Have you heard of the anime "After School Dice Club," which is based on board games?
It aired as an anime in the fall of 2019, and I’m sure many fans went on pilgrimages to the locations featured in the show.
However, there may still be some of you who aren't familiar with this sacred site.
"After School Dice Club" is set at a high school in Kyoto and follows a group of girls as they grow through playing board games.
That is why so many of Kyoto's famous sights appear in anime.
So, in this post, I’d like to compile a list of the locations featured in *After School Dice Club* that are worth visiting in Kyoto.
If you've watched the anime or are familiar with it, please be sure to visit Kyoto.
■What is the plot of *After School Dice Club*?
"After-School Dice Club" is a manga created by Yudai Nakamichi.
A popular series serialized in Shogakukan’s *Gessan* from April 2013 to July 2021.
Then, in 2019, it was adapted into an anime.
First, let's take a look at the plot summary of *After School Dice Club*.
Synopsis released from the official website
Miki Takakasa, who is usually shy and finds it hard to get along with others, is approached one day by her carefree classmate, Aya Takayashiki, and they end up wandering together through an unfamiliar place. Though Miki is taken aback by Aya’s free-spirited nature, she feels the warmth of being with someone for the first time.
On their way home, they spotted their class president, Midori Ohno, in town. When they followed her, they ended up at a shady-looking shop with a sign that read “Dice Club.” When Miki and Aya tentatively opened the door, they found a host of beautiful board games they’d never seen before waiting for them…
■After-School Dice Club: A Pilgrimage to the Sacred Sites of Kyoto, Part 1: “The Yasaka Tower”
Outline
When the opening sequence for *After School Dice Club* starts, the visuals are just brimming with that Kyoto vibe, aren't they?
The first landmark to appear in that title image is the "Yasaka Tower."
Hōkan-ji Temple, home to the Yasaka Tower, is located roughly halfway between Yasaka Shrine and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
I’m sure many of you are wondering where this shot from *After School Dice Club* was filmed—it’s the view from Kodaiji Park, located to the northeast.
○Detailed explanation of "Yasaka-no-to" (Yasaka Pagoda)
The "Yasaka Tower," which stands on Higashiyama and serves as a landmark.
The Yasaka Tower is located at Hōkan-ji Temple, a temple of the Rinzai Zen Kennin-ji school, in Yasaka-kamichō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City.
Since Kiyomizu-dera Temple, located right nearby, is such a popular tourist destination, many people may not be familiar with its name.
This site opened in 1408 and houses cultural properties such as a five-story pagoda and a colored painting on paper depicting the Yasaka Pagoda.
The Yasaka Tower stands 46 meters tall and, according to legend, was built by Prince Shōtoku.
Address
388 Kiyomizu Yasakaue-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone number
075-551-2417
How to access
About 5 minutes walk from Higashiyama Yasui bus stop by city bus.
■After-School Dice Club’s Kyoto Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites, Part 2: “Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine”
Outline
The sacred site featured in the opening sequence of Episode 1 of “After School Dice Club” is “Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine.”
Nishiki Tenmangu is a small shrine located in the Nishiki Market, but more and more people are stopping by on their way back from Animate on Shin-Kyogoku Street to visit this "holy site."
This shrine enshrines Lord Sugawara no Michizane as its principal deity and is known for bringing good fortune in academic pursuits.
In addition, because the Nishiki Market is located there, it is said to bring good fortune for business prosperity.
Omikuji, such as the mechanical fortune-telling sticks, are also popular, so please give them a try.
○Detailed explanation of Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine
Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine, located on Nishiki-koji Street in Shin-Kyogoku, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City.
Founded in the 5th year of the Chōhō era (1003), it is affectionately known as “Nishiki Tenjin-san.”
Located right in the heart of Shin-Kyogoku Street, directly across from Nishiki Market—known as Kyoto’s kitchen—this spot attracts many visitors.
Address
537 Nakano-cho, Shijo-Agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
Phone number
075-231-5732
How to access
Approximately 10 minutes walk from Hankyu "Kawaramachi" station
○Official homepage
https://nishikitenmangu.or.jp/
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■After-School Dice Club: Kyoto Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites, Part 3: “Tatsumi Bridge”
Outline
The "sacred site" that appears in the opening sequence of Episode 1 of "After School Dice Club" is "Tatsumi Bridge."
Miki and the others were walking around various spots in Kyoto, and they were sitting right here on Tatsumi Bridge, weren't they?
Tatsumi Bridge is a wooden bridge spanning the Shirakawa River in Gion, and it is often used as a filming location for anime and TV dramas.
○ A Detailed Explanation of “Tatsumi Bridge”
"Tatsumi Bridge," a small bridge spanning the Shirakawa River in Higashiyama Ward.
It has been designated as a Traditional Buildings Preservation District and is sometimes used as a filming location for TV dramas.
During the day, you’ll see people wearing kimonos and rickshaws passing by, which really gives it that authentic Kyoto feel.
Address
372 Kiyomoto-cho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Gion Tatsumibashi
How to access
About a 4-minute walk from the Keihan "Gion-Shijo Station"
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■After-School Dice Club’s Kyoto Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites, Part 4: “Kyoto City Zoo”
Outline
The "Kyoto City Zoo" is referred to as a "sacred site" in Episode 1.
It’s not that they actually visited the Kyoto City Zoo, but when Miki and Aya were sightseeing, they got off the bus at the stop right in front of the zoo.
If you're from Kyoto, you'll probably recognize it right away as the area in front of the Kyoto City Zoo.
○ A Detailed Guide to the “Kyoto City Zoo”
The Kyoto City Zoo, located in Okazaki, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.
This area is located near the Kyoto Prefectural Library and Nanzen-ji Temple, among other attractions, and is highly recommended as a place to stop by while sightseeing.
At the Kyoto City Zoo, you can see a wide variety of animals, ranging from popular ones like tigers, monkeys, squirrels, and birds to rare species.
Since it opened in 1903, it has attracted many visitors every year.
Address
Okazaki Hōshōji-chō, Sakyō Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone number
075-771-0210
How to access
Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Keage Station on the Subway Tozai Line
○Official homepage
https://zoo.city.kyoto.lg.jp/zoo/
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■After-School Dice Club: Kyoto Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites, Part 5: “Suirokaku”
Outline
The "Suirokaku" appeared in the first episode of *After School Dice Club*.
Miki and Aya came by in the evening, and that arched aqueduct was absolutely beautiful, wasn't it?
The actual aqueduct looks just like this and is a popular tourist attraction.
Since it appears in various anime, the Suirokaku is definitely a must-see.
○Detailed description of the "Waterway Pavilion".
The Suirokaku is a structure characterized by its brick construction.
Sakuro Tanabe was responsible for the architecture and design, and the building’s construction clearly reflects his consideration for the surrounding landscape.
It has a magical atmosphere, so please be sure to visit.
Address
Nanzenji-Buroyama-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone number
075-771-0365
How to access
Approx. 8 minutes walk from Nanzenji Eikando-mae bus stop by city bus from JR Kyoto Station.
○Official homepage
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■After-School Dice Club’s Kyoto Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites, Part 6: “Kamogawa Delta”
Outline
In the opening sequence of *After School Dice Club*, we see Aya riding her bike, right?
That place is the “Kamogawa Delta.”
This is also the location where Miki and Aya appeared in Episode 1.
You might want to visit the site and see if you can find the bench where Miki used to sit.
○Detailed explanation of "Kamogawa Delta
The Kamo River Delta is a short walk from the Kawaramachi Imadegawa bus stop.
The place is always crowded with people strolling along the river, jogging, and sightseeing.
The place was so named because it resembles the Greek letter Δ (delta).
Address
Tanaka Shimogamo-Miyagawacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
How to access
Approx. 5 minutes walk from Kawaramachi-Imadegawa bus stop by city bus.
■After-School Dice Club’s Kyoto Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites, Part 7: “Kyoto Ebisu Shrine”
Outline
The place where Miki happened to run into Aya's older sister, Hana, at the shrine is the "Kyoto Ebisu Shrine."
This shrine also appeared in the flashback to the past in Episode 3.
○ A Detailed Explanation of “Kyoto Ebisu Shrine”
The shrine dedicated to the god Ebisu was built in 1202.
It is said to bring blessings such as prosperity in business, good fortune for the family, and safe travels.
Around here, he is affectionately known as "Ebessan."
Since there is a festival every January, many people visit.
Address
125 Komatsu-cho, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone number
075-525-0005
How to access
A 6-minute walk from the "Gion-Shijo" station on the Keihan Railway
○Official homepage
■After-School Dice Club: Kyoto Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites, Part 8: “Nejirimanpo”
Outline
Miki and Aya, who are sightseeing, appear in Episode 1.
It's located down Sanjo Street, and since it was cherry blossom season, it was a beautiful sight, wasn't it?
This spot is famous as a "holy site" that appears in other anime series such as *Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha*.
○ A Detailed Explanation of “Neji-ri Manpo”
"Nejiri Manpo," located not far from the Suirokaku.
It is located in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, in a pedestrian tunnel leading down the Keage Incline toward Nanzen-ji Temple.
Address
Higashi-Komonza-cho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
How to access
About a 5-minute walk from Keage Station on the Kyoto City Tozai Line
■After School Dice Club: Kyoto Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites, Part 9: “Awata Shrine”
Outline
"Awata Shrine" appeared in Episode 4 of *After School Dice Club*.
Ren, the student council vice president, visits Awata Shrine while struggling with the fact that they haven’t been able to finalize the details for the school festival.
○ A Detailed Explanation of “Awata Shrine”
Awata Shrine, located in Awata-guchi Kajimachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City.
Founded in the 18th year of the Jōgan era, the shrine enshrines Susanoo-no-Mikoto as its principal deity.
When fall rolls around, the autumn foliage is beautiful, so be sure to stop by.
Address
1 Awata-guchi Kajimachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone number
075-551-3154
How to access
About a 7-minute walk from "Higashiyama Station" on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line
○Official homepage
■ Summary
How was it?
In this post, I’ve compiled a list of the locations featured in *After School Dice Club* that are in Kyoto.
The shy Miki Takakasa meets Aya Takayashiki, Midori Ohno, and others, and grows as a person through board games.
Since the anime is set in Kyoto, be sure to visit the locations featured in the show.
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