That’s Journey – Zatsutabi Complete Guide to Hiroshima Prefecture Holy Sites
What is Zatsutabi? Deep Connection with Hiroshima Prefecture
“Zatsutabi – That’s Journey -” is a popular travel manga by Kenta Ishizaka that depicts the protagonists traveling around various parts of Japan using the Seishun 18 Kippu (Youth 18 Ticket). The work is known for carefully depicting the realistic atmosphere of travel and the charm of regions, and it has also been adapted into an anime.
Hiroshima Prefecture is particularly impressively featured in the work, with diverse attractions depicted including the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea, historic structures, and gourmet food. The spots that appear in the story are faithfully recreated from real locations, making it a high-value area for holy site pilgrimage fans to visit.
Charm of Zatsutabi
- Realistic depiction of travel: Actual stations and streetscapes are drawn with precision
- Regional culture introduction: You can learn about local food and history
- Life-size travel experience: A perspective that values everyday scenery as well as special tourist attractions
- Seishun 18 Kippu usage: Full of tips for affordable travel
Major Holy Sites in Hiroshima Prefecture
Area Around Hiroshima Station
Hiroshima Station is an important base that frequently appears in the work. As the largest terminal station in the Chugoku region where the Sanyo Main Line and Sanyo Shinkansen intersect, it is depicted as the starting point and transit point for the protagonists’ journey.
The appearance of the station interior and station plaza appears in the work, with the scenery of the south exit being particularly featured in impressive scenes. Currently, redevelopment is underway, and some parts have changed compared to when the work was created, but the basic structure remains the same.
Pilgrimage Points:
- Confirm the layout and atmosphere of the station interior
- Views from the south plaza
- Station bento box shops (possibly appearing in the work)
- Surrounding convenience stores and restaurants
Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine Area
Miyajima, a representative tourist destination in Hiroshima Prefecture, appears as an important spot in Zatsutabi. The World Heritage Itsukushima Shrine, the great torii gate, and the picturesque streets of the island are beautifully depicted in the work.
The vermillion shrine buildings and approach of Itsukushima Shrine floating on the sea, and the changing scenery with the tides, are used as impressive scenes in the work. The paramour’s shopping street and interaction with deer are also depicted.
Main Attractions:
- Itsukushima Shrine main hall and corridors
- Great torii gate (※Check repair work status in advance)
- Omotesando shopping street
- Momiji Valley Park
- Senjojikomi Ropeway
Access:
- About 5-minute walk from JR Miyajimaguchi Station to Miyajimaguchi Pier
- About 10 minutes by ferry
- Hiroshima Electric Railway Dentetsu Miyajimaguchi Station is also available
Onomichi Area
Onomichi City is known as the city of slopes and is an attractive port town with a unique landscape. In Zatsutabi, the alleyways, slopes, and scenery overlooking the Onomichi Strait are depicted in detail.
The view of Onomichi Strait from the Senko-ji Mountain Ropeway, the appearance of temple tours, and the atmosphere of the shopping street all appear in the work, showcasing Onomichi’s multifaceted charm.
Holy Site Pilgrimage Spots:
- Senko-ji Park: Observation spot with panoramic views of Onomichi
- Senko-ji Mountain Ropeway: Appears as a means of transportation in the work
- Onomichi Hondomori Shopping Street: Shopping street with retro atmosphere
- Cat’s Alley: Alley popular with cat lovers
- Onomichi Ramen Shops: Possibly introduced as local gourmet
Access:
- Walking distance from JR Onomichi Station
- About 15-minute walk from the station to Senko-ji Mountain Ropeway
Kure Area
Kure City is a city that developed as a military port, with unique tourism resources including the Yamato Museum (Kure Municipal Maritime History Museum) and Tetsunokujira Hall.
In the work, the atmosphere of Kure as a port town, the topography with many slopes, and local cuisine such as Maritime Self-Defense Force curry may be depicted. Areas around JR Kure Station and along the harbor become appearance spots.
Major Spots:
- Yamato Museum: A 1/10 scale model of the battleship Yamato is on display
- Tetsunokujira Hall: A real submarine is on display
- Kure Central Pier Terminal: Harbor scenery
- Arey from Asukojima: View submarines up close
- Kure Maritime Self-Defense Force Curry: Local gourmet
Access:
- About 30-45 minutes from Hiroshima Station on the JR Kure Line
- Walking distance from Kure Station to main tourist attractions
Fukuyama and Tomonoura Area
Tomonoura is a representative port town of the Seto Inland Sea, with charm in its historic streetscape retaining the atmosphere of the Edo period. In Zatsutabi, the scenery of this picturesque port town and landmarks such as the eternal night light are depicted.
Highlights:
- Eternal Night Light: Symbol of Tomonoura
- Taishoro: View from the guest hall of Fukuzenji Temple
- Senjukushima: 5-minute ferry ride from Tomonoura Harbor
- Old streets of Tomonoura: Alleyway exploration
- Houmeiyu: Famous local sake
Access:
- About 30 minutes from JR Fukuyama Station by Tomo Railway Bus
- Get off at Tomonoura Bus Stop
Model Courses for Hiroshima Prefecture Holy Site Pilgrimage
1-Day Course: Hiroshima City Center
Morning:
- 9:00 Arrive at Hiroshima Station, explore around the station
- 10:00 Move to Miyajimaguchi by Hiroshima Electric Railway
- 11:00 Board Miyajima ferry
- 11:30 Visit Itsukushima Shrine, view the great torii gate
Afternoon:
- 12:30 Lunch at Omotesando shopping street (conger rice, maple leaf bun)
- 14:00 Stroll through Momiji Valley Park
- 15:30 Return to Miyajimaguchi
- 17:00 Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki dinner around Hiroshima Station
2-Day Course: Hiroshima Prefecture Eastern Circuit
Day 1:
- Morning: Travel from Hiroshima Station to Onomichi (about 1 hour 20 minutes on JR Sanyo Main Line)
- Onomichi exploration: Senko-ji, shopping street, cat’s alley
- Lunch: Onomichi ramen
- Afternoon: Move to Tomonoura (about 1 hour by bus)
- Tomonoura exploration: eternal night light, old streets
- Stay overnight in Fukuyama City
Day 2:
- Morning: Move from Fukuyama to Kure
- Kure sightseeing: Yamato Museum, Tetsunokujira Hall
- Lunch: Maritime Self-Defense Force curry
- Afternoon: Return to Hiroshima Station
- Hiroshima city sightseeing if time permits
3-Day Course: Complete Hiroshima Prefecture Experience
In addition to the above 2-day course:
- Setouchi Shimanami Kaido (starting from Onomichi)
- Takehara town preservation district
- Miyoshi City and other inland areas
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome
Tips for Enjoying Holy Site Pilgrimage
Using the Seishun 18 Kippu
Just like the protagonists of Zatsutabi, travel using the Seishun 18 Kippu is recommended. JR routes are well-developed throughout Hiroshima Prefecture, allowing efficient travel.
Usage Periods:
- Spring: March 1 – April 10
- Summer: July 20 – September 10
- Winter: December 10 – January 10
Examples of Use in Hiroshima Prefecture:
- Hiroshima Station ⇔ Onomichi Station: About 1 hour 20 minutes
- Hiroshima Station ⇔ Fukuyama Station: About 1 hour
- Hiroshima Station ⇔ Kure Station: About 30-45 minutes
- Hiroshima Station ⇔ Mihara Station: About 1 hour
Photography Tips
One of the highlights of holy site pilgrimage is taking photos from the same angles as scenes in the work.
Photography Tips:
- Preparation: Prepare screenshots or manga pages of relevant scenes
- Time of day: Match the time of day in the work (morning, afternoon, evening)
- Season: If possible, visit in the same season as the work
- Angle: Adjust height and angle to reproduce the author’s perspective
- Etiquette: Avoid photography on private property or in places that cause inconvenience
Enjoying Local Gourmet Food
In Zatsutabi, local gourmet food is an important element. Hiroshima Prefecture has abundant and attractive food culture.
Must-Try Gourmet:
- Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki: Many famous restaurants in Hiroshima City
- Oysters: Fresh oyster dishes in Miyajima and Kure
- Conger Rice: Specialty of Miyajima
- Onomichi Ramen: Soy sauce ramen with back fat as a characteristic
- Kure Maritime Self-Defense Force Curry: Curry based on Maritime Self-Defense Force recipes
- Maple Leaf Buns: Staple Hiroshima souvenir
- Lemon Products: Products using Setouchi lemons
Choosing Accommodations
When conducting holy site pilgrimage over multiple days, choosing a place to stay is also important.
Recommended Areas:
- Around Hiroshima Station: Excellent access, many business hotels
- Onomichi: Stay in a picturesque town
- Miyajima: Enjoy quiet Miyajima in early morning and evening by staying on the island
- Fukuyama: Base for Tomonoura sightseeing
Accommodation Types:
- Business hotels: Affordable and convenient
- Guesthouses: Enjoy interaction with fellow travelers
- Inns: Enjoy local meals and hot springs
- Capsule hotels: Budget accommodation
Seasonal Enjoyment
Spring (March – May)
Highlights:
- Cherry blossoms at Miyajima (late March – early April)
- Cherry blossoms at Senko-ji Park (early April)
- Cherry blossoms at Peace Memorial Park
- Warm weather perfect for sightseeing
Notes:
- Golden Week is crowded
- Reserve accommodations early
Summer (June – August)
Highlights:
- Swimming in the Seto Inland Sea
- Miyajima Underwater Fireworks Display (August)
- Numerous summer festivals and events
- Lemon season
Notes:
- Heat measures essential (hat, hydration)
- Sunscreen
- Peak season crowding
Autumn (September – November)
Highlights:
- Autumn leaves at Miyajima (mid to late November)
- Beautiful autumn foliage at Momiji Valley Park
- Autumn foliage at Senko-ji Park
- Pleasant weather
- Oyster season begins (October -)
Recommendations:
- Autumn is the best season for Hiroshima tourism
- Autumn foliage illumination events available
Winter (December – February)
Highlights:
- Oysters at their most delicious
- Winter scenery of Miyajima
- Fewer tourists, quiet atmosphere
- Illumination events
Notes:
- Warm clothing necessary
- Early sunset
- Some facilities have reduced hours
Transportation and Access Information
Access to Hiroshima Prefecture
Airplane:
- About 50 minutes by limousine bus from Hiroshima Airport to Hiroshima Station
- Direct flights from Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, Okinawa, etc.
Shinkansen:
- About 4 hours from Tokyo to Hiroshima
- About 1 hour 30 minutes from Osaka to Hiroshima
- About 1 hour from Fukuoka to Hiroshima
Conventional Line (Seishun 18 Kippu):
- About 5-6 hours from Osaka to Hiroshima
- About 5-6 hours from Fukuoka to Hiroshima
Travel Methods Within Hiroshima Prefecture
JR Lines:
- Sanyo Main Line: Hiroshima ~ Onomichi ~ Fukuyama
- Kure Line: Hiroshima ~ Kure ~ Mihara
- Gebi Line: Hiroshima ~ Miyoshi (inland)
Streetcars:
- Hiroshima Electric Railway: Connects Hiroshima City and Miyajimaguchi
- Retro vehicles are charming
- All-day pass is economical (¥700 for adults)
Buses:
- Local buses: Operated in each area
- Highway buses: Inter-city travel
- Sightseeing loop buses: Tour major tourist attractions
Ferries:
- Miyajima Route: Miyajimaguchi ~ Miyajima (JR West Japan, Miyajima Matsudai Steamship)
- Routes to islands in the Seto Inland Sea
Rental Cars:
- Convenient for visiting remote holy sites
- Many rental car shops around Hiroshima Station
Preparation and Necessary Items for Holy Site Pilgrimage
Essential Items
- Work Materials: Manga books, e-books, screenshots
- Maps and Navigation Apps: Google Maps, transportation connection apps
- Camera: Smartphone works too, charger and mobile battery
- Notebook: Record visits and discoveries
- Seishun 18 Kippu: If available during designated periods
- Cash: Many shops in rural areas accept cash only
Convenient to Have
- Folding umbrella (for sudden rain)
- Comfortable walking shoes (for slopes and long-distance walking)
- Sunscreen and hat (summer)
- Winter clothing (winter)
- Eco-bag (for souvenir purchases)
- Water bottle (hydration)
Smartphone Apps
- Transportation Connection: Jorudan, Yahoo Transit
- Maps: Google Maps, Yahoo Maps
- Holy Site Pilgrimage Apps: Butai Meguri (if compatible)
- Weather: tenki.jp, Yahoo Weather
- Gourmet: Tabelog, Google Maps
Etiquette and Precautions
Holy Site Pilgrimage Etiquette
- No Entry to Private Property: Do not enter private property without permission
- Be Mindful of Noise: Act quietly in residential areas
- Take Trash With You: Environmental protection and etiquette
- Respect Photography Restrictions: Follow photography rules at shrines and temples
- Consideration for Residents: Remember these are living spaces
- Traffic Rule Compliance: Pay special attention when photographing on roads
Safety Precautions
- Slopes and Stairs: Watch your footing on steep slopes in places like Onomichi
- Heat Stroke Prevention: Hydrate frequently in summer
- Getting Lost Prevention: Check current location when exploring alleyways
- Valuable Item Management: Watch for pickpockets in tourist areas
- Weather Check: Especially check weather before ferry use at places like Miyajima
Further Enjoyment of Holy Site Pilgrimage
Experiences Only Available On-Site
Miyajima:
- Early morning Itsukushima Shrine visit (fewer tourists)
- Senjoji Mountain climbing (scenic mountain-top views)
- Interaction with deer
- Evening Miyajima exploration (for overnight guests only)
Onomichi:
- Slope and alleyway exploration
- Encounters with cats
- Temple tours
- Evening view of Onomichi Strait
Kure:
- Learning history at Yamato Museum
- Viewing real submarines
- General access to escort vessels (irregular)
SNS Posting
Sharing records of holy site pilgrimage on SNS allows you to connect with fans of the same work.
Recommended Hashtags:
- #ざつ旅
- #聖地巡礼
- #広島観光
- #青春18きっぷ
- #宮島
- #尾道
Posting Tips:
- Comparison photos with work scenes
- Introduction of pilgrimage routes
- Local gourmet reports
- Pilgrimage impressions and discoveries
Interaction with Locals
Interacting with local people through holy site pilgrimage is also a highlight of travel.
- Conversation at local restaurants
- Information gathering at tourism information centers
- Shopping at shopping streets
- Participation in local events
Locals are often pleased when you mention the work, and you may obtain unexpected information.
Rediscovering the Charm of Hiroshima Prefecture
By visiting Hiroshima Prefecture through Zatsutabi, you can feel the lives of local people and the atmosphere of the town that is not found in travel guidebooks.
The unremarkable scenery depicted in the work and everyday moments take on special meaning when you actually visit. Waiting for a train on a station platform, walking through a shopping street, eating at a local restaurant—all of these become precious experiences connecting the work and reality.
Diverse Charm of Hiroshima Prefecture
- History: Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome, Itsukushima Shrine
- Nature: Seto Inland Sea, Miyajima’s primeval forest, Shimanami Kaido
- Culture: Traditional crafts, festivals, dialect
- Gourmet: Okonomiyaki, oysters, lemons, sake
- Streetscape: Onomichi’s slopes, Tomonoura’s port town, Takehara’s townscape
Conclusion: What You Gain from Zatsutabi Holy Site Pilgrimage
Holy site pilgrimage in Hiroshima Prefecture through Zatsutabi is a special experience different from ordinary tourism. By actually visiting places discovered through the work, you can re-experience the perspectives of the author and characters, deepening your understanding of the work.
At the same time, you can discover the diverse charms of Hiroshima Prefecture as a region, and experience the rich culture, history, and lives of people in Japanese provincial cities. The unhurried pace of travel using the Seishun 18 Kippu brings small discoveries and encounters that efficiency-focused tourism would overlook.
Using this guide, plan your own Zatsutabi holy site pilgrimage in Hiroshima Prefecture. By visiting the spots that appear in the work, seeing the same scenery, and breathing the same air, the work becomes closer, and Hiroshima Prefecture becomes an even more special place.
Prepare yourself, bring your camera, and hold your love for the work in your heart—a wonderful Zatsutabi holy site pilgrimage journey in Hiroshima Prefecture awaits you.
