anime
Girls und Panzer
A whole town that rebuilt itself around one anime, and never stopped.
Girls und Panzer is set in **Oarai**, a small port town in Ibaraki, and the relationship between the series and the town is the most complete example of its kind in Japan. Individual shops display character panels — each shop has its own character — and fans have been coming for over a decade, including through the town's recovery from the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. **Oarai Isosaki Shrine**, on a headland with a torii gate standing in the sea, appears in the series and its grounds are full of fan-painted ema. It is about 100 minutes from Tokyo.
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Where in Japan?
Pick a city and we show you what is there for Girls und Panzer — the places, and what is on while you visit.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Routes
Tested walking orders, with travel times between every stop.
Common questions
What is there to see in Oarai?
Character panels outside individual shops throughout the town, the shrine on the headland with fan-painted ema, and the market that appears in episode 4.
How do I get around Oarai?
Rent a bicycle. The shrine, the beach and the shopping streets are spread out and buses are infrequent. Rental is handled at Oarai Maiwai Market.
How long does it take from Tokyo?
About 100 minutes. It works as a day trip, though staying overnight lets you see the sea torii at sunrise, which is the shot most people come for.