The "My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected" series, which has been published by Gagaga Bunko since 2011 and was adapted into an anime in 2013, airing on TBS TV and other networks.
・OreGairu
・Yellowtail
It’s affectionately known by that abbreviation, and even now, 10 years later, it remains as popular as ever, doesn’t it?
Although it’s part of a series that includes sequels and a finale, there’s a scene where the characters visit Kyoto on a school trip.
So, in the *My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected* series, which locations are famous as "holy sites" in Kyoto?
In this post, I’d like to compile a list of Kyoto’s sacred sites.
■ What’s the plot of *My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected*?
You might think this is a harem-style anime where the protagonist, Hachiman Hikigaya, is wildly popular with the ladies, but it’s actually a completely different kind of show.
It’s an anime full of laughs that makes you wonder, “Will this turn into a romantic comedy!?”
So, let’s start by taking a look at the synopsis of *My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected*.
Synopsis released from the official website
"Youth is a lie and an evil."
──This essay was what led Hachiman Hikigaya to be forced to join the “Service Club.”
In the Service Club, he meets Yukino Yukinoshita, a breathtakingly beautiful girl, and Yui Yuigahama, a “gal” who belongs to the upper echelons of the class hierarchy—and the story should have turned into a romantic comedy… but Hachiman’s unfortunate personality won’t let that happen!
What on earth will happen to Hachiman’s high school life!?
■My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected: Kyoto Pilgrimage to the Series’ Locations, Part 1: “The Grand Staircase at Kyoto Station Building”
Outline
In Episode 1, we’re immediately treated to a view of Kyoto Station.
Although there were a lot of people, we all gathered together to take a group photo with our classmates.
During the winter season, the area is always bustling with people, with holiday lights on display and images appearing on the stairs.
○ A Detailed Explanation of the “Grand Staircase at Kyoto Station Building”
Kyoto Station, located in Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, serves as the gateway to Kyoto.
There are many buildings in the area, including tourist attractions, hotels, and shopping centers, so I recommend taking a stroll around the station before you start sightseeing.
By the way, the grand staircase in the Kyoto Station Building has 171 steps, which means you’ll be climbing 30 meters.
It often appears as a location in other anime as well, so please be sure to stop by.
Address
Kyoto Station Building, 901 Higashi Shiokoji-cho, Shiokoji-sagaru, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
How to access
Around JR "Kyoto Station
○Official homepage
https://www.jr-odekake.net/eki/premises?id=0610116
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■My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU: Kyoto Pilgrimage to the Series’ Holy Sites, Part 2: “Kiyomizu-dera Temple”
Outline
"Kiyomizu-dera" is one of Kyoto's top tourist attractions and a mecca for anime fans.
It appeared in Episode 1 during the school trip, and Hachiman and the others visited it.
It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a cultural asset of the ancient capital of Kyoto, and is a must-see for anyone touring Kyoto’s sacred sites.
By the way, in *My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected*, they go on a tour of the Sui Qutang Womb.
Be sure to take a tour of the womb, too.
○Detailed explanation of "Kiyomizu-Dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera’s official name is “Onwa-san Kiyomizu-dera.”
It is the head temple of the Hokuhōshō sect, located in Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, and is a place that attracts many tourists every day.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple was founded in 778 by the monk Enchin.
And then there was the “womb tour” I experienced on my school trip.
This is a ritual in which one passes through a dark path in order to be reborn and have one’s wishes granted.
For more details, please refer to the related article.
Address
1-294 Shimizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone number
075-551-1234
How to access
Approx. 10 minutes walk from Gojozaka bus stop on Kyoto Bus Route 18 bound for Ohara.
○Official homepage
https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/
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https://kyotreat.jp/post-1811/
■My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU: Kyoto Pilgrimage to the Series' Holy Sites, Part 3: "Ryōan-ji Temple"
Outline
Kiyomizu-dera Temple appears in a scene in Episode 2.
It has a peaceful, soothing atmosphere, and it’s a relaxing spot not only in the anime but also in real life.
○Detailed description of "Ryoanji" temple
It was founded in 1450 by Hosokawa Katsumoto, the commander-in-chief of the Eastern Army during the Ōnin War.
It became a world-famous temple following a visit by Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.
The "Hōjō Garden," a rock garden said to have been highly praised by Queen Elizabeth, is particularly famous.
The Hōjō Garden features a rectangular plot covered with white sand and adorned with stones. Although simple in design, it has gained popularity for its serene atmosphere and unique character, and is listed as part of the World Heritage Site “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.”
Address
13 Ryōan-ji Goryōshita-chō, Ukyō-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone number
075-463-2216
How to access
A 7-minute walk from Ryuan-ji Station on the Keifuku Electric Railway
○Official homepage
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https://kyotreat.jp/post-3024/
■My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU: Kyoto Pilgrimage to the Series’ Locations, Part 4: “The Path Through the Bamboo Grove”
Outline
In Episode 2, they go sightseeing around Arashiyama.
That’s when the “Path Through the Bamboo Grove”—which I visited on a school trip—comes into play.
He appeared here in the scene where the protagonist, Hachiman, makes a false confession.
Since it was a night scene, the background had a magical atmosphere.
○Detailed description of "Bamboo grove path".
The straight bamboos are beautiful in the "bamboo grove path".
The path through the Sagano Bamboo Grove is about 200 meters long, and since there’s plenty of shade even in the summer, it’s a cool place to explore, isn’t it?
It is said that this area was a vacation home for aristocrats in the Heian period (794-1185), and even today, the sound of rustling bamboo and leaves creates a very tranquil atmosphere.
Address
Saga-Okurayama Tabuchiyama-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
How to access
Approximately 10 minutes walk from "Arashiyama Station" of Keifuku Electric Railway
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https://kyotreat.jp/post-1282/
■My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU: Kyoto Pilgrimage to the Series’ Holy Sites, Part 5: “Toei Uzumasa Movie Village”
Outline
In Episode 2, during their school trip, Hachiman and the others visited “Toei Uzumasa Movie Village.”
Here, you can try your hand at being a ninja, and the location is often used for movie shoots and other productions.
Another haunted house from an anime—the scariest one ever.
This attraction also reopened after a renovation in 2022 and has a reputation for being truly terrifying.
I highly recommend this to anyone who loves scary stuff or is a fan of horror.
○ A Detailed Guide to “Toei Uzumasa Movie Village”
When it comes to theme parks in Kyoto, “Toei Uzumasa Movie Village” is the one to visit.
It is a movie-themed park located in Uzumasa Higashi-Hachioka-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, and opened in 1975.
This is a place where you can slip into the world of period dramas by changing into costumes such as those of ninjas, maiko, princesses, and samurai.
There are plenty of highlights, including the Ninja House, the Mechanical Trick Dojo, and the Haunted House, so be sure to stop by.
Address
10 Uzumasa Hachioka-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone number
0570-06-4349
How to access
About a 5-minute walk from JR Uzumasa Station
○Official homepage
https://www.toei-eigamura.com/
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https://kyotreat.jp/post-1445/
■My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU: Kyoto Pilgrimage to the Series’ Holy Sites, Part 6: “Fushimi Inari Taisha”
Outline
Fushimi Inari Taisha, considered the head shrine of approximately 30,000 shrines nationwide, appears in Episode 2 during the school trip.
There are attractions such as the Thousand Torii Gates, which are famous from anime series like *Rurouni Kenshin*.
Since climbing up there is quite a challenge, just like in the anime, I recommend wearing sneakers when you go on a pilgrimage to the sacred sites.
○Detailed explanation of "Fushimi Inari Taisha".
Fushimi Inari Taisha, located in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.
It serves as the head shrine for the approximately 30,000 Inari shrines across the country and has a history of more than 1,300 years.
It is said to bring blessings such as bountiful harvests, prosperous business, household safety, and the fulfillment of various wishes, and many people visit it.
Address
68 Yabunouchi-cho, Fukakusa, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone number
075-641-7331
How to access
About 5 minutes walk from Keihan Electric Railway "Keihan Main Line Fushimi Inari Station".
○Official homepage
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https://kyotreat.jp/post-2893/
■My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU: Kyoto Pilgrimage to the Series’ Holy Sites, Part 7: “Hotel Heian no Mori Kyoto”
Outline
"Hotel Heian no Mori Kyoto" is located in Okazaki Higashi-Tenno-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.
This place appeared in Episode 1 as the location where Hachiman and the others stayed.
The public bath is spacious, and there is a restaurant that looks like it serves delicious food.
○ A Detailed Overview of “Hotel Heian no Mori Kyoto”
"Hotel Heian no Mori Kyoto," which is actually in operation as a hotel.
It offers easy access to various areas, and nearby attractions include the art museum, Nanzen-ji Temple, the Philosopher’s Path, Ginkaku-ji Temple, and Heian Shrine.
Address
51 Okazaki Higashi-Tenno-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone number
075-761-3130
How to access
About a 1-minute walk from the “Higashi-Tenno-cho” bus stop
○Official homepage
https://hmihotelgroup.com/ryokan-heiannomori/
■My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU: Kyoto Pilgrimage to the Series’ Holy Sites, Part 8: “Tenka Ippin Main Store”
Outline
In Episode 1, the teacher, Hachiman, Yukino, and the others paid a visit.
The ramen in the anime looked delicious, too, didn't it?
Tenka Ippin has locations all over the country, but its flagship store is in Kyoto.
○ A Detailed Overview of “Tenka Ippin Main Store”
The flagship store, known as the “Mecca of Tenka Ippin,” is located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City.
Tenka Ippin’s flagship store is within walking distance of Ginkaku-ji, Enkō-ji, Shisendo, and Jōzan-ji, and one of its attractions is that it offers exclusive menu items available only here.
Address
1F Maison Shirakawa, 94 Ichijyoji-Tsukidacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone number
075-722-0955
How to access
About 10 minutes walk from Chayama Station on the Eizan Line of Eizan Electric Railway
○Official homepage
https://www.tenkaippin.co.jp/shop/728/
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■My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU: Kyoto Pilgrimage to the Series’ Holy Sites, Part 9: “Jishu Shrine”
Outline
Jishu Shrine is famous locally for enshrining the god of matchmaking.
It is located in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.
In the story, there was a scene where she drew a fortune slip and was delighted to get a “Great Fortune,” wasn’t there?
It is said to have been founded before the founding of Japan, and until the Edo period, it served as the guardian shrine of Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
○Detailed explanation of "Jishu Shrine
It is located near the north side of Kiyomizu-dera's main hall.
Although the exact date of its founding is unknown, it is said to be one of the oldest in Kyoto.
The main hall is said to have been rebuilt by Tokugawa Iemitsu in the 10th year of the Kan’ei era, and since the worship hall and the main gate are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, be sure to take a look at them.
Address
1-317 Shimizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone number
075-541-2097
How to access
About 8 minutes walk from Gojozaka bus stop on Kyoto Bus No. 18 bound for Ohara.
■My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU: Kyoto Pilgrimage to the Series’ Holy Sites, Part 10: “Togetsukyo Bridge”
Outline
Togetsukyo Bridge, the symbol of Arashiyama.
This is where Hayato Hayama was talking to Hachiman.
The season when it appeared in the anime was fall, and the autumn foliage was absolutely beautiful, wasn't it?
○Detailed explanation of "Watarigatsukibashi Bridge
A bridge that is 155 meters long.
Its origins date back to around 834, when the monk Dōshō built the bridge. It was named Togetsukyo after Emperor Kameyama, while gazing at the moon in the sky above the bridge, remarked, “It resembles the moon crossing the sky without a cloud.”
It is also one of Arashiyama’s top tourist attractions, where visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn foliage in fall, and snowy landscapes in winter.
Address
Saga Nakanoshima-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone number
075-343-0548
How to access
Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Arashiyama Station on the Hankyu Arashiyama Line
○Official homepage
https://www.kyoto-kankou.or.jp/info_search/?id=289&r=1687454978.4393
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https://kyotreat.jp/post-2401/
■ Summary
How was it?
In this post, I’ve compiled a list of the locations in Kyoto that appear in the *My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected* series.
While there are some famous tourist spots, once you venture away from the Kansai region, you’ll find lesser-known attractions like the Tenka-Ippin flagship store and Jishu Shrine…
There are sights you can only see and limited-edition items you can only taste when you visit Kyoto.
If you ever go on a pilgrimage to these sacred sites, be sure to visit the places featured in this article.
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