notice - The article on Shirakawa-go has been published.
notice - The article on Shirakawa-go has been published.
"Higurashi When They Cry" pilgrimage guide | Walk through the anime's setting in Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go, a World Heritage Site in Gifu Prefecture, is known as the model for Hinamizawa Village, the setting of the popular anime "Higurashi When They Cry."
In Shirakawa-go, where real scenery and the world of the anime overlap, fans can have a special experience strolling around while feeling the presence of the characters.
The setting of anime is where people live.
Pilgrimages to sacred sites are a valuable experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the world of a work, but the locations where they are set are also living spaces where local people go about their daily lives. In order to have an enjoyable trip, it is important to observe basic etiquette.
- Avoid taking photos of private property or private homes.
- Don't make noise in groups
- Don't get so caught up in taking photos that you block the road.
- Don't forget to show your appreciation for your hometown and be considerate
"Don't do to others what you would not like to be done to you." With this mindset, any pilgrimage to a sacred place will surely be a welcome one. Let's have fun while respecting the world of anime, and remember to be considerate of real people.
Let's walk through the world of "Higurashi". 6 carefully selected sacred spots where photography is allowed!
Here we will introduce a carefully selected list of locations that appear in "Higurashi When They Cry" that are easy for tourists to visit and where taking photographs won't cause any trouble.
This is a pilgrimage route that allows you to immerse yourself in the world of the anime while walking through the locations that inspired it.
Observation deck overlooking Hinamizawa: Tenshukaku Observation Deck
The castle tower observation deck appears frequently in scenes overlooking Hinamizawa in the series. You can see with your own eyes the iconic view that has been depicted many times in the anime's opening scenes and important scenes.
Furude Shrine: Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine
This is the model for the shrine where ceremonies and important events related to the Sonozaki family and Furude Shrine take place. The vermilion-painted torii gate and the grounds overlap with the solemn atmosphere of the anime.
Sonozaki Honke: Important Cultural Property Wada House
The Wada House, a typical gassho-style building in Shirakawa-go, was drawn to resemble the main house of the Sonozaki family that rules Hinamizawa. The interior is open to the public, so it's a fun spot to explore while looking for similarities with the anime.
Ritual Hall: Iijima Hachiman Shrine
This is a model of the shrine that is deeply connected to the 1983 festival. It makes an impressive appearance as a key location in the story, and is an essential spot for any pilgrimage.
Uso-da-zaka (The "It's a lie!!" Slope): A slope in Shirakawa-go
This is the slope where the famous exchange between Keiichi and Rena, "That's a lie!", took place. It is located on the slope leading from the observation deck to the village, and the background matches well with the scenery, making it a popular photo spot for fans.
Keiichi Maebara's House: Shirakawa Clean Center
This building is said to be the model for the exterior of Keiichi's house. It is a quiet place where you can feel the atmosphere of the beginning of the story, including the surrounding scenery. As it is a public facility rather than a residential building, it is a relatively easy spot for filming.
Recommended pilgrimage routes and estimated time required
Most of the six spots introduced here are located within walking distance of the Gassho-style village of Shirakawa-go.
If you start from the observation deck in Shirakawa-go and tour the shrines and buildings in order, you can enjoy an efficient pilgrimage while experiencing the setting of the work.
Iijima Hachiman Shrine and Shirakawa Clean Center are a little far away, but only about 10 minutes by car.
- ① Castle tower observation deck (observation deck overlooking Hinamizawa)
- 2. Uso-da-zaka (The "It's a lie!!" slope)
- ③Important Cultural Property Wada Family (Sonozaki Main Family)
- ④ Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine (Furuta Shrine)
- —〈🚗10 minutes by car〉—
- ⑤Iijima Hachiman Shrine (ritual facility hall)
- ⑥Shirakawa Clean Center (Maebara Keiichi's House)
Official "Higurashi" merchandise available at Hirase Sake Brewery Shirakawago Shop
Hirase Sake Brewery Shirakawa-go Shop is one of the few stores that sells official Higurashi When They Cry merchandise. Located in the center of Shirakawa-go tourism, it sells limited edition goods and original items for anime fans.
This shop values the connection between anime and the local community, and you may find the perfect merchandise to commemorate your pilgrimage. They also sell alcohol, making it a popular stop for tourists.
Store name:Shirakawa-go Storyteller
Opening hours:9:00～17:00
Regular holiday:Wednesday
telephone number:05769-6-1395
place:View on Google Maps
remarks:"Higurashi When They Cry" merchandise available
Be moved by the stage performance of "Higurashi When They Cry"
- A pilgrimage to the sacred sites of Shirakawa-go, where you can experience the immersive experience of stepping into the setting of the anime
- If you choose a place that allows photography and is easy to get to, you can enjoy yourself while observing proper etiquette.
- A special journey where you can experience nature, history, and the charm of the world of the work all at once
The charm of Shirakawa-go is that you can be moved by the casual scenery and quiet moments while visiting the places that appear in the work. Here you can have a profound experience that will satisfy not only as a fan but also as a traveler.
