Chichibu
Chichibu is located in Saitama Prefecture and although it is theoretically possible to complete the day trip, consider staying in Chichibu if possible. Walking is 5-8 + km depending on the route.
The city of Chichibu has suffered from financial difficulties, but the significant increase in tourism with Anohana has brought much-needed tourism to liven up the city. This has also been noticed among the locals, Anohana has even set up its own tourist info center. However, there is no question of any actual tourist rush - I myself noticed only one small group of Japanese on the same subject, very peaceful and without the crowds of walking the streets and sights.
Directions
Usually the fastest route from Chichibu to Tokyo is to Joetsu or Hokuriku-Shinkansen Kumagaya Station and from there by Chichibu Railway. However, you can always get the best and fastest route guidance when you buy a train ticket from a JR point of sale, train schedules vary and the staff always know how to plan the smoothest changes and lines.
Chichibu
After arriving at Chichibu JR Station, the tourist will soon find himself in the scenery of Anohana. Posters from Menman and friends have been put up in prominent places, and brochures related to the series are also usually available.
The city itself is really teeming with places to appear in the series and at this point the city of Chichibu has become commendable against the fans by commissioning a very successful map that makes it easy to find most of the venues! Attached is the same map scanned.
From Chichibu, it is also quite easy and effortless to continue your journey north towards Hida Prefecture, where there are several other towns and destinations of interest to the anime hiker as well as to all other visitors. When the schedule and conditions allow, the possibility is worth considering, there is a lot to see and especially experience outside of the big cities in Japan!
The same traces back or forward?
