by Japanese anime and pop culture continue to gain popularity around the world, attracting fans from all kinds of backgrounds. Did you know that the city of Chichibu has appeared in several well-known anime series and movies?
For anime lovers, visiting these real-life locations can make a trip to Chichibu even more special and memorable. From iconic scenes to familiar landscapes, the city offers plenty of spots that fans will instantly recognize. In this blog, I’d like to introduce some of the must-visit anime locations you can explore while traveling around Chichibu.
This is probably the most famous anime-related spot in Chichibu, especially among fans of Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day. Many memorable scenes from the anime were set here, making it a must-visit location for fans of the series.
The bridge also appeared in the Crayon Shin-chan movie The Storm Called: The Hot Spring Battle, where a giant red robot dramatically walked across it. For anime fans, it’s a fun and exciting place to visit and recognize in real life.
From there, continue walking toward Chichibu Station. Just inside the station, you’ll find a local souvenir shop offering a variety of snacks and gifts unique to the Chichibu area.
Anime fans may also recognize the area right outside the station. This is the setting of a memorable scene from Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day, where one of the characters receives snack bread from a young child. If you take a closer look, you’ll notice that the vending machine and surrounding building closely match how they were depicted in the anime. It’s a small but exciting detail that fans will definitely enjoy spotting during their visit.
From there, continue walking toward Chichibu Station. Just inside the station, you’ll find a small local souvenir shop where you can pick up a variety of unique Chichibu treats.
Right in front of the building is also a well-known spot from Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day, where the boy gives a young child some snack bread. If you take a closer look, you’ll notice how closely the vending machine and the building’s exterior still resemble their appearance in the anime. It really feels like you’ve stepped right into a scene from the story, doesn’t it?
<How to get there?>
Old Chichibu Bridge
If you want to visit Chichibu Bridge, keep in mind that it’s located a little outside the central Chichibu area. The easiest way to get there is by taking the Chichibu Railway and getting off at Onohara Station. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk, roughly 1km.
There’s no parking available near Chichibu Bridge, so we definitely recommend traveling by train and walking. It’s a great way to enjoy the scenery along the way, too!
Chichibu Station
It’s simple — just hop on the Chichibu Railway and get off at Chichibu Station! The station has only one entrance and exit, so you won’t have to worry about getting lost. It’s easy to navigate, even for first-time visitors.
Chichibu Shrine
From Chichibu Station, it’s only about a 5-minute walk to Chichibu Shrine, making it an easy and enjoyable stroll. I actually recommend taking a slight detour along the railway tracks on your way to the shrine.
This walking route follows the same path featured in scenes from Anohana, so it’s the perfect chance to spot some familiar locations from the anime before arriving at the historic Chichibu Shrine. Let’s enjoy both the anime spots and local culture along the way!
