Yuri!!! On Ice is indeed a huge success not just in Japan but also here in the Philippines. With its enormous popularity, many fans dream of going to the “sacred sites” featured in the anime. What better season to make an anime pilgrimage but during spring. My friends and I went to the iconic locations featured in the anime, and this is our Yuri!!! On Ice one-day anime pilgrimage course.
Yuri’s hometown, Hasetsu-cho, Kyushu is a fictional town based from the city of Karatsu, Saga Prefecture which is just about an hour and a half train ride from Fukuoka Airport. My friends and I started our journey from Tenjin station catching the Kuko Line to Meinohama Station and changed for the JR Chikuhi Line for our first destination, the Yutopia Katsuki for the katsudon!
From the train, you could already see Hasetsu Castle / Karatsu Castle.
First Stop: YUTOPIA KATSUKI or Kagamiyama Hot Spring Chaya Bijin No Yu
Niji-no-Matsubara Station
Niji-no-Matsubara Station is the 15th station from the JR Chikuhi Line, and after 15 to 20 minutes’ walk, we saw the Kagamiyama Onsen Chaya.
Upon seeing the entrance, we were so excited to enter the restaurant and eat THE KATSUDON! At the entrance, you will see a locker area to leave your shoes. You only need to insert a 10 yen coin for the locker, and you could proceed to the reception as well as the restaurant.
After leaving our shoes, we were greeted by the friendly reception staff. We saw a lot of local products and Yuri!!! On Ice merchandise displayed at the reception. At the left side, you will see the restaurant for the Katsudon.
Before entering the restaurant, we got our ticket for the Katsudon at the vending machine. At this point, we couldn’t contain anymore our excitement for THE KATSUDON ^-^
It was served hot and looked mouthwatering. We couldn’t wait to dig in, and all of us were silent for a moment savoring the HOLY KATSUDON! The katsudon is served together with miso soup and pickled vegetables. Tea is self-service, and you could pour yourself as much as you like.
Yuri’s eros, the Katsudon is so crispy and complements the fresh eggs that go with it. The serving is generous; with four pieces of thick and tender pork cutlet in each bowl. No wonder Victor and Yuri loved it so much. It was filling and unbelievably delicious! The best Katsudon indeed!
The seating area of the restaurant is exactly the same in the anime. You could also see official posters and art inside the restaurant which impressed us more while we were eating our katsudon.
We couldn’t even leave the place because of its excellent food and the many Yuri!!! On Ice merchandise. They even have a photo corner where you could take pictures together with Yurio, Victor and Yuri standees. They also display the official jackets of each skater. What a lovely way to commemorate our visit to Kagamiyama Onsen.
Second Stop: Karatsu Station
Karatsu Station ticket gate where Minako welcomed Yuri (episode 1)
Upon arriving at Karatsu Station, we found the tourist information center where we got our map to guide us to Karatsu Castle and the Maizuru bridge.
At that time, the tourism information staff asked me to answer their simple survey about the Yuri!!! On Ice stamp rally. Of course, I responded that it would be nice if they will have it again since there are so many fans not just in Japan but also foreign fans who would love to do the stamp rally. I’m sure they will restart the stamp rally so that many fans could enjoy their anime pilgrimage. It is also noticeable that there were so many Yuri!!! On Ice posters everywhere in the station which gives fans like us more motivation to continue our anime pilgrimage.
After getting instructions from the tourism center, we headed out and found the statue featured in the anime.
The Hikiyama Statue was actually a lion, not a squid-like in the anime and next to it we found the ceramic plate that Yurio stepped on.
Third Stop: Kyomachi Shopping Arcade
Tracing Yurio’s path is as exciting as eating Yuri and Victor’s favorite Katsudon.
While walking in the shopping arcade, the Yuri!!! On Ice soundtrack was playing which made us feel like we were in the anime.
Kyomachi Shopping Arcade is where Yurio found his favorite tiger sweater.
We found the store and they had on display the tiger sweater Yurio was so excited to see and bought in an instant as well as the jacket! Awesome!
Fourth Stop: Maizuru Bridge… Where’s Victor?!!!
From the shopping arcade and a few more walks, we could already see the Karatsu Castle. Near the castle is Maizuru Bridge and since the sun is not as strong, we decided to see it before entering the castle.
Maizuru bridge is where Yuri ran when he went to Ice Castle Hasetsu and during his training with Victor. Also, this is where Yurio, cried “Victoooooor!!!”
View of Hasetsu Castle or Karatsu Castle from Maizuru bridge
We were so lucky to see a cosplayer doing a photo shoot in Maizuru bridge. I snapped a stolen picture because it reminded me so much of an exact scene from the anime.
Fifth Stop: Karatsu Castle a.k.a Hasetsu Castle!
Finally, Hasetsu Castle or officially called Karatsu Castle. The castle stairs were featured in Yuri’s running course when he was training with Victor. During our visit, there were many visitors since the sakura is starting to bloom. The castle area is surrounded with sakura trees and made our walk around so mesmerizing.
Also, we saw a bench which is near the castle tower. This is where Yuri and Victor had a chat while Yuri is vigorously training.
Lastly, the castle picture where Yuri took Victor’s photo and was eventually uploaded on Instagram.
Karatsu Castle facade
Inside the castle, we saw a lot of Yuri!!! On Ice standees which sets the mood as if you are traveling together with Yuri, Yurio, Victor and even Makkachin. They also promote the local sake of Karatsu.
Yuri, Victor and Yurio standee at the top floor of Karatsu Castle
At the top of the castle or the observation deck, we saw a standee of Yuri, Victor, and Yurio enjoying the scenic view of Karatsu Bay. It is indeed a beautiful view.
For me, Karatsu Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Japan. Even though it is smaller compared to the famous castles of Osaka and Himeji, it has its magnificent view of Karatsu Bay as well as its unique culture and history.
A spot sign featuring Victor inside Karatsu Castle
Overall, we enjoyed this one-day anime pilgrimage to Karatsu, Saga Prefecture. The people are friendly and kind most especially when we need help for directions.
The success of Yuri!!! On Ice gave the town of Karatsu a chance to promote its culture and history not just to domestic tourists but also to foreign tourists. I hope this kind of tourism and the activity of anime pilgrimage will continue to flourish in the future.
If you love Yuri!!! On Ice and Japan, make it your dream to go and visit Karatsu, Saga in Fukuoka, and you will never be disappointed. On to the next level!
#dokodemonippon 