The town of Washinomiya is famous as the setting for Lucky☆Star, and every New Year fans gather at Washinomiya Shrine for a unique mix of traditional festival vibes and cosplay fun. Then there’s Chichibu, surrounded by beautiful mountains and rivers, which became the stage for Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day. Walking through the town feels like stepping right into the anime, especially when you visit the bridges, shrines, and schools that appear in the series.
Route: Washinomiya Shrine → Chichibu (Anohana)
Washinomiya Shrince (Lucky☆Star)
Washinomiya Shrine is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in the Kanto region, with a history going back over 1,000 years. Dedicated to powerful guardian deities, it’s long been a place where locals pray for good fortune and protection.
In recent years, it’s also become famous among anime fans thanks to Lucky☆Star, which used the shrine as a key location.
Now, it’s a unique spot where ancient traditions meet modern pop culture—you might see worshippers offering prayers alongside cosplayers snapping photos.
Saitama might not be as flashy as Tokyo, but it’s a goldmine for anime fans looking for real-life locations from their favorite shows.
Morning visit to avoid crowds. If you come during New Year’s, the atmosphere is electric with cosplay and anime art.
Chichibu (Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day)
Chichibu is a charming city in Saitama, surrounded by mountains, rivers, and plenty of fresh air—perfect for a laid-back day trip from Tokyo.
For fans of Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day, it’s like walking through the anime in real life. You can visit the famous Chichibu Bridge, Menma’s staircase, the shrine where key scenes take place, and even the old school building that inspired parts of the story.
Outside of the anime spots, Chichibu is also known for its seasonal flowers, local soba noodles, and the vibrant Chichibu Night Festival in December.
Afternoon train to Chichibu. Visit Chichibu Bridge, Old Chichibu Bridge, and Hitsujiyama Park (spring pink moss season is magical).
🚆 Travel Time:
Washinomiya → Chichibu: about 2 hrs by train with a transfer in Kumagaya.