Haikyu!! Pilgrimage: Explore the Real Places Behind the Story
Sana Yoshida
Haikyu!! is a volleyball manga by Haruichi Furudate that was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 2012 to 2020.
It depicts the passionate youth of high school volleyball players.
Since the start of its serialization, the series has been adapted into various forms of media. The anime has a total of four seasons, and from 2015 to 2021 it was also staged as the “Hyper Projection Play: Haikyu!!.” In 2025, the largest overseas performance in the history of Shonen Jump was held.
Since the story features real tournaments such as the Inter-High Volleyball Championship and the National High School Sports Festival, the series has collaborated with various volleyball events.
Because many real-life locations appear in the series — such as Karumai in Iwate Prefecture which is author Furudate-Sensei's hometown, and landscapes from Miyagi Prefecture, where much of the story takes place — the work has inspired numerous fans to go on “pilgrimages” (act of visiting real-world locations featured in anime) to these sites. There are also many spots that feature collaborations with Haikyu!! or offer related merchandise, so we'll be exploring these areas in this article.
Things to Know Before Your Pilgramage
Research before you go
Make sure to check access to the places you want to visit, as well as the business hours, regular holidays, and whether reservations are required if it’s a shop or facility.
Follow manners and rules
Always respect warning signs, posted notices, and requests from the staff at pilgrimage locations.
Also, many Haikyu!! sites are schools or public gyms. Please remember to consider the safety and privacy of students, athletes, and local residents.
Tokyo
First, let’s introduce pilgramage sites in Tokyo, Japan’s capital.
The gyms are sometimes open to the public, but depending on the day, sports events may be held and admission fees may be required. Since the interiors are not “tourist attractions" per se, it’s recommended to enjoy the exterior or explore the surrounding areas when visiting.
The characters would have been looking at the same scenery, after all.
Sumida City Gymnasium (Higashin Arena)
The venue of the Tokyo preliminaries where the match between Nekoma and Fukurodani took place.
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Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium
The venue for the national tournament where powerhouse teams such as Karasuno, Inarizaki, and Nekoma played heated matches.
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Ajinomoto National Training Center
Depicted as the venue for the All-Japan Youth Training Camp.
It’s actually a different building, but by applying for a guided tour (Japanese language only), you can see inside. Advance registration is required several days beforehand and spots are first-come, first-served. Also, note that filming locations are limited — so plan accordingly.
There is also a virtual tour page available on the website (Japanese).
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Miyagi
Next up is Miyagi Prefecture, one of the defining faces of the Tohoku Region. Sendai is an easy trip from Tokyo on a single Shinkansen ride, making it a relatively accessible stop for international travelers.
Yagiyama Benyland
Toru Oikawa from Aoba Johsai was humming its commercial jingle. Though it only appeared as a song in the story, since its opening in 1968, it has been one of the most beloved amusement parks in the Tohoku region.
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Kamei Arena Sendai
Depicted as the venue for the “Karasuno vs Aoba Johsai” match in the Spring High preliminaries and the Inter-High preliminaries. The exterior, interior, and surrounding park are drawn exactly, making it a must-visit pilgrimage site for fans.
Note: From July 14, 2025, the arena will be closed for major renovations until March 15, 2027. During this period, the Haikyu!! monument will be moved to Tomizawa Park, and the Haikyu!! collaboration muffler towel will be sold at the relocation office inside the former Shichijushichi Bank Izumisaki Branch.
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Tohoku High School
The model for Shiratorizawa Academy, attended by "The Unshakable Ace": Wakatoshi Ushijima. There are two campuses, but the Izumi Campus was used as the model.
This campus also has an international school where classes are taught in English.
Iwate
Many pilgrimage sites in Iwate are locally-run shops. Since Karumai Town is the author’s hometown, you can feel the love and respect for the series and its characters. Please remember that these are not mere “tourist sites,” so be sure to ask permission before filming or taking photos.
Also, since there is little English guidance, it might be difficult for overseas travelers. Bringing a translation app or going with a guide who can speak Japanese will make the trip smoother.
Karumai Town Product Exchange Center
Although not featured in the series, it provides useful pilgrimage maps, displays posters, and even has a fan pilgrimage notebook.
〒0286302, Dai 8 Chiwari-118 Karumai, Kunohe District, Iwate
Karumai Town Products Exchange Center
Address
〒0286302, Dai 8 Chiwari-118 Karumai, Kunohe District, Iwate
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Iwate Prefectural Karumai High School
The author’s alma mater and the model for Karasuno High School, where Hinata and his friends attend.
Tatesaka Electric Shop
舘坂電器商会のGoogleストリートビュー
The place where Hinata saw “The Little Giant” on the store’s TV, inspiring him to dream of volleyball. While there’s no TV at the storefront, the exterior of the shop is depicted almost exactly as it appears in real life.
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Showabashi, Yukiya Riverbank
Googleストリートビュー
The spot where Nekoma’s Kuroo and Kenma practiced volleyball.
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Karumai Town Gymnasium
The place where Hinata lost to Kageyama in junior high and vowed to challenge him again.
Karumai Shokudo
The model for Karasuno Shokudo, where Tanaka’s sister Saeko works part-time. You can enjoy an original menu item called “Haikyu Ramen,” made using noodles and "mugi-kakke" (a traditional dish from Aomori and Iwate) produced by Furudate Seimen — the noodle shop run by author Furudate-Sensei's family.
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Takesawa Store
The model for Shimada Mart. Yamaguchi was taught serving by Shimada in the space behind this supermarket. In addition to the highly accurate recreation of the scenery, the interior is decorated with many Yamaguchi-themed items, making it a must-visit spot for fans of Yamaguchi.
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Historical and Folk Museum (currently: Ezo and Nature's Romantic Forest)
Google Street View
The road in front of the building appeared as the running course of the Karasuno volleyball team.
〒0286302, Iwate, Kunohe District, Karumai, Dai 9 Chiwari-53-1 Ezo to Daishizen no Roman no Mori
Ezo and Nature's Romantic Forest
Address
〒0286302, Iwate, Kunohe District, Karumai, Dai 9 Chiwari-53-1 Ezo to Daishizen no Roman no Mori
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Kaneda Shop
Google Street View
The model for Sakanoshita Shop, run by Karasuno alumni and coach Keishin Ukai. It is also depicted as a hangout for the team members, and many fans say they feel like they could actually meet the characters here.
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Tsukiyama Shrine
The shrine where Karasuno’s third-years went for New Year’s prayers.
The shrine’s name(月山) happens to include kanji from “Tsukishima(月島)” and “Yamaguchi(山口)” two popular members of Karasuno, making it a popular spot for fans of them.
If you mention you’re visiting on a pilgrimage, they may add the word “Haikyu” to the goshuin (temple seal). Just remember this is a courtesy, not a guarantee.
〒0286411, 12-9
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Karumai Junior High School
The model for Morisuke High School, which hosted the Tokyo training camp.
Obonai Inn
Said to be the model for Kakesu-so, the inn where Karasuno stayed. The hostess is a Haikyu!! fan, and if you mention that you’re a fan when booking, you may be shown to a room decorated with Haikyu goods.
It’s a beloved lodging for overseas visitors on Haikyu pilgrimages, and beyond that, a charming ryokan with the timeless warmth of old Japan.
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Summary
We’ve introduced the real-life locations featured in Haikyu!!. As a series that boosted the popularity of volleyball and revitalized local towns centered around Miyagi, many facilities seem to warmly welcome pilgrimages.
Most places are accessible by train or bus, but since transportation in the Tohoku region is not as abundant as in Tokyo, having a car is more reassuring.
Also, actual volleyball matches are often held at the Tokyo gyms. Since some teams and tournaments collaborate with Haikyu!!, why not check the schedule and go watch a real game?
