Whisper of the Heart Off the Map Pilgrimage by Local Bus

Seiseki-Sakuragaoka — the town that inspired Whisper of the Heart. The slope Shizuku walked, the shrine where Sugimura confessed, the apartment where she lived — places every fan wants to visit. But why stop at the well-known spots? This tour was made for true fans. It begins at the station with a mailbox inspired by Chikyuya. On Iroha Slope, you walk the path Shizuku took every day. At Konpira Shrine, you stand where Sugimura found his courage. At Tenshudai, a stone monument marks what fans believe may be the model for the Hill in the Sky. At Sakuragaoka Rotary, the tree that inspired Chikyuya still stands — and nearby, Noah Yogashiten holds the fan-written "Mimi-Suma Note." Then you board a local bus and head deeper into the hills. What comes next is for the day itself. True fans will know it the moment they see it. Curious? Send us a message.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   10 min

   Just outside Seiseki-Sakuragaoka Station stands a special mailbox inspired by the antique shop "Chikyuya" from the film. Its globe-shaped design is instantly recognizable to anyone who has seen the movie. This is where the tour begins. Stop here first and take your opening shot — your first step into the world of the film.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   10 min

   This is the slope Shizuku walked up on her way to the library. Beyond the guardrail, the rooftops and townscape spread out just as they appear in the film. Stand in the same spot and take in the view she saw every day.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   10 min

   This is the shrine where Sugimura confessed his feelings to Shizuku. The quiet grounds surrounded by trees, the stone steps, the small shrine building — when you compare them to the film, the match is striking. Sit on those same stone steps and let the memory of that scene come back to you.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   10 min

   This is the spot where a stone monument inscribed with "Tenshudai (Sekido)" stands. Among fans, it is said to be a possible model for the "Hill in the Sky" that appears in the film. Many feel that the view from the top of the steps, where the monument stands, echoes that iconic scene. These days the trees have grown thick and the view is mostly hidden — but posing for a photo with the monument is a must for any devoted fan. "Could this be the place?" — that sense of wonder is part of what makes a pilgrimage worth taking.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   10 min

   This rotary sits near the spot said to be the model for Chikyuya, the antique shop from the film. With a large tree planted at its center, the rotary carries the quiet atmosphere of the movie. The coffee shop "Jashumon," believed to be the inspiration for Chikyuya, closed in 2012 and can no longer be entered — but the tree in the rotary still stands, just as it always has. At the far end of the rotary is "Noah Yogashiten," a small bakery where fans have left a notebook known as the "Mimi-Suma Note." If it happens to be open on the day of your visit, it is well worth stopping in.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   20 min

   From here, you board the same local bus that residents ride every day. Where it takes you is part of the surprise. At the end of the ride, two hidden spots await — places that echo scenes straight from the film. The locations are revealed on the day only. Curious? Send us a message.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   10 min

   This is where the tour ends. Tama Center sits at the heart of Tama New Town — the setting of the Ghibli film "Pom Poko." Sanrio Puroland is just a short walk from the station, so there is plenty to enjoy after the tour. Getting to Shinjuku or Shibuya from here is easy and convenient.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.