
- Afternoon: sacred ground pilgrimage in Shinjuku area
- Evening: visit Sunshine Aquarium in Ikebukuro
This plan allows time to take photos slowly, enjoy meals, and rest at each spot.
How to Enjoy Sacred Ground Pilgrimage by Season
The sacred grounds of the theatrical version of “SHIROBAKO” reveal different expressions depending on the season.
Spring (March to May)
Cherry blossoms along the Musashisakai area are beautiful during this season. With spring scenery depicted in the work, you can have a special experience where the actual season and the work’s world overlap. Skip Street Shopping Street is also decorated for spring, surrounded by a lively atmosphere.
Summer (June to August)
You can experience seasonal atmosphere close to the theatrical release period. Verdant greenery is beautiful, allowing you to compare summer scenes from the work while on pilgrimage. However, measures against heat are essential.
Autumn (September to November)
This is the ideal season for sacred ground pilgrimage with comfortable weather. Autumn leaves are beautiful, and the parks and street trees around Musashisakai turn colorful. Long walks are comfortably manageable during this period.
Winter (December to February)
The winter atmosphere perfectly suits the work’s world, given that the theatrical version was released in February. Shopping street illuminations and year-end/New Year decorations are also worth seeing. Be sure to take measures against the cold for your pilgrimage.
Photography Tips and Etiquette When on Sacred Ground Pilgrimage
Photography techniques to enhance the enjoyment of sacred ground pilgrimage and etiquette to observe are introduced.
Photography Techniques
Angle matching: Save screenshots from the work to your smartphone beforehand, and finding the same angles at the location makes comparison photography easier.
Choosing time of day: Visiting at the same time of day as scenes in the work makes the lighting and atmosphere more similar. Morning scenes are best visited in the morning, and evening scenes at dusk.
Using wide-angle lenses: In narrow spaces like shopping streets, using your smartphone’s wide-angle mode or a wide lens makes it easier to recreate the broad angles of the work.
Etiquette to Follow
Consideration for private property: Photography of shops and residences on private property should be done with permission or limited to exteriors. Always confirm with staff before photographing inside shops.
Not obstructing passage: In areas with heavy foot traffic like shopping streets and station entrances, be careful not to impede other pedestrians. Avoid long photography sessions and be restrained during crowded times.
Consideration for operating shops: With operating shops like Patisserie Ourson, either use them as a customer or limit photography to exteriors. Even with sacred ground pilgrimage purposes, standard customer etiquette is required.
Noise consideration: In residential areas, avoid loud conversations and noise, respecting residents’ lives.
Ways to Enjoy Sacred Ground Pilgrimage Economically
Tips for keeping sacred ground pilgrimage costs down while having a fulfilling experience.
Saving on Transportation
Using one-day passes: When traveling widely along the JR Chuo Line, one-day passes like the Ward Area Pass or Holiday Outing Pass are convenient. They’re often cheaper than regular round-trip fares, and free boarding and alighting allow flexible route changes.
IC card points: Earning JRE POINTS or PASMO points can offset next-time transportation costs. Regular pilgrims can save even more by linking high-reward credit cards.
Saving on Food Expenses
Utilizing lunch hours: Many restaurants in Musashisakai and Ogikubo offer affordable lunch set menus. Enjoying local cuisine during pilgrimage breaks is also recommended.
Using convenience stores and supermarkets: Convenience stores and supermarkets around nonowa Musashisakai and station areas offer boxed lunches and drinks. Purchasing these and resting in a park is economical.
Saving on Accommodation
When traveling from afar, there are few accommodation facilities near Musashisakai, so using hotels in Shinjuku or Kichijoji as a base is typical. Using advance booking discounts and weekday rates can reduce accommodation costs.
Items and Apps Helpful for Sacred Ground Pilgrimage
Items and apps that make sacred ground pilgrimage more comfortable and efficient.
Essential Items
Smartphone: A must-have for sacred ground pilgrimage, used for map apps, storing work screenshots, and photography. Don’t forget to carry a mobile battery.
Comfortable walking shoes: With multiple areas requiring extensive walking, choose comfortable shoes like well-worn sneakers.
Drinks: Especially in summer, frequent hydration is important for heat stroke prevention.
Notebook and pen: Noting visited places and observations is convenient for later reflection.
Recommended Apps
Google Maps: Essential as a basic map app. Pre-registering sacred ground locations as favorites is convenient.
Transit apps: Useful for finding optimal routes when using multiple lines like JR Chuo Line and Seibu Shinjuku Line.
Photo comparison apps: Apps that let you compare work screenshots with photos taken at locations double the enjoyment of sacred ground pilgrimage.
Highlights and Summary of Sacred Ground Pilgrimage for Theatrical Version “SHIROBAKO”
Sacred ground pilgrimage for the theatrical version of “SHIROBAKO” is a valuable opportunity to experience realistic Tokyo streetscapes unique to a work depicting anime production’s behind-the-scenes world. The sacred grounds centered on Musashisakai are special places where the work’s world and real Tokyo intersect, with animation production companies actually concentrated there.
Experiences Gained from Sacred Ground Pilgrimage
By visiting actual locations, you can experience the life and presence of characters that cannot be felt from just watching the work. The station Miyamori walked daily, the gas station where she reunited with Takanashi, the Ogikubo streets where she met Miyai. Standing in each place embeds the story more deeply in your heart.
Coexistence with Communities
Sacred ground pilgrimage is also a bridge connecting work fans and local society. When visiting actually operating places like Musashisakai shopping streets or Ogikubo shops, it’s important to be conscious of contributing to the local economy while using them appropriately as customers.
Deepened Understanding of the Work
By visiting sacred grounds, you realize how carefully the production team conducted research and depicted realistic backgrounds. The work “SHIROBAKO” itself, depicting anime production’s behind-the-scenes world, is made based on thorough location scouting and research—something you can experience through sacred ground pilgrimage.
Sacred ground pilgrimage for the theatrical version of “SHIROBAKO” will be a special experience for work fans. Using the information provided in this article, please visit Tokyo’s sacred grounds and experience the world where Miyamori Aoi and others worked and lived. Your love for the work will deepen, creating unforgettable memories.
Final Checklist for Planning Sacred Ground Pilgrimage
Confirm the following items before departure to realize a fulfilling sacred ground pilgrimage.
- [ ] List and prioritize sacred grounds to visit
- [ ] Confirm transportation routes and time required
- [ ] Prepare work screenshots
- [ ] Check weather forecast (alternative plans for rainy days)
- [ ] Charge mobile battery
- [ ] Prepare comfortable clothing and shoes
- [ ] Confirm business hours (especially for shop-type spots)
- [ ] Verify transit IC card balance
- [ ] Check camera/smartphone storage space
- [ ] Prepare water and light snacks
Sacred ground pilgrimage for the theatrical version of “SHIROBAKO” becomes an enjoyable experience from planning stages through execution to post-return photo organization. If this article helps make your sacred ground pilgrimage more fulfilling, we would be delighted. Please experience the “SHIROBAKO” world scattered throughout Tokyo by walking with your own feet.