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The number of people coming to Numazu for pilgrimages has skyrocketed in recent years!
Numazu has been gaining attention as a pilgrimage site for the anime “Love Live! Sunshine!!”.
Here are some recommended spots you shouldn’t miss!
If you’re visiting for the first time, this is a must-read.
Contents
Before introducing the sacred sites, where is Numazu anyway? Here’s how to get there
If you’re traveling to Numazu by train
Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is located at the base of the Izu Peninsula’s western part.
You can reach Numazu Station from Tokyo Station in about an hour by Shinkansen!
Get excited as you plan your pilgrimage (visiting locations featured in anime, movies, etc., to enjoy them) and head towards your destination!
You’ll arrive in no time while planning your various itineraries.
Secure “Noppo Pan” at the Numazu Station kiosk!
There are kiosks at both the north and south exits of Numazu Station, where you can buy “Noppo Pan,” a sweet bread made in Numazu!
This sweet bread, with its distinctive giraffe packaging, frequently appears in “Love Live! Sunshine!!”.
One of the members of “Aqours,” Hanamaru Kunikida, loves “Noppo Pan” and is always happily eating it.
Try comparing the various flavors available!
It makes a great souvenir too.
How should you tour the sacred sites in Numazu?
Next, let’s talk about how to tour the sacred sites in Numazu.
The sacred sites are mainly concentrated in two areas: the “Numazu City Area” and the “Uchiura Area,” which is quite far from Numazu City.
If you only want to visit the sacred sites in the Numazu City Area, you can easily walk around. However, if you also want to visit the Uchiura Area, it’s recommended to use the “Love Live! Sunshine!!”-themed bus.
Make sure to do some research before using it.
“Plaza Verde” at the North Exit of Numazu Station
[Numazu Sacred Site] The Rooftop Garden of Plaza Verde
Now, let’s introduce the sacred sites in Numazu, starting with the ones closest to Numazu Station.
First is “Plaza Verde,” about a 3-minute walk from the north exit of Numazu Station. This is a comprehensive convention facility, but in the TV anime, it became the main activity spot for “Aqours” from the second season.
The rooftop garden appeared in episode 4 of the second season. It’s a beautiful, well-maintained garden, perfect for taking a break.
[Numazu Sacred Site] There is also a sacred site in front of Plaza Verde
This is the sacred site in front of Plaza Verde.
In episode 5 of the second season, Yoshiko Tsushima picked up a puppy here.
Since it’s very close to the station, you can visit it quickly!
Plaza Verde
Address: 1-1-4 Otemachi, Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Access: (1) 3-minute walk from the north exit of Numazu Station
Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Closed 1-2 days a month)
Numazu Riverside Hotel next to Yohane’s House Sacred Site
This is “Numazu Riverside Hotel,” about a 7-minute walk from the south exit of Numazu Station.
This business hotel is next to the apartment that is the sacred site of Yoshiko Tsushima’s house.
Numazu has a variety of business hotels, making it a pleasant town for those who think “One day isn’t enough to explore Numazu!”.
Among them, I recommend this “Numazu Riverside Hotel”!
Enjoy the view from the Numazu Riverside Hotel
This is the view from the room I stayed in.
On a clear day, you can see Mount Fuji beautifully from the room.
The room is clean, and the facilities are well-maintained!
It’s also about a 5-minute drive to Numazu Port, so you might want to stay overnight and have breakfast at Numazu Port!
Riverside Hotel
100-1 Kamitsuchicho, Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Yoh-chan’s Sacred Spot! “Oranda-kan”
The next sacred site in Numazu is the café “Oranda-kan,” about a 10-minute drive from Numazu Station.
This is the model for the home of “You Watanabe” and appeared in episode 11 of season 1 of the TV anime “Friendship, Yousoro!”
The entrance is filled with many “You Watanabe” goods! It feels like they are welcoming us, making it a delight.
It seems like the goods displayed in this area are updated every time I visit. You can feel the love!
When taking photos here, make sure to ask the staff for permission.
While you’re here, try ordering “Omusoba”!
When you order “Omusoba,” it comes with ketchup toppings!
That’s right! You can recreate the “Yokisoba” made by “You Watanabe” in episode 10 of the TV anime “Shy Noodles Begin!”
I also recreated “Yokisoba” like this.
I enjoyed it, thinking, “This is the Yokisoba that Yoh-chan made!”
It was a very satisfying dish with lots of ingredients.
Give it a try!
Oranda-kan Shimogawara Branch
1146-1 Shimogawaracho, Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Climb the Giant Flood Gate “Byuo”
The next sacred site in Numazu is “Numazu Port Large Observation Flood Gate Byuo,” about a 2-minute walk from Numazu Port.
It’s the sacred spot where “You Watanabe” and “Mari Ohara” had their “frank talk” in episode 11 of season 1 of the TV anime.
Seeing it up close, you’ll be overwhelmed by its size!
Enjoy the panoramic view from the 30-meter high observation deck
The view from the 30-meter high observation deck is simply stunning.
From one side, you can see the cityscape of Numazu and Numazu Port, and from the other side, you get a panoramic view of Suruga Bay. Sitting on the bench here, illuminated by the sunset, is perfect for having a “frank talk” with friends.
At night, it’s beautifully lit up, making it a great spot for couples as well.
Numazu Port Large Observation Flood Gate Byuo
Address: 1905-27 Motohama, Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Access: (1) 10 minutes from Numazu Station South Exit (by Tokai Bus or Izu Hakone Bus)
Business Hours: Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Holidays 10:00-20:00 (may close temporarily for maintenance)
Open: Thu 10:00-14:00 3 PM
Awashima Marine Park
The next sacred site in Numazu is “Awashima Marine Park.”
It is about a 35-minute bus ride from JR Numazu Station South Exit.
The entire island is a theme park, so you won’t be charged extra for the aquarium♪
Feel the sea breeze on the ferry
When you arrive at Awashima on the “Love Live! Sunshine!!”-themed ferry (*), first take a tour around the island.
Since it’s an island surrounded by the sea, you can enjoy the pleasant sea breeze as you walk around.
(*) Note: As of August 2022, the ferry may not be in operation, so please check in advance.
There is a Frog House
This is the “Frog House.”
It is the sacred site of “Kanan Matsuura’s” house.
There is also a gas cylinder labeled “Kanan,” a nice touch♡
Additionally, this “Frog House” boasts the largest number of frog species on display in Japan!
It’s perfect for frog lovers too!
Frog House
186 Uchiura Shigeji, Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Be sure to stop by Awashima Shrine
This sacred site appears in episode 4 of season 1 of the TV anime “Two Hearts”.
It’s located along the path leading to “Awashima Shrine,” near the top of Awashima.
Take a break at this rest area while making your way to “Awashima Shrine.”
The path to “Awashima Shrine” is steep and full of insects, so be careful with your footwear and clothing.
In the summer, it’s recommended to bring insect repellent spray!
Awashima Shrine
476 Awashima, Uchiura Shigeji, Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Luxurious! Awashima Hotel
The luxurious hotel on Awashima is “Awashima Hotel.”
“Awashima Hotel” is the sacred site of “Mari Ohara’s” house.
Truly fitting for a wealthy character.
Both the exterior and interior are decorated with a luxurious feel, and since the hotel is located at the edge of the island, you can enjoy ocean views of Suruga Bay from your room or the large public bath.
On clear days, you can also see Mount Fuji, making it a perfect luxury hotel for those who want to spend a blissful time.
Awashima Hotel
186 Uchiura Shigeji, Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
The garden of Awashima Hotel is also a sacred site for ‘Love Live! Sunshine!!’
The garden, accessible only to guests of “Awashima Hotel,” features the sacred site from episode 9 of season 1 where the third-year members of “Aqours” were as children.
When staying at “Awashima Hotel,” be sure to visit the garden!
Awashima Marine Park
186 Uchiura Shigeji, Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Shogetsu’s Mikan Dorayaki♪
The next sacred site in Numazu is the Japanese confectionery shop “Shogetsu,” about a 35-minute bus ride from Numazu Station.
All the Japanese and Western sweets sold here are handmade with great care!
“Shogetsu” appears in episode 6 of season 1 “Let’s Make a PV”.
Like in the show, there is an eat-in space inside the shop!
“Shogetsu’s” specialty is this “Mikan Dorayaki.”
It’s great for taking a break during your Numazu pilgrimage or for buying souvenirs!
Shogetsu
88-36 Mitsu, Uchiura, Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Mitsu Beach
The next sacred site in Numazu is “Mitsu Beach,” about a 30-minute drive from Numazu Station.
This sacred site appears multiple times in the series, starting with episode 1 of season 1.
If you are visiting the sacred sites in the Uchiura area, you cannot miss this spot.
It might be nice to gaze at the sea while thinking about “Love Live! Sunshine!!”.
By the way, the island you see on the right in the distance is “Awashima,” which I mentioned earlier.
Mitsu Beach
Address: Mitsu, Uchiura, Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Access: (1) 35 minutes from Numazu Station South Exit (by Tokai Bus)
Business Hours: Summer July 23, 2020 – August 23, 2020
Yasudaya Ryokan
The next sacred site in Numazu is Yasudaya Ryokan, located across the road from the previously introduced Mitsu Beach.
This traditional ryokan has connections to the famous author “Osamu Dazai.”
In “Love Live! Sunshine!!,” it serves as the sacred site for the home of “Chika Takami,” the protagonist and founder of “Aqours.”
Staying at Yasudaya Ryokan with friends who also love “Love Live! Sunshine!!” and watching the series together sounds like a lot of fun.
It’s a historic ryokan with a relaxing atmosphere, so please be mindful not to make too much noise.
In addition to overnight stays, there are also day-use hot springs, which are recommended for those who want a quick visit to Yasudaya Ryokan.
Be sure to check it out.
Yasudaya Ryokan
Address: 19 Mitsu, Uchiura, Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Access: Transfer at Mishima Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen to Numazu Station, then take a bus for 35 minutes. Nearest station: Izu Nagaoka. Note: There is a parking lot next to the ryokan.
Check-in: 14:00, Check-out: 10:00
Izu-Mito Sea Paradise!
The next sacred site in Numazu is Izu-Mito Sea Paradise.
You can access it by bus from Numazu Station South Exit in about 35 minutes.
This is the sacred site from the PV of “Koi ni Naritai AQUARIUM,” the second single of “Love Live! Sunshine!!,” and also appeared in episode 4 of season 2 of the TV anime.
Izu-Mito Sea Paradise is divided into indoor and outdoor exhibition areas.
Inside, you’ll find a large walrus tank and the “Jellyfish Kaleidoscope Tank” that “You Watanabe” leaned against in the PV of “Koi ni Naritai AQUARIUM.”
Be sure to check out the jellyfish kaleidoscope, illuminated by lights that change colors over time!
If you’re lucky, you might meet “Uchicchi,” the official mascot of Izu-Mito Sea Paradise… In “Love Live! Sunshine!!,” “You Watanabe” wore the “Uchicchi” costume!
The fluffy texture around the mouth feels nice, so why not gently pet it?
If you meet “Uchicchi,” take a picture together to create a wonderful memory!
Izu-Mito Sea Paradise also hosts impressive dolphin shows according to the timetable!
You can also enjoy the slightly playful acts of the large walrus, making it a great aquarium for family fun, even if you’re not there for the “Love Live! Sunshine!!” pilgrimage.
Izu-Mito Sea Paradise
Address: 3-1 Nagahama, Uchiura, Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Access: Get off at Izu-Nagaoka Station on the Izu Hakone Railway, then take the Izu Hakone Bus towards Izu-Mito Sea Paradise for about 25 minutes.
Business Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM) *Varies by season. Closed: Open year-round
Vast Grounds! “Niji no Sato”
The next sacred site in Numazu is “Shuzenji Niji no Sato,” located about a 30-minute drive from Numazu IC.
This site briefly appeared in episode 3 of season 2 of the TV anime “Rainbow,” so even those who have visited Numazu multiple times for pilgrimages might not have been here before.
The grounds are said to be almost the same size as Tokyo Disneyland!
This vast theme park features areas themed after “British Village,” “Canadian Village,” and “Japanese Garden,” among others.
I took the “Romney Train,” which connects the “British Village” and “Canadian Village”!
Hop on the authentic “Romney Train,” complete with whistle and smoke, and enjoy various scenic views as you travel.
This is the “Japanese Garden” area.
Every area is perfect for taking photos, so visiting with a camera in hand might be a great idea.
Make sure to visit “Shuzenji Niji no Sato,” which shows different expressions depending on the season.
Shuzenji Niji no Sato
Address: 4279-3 Shuzenji, Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Access: (1) 15 minutes by bus from Shuzenji Station
Izu no Kuni Panorama Park
The final sacred site in Numazu we will introduce is “Izu no Kuni Panorama Park,” about a 35-minute drive from Numazu Station.
This sacred site was used by the third-year students in their childhood in episode 10 of season 2 of the TV anime “Looking for Shiny.”
You will be amazed by the view of Mount Fuji from the ropeway! Also, why not enjoy stargazing on a clear night?
Izu no Kuni Panorama Park Snack Corner (formerly Katsuragi Yama Panorama Park)
Address: 260-1 Nagaoka, Izu no Kuni City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Numazu has many sacred sites for ‘Love Live! Sunshine!!’
How was it?
This time, we introduced the major sacred sites from the TV anime “Love Live! Sunshine!!”.
However, the sites we introduced this time are just a part of the whole.
There are still many sacred sites in Numazu!
Also, visiting the spots that became sacred sites is not the only way to do a pilgrimage.
Walking through the town of Numazu and along the sea, and thinking about what kind of atmosphere “Aqours” lives in, is the real pleasure of a pilgrimage.
Please enjoy your time in Numazu.
