Hokkaido Anime Pilgrimage Guide | Visiting Golden Kamuy and My Hero Academia Locations

Hokkaido: A Treasure Trove of Anime Pilgrimage Sites

Hokkaido's sweeping natural landscapes and historic buildings have served as the backdrop for numerous anime series. Satoru Noda's "Golden Kamuy" in particular, set in late Meiji-era Hokkaido, has spawned pilgrimage sites all across the island. "My Hero Academia" by Kohei Horikoshi also has elements that fans have connected to Hokkaido, sparking discussion in the fan community.

This article introduces Hokkaido's anime pilgrimage spots along with seasonal travel tips and local food recommendations.

Otaru -- Golden Kamuy's Most Important Pilgrimage Site

A Port Town Steeped in Meiji and Taisho History

Otaru plays a pivotal role in the Golden Kamuy storyline. The series features memorable scenes of Sugimoto and Asirpa visiting the town and eating nishin soba (herring buckwheat noodles), among others. Many of Otaru's surviving historical buildings appear in the manga, offering an experience that feels like traveling back in time into the world of the series.

• Otaru Canal: An iconic spot that preserves the atmosphere of the Meiji era. The old warehouse district retains its historic charm
• Former Nippon Yusen Otaru Branch: A designated Important Cultural Property built in 1906 that appears in the series
• Otaru City General Museum: Exhibits on Hokkaido's railway and pioneering history that deepen your understanding of the series' era
• Nishin Goten (Herring Mansion): The former Aoyama Villa in Shukutsu. Experience the culture that flourished during the herring fishing boom

Otaru Cuisine

Golden Kamuy is also celebrated for its "gourmet manga" dimension. Tasting dishes that appear in the series is one of the great joys of the pilgrimage.

• Nishin soba: The Otaru specialty that Sugimoto famously enjoys. Try it at established restaurants like Yabuhan
• Otaru sushi: Sushi Street is renowned nationwide for its fresh toppings
• LeTAO sweets: This Otaru-born patisserie is known for its Double Fromage, a staple souvenir
• Access: 30 to 50 minutes from Sapporo on the JR Hakodate Line

Asahikawa -- Home of the 7th Division

Tracing the History of the Military City

Asahikawa is where the real 7th Division was actually garrisoned -- the same division featured prominently in Golden Kamuy. The city served as the base of operations for Lieutenant Tsurumi's 7th Division in the series, and Asahikawa's history as a military city is deeply intertwined with the storyline.

• Hokuchin Memorial Museum: A museum exhibiting materials from the former Imperial Army 7th Division. An absolute must for fans of the series
• Asahikawa City Museum: A facility where you can learn about Ainu culture and the history of Hokkaido's development
• Asahiyama Zoo: Not a pilgrimage site per se, but Asahikawa's most famous attraction and well worth visiting alongside your pilgrimage

Asahikawa Cuisine

• Asahikawa ramen: Characterized by a soy sauce-based pork bone broth. Renowned shops include Hachiya and Baikoken
• Jingisukan (Genghis Khan lamb barbecue): Hokkaido's signature regional dish. Daikokuya is a local favorite
• Access: About 1 hour 25 minutes from Sapporo by JR limited express; about 40 minutes by bus from Asahikawa Airport to the city center

Abashiri -- Prison and Pioneering History

The Abashiri Prison Museum Is a Must-See

Abashiri is a pivotal setting at the heart of the Golden Kamuy story. The tattooed prisoners who hold the key to the series' treasure were confined in Abashiri Prison. Today, the "Museum Abashiri Prison" showcases relocated and restored Meiji-era prison buildings, offering insight into the harsh history of Hokkaido's development.

• Museum Abashiri Prison: Restored Meiji-era prison buildings where you can relive key scenes from the series
• Admission: 1,500 yen for adults
• Visit duration: Allow approximately 2 hours
• Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum: A facility where you can see drift ice up close -- a uniquely Hokkaido winter experience
• Access: About 30 minutes by bus from Memanbetsu Airport; about 5 hours 20 minutes from Sapporo by JR limited express

Sapporo -- Center of Hokkaido's Pioneering Era

Spots That Capture the Spirit of the Frontier

Sapporo retains much of the pioneering history that forms the backdrop of Golden Kamuy. It also serves as a convenient base for pilgrimages across the island.

• Historical Village of Hokkaido: An open-air museum with relocated and restored buildings from the Meiji and Taisho eras. Experience daily life from the series' time period
• Hokkaido University: Originally founded as Sapporo Agricultural College. The Clark statue and poplar avenue are iconic landmarks
• Sapporo Beer Museum: Learn about Hokkaido's industrial history while enjoying beer tastings

My Hero Academia and Hokkaido

"My Hero Academia" is primarily set in an urban environment, but fans have noted connections to Hokkaido. Certain place names and facilities in the series are thought to have real-world counterparts, and it's possible that locations Horikoshi visited for research found their way into the manga. While no locations have been officially designated as pilgrimage sites, exploring Hokkaido while enjoying fan theories is another way to appreciate the experience.

Seasonal Travel Tips

Understanding Hokkaido's seasonal climate differences is essential for pilgrimage planning.

Winter (December - March)

• Cold weather gear is essential: Asahikawa can drop below -20 degrees Celsius. A down jacket, gloves, and ear protection are non-negotiable
• Watch for transit disruptions: Blizzards can suspend JR and bus services. Build generous buffers into your schedule
• Icy surfaces: Bring winter boots with good traction. Even tourist areas often have frozen walkways
• Winter highlights: Drift ice viewing (Abashiri), Snow Festival (Sapporo), enchanting snow-covered scenery

Spring to Summer (May - August)

• Peak season: Mild weather makes this the best time for sightseeing. June through August is especially recommended
• Sun protection: UV rays can be surprisingly strong even in Hokkaido during summer
• Rental car recommended: A car is the most efficient way to get between Hokkaido's widely spaced pilgrimage sites

Autumn (September - November)

• Fall foliage: Peak colors from late September to October. The Daisetsuzan mountain range offers some of Japan's earliest autumn leaves
• Prepare for early winter: Temperatures can drop sharply from late October, so don't forget warm layers

Recommended Model Route (3 Days, 2 Nights)

1. Day 1: Arrive at New Chitose Airport, head to Otaru (canal walk, nishin soba lunch, Nishin Goten tour), stay overnight in Sapporo
2. Day 2: Sapporo (Historical Village of Hokkaido, Sapporo Beer Museum), JR limited express to Asahikawa, visit Hokuchin Memorial Museum, Asahikawa ramen dinner, stay overnight in Asahikawa
3. Day 3: Asahiyama Zoo, fly home from Asahikawa Airport (or return to Sapporo for New Chitose Airport)

If you want to extend to Abashiri, add 1 to 2 more nights. Use the AI Plan feature to auto-generate a route based on your schedule and departure point.

Conclusion

An anime pilgrimage in Hokkaido is a special journey where you can relive the world of your favorite series while savoring the island's grand natural landscapes, rich history, and incredible cuisine. Golden Kamuy's pilgrimage sites in particular are spread across all of Hokkaido, offering new discoveries with every visit. Check spot information on AnimeTrips and start planning your own Hokkaido pilgrimage adventure.