Seiseki Sakuragaoka Station serves as the gateway to one of Japan's most beloved anime pilgrimage destinations. Located in Tama City in the suburbs of Tokyo, this area was the real-world setting for Studio Ghibli's 1995 animated film "Whisper of the Heart". The station sits on the Keio Line, positioned 26.3 kilometers from Shinjuku Station and serves as one of the main gateways to the Tama New Town development.
The area gained international recognition when director Yoshifumi Kondō chose this hilly residential neighborhood as the backdrop for the coming-of-age story. Interestingly, local residents were unaware that Studio Ghibli had used their neighborhood as a film setting until they saw the movie in cinemas, where they were surprised and delighted to recognize their own streets and landmarks. The green and hilly terrain of Seiseki Sakuragaoka provided the perfect suburban Tokyo setting that defines much of the film's atmosphere.
Visitors can embark on a self-guided tour following the footsteps of the film's protagonists, Shizuku and Seiji. The main attraction is the famous Sakuragaoka Rotary, reached by walking up Irohazaka Hill for approximately 15-20 minutes from the station. From this elevated position, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the entire Seiseki Sakuragaoka area. The route includes several recognizable locations from the film, including the distinctive stairs that feature prominently in scenes where Shizuku chases the cat Moon through the neighborhood.
Download the official guide map before your visit to navigate between filming locations, and prepare to have the film's theme song "Country Roads" playing in your head as you explore. While the coffee shop that inspired "Chikyuya" (Sakuragaoka Jashumon Gate) unfortunately closed in 2012, many other recognizable spots remain accessible to fans.
Access Seiseki Sakuragaoka Station via the Keio Line from Shinjuku Station, with trains running every 15 minutes. The journey takes approximately 26-30 minutes and costs between $1-3. The station is also served by limousine buses connecting to both Haneda and Narita airports. No admission fees are required to explore the outdoor filming locations, making this an accessible pilgrimage site for Studio Ghibli enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
