‘Evangelion’ Series × Shizuoka Prefecture

Complete Guide to “Evangelion” Series × Shizuoka Prefecture Pilgrimage

“Neon Genesis Evangelion” and the “Evangelion: New Theatrical Edition” series continue to be beloved by fans worldwide as masterpieces in Japanese animation history. While “Tokyo-3,” depicted as the setting of the work, is modeled on areas centered around Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture, there are actually numerous related spots and sacred sites in Shizuoka Prefecture as well.

This article thoroughly explains pilgrimage spots that “Evangelion” fans should visit in Shizuoka Prefecture, the history of collaboration events, and efficient pilgrimage routes.

The Deep Connection Between Shizuoka Prefecture and Evangelion

Geographic Background of Tokyo-3

“Tokyo-3” depicted in the work is set in an area centered around the Hakone Caldera. While Hakone belongs to Kanagawa Prefecture, neighboring areas include Gotemba City, Susono City, Mishima City, and Numazu City in Shizuoka Prefecture, making them geographically closely connected.

The majestic appearance of Mount Fuji shown in the work largely reflects the scenery viewed from the Shizuoka Prefecture side. Particularly around Gotemba, there are multiple points where you can enjoy angles similar to anime cuts of Mount Fuji.

Collaboration Developments Within Shizuoka Prefecture

In Shizuoka Prefecture, especially in Numazu City and Gotemba City, collaboration projects with “Evangelion” have been implemented in the past. As part of regional revitalization efforts, limited goods sales, stamp rallies, and special exhibitions have been held, providing opportunities for many fans to visit Shizuoka Prefecture.

Major Pilgrimage Spots in Shizuoka Prefecture

Gotemba Area

Around Gotemba Premium Outlets

Gotemba Premium Outlets is known as a scenic spot with Mount Fuji as a backdrop. On clear days, you can see the majestic Mount Fuji up close, as depicted in the world of Evangelion.

Access Information:

  • About 15 minutes by free shuttle bus from JR Gotemba Station
  • About 5 minutes by car from Tomei Expressway Gotemba IC
Mount Fuji Skyline

Mount Fuji Skyline, the main route to access Mount Fuji from the Shizuoka Prefecture side, is a road where you can feel the atmosphere of the mountainous terrain that appears in the work. The scenery that changes as altitude increases evokes the tension of Angel attacks.

Highlights:

  • Mount Fuji view from Mizugatsuka Park at the second station
  • Panoramic views from the new fifth station (elevation 2,400m)
  • Natural environment that changes with the seasons

Numazu Area

Numazu Port

Numazu Port is popular as a tourist spot where you can enjoy fresh seafood, but it’s also a special place for Evangelion fans. During past collaboration events, life-size panels were installed around the port and special menus were offered.

Recommended Points:

  • Numazu Port Deep Sea Aquarium (deep-sea creature exhibits)
  • Seafood restaurants around the port
  • Spectacular view of Mount Fuji across Suruga Bay
Byuo (Observation Floodgate)

The observation floodgate “Byuo” at Numazu Port is a 30-meter-high observation facility. The view of Suruga Bay and Mount Fuji from here provides a magnificent panorama linked to the world of the work.

Facility Information:

  • Operating hours: 10:00-20:00 (varies by season)
  • Admission: Adults 100 yen, Elementary/Junior high students 50 yen
  • Observation corridor with 360-degree panoramic views

Mishima Area

Mishima Skywalk

The “Mishima Skywalk,” Japan’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge, is a scenic spot where you can overlook Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay from a 400-meter-long bridge. As a futuristic structure connected to the worldview of Evangelion, it has attracted attention among fans.

Experience Content:

  • Mount Fuji views from the suspension bridge
  • Activity facilities (zipline, long zip slide, etc.)
  • Cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops

Access:

  • About 25 minutes by route bus from JR Mishima Station
  • About 15 minutes by car from Tomei Expressway Numazu IC
Kakita River Springs

Located in Shimizu Town next to Mishima City, the Kakita River Springs are a mystical spot where underground water from Mount Fuji springs forth. The highly transparent water and natural environment have a beauty reminiscent of the “source of life” appearing in Evangelion.

Susono Area

Healthy Park Susono

Susono City, located at the southern foot of Mount Fuji, is an area adjacent to the setting area of Tokyo-3. Healthy Park Susono is a hot spring facility with open-air baths where you can bathe while viewing Mount Fuji.

Facility Features:

  • Open-air bath with Mount Fuji view
  • Restaurant using local ingredients
  • Relaxation facilities

History of Evangelion × Shizuoka Prefecture Collaboration Events

Major Past Collaborations

In Shizuoka Prefecture, multiple Evangelion collaboration events have been implemented as part of regional promotion efforts.

Developments in Numazu City

In the 2010s, “Evangelion Stamp Rally” and special exhibitions were held in Numazu City. Projects where you could receive limited goods by collecting stamps while visiting tourist spots in the city fascinated many fans.

Events in Gotemba City

In Gotemba City, Evangelion-related exhibitions and photo spot installations themed around Mount Fuji were held. Through collaboration with local shopping streets, collaboration menus and limited products were also sold.

Characteristics of Limited-Time Collaborations

Collaboration events in Shizuoka Prefecture have the following characteristics:

  • Community-based: Collaboration with local shopping streets and tourism facilities
  • Limited goods: Original items available only at those locations
  • Photo spots: Life-size panels and wrapped displays
  • Special menus: Food and drink menus inspired by the work

Efficient Pilgrimage Route Suggestions

1-Day Course: Gotemba/Hakone Area

Morning:

  • 9:00 Depart from JR Gotemba Station
  • 9:30 Gotemba Premium Outlets (Mount Fuji photography)
  • 11:00 Head to Mizugatsuka Park via Mount Fuji Skyline

Afternoon:

  • 13:00 Move toward Hakone (pilgrimage to sacred sites on Kanagawa Prefecture side is also possible)
  • 15:00 Related spots in Susono City
  • 17:00 Hot springs at Healthy Park Susono

2-Day Course: Eastern Shizuoka Tour

Day 1: Gotemba/Susono Area

  • Morning: Sacred site pilgrimage in Gotemba City
  • Afternoon: Scenic spots around Mount Fuji
  • Accommodation: Gotemba or Susono City

Day 2: Mishima/Numazu Area

  • Morning: Mishima Skywalk, Kakita River Springs
  • Afternoon: Seafood lunch at Numazu Port, Byuo observation
  • Evening: Sunset photography along Suruga Bay

When Using Public Transportation

By combining JR Gotemba Line, Tokaido Shinkansen (Mishima Station), and Izu-Hakone Railway, you can visit major spots even without a car. However, buses to some spots around Mount Fuji have limited service, so checking timetables in advance is recommended.

Pilgrimage Preparation and Etiquette

Items Checklist

  • Camera/Smartphone: For recording scenery
  • Maps/GPS apps: Google Maps or Navitime apps
  • Work materials: Anime screenshots and setting books
  • Cold weather gear/rain gear: Weather around Mount Fuji changes easily
  • Comfortable shoes: Prepare for long-distance travel

Pilgrimage Etiquette

While sacred site pilgrimage is an enjoyable experience, consideration for local residents and other tourists is essential:

  1. No unauthorized entry onto private property: Don’t enter private property even at photography spots
  2. Pay attention to noise: Act quietly in residential areas
  3. Take trash home: Be mindful of environmental protection
  4. Obey traffic rules: Ensure safety when photographing on roads
  5. Follow facility rules: Check photography regulations at each facility

Photography Tips

Points for taking photos that recreate scenes from the work:

  • Choose time of day: Light angles in morning and evening are close to the work’s atmosphere
  • Research angles: Check anime cuts in advance
  • Consider seasons: Mount Fuji is most beautiful on clear winter days
  • Use wide-angle lens: Effective for capturing magnificent landscapes

Unique Ways to Enjoy Shizuoka Prefecture

Combination with Gourmet Food

It’s also recommended to enjoy Shizuoka Prefecture’s specialty gourmet foods along with sacred site pilgrimage:

Numazu Port Seafood
  • Fresh shirasu bowl: Fresh Suruga Bay shirasu
  • Deep-sea fish cuisine: Rare deep-sea fish sashimi and tempura
  • Seafood barbecue: Available at restaurants around the port
Gotemba Specialties
  • Gotemba Mikuriya soba: Local traditional soba
  • Local beer using water from the foot of Mount Fuji
  • Local cuisine related to Kintaro
Mishima Eel

Mishima City is famous for eel cultivation using spring water from Mount Fuji. Eels raised in the clear waters of Kakita River are said to have firm flesh and be delicious.

Relax in Hot Springs

Eastern Shizuoka Prefecture is also known as a hot spring area:

  • Gotemba Onsen: Open-air bath with Mount Fuji view
  • Izu-Nagaoka Onsen (near Numazu City): Historic hot spring town
  • Shuzenji Onsen: Worth visiting if you extend your trip a bit

Seasonal Highlights

Spring (March-May)

  • Mount Fuji’s remaining snow: Mount Fuji with snow cover is beautiful
  • Collaboration with cherry blossoms: Cherry blossom spots in Gotemba and Mishima
  • Fresh green season: Nature around Kakita River is vivid

Summer (June-August)

  • Mount Fuji climbing season: Early July to early September
  • Summer festivals: Traditional events held in various locations
  • Suruga Bay beaches: Beaches around Numazu

Autumn (September-November)

  • Fall foliage: Fall foliage spots at the foot of Mount Fuji
  • Clear air season: Optimal for photographing Mount Fuji
  • Autumn flavors: Abundant local agricultural products

Winter (December-February)

  • Spectacular Mount Fuji views: Mount Fuji is most clearly visible in winter
  • Diamond Fuji: Phenomenon visible at specific times and locations
  • Hot springs are exceptional: Open-air baths in cold season are the best

How to Choose Accommodations

Recommended Accommodation Areas by Region

Gotemba Area
  • Business hotels: Multiple around the station, reasonable
  • Resort hotels: Luxury hotels with Mount Fuji views
  • Guesthouses: Homely atmosphere
Numazu Area
  • Station hotels: Convenient access, optimal for next day’s travel
  • Inns around the port: Lodgings proud of their seafood cuisine
  • Business hotels: Cost-performance oriented
Mishima Area
  • Station hotels: Convenient for Shinkansen use
  • Hot spring inns: Lodgings in surrounding hot spring areas
  • Minshuku: Can enjoy local atmosphere

Reservation Points

  • Early booking: Popular seasons fill up early
  • Check cancellation policy: Consider response to bad weather
  • Prioritize access: If using public transportation, near stations is convenient
  • Check reviews: Reference actual guests’ evaluations

Related Spots in the Vicinity (Hakone Area)

By visiting the Hakone area on the Kanagawa Prefecture side along with sacred site pilgrimage in Shizuoka Prefecture, you can have a more fulfilling pilgrimage experience.

Major Hakone Spots

  • Lake Ashi: Important landscape element of Tokyo-3
  • Hakone-Yumoto: Also popular as a hot spring town
  • Owakudani: Spot where you can feel volcanic activity
  • Hakone Ropeway: Impressive views from the air

Travel Between Shizuoka ⇔ Hakone

From Gotemba to Hakone, access is possible in about 30 minutes by route bus or taxi. A 2-3 day pilgrimage plan combining both areas is recommended.

How to Obtain Latest Information

Official Information Sources

  • Official sites of tourism associations of each municipality: Regularly updated event information
  • Evangelion official site: Collaboration project announcements
  • SNS: Hashtag searches on Twitter, Instagram (#エヴァ聖地巡礼 #静岡エヴァ etc.)

Fan Communities

  • Sacred site pilgrimage specialty sites: Detailed reports by fans
  • Bulletin boards/SNS groups: Sharing of latest information
  • YouTube: Pre-research with pilgrimage videos

Summary: Experience the World of Evangelion in Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Prefecture is an important sacred site where you can experience the worldview of the “Evangelion” series. Through magnificent natural landscapes centered on Mount Fuji, geographical environment adjacent to the work’s setting, and community-wide collaboration projects, it has become a place where fans can have special experiences.

Each area of Gotemba, Susono, Mishima, and Numazu has different attractions, and there are new discoveries no matter how many times you visit. Through sacred site pilgrimage, you can not only deepen your understanding of the work but also simultaneously enjoy Shizuoka Prefecture’s nature, culture, and gourmet food.

Using the information introduced in this article as a reference, please try planning an Evangelion sacred site pilgrimage in Shizuoka Prefecture. You will surely have a fulfilling pilgrimage experience while physically feeling the worldview of the work.

When making your pilgrimage, please be considerate of local residents, observe etiquette, and have a safe and enjoyable trip. Well then, have a good pilgrimage!