TV Anime “mono” Complete Yamanashi Prefecture Pilgrimage Guide | All Spots, Model Courses, and Map Distribution Information
TV anime “mono” is a coming-of-age story set in Yamanashi Prefecture, beautifully depicting real landscapes from various locations throughout the prefecture. This article comprehensively introduces all the information needed for a “mono” pilgrimage in Yamanashi Prefecture, including all 53 model locations featured in the anime, efficient pilgrimage courses, and how to obtain pilgrimage maps.
The Relationship Between TV Anime “mono” and Yamanashi Prefecture
“mono” is an anime work whose story unfolds centered in Yamanashi Prefecture, carefully depicting tourist spots and everyday scenery from various locations throughout the prefecture, including the Kenō Net Yamanashi area. Yamanashi Prefecture, which serves as the setting for the work, is developing collaboration projects with the anime on a regional basis and actively supporting fan pilgrimages.
What is Kenō Net Yamanashi
Kenō Net Yamanashi is a wide-area tourism area consisting of 7 cities and towns: Kofu City, Kai City, Chuo City, Showa Town, Minami-Alps City, Nirasaki City, and Hokuto City. This area contains numerous model locations that appear in important scenes of “mono” and serves as the center for pilgrimages. Tourism associations of each municipality collaborate to distribute pilgrimage maps and provide tourist information, creating an environment where fans can make pilgrimages with peace of mind.
How to Use the “mono” Pilgrimage Digital Map
Digital Map Features
Through the official collaboration between Kenō Net Yamanashi and “mono,” a digital map has been released containing all 53 spots that appear in the anime. This map has the following features:
- GPS Integration: Search for the nearest model location from your current position
- Scene Comparison: Display which anime scenes were depicted at each spot
- Route Guidance: Suggest optimal routes between selected spots
- Photo Upload Function: Community feature to record visits
- Stamp Rally: Digital stamps to record visited spots
How to Access the Digital Map
The digital map can be accessed for free from the “Kenō Net Yamanashi × TV Anime ‘mono’ Official Site.” By opening it in your smartphone browser, you can use it in real-time on location with GPS integration. Bookmarking it in advance allows smooth use even in mountainous areas with unstable signal conditions.
Distribution Locations for Paper Version Pilgrimage Maps
Along with the digital map, paper version pilgrimage maps are also distributed at various locations throughout the prefecture. The paper version map contains detailed tourist information and recommended courses and is popular as a souvenir.
List of Main Distribution Locations
Hokuto City Area
- Kiyosato Station Tourist Information Center
- Hokuto City Tourism Association branches
Kofu City Area
- Kofu City Tourist Information Center (inside JR Kofu Station)
- Kofu City Hall Tourism Division
Minami-Alps City Area
- Minami-Alps City Tourism Association
- Michi-no-Eki Shirane
Other Distribution Locations
- Mitama no Yu (reception floor)
- Major roadside stations throughout the prefecture
- Tourist information centers in each municipality
Distribution may be limited in quantity, so it’s recommended to call ahead to confirm availability if you want to obtain one for sure.
Introduction to 53 Main “mono” Model Locations
Model Locations in Kofu City
Isawa Onsen Station
An important spot that appears in the anime’s opening scene. The scenery in front of the station is faithfully reproduced, making it the first place many fans visit. There are many hot spring inns around the station, making it ideal as a lodging base.
Yamanashi Prefectural Science Museum
Appears in episodes where characters take on scientific experiments. The exhibits inside are also substantial, allowing you to enjoy actual science experiences along with your pilgrimage. The planetarium is also popular, allowing you to gaze at the starry sky while immersing yourself in the anime’s worldview.
Shopping District Around Kofu Station
A shopping district that frequently appears in daily life scenes. Actual stores are depicted in the anime, and locals warmly welcome fans. When taking photos, please be considerate not to interfere with business operations.
Model Locations in Hokuto City/Kiyosato Area
Kiyosato Station
A station used in scenes with an impressive fresh highland atmosphere. The exterior of the station building and surrounding natural scenery are beautifully depicted in the anime. From spring to fall, flowers bloom in profusion, making it ideal for photography.
Kiyosato Terrace
A spot where you can enjoy spectacular views from an altitude of 1,900m, which also served as the setting for important scenes in the anime. A panorama lift takes about 10 minutes, and from the summit you can overlook the Yatsugatake Mountains and Mt. Fuji.
Moeginomura
A tourist spot with a fairy-tale atmosphere. In the anime, it appears in scenes where characters enjoy shopping. Cafes and restaurants are also plentiful, making it ideal for breaks.
Model Locations in Minami-Alps City Area
Minami-Alps City Fruit Park
A spot where landscapes of orchards are depicted. You can enjoy the scenery of fruit cultivation unique to Yamanashi Prefecture. Fruit picking experiences are also available for different fruits each season, allowing you to savor Yamanashi’s flavors along with your pilgrimage.
Kushigatayama
A mountain that appears in hiking scenes. Courses are maintained that even beginners can climb easily, and the view from the summit is spectacular. In June, it’s known as an iris colony area where a purple carpet spreads out.
Model Locations in Chuo City/Nirasaki City Area
Linear Museum
Appears in episodes involving cutting-edge technology. There are actual superconducting linear exhibits and experience corners, allowing you to relive anime scenes.
Nirasaki Chuo Park
A park depicted as a place of daily relaxation. It’s a familiar spot used by locals where you can feel the everyday atmosphere of the anime.
Recommended Pilgrimage Model Courses
Full Day Course (by car)
Required Time: Approximately 8 hours
- 9:00 Start at Isawa Onsen Station (30 minutes stay)
- 9:45 Yamanashi Prefectural Science Museum (90 minutes stay)
- 12:00 Lunch in Kofu City (60 minutes)
- 13:30 Minami-Alps City Fruit Park (60 minutes stay)
- 15:00 Travel to Kiyosato Area (90 minutes)
- 16:30 Kiyosato Station/Moeginomura (90 minutes stay)
- 18:00 Hot Springs at Mitama no Yu (90 minutes)
This course efficiently tours the main model locations while also enjoying Yamanashi Prefecture tourism. Travel is basically by car, but the distance between each spot is around 30 minutes, making for a reasonable schedule.
Public Transportation Course (2 days)
Day 1: Kofu City Concentrated Course
- Make pilgrimages to model locations in the city on foot/by bus using JR Kofu Station as a base
- About 30 minutes by bus to Yamanashi Prefectural Science Museum
- Shopping district around Kofu Station is within walking distance
- Accommodation: Isawa Onsen or hotels in Kofu City
Day 2: Kiyosato Area Course
- Travel from JR Kobuchizawa Station to Kiyosato Station
- Make pilgrimages to model locations around Kiyosato Station on foot
- Use taxi or route bus to Kiyosato Terrace
- Return: From Kiyosato Station via Kobuchizawa Station
Half-Day Easy Course
Required Time: Approximately 4 hours
A beginner-friendly course focused on main spots in Kofu City. Efficiently tour on foot and by bus starting from JR Kofu Station.
- Kofu Station (Start)
- Shopping district around the station (15 minutes on foot)
- Yamanashi Prefectural Science Museum (30 minutes by bus)
- Return to Kofu Station for lunch
Recommended Visit Times by Season
Spring (March to May)
During cherry blossom season, you can enjoy flower viewing at each spot. The Kiyosato area in particular is at its best from late April to early May, allowing you to actually experience the spring scenery depicted in the anime. Daytime temperatures are around 15-20 degrees Celsius, making it a comfortable and ideal season for pilgrimages.
Summer (June to August)
The high-altitude Kiyosato area is comfortable as a summer resort. The Kofu Basin gets hot, but early morning or evening pilgrimages are recommended. It’s also fruit picking season, allowing you to combine peach and grape harvesting experiences with your pilgrimage.
Autumn (September to November)
The season when autumn leaves are beautiful. The autumn foliage from Kiyosato Terrace and Kushigatayama is spectacular. The climate is also stable, making it arguably the most suitable time of year for pilgrimages. You can also enjoy harvesting grapes and pears.
Winter (December to February)
The season when you can recreate scenes with beautiful snow scenery. However, mountainous areas have snow accumulation, so winter tires are essential for car travel. Incorporating breaks at hot spring facilities makes for comfortable pilgrimages.
Transportation Access for Pilgrimages
Access by Car
From Tokyo Area
- About 2 hours via Chuo Expressway
- Exit at Kofu Showa IC or Kofu Minami IC
- Multiple rental car shops around Kofu Station
From Nagoya Area
- About 3 hours via Chuo Expressway
- Nirasaki IC or Sutama IC exits are also convenient
Parking Information
Tourist parking lots are maintained at each model location, but they can get crowded on weekends and holidays. The Kiyosato area in particular gets crowded in summer, so visiting in early time slots is recommended.
Access by Public Transportation
Railway
- About 90 minutes from Shinjuku Station to Kofu Station by limited express on JR Chuo Main Line
- Use JR Koumi Line from Kofu Station toward Kiyosato
- About 10 minutes from Kofu Station to Isawa Onsen Station on Chuo Main Line
Route Buses
- Route buses available from Kofu Station toward Yamanashi Prefectural Science Museum
- Sightseeing tour buses operate from Kiyosato Station (seasonal operation)
- Bus routes connecting major tourist spots are well-developed
Taxis
Each station has taxi stands, convenient for travel between model locations. Especially useful for accessing spots that are difficult to reach by public transportation.
Yamanashi Tourism to Enjoy Along with Pilgrimages
Gourmet Information
Hoto
Yamanashi Prefecture’s local cuisine. There are many long-established hoto specialty restaurants in Kofu City, ideal for pilgrimage lunches.
Fruit Parfait
Parfaits and sweets using fresh Yamanashi Prefecture fruits are popular. You can enjoy seasonal fruits throughout the year.
Wineries
There are about 80 wineries in the prefecture where tastings and tours are possible. Many wineries can be visited during pilgrimage breaks.
Hot Spring Facilities
Isawa Onsen
A hot spring town that also appears in the anime. Many facilities offer day-trip bathing, allowing you to relieve pilgrimage fatigue.
Mitama no Yu
A day-trip hot spring facility that’s also a pilgrimage map distribution location. The view from the outdoor bath is wonderful and relaxing.
Kiyosato Onsen
A highland hot spring, ideal for breaks after Kiyosato area pilgrimages. Accommodation facilities are also plentiful.
Pilgrimage Manners and Rules
Photography Precautions
- No Trespassing on Private Property: Some model locations include private property. Never enter places with no-entry signs
- Consideration for Operating Stores: In shopping districts, take photos in places that don’t obstruct pedestrian traffic or business operations
- Tripod Use: Refrain from using tripods during crowded times or in narrow spaces
- Noise Measures: Avoid loud conversations or early morning/nighttime visits in residential areas
Consideration for the Community
- Always Take Trash Home: Keep areas around model locations clean
- Use Local Stores: Contribute to the local economy through dining and shopping
- Observe Traffic Rules: Street parking or stopping in dangerous places is strictly prohibited
- Greet Residents: If you have opportunities to interact with locals, do so politely
Wrapping Bus and Collaboration Project Information
Kofu City Wrapping Bus
In Kofu City, wrapping buses designed with “mono” characters are in operation. They can be used as actual route buses and are popular both as transportation and as photo spots.
Operation Information
- Operating Routes: Main city routes centered around Kofu Station
- Operating Period: Check official site for latest information
- Fare: Regular route bus fare
Other Collaboration Projects
- Stamp Rally: Digital stamp rallies held for limited periods
- Special Goods Sales: Limited goods sold at each tourist information center
- Collaboration Cafes: Stores offering collaboration menus with the anime for limited periods
Recommended Accommodations
Isawa Onsen Area
Ideal as a pilgrimage base. Well-located for access to both Kofu City and Kiyosato area. Wide range of options from hot spring inns to business hotels.
Hotels in Kofu City
Business hotels are plentiful around JR Kofu Station. Convenient for pilgrimages by public transportation, with many dining options.
Kiyosato Area Pensions
Pensions and small hotels where you can enjoy the highland resort atmosphere. You can stay leisurely surrounded by nature.
Useful Items List for Pilgrimages
Essential Items
- Smartphone (for digital map)
- Mobile battery
- Paper version pilgrimage map (as backup)
- Camera (smartphone is fine)
- Drinks/light snacks
- Comfortable walking shoes
Convenient Items
- Sunscreen/hat (summer)
- Cold weather gear (winter/highlands)
- Rain gear (folding umbrella)
- Notepad/pen (for recording)
- Binoculars (to enjoy scenery)
Summary: To Enjoy “mono” Pilgrimages to the Fullest
TV anime “mono” pilgrimages are a valuable opportunity not only to relive the anime’s world but also to experience Yamanashi Prefecture’s rich nature and culture. The secret to success is using both the digital and paper maps to tour at your own pace without overexertion.
The 53 model locations centered in the Kenō Net Yamanashi area each have different charms. Since visiting everything in one day is difficult, visiting in multiple trips is also recommended. Yamanashi Prefecture’s scenery, which shows different expressions each season, offers new discoveries no matter how many times you visit.
Pilgrimages are made possible thanks to the cooperation of local residents. By observing manners and making pilgrimages with gratitude, good relationships between anime fans and the community will continue. Please enjoy a wonderful journey discovering Yamanashi Prefecture’s charms while fully enjoying the worldview of “mono.”
The official site and SNS continuously update the latest collaboration information and event information. Be sure to check before departure and plan a fulfilling pilgrimage journey.
