Kyoto

Pilgrimage to Anime “Hibike! Euphonium”: Exploring the Charms of Uji City

Anime “Hibike! Euphonium” is an emotional story depicting the growth and youth of a high school brass band.

Set in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, the story progresses with beautiful scenery.

This time, we will introduce 10 locations featured in “Hibike! Euphonium” and their attractions.

Uji River

The Uji River, flowing through Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, appears in many scenes as the setting for the story.

The scene at the Agata Festival in episode 5 features the area along the Uji River.

The riverside promenade is famous for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, offering beautiful scenery in every season.

In episode 1, the protagonists walk along the Uji River, and the scenery is depicted as if it were a painting.

Information

Address: Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture
Opening hours: Always open
Closed: None
Access: 10 minutes walk from JR Nara Line “Uji Station”

Byodo-in Temple

Byodo-in Temple is an ancient temple registered as a World Heritage site and is one of the iconic locations in “Hibike! Euphonium”.

In episode 2, scenes with Byodo-in Temple in the background appear, adding color to important moments in the story.

The Phoenix Hall, depicted on the 10 yen coin, fascinates visitors with its elegant appearance.

Additionally, behind Byodo-in Temple along the Uji River, there is the “Kumiko Bench”.

It is even marked on Google Maps, showing the influence of Euphonium!

Information

Address: Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture
Opening hours: 8:30 – 17:30
Closed: None
Access: 15 minutes walk from JR Nara Line “Uji Station”

Keihan Uji Station

The intersection at the east end of Uji Bridge near Keihan Uji Station serves as a stage.

It appears frequently in episode 12.

The area around Keihan Uji Station is relatively quiet, making it a place where you can take your time to look around as a pilgrimage site.

Information

Address: Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: Keihan “Uji Station”

Uji Shrine and Ujigami Shrine

Uji Shrine is a popular spot for students and exam takers as it enshrines the deity of academic achievement.

In episode 5, an episode unfolds here, and the scene where the protagonists visit the shrine is depicted impressively.

The serene atmosphere of the shrine grounds is perfect for calming the mind.

Uji Shrine and Ujigami Shrine are adjacent to each other, about a five-minute walk apart, allowing you to enjoy both.

Information

Address: Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture
Opening hours: 6:00 – 18:00
Closed: None
Access: 20 minutes walk from JR Nara Line “Uji Station”

Kyoto Prefectural Yamashiro General Sports Park

Commonly known as “Taiyogaoka,” this sports park appears in scenes of the brass band’s practice and competitions.

The expansive grounds include an athletics stadium, pool, tennis courts, and more, attracting many local citizens for sports and recreation.

Episode 7 depicts practice scenes set in this park.

Information

Address: Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture
Opening hours: 9:00 – 21:00
Closed: Mondays
Access: 30 minutes by bus from JR Nara Line “Uji Station”

Uji Bridge

Uji Bridge is a historic bridge over the Uji River and a notable tourist attraction.

In episode 8, characters are depicted crossing this bridge, making it a symbolic location in Uji’s scenery.

From the bridge, you can view the river’s flow and enjoy the picturesque landscape.

This bridge was also depicted in the festival scenes of episode 8.

Information

Address: Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture
Opening hours: Always open
Closed: None
Access: 5 minutes walk from JR Nara Line “Uji Station”

Kyoto Prefectural Uji High School (Model for Kitauji High School)

Kyoto Prefectural Uji High School is thought to be the model for Kitauji High School.

Upon closer inspection, the resemblance is indeed striking.

From late March to early April during the entrance ceremony season, cherry blossoms bloom, offering a beautiful sight.

*Please enjoy your visit quietly to avoid disturbing local residents.

 

Hatoyama Green Area near the high school appears in the final scene of episode 12.

Information

Kyoto Prefectural Uji High School
Hatoyama Green Area
Closed: None
Access: 8 minutes by bus from Uji Okubo Line (Get off at “Uji High School” bus stop)

Keihan Obaku Station, Nakaji Bakery

The station where Hazuki gets off after school in episode 5 is believed to be Keihan’s Obaku Station.

In fact, the signage clearly displays “Keihan Railway” and “For Uji.”

The station platform appears exactly as it does in the anime.

The bread Shuichi is holding is likely the “Frank Danish” from Nakaji Bakery located in front of Obaku Station.

Shuichi must have really wanted to eat it, as he made a special stop.

Information

Address: 17 Nishiuwa, Gokasho, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture
Closed: Tuesdays
Opening hours: 6:30 – 21:30
Access: Keihan “Obaku Station”

Uji City Cultural Center

The Uji City Cultural Center is a cultural facility equipped with a music hall and library.

In the final episode of “Hibike! Euphonium,” a concert scene set here reaches an emotional climax.

Within the facility, local cultural activities are actively conducted, warmly welcoming visitors.

The parking lot at the back is exactly the same as depicted.

Information

Address: Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture
Opening hours: 9:00 – 21:00
Closed: Mondays
Access: 15 minutes walk from JR Nara Line “Uji Station”

Special Feature: Keihan Railway in Shiga Prefecture

Keihan Railway, which actively operates wrapped trains, is once again running a “Hibike! Euphonium” wrapped train.

The Ishiyama Sakamoto Line (Otsu Line) has a track record of operating many wrapped trains, including “K-On!” and “Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions!”, and I have always wanted to see them.

This time, I had plans to visit Kyoto to photograph cherry blossoms, so I took the opportunity to stop by Otsu.

At Kawaguchi Park, trains pass right in front of you.

It is also a beautiful spot to take pictures during the cherry blossom season.

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Information

Operation period: September 1, 2023 (Fri) to March 20, 2025 (Thu/Holiday) [Scheduled]
Operation section: Ishiyama Sakamoto Line (between Ishiyamadera Station and Sakamoto-Hieizanguchi Station)

Enjoy Kyoto Through Anime!

A journey to the settings of “Hibike! Euphonium” offers a unique experience where the world of the anime and real-life landscapes merge.

By visiting the beautiful scenery and historical buildings of Uji City, you can relive the scenes depicted in the story, deepening your attachment to the work.

Be sure to visit Uji City and feel its charm firsthand.

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