In this article, we will introduce the sacred pilgrimage sites from the popular anime “Sound! Euphonium.” This beloved series has been broadcast across two seasons on television, in addition to being adapted into a movie. “Sound! Euphonium” features numerous real-life locations, including Keihan Uji Station, which have been used as models for its scenic depictions and settings. As a result, many fans undertake pilgrimages to these sites. We will explore these sacred sites associated with “Sound! Euphonium,” organizing them by area.
This article introduces the sacred sites from the popular anime “Sound! Euphonium,” which aired its first and second seasons in 2015. Produced by Kyoto Animation, a studio deeply familiar with Kyoto, the anime authentically incorporates real locations such as Keihan Uji Station and Keihan Rokujizo Station into its narrative. Consequently, “Sound! Euphonium” fans have popularized pilgrimages to these real-life spots depicted in the series.
Regarding these pilgrimages, the Uji City Tourism Division in Kyoto Prefecture had created a “Sound! Euphonium Uji Exploration Map” due to its popularity. However, distribution of this map ended on April 1, 2018. This article will introduce these pilgrimage sites of “Sound! Euphonium,” organized by area.
The protagonist, Kumiko Oumae, is a first-year high school girl who played the euphonium in her middle school concert band. She chose to attend Kitauji High School, which was once renowned for its prestigious concert band. However, the performance she heard upon entering was so disappointing that Kumiko hesitated to join the band.
Amidst her doubts, Kumiko was invited to join the concert band by her new friends, Hazuki Kato and Sapphire Kawashima, who were in the same class. At the band, Kumiko reunites with Reina Kousaka, a middle school classmate who was also in the concert band. Reina had been deeply frustrated by their failure to qualify for the national competition in their last middle school concert band contest.
Kumiko had inadvertently hurt Reina in the past by insensitively asking her if she really thought they could make it to the nationals. Now, Kumiko finds it difficult to approach Reina due to the awkwardness between them.
With the arrival of the new band advisor, Mr. Taki, he challenges the members with a choice during his introductory speech: to seriously aim for the national competition or to participate in the club activities more casually for fun. As many members expressed their intention to aim for nationals despite their initial hesitation, Kitauji High School’s concert band decided to pursue the goal with vigor, led by the club president, Kaori Nakaseko, and vice president, Asuka Tanaka, diving into rigorous practices.
Kumiko Oumae, initially reluctant to join the concert band, grows more serious about reaching nationals after reconciling with Reina Kousaka and experiencing the departure of her childhood friend and senior, Aoi Saito. However, as the competition nears, Kumiko faces her own limitations in playing technique and is removed from some performances. During this challenging time, she cries out her desire to improve and truly understands Reina’s passion, which she displayed during their last middle school competition.
Having genuinely embraced her passion for music, Kumiko Oumae overcomes her previous weaknesses through relentless practice and earns back her part in the performance. The band challenges and succeeds at the regional competition that selects the representative for Kyoto Prefecture, which they had not been able to surpass during their middle school years. Standing on stage at the music competition that would determine the representative of Kyoto Prefecture, the Kitauji High School Concert Band delivers a flawless performance and joyously secures their spot as the representatives, moving on to the Kansai competition.
After triumphing in the competition that determined Kyoto’s representative school and closing the first season of the anime “Sound! Euphonium” on a joyful note, Kitauji High School’s concert band continues with even more rigorous practices in their quest to win the upcoming Kansai competition and secure a place at the nationals. Amidst this, Nozomi Kasaki, a second-year student who had quit the previous year, comes back seeking to rejoin the concert band.
However, the vice-president, Asuka Tanaka, staunchly refuses the re-entry of Nozomi Kasaki. This refusal is rooted in a past issue within the band. A year prior, the third-year students continued to practice half-heartedly, leading to the second years passively watching and the first years, overwhelmed by the atmosphere, quitting en masse. Nozomi’s best friend, Mizore Yoroizuka, missed the opportunity to leave and ended up remaining in the band alone.
This experience traumatized Mizore Yoroizuka against Nozomi, and knowing the full story, Asuka was protecting Mizore by refusing Nozomi’s re-entry. However, Nozomi, desperate to rejoin, enlists the help of Kumiko Oumae and others, eventually reconciling with Mizore through dialogue. With Nozomi now included, the Kitauji High School Concert Band delivers a flawless performance at the Kansai competition, securing their spot in the national competition.
Having qualified for the nationals, the members of Kitauji High School Concert Band pushed forward with increasingly rigorous practices. Asuka Tanaka, the vice-president and a pivotal member, is forced by her mother to concentrate on her exams, leading her to absent herself from the band. Feeling responsible, Asuka decides to quit the band to avoid burdening the others.
While witnessing these events, Kumiko Oumae is unable to accept Asuka’s departure and tearfully convinces her to stay. Moved by Kumiko’s plea, Asuka achieves excellent results on a national mock exam, uses this as leverage to persuade her mother, and returns to the band. Despite the ups and downs, bound by a solid friendship and passion for music, Kitauji High School Concert Band competes at the national competition.
However, the national level proves too challenging, and Kitauji High School Concert Band does not win a gold medal. Asuka Tanaka and the other third-year students retire from the band. At this moment, Kumiko Oumae realizes how her feelings for the concert band and the euphonium have evolved from her middle school days…(End)
As the popular anime “Sound! Euphonium” centers around the activities of the Kitauji High School Concert Band in Uji City, Kyoto, many sacred sites exist around Keihan Uji Station and other nearby spots in Uji City. Additionally, the locations extend to places like the Nagoya International Convention Center, where the All-Japan Band Competition is held, and the Kyoto Concert Hall, where the competition to decide the representative school of Kyoto Prefecture takes place.
Produced by Kyoto Animation, which is intimately familiar with Kyoto, the anime “Sound! Euphonium” meticulously replicates the city down to the smallest details. This accuracy has made pilgrimages to these sacred sites extremely popular among fans, with a wealth of information exchanged within the fan community.
As a result, there are many fan-made maps available for “Sound! Euphonium” pilgrimages, making it easy for even those unfamiliar with such pilgrimages to enjoy the experience.
“Sound! Euphonium” replicates even the finest details so accurately that not only public locations like Keihan Uji Station but also residential areas, hillsides, bakeries, and family restaurants are considered sacred sites. Some of these are private properties. Therefore, when undertaking a pilgrimage, it is essential to consider proper manners and courtesy, especially when taking photos. Those planning a pilgrimage should enjoy the experience respectfully and responsibly.
Keihan Uji Station is said to be the model for the nearest station to the homes of characters such as the protagonist, Kumiko Oumae, in “Sound! Euphonium.” In the anime, Keihan Uji Station is frequently depicted as it is the nearest station to the protagonists’ homes. The anime meticulously illustrates the station’s ticket gates, platforms, minor staircases, and connecting passageways.
The train used by Kumiko Oumae and her friends, Hazuki Kato and Sapphire Kawashima, for commuting to school in “Sound! Euphonium” is said to be modeled after the Keihan 13000 series. This series is frequently shown in the anime due to its relevance to school commuting. On the Uji Line, the 13000 series currently operates alongside the 10000 series, and it is rumored to be a treat to encounter the 13000 series as it is not always available.
The apartment where Kumiko Oumae and her family live in “Sound! Euphonium” is said to be located near the Uji Togawa Intersection. However, the apartment as depicted in the anime does not exist at this intersection, suggesting that the design might be modeled after a different building. The Uji Togawa Intersection is about a 15-20 minute walk from Keihan or JR Uji Station.
The front of the Ikawa Irrigation Plant is said to be the model for the location where protagonist Kumiko Oumae spends some time before school in the first episode of “Sound! Euphonium” Season 1, and where Kumiko Oumae and Shuichi Tsukamoto practice their instruments in episode 8. This location frequently captures the emotional shifts of Kumiko Oumae. It is about a 10-15 minute walk from Keihan or JR Uji Station.
The path lined with cherry trees where Kumiko Oumae walks alone to high school in the first episode of “Sound! Euphonium” Season 1 is said to be modeled on Ajirogi Road. However, it is noted that Ajirogi Road was used as an inspirational image, and it does not actually match the route Kumiko uses to get to school. Ajirogi Road is about a 10-minute walk from Keihan or JR Uji Station.
Uji Shrine is said to be the model for the location where new band advisor Mr. Taki makes his first appearance, and where Reina Kousaka is seen in a white dress in “Sound! Euphonium” Season 1, Episode 1. The shrine is also depicted in episodes 7, 8, and Season 2, Episode 1. It is a 5-6 minute walk from Keihan Uji Station.
The scene in Season 1, Episode 2 of “Sound! Euphonium,” where Kumiko Oumae and Aoi Saito cross a bridge with chimneys and utility poles visible, is shown from an upstream viewpoint of Tachibana Bridge looking towards Uji Bridge. This bridge is also depicted in Episode 8. Tachibana Bridge is about a 5-6 minute walk from either Keihan or JR Uji Station.
The place where Kumiko Oumae and Aoi Saito cross the bridge in Season 1, Episode 2, is modeled after Uji Bridge. Uji Bridge is also featured in episodes 5, 8, and 12 of Season 1, as well as in Season 2, Episode 1, often depicting interactions between characters. Uji Bridge is about a 4-5 minute walk from either Keihan or JR Uji Station.
The scene in Season 1, Episode 2, where Kumiko Oumae and Aoi Saito talk and Aoi reveals her decision to quit the band due to her studies, is modeled on the intersection at the west end of Uji Bridge. This location is also depicted in the opening of Season 2, Episode 1. The west end of Uji Bridge is about a 4-5 minute walk from either Keihan or JR Uji Station.
The location where Kumiko Oumae and Shuichi Tsukamoto walk and are lectured by Reina Kousaka in Season 1, Episode 4, is modeled on the east end of Asagiri Bridge. This location is also depicted in episodes 6 and 11, featuring conversations between Kumiko Oumae and Hazuki Kato, among others. Asagiri Bridge’s east end is about a 10-minute walk from either Keihan or JR Uji Station.
The place where Kumiko Oumae and Reina Kousaka return home on the same train in Season 1, Episode 5, and continue their awkward conversation after getting off, is modeled on the intersection at the east end of Uji Bridge near Keihan Uji Station. This location is also depicted in Season 2, Episode 1, as a backdrop for Kumiko Oumae running. The east end of Uji Bridge is about a 2-3 minute walk from either Keihan or JR Uji Station.
The location used for the Sunrise Festival in Season 1, Episode 5 of “Sound! Euphonium” is modeled after the Kyoto Prefectural Yamashiro Comprehensive Sports Park (Sunrise Hill). The park is depicted as a gathering place and practice area in the anime. It is approximately a 10-minute bus ride from either Keihan or JR Uji Station. Note: This location is a bit distant from central Uji City.
In Episode 7 of Season 1 of “Sound! Euphonium,” the place where the band president Haruka Ogasawara discusses the matter of Aoi Saito’s resignation from the band with her is modeled after the Saizeriya located at the northwest corner of the Uji Bridge West Intersection. The area around Saizeriya Uji Urihara Store is detailed in the anime, including elements like utility poles, parking lots, and road signs. It takes about 5-6 minutes to walk to Saizeriya Uji Urihara Store from either Keihan or JR Uji Station.
In Episode 7 of Season 1 of “Sound! Euphonium,” the place where Aoi Saito stops to look at a band poster after finishing her cram school session is modeled after the Seven-Eleven JR Uji Station Front Store. It takes about 1-2 minutes to walk to this Seven-Eleven from JR Uji Station.
The cram school that Aoi Saito attends in Episode 7 of Season 1 of “Sound! Euphonium” is modeled after Toshin Satellite Preparatory School JR Uji Station Front. In the anime, this location is depicted as being next to the west side of the Seven-Eleven JR Uji Station Front. It takes about 1-2 minutes to walk to Toshin Satellite Preparatory School from JR Uji Station.
In Episode 8 of Season 1 of “Sound! Euphonium,” the station where Hazuki Kato and Shuichi Tsukamoto have their rendezvous is modeled after JR Uji Station. The surrounding area of JR Uji Station in the anime is depicted in great detail, including a clock tower and a postbox decorated with pickle jars, and a nearby nursery.
The scene from a festival in Episode 8 of Season 1 of “Sound! Euphonium” is modeled after the area in front of the NTT Uji Annex. This scene is a snapshot of festival activities and does not feature the main characters, making it a somewhat ambiguous location for pilgrimage. It takes about 10 minutes to walk to NTT Uji Annex from JR Uji Station.
In Episode 8 of Season 1 of “Sound! Euphonium,” the place where Asuka Tanaka witnesses Hazuki Kato and Shuichi Tsukamoto on a date is modeled after Agata Shrine. The scene at Agata Shrine in the anime also features other characters such as Haruka Ogasawara and Kaori Nakaseko. It takes about 10-15 minutes to walk to Agata Shrine from JR Uji Station.
The place where Hazuki Kato confesses her feelings to Shuichi Tsukamoto in Episode 8 of Season 1 of “Sound! Euphonium” is modeled after the area in front of Uji City Tourist Center. The tourist center has a fan interaction corner with a notebook for fans to connect and write messages. It takes about 10-15 minutes to walk to Uji City Tourist Center from JR Uji Station. The opening hours of the tourist center are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
In Episode 8 of Season 1 of “Sound! Euphonium,” the path that Kumiko Oumae and Reina Kousaka walk through after leaving Uji Shrine and heading towards Mount Daikichi is modeled after the Sawarabi Path. The scene on Sawarabi Path is depicted as a dark path at night, and it is said to be quite dark in reality as well, so adequate preparation is necessary when visiting. The Sawarabi Path is immediately accessible upon exiting the grounds of Uji Shrine.
The trail that Kumiko Oumae and Reina Kousaka walk on to reach the Mount Daikichi Lookout in Episode 8 of Season 1 of “Sound! Euphonium” is modeled after the Mount Daikichi Trail. Similar to the Sawarabi Path, this trail is also portrayed as very dark at night, necessitating sufficient preparation for those planning a pilgrimage. The Mount Daikichi Trail is directly accessible after the Sawarabi Path.
The final destination reached by Kumiko Oumae and Reina Kousaka in Episode 8 of Season 1 of “Sound! Euphonium” is modeled after the Mount Daikichi Lookout. At this lookout, a pivotal scene unfolds where Kumiko and Reina share their feelings, reaffirming their passion for the concert band and their friendship. The Mount Daikichi Lookout can be reached by walking through Uji Shrine’s grounds, entering the Sawarabi Path, and continuing for about 15-20 minutes.
The place where the re-audition between Kaori Nakaseko and Reina Kousaka for the solo part takes place in Episode 11 of Season 1 of “Sound! Euphonium” is modeled after the Uji City Cultural Center. In the anime, the grand hall is depicted, but it is usually locked and not accessible to the public. The Uji City Cultural Center can be reached by a bus ride of a few minutes from either Keihan or JR Uji Station.
The bridge depicted in Episode 1 of Season 2 of “Sound! Euphonium,” where Kumiko Oumae and Reina Kousaka, dressed in kimonos, head to a summer festival, is modeled after Asagiri Bridge. The anime features detailed and panoramic views of the bridge, making it a challenging but enjoyable location for photography enthusiasts. Asagiri Bridge is about a 10-minute walk from either Keihan or JR Uji Station.
Kyoto Prefectural Usagimichi High School, located about 3km northeast of Keihan Uji Station on a hill, is said to be the design model for Kitauji High School, which Kumiko Oumae and other characters attend in “Sound! Euphonium.” Although it is close to Keihan Uji Station and was considered for introduction in the previous section, it is introduced here because Kitauji High School’s location model in “Sound! Euphonium” is based in the Rokujizo area.
It takes about 40 minutes on foot from Keihan Uji Station to Kyoto Prefectural Usagimichi High School, so using a bus is recommended. However, since buses run only once per hour even during weekdays, those planning a pilgrimage need to carefully plan their visit. Also, since the school is located in a quiet residential area, visitors should avoid school commuting hours and behave respectfully.
Kyoto Prefectural Higashi-Uji High School, located near Keihan Rokujizo Station, is said to be the location model for Kitauji High School, attended by Kumiko Oumae and others in “Sound! Euphonium.” When visiting as part of a pilgrimage, it is necessary to avoid school commuting times and to act respectfully as mentioned earlier.
Keihan Rokujizo Station, frequently depicted in episodes such as Season 1, Episode 1, and Season 2, Episode 9 of “Sound! Euphonium,” is said to be the model for the nearest station to Kitauji High School. The anime intricately portrays the ticket gates, platforms, and surroundings of Keihan Rokujizo Station, which is four stations away from Keihan Uji Station.
Keihan Obaku Station, used by Hazuki Kato while heading home in Episode 5 of Season 1 of “Sound! Euphonium,” is said to be the model station. The area around Keihan Obaku Station is often depicted in the anime, making it a crucial station for those on a pilgrimage. Keihan Obaku Station is two stations away from Keihan Uji Station.
The convenience store where Kumiko Oumae, Hazuki Kato, and Sapphire Kawashima stopped, and where Sapphire was frantically turning a gacha machine in Episode 3 of Season 1, is modeled after Seven-Eleven Uji Obaku Park Store. This store is also depicted in Season 2, Episode 1, as a spot where the characters often stop after school. It takes about 7-8 minutes on foot from Keihan Obaku Station to Seven-Eleven Uji Obaku Park Store.
The bakery where Kumiko Oumae stopped in Episode 9 of Season 1 of “Sound! Euphonium” is modeled after Nakamichi Bakery. It is said that Kumiko ate a “Frank Danish” priced at 160 yen, which is actually sold at Nakamichi Bakery. The bakery is just a 1-2 minute walk from Keihan Obaku Station. Note that it is closed every Tuesday and the second and fourth Sundays of the month.
The path depicted as the route used by Kumiko Oumae, Hazuki Kato, and Sapphire Kawashima after school in Episode 2 of Season 1 of “Sound! Euphonium” is modeled after the road on the east side of Uji Okurayama Post Office. This route is also depicted in Episode 3 of the anime. As the area around Uji Okurayama Post Office is a quiet residential area, it is essential to act with decorum when visiting. It takes about 15 minutes on foot from Keihan Rokujizo Station to reach the post office.
In Episode 3 of Season 1 of “Sound! Euphonium,” the fast food restaurant where Kumiko Oumae and Shuichi Tsukamoto stopped is modeled after the McDonald’s Uji Kohata Store. This fast food restaurant is also depicted in Episodes 7 and 10 of “Sound! Euphonium,” where it is shown as a common spot for the characters to visit after school. McDonald’s Uji Kohata Store is about a 1-2 minute walk from Keihan Kohata Station.
In Episode 2 of Season 2 of “Sound! Euphonium,” the location where Kumiko Oumae and her fellow band members went for a training camp in preparation for a competition is modeled after the Uji Comprehensive Outdoor Center, Actpal Uji. Since there is no public transportation available to the Uji Comprehensive Outdoor Center, Actpal Uji, those visiting for pilgrimage purposes need to use a private car or taxi. If taking a taxi from Keihan Uji Station, it takes about 15 minutes and costs approximately 3,000 yen.
In Episode 7 of Season 2 of “Sound! Euphonium,” the place where Kumiko Oumae and her fellow band members performed a concert at the foot of a large staircase is modeled after the Grand Stairs of Kyoto Station. This concert, set against the backdrop of Kyoto Station’s Grand Stairs, held significant meaning for the Kitauji High School Concert Band, making it a must-visit spot for pilgrims. The Grand Stairs can be reached within 3-4 minutes on foot from the ticket gates of JR Kyoto Station.
The location where Kumiko Oumae and her middle school classmate, Azusa Sasaki, are depicted having a cheerful conversation in Episode 7 of Season 2 of “Sound! Euphonium” is modeled after the alley beside the Bic Camera JR Kyoto Station Store. The square beyond this alley also served as a model for a scenic shot in “Sound! Euphonium.” The Bic Camera store can be reached within 3-4 minutes on foot from the ticket gates of JR Kyoto Station.
In the final episode of Season 2 of “Sound! Euphonium,” the station depicted as being used by Sapphire Kawashima on her way to school is modeled after Fushimi-Inari Station. The platform at Fushimi-Inari Station is distinctive for its red and white pillars, making it unmistakable among fans of “Sound! Euphonium.” Fushimi-Inari Station is the third station from JR Kyoto Station on the Nara Line.
The venue for the Kyoto Prefectural Band Competition in which Kumiko Oumae and the Kitauji High School Concert Band participate in the final episode of Season 2 of “Sound! Euphonium” is modeled after Kyoto Concert Hall. As it serves as the main setting for the final episode of Season 2, visiting Kyoto Concert Hall is considered essential for any pilgrimage related to “Sound! Euphonium.” Kyoto Concert Hall is located directly in front of Kitayama Station, which is the second station from JR Kyoto Station on the Karasuma Subway Line.
The building depicted at the end of the opening credits of Season 1 of “Sound! Euphonium” is modeled after the Nagoya International Conference Hall, where the national high school band competition, the All-Japan Band Competition, is held. This venue is considered the dream stage for high school students like Kumiko Oumae and Reina Kousaka, who are members of high school concert bands, which is why it is featured in the last scene of the “Sound! Euphonium” opening credits.
In this article, we have introduced the sacred sites depicted in the popular anime “Sound! Euphonium,” divided by area. How did you find it? Besides the sites mentioned in this article, there are still many more detailed spots to explore, so it might be interesting for those who are curious to search for lesser-known pilgrimage sites.
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