The TV anime "Welcome, Chitose-chan" began airing in October 2018.
"Chitose-chan," a baby emperor penguin, stars in this heartwarming short anime where the story unfolds as she wanders around Kyoto's famous sights—it's just so incredibly soothing, isn't it?
The narrator was a man named Tsutsumi, and his soft, soothing voice had become quite popular.
Also, since all the voice actors for the characters other than Chitose were from Kyoto, the anime as a whole seemed to have a distinct Kyoto feel to it.
Set in Kyoto, what kind of "holy sites" can be found in *Welcome, Chitose-chan*?
Since a “Collaboration Pilgrimage Stamp Rally” exploring Kyoto—the setting of the series—was held in 2018, I’d also like to introduce those spots!
■What's the plot of *Welcome, Chitose-chan*?
"Welcome, Chitose-chan," a Japanese manga by Yuko Natsume, has been adapted not only into a book but also into an anime.
This anime series aired on TOKYO MX and KBS Kyoto starting in October 2018, and even though each episode was only five minutes long, it was incredibly popular, wasn't it?
A heartwarming story featuring an adorable penguin as the main character—just watching it brings a sense of peace.
Since the anime is set in Kyoto, it must have been very appealing to fans of the city.
First, let’s take a look at the plot summary of *Okoshi Yasu, Chitose-chan*.
Synopsis released from the official website
A baby penguin living in Kyoto,
Her name is Chitose.
Chitose, the adorable, fluffy little penguin, is
I love good food and having fun.
Interacting with people, eating delicious food (or having it served to me)...
I wander the streets of Kyoto, following my curiosity.
Kiyomizu-dera, Ginkaku-ji, Gion …
We’ll show you Kyoto’s famous landmarks from a penguin’s perspective.
Nostalgic yet somehow warm, it brings a sense of comfort and peace to the heart
A Soothing Penguin Short Animation!
■Welcome! Chitose-chan’s Kyoto Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites, Part 1: “Kyoto Tower”
Outline
The sacred site featured in the 11-bird scene from "Welcome, Chitose-chan" is Kyoto Tower.
Chitose seems a little grumpy.
There are times when nothing seems to go right, aren't there...
That’s when I ended up at Kyoto Tower.
This location was also designated as a "sacred site" in the "Welcome to Kyoto Tower" stamp rally held in 2018.
If you climb the towering Kyoto Tower and take in the view of the city, you might just forget all your daily worries.
By the way, the view from the observation deck looks just like the one in the anime, so be sure to compare the two!
Kyoto Tower" is explained in detail.
Kyoto Tower was built on December 28, 1964, modeled after a lighthouse that illuminates Kyoto.
It stands 131 meters tall and has become a landmark of Kyoto, hasn't it?
I’ve heard that this building was designed by Mamoru Yamada, who also designed the former Tokyo Kosei Pension Hospital and the Nippon Budokan, and constructed by Obayashi Corporation.
Some even feature observation decks and restaurants offering 360-degree views of Kyoto’s shrines and cityscape, making them a great choice for dates.
Kyoto Tower is home to Blue Exorcist, Hibike! Euphonium, Detective Conan, and K-ON! Euphonium, Detective Conan, K-ON!
Address
721-1 Higashishioji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone number
075-361-3215
How to access
About 2 minutes walk from JR "Kyoto Station".
○Official homepage
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■Welcome! Chitose-chan's Kyoto Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites, Part 2: "Kyoto Aquarium"
Outline
"Chitose-chan," a baby emperor penguin living in Kyoto, is exploring the city again today, enjoying delicious treats and interacting with lots of people.
And so, Chitose-chan came to the Kyoto Aquarium as part of the "10 Birds" story.
Chitose decided to venture into the penguin area, where there were lots of penguins.
This location was part of a stamp rally under the name "Welcome to the Kyoto Aquarium."
In 2018, a limited edition of 540 admission tickets featuring an original design was sold, and they featured a cute illustration of Chitose-chan.
○ A Detailed Guide to the Kyoto Aquarium
The Kyoto Aquarium, located in Umekoji Park in Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City.
Opened in 2012, this is one of Japan’s largest inland aquariums, featuring popular attractions such as giant salamanders, seals, penguins, dolphins, green sea turtles, and spotted seals.
It is Japan's first aquarium to use 100% artificial seawater, and the giant salamander is designated as a National Special Natural Monument.
There are plenty of highlights, including a spectacular dolphin show and a penguin tank where you can see them in all their dynamic glory.
We invite you to visit the Kyoto Aquarium, home to over 15,000 aquatic creatures representing 250 species.
Address
35-1 Kan'ki-ji-cho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone number
075-354-3130
How to access
A 7-minute walk from Umekoji-Kyoto-Nishi Station on the JR San'in Main Line
○Official homepage
https://www.kyoto-aquarium.com/index.html
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■Welcome! Chitose-chan’s Kyoto Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites, Part 3: “Kyoto Municipal Subway”
Outline
This location was also considered a "holy site" in the stamp rally held in 2018 under the slogan "Welcome Aboard the City Subway."
The Kyoto subway system consists of the Karasuma Line and the Tozai Line. During the campaign period, "Traffica Kyoto" cards featuring original anime designs were sold and reportedly proved very popular.
By the way, I heard there was a stamp rally in front of Ogaki Bookstore in Kotchika Oike at Karasuma-Oike Station, and the manga series by Yuko Natsume is still on sale at that bookstore.
Just like Chitose-chan did on her tour, be sure to take the Kyoto Municipal Subway on your pilgrimage to these iconic locations.
○ Detailed Explanation of the "Kyoto Municipal Subway"
The Kyoto Municipal Subway, operated by the Kyoto City Transportation Bureau.
There are two lines here—the Karasuma Line and the Tozai Line—which run through the 10 wards of Kyoto City and Uji City.
Opened on May 29, 1981, it is a vital transportation system used by more than 300,000 people every day.
How to access
It's about a 3-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station to the subway platform.
○Official homepage
https://www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp/kotsu/tikadia/hyperdia/line02.htm
■Welcome! Chitose-chan’s Kyoto Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites, Part 4: “Kitano Tenmangu Shrine”
Outline
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, located in Bakuro-cho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, is famous for being the home of the god of learning.
Welcome to "Chitose-chan's 15th Stop," where we'll be visiting Kitano Tenmangu Shrine.
Chitose the penguin is exploring Kitano Tenmangu Shrine.
There’s a “stroking cow” on the temple grounds, and Chitose was surprised by how imposing it looked.
However, it’s said that if you stroke the “stroking cow” after rubbing the part of your own body that’s bothering you, and then stroke the same spot on the cow, that part will feel better—and Chitose-chan gave it a try.
It was so cute how Chitose-chan’s fur got all ruffled from being petted, wasn’t it?
When you actually visit the site, be sure to pet a cow.
○ A Detailed Guide to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
One of Kyoto’s most famous tourist attractions is Kitano Tenmangu Shrine.
It is affectionately known to the people of Kyoto as "Kitano Tenjin-san."
This is a shrine in Kyoto that serves as the head shrine of all Tenmangu shrines nationwide and is famous for its plum blossoms and autumn foliage.
Furthermore, because it enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning, the shrine is famous for its reputation for bringing success in academic pursuits and warding off misfortune, and it is always bustling with visitors.
Address
Bakuro-cho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone number
075-461-0005
How to access
About a 5-minute walk from the Randen "Kitano-Shiraumecho" Station
○Official homepage
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■Welcome! Chitose-chan’s Kyoto Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites, Part 5: “Shibaku”
Outline
After watching "Welcome, Chitose-chan," the place I'm most eager to visit as a foodie destination is "Shibaku."
This is a shop specializing in pickles, located right next to Sanzen-in Temple in Ohara.
In "19 Birds," Chio-chan is munching on pickles...
It’s surprising to see a penguin eating pickles, but seeing it eat so happily is really heartwarming, isn’t it?
Inside a barrel filled with ice, there are pickled cucumbers skewered on sticks.
You can easily enjoy some cold pickles here, so please stop by.
○ A Detailed Explanation of "Shibaku"
Founded in 1945 (Showa 20), "Shibakyu" is a shop famous for its shibazuke pickles, which has continued to uphold the traditions passed down through generations.
Located in the village of Ohara in Kyoto, surrounded by the Hiei Mountains to the southeast and the Hira Mountains to the northwest, Ohara’s traditional shibazuke pickles have long been cherished as a local specialty.
Apparently, it all started with a single barrel of shibazuke pickles that were made to treat visitors from afar to a local specialty.
From shibazuke to other Kyoto-style pickles and tsukudani, all of which are made by hand using seasonal ingredients, everything is delicious.
Address
58 Ohara Shorin-in-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone number
075-744-4893
How to access
Take the Kyoto Bus bound for "Ohara" and get off at the Ohara bus stop; it's about a 10-minute walk from there.
○Official homepage
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■Welcome! Chitose-chan’s Kyoto Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites, Part 6: “The Gozan Okuribi”
Outline
The "Gozan no Okuribi" is a traditional Kyoto event.
The sight of the flames glowing in the darkness is truly magical and beautiful, isn't it?
The "Gozan no Okuribi" festival is featured in the 21-episode series "Welcome, Chitose-chan."
The Gozan no Okuribi festival takes place every year on August 16; it originated as a way to guide the souls of the deceased to the afterlife.
The five "yama"—the Great Character, Matsugasaki Myōhō, Funagata Mantōrō, Left Great Character, and Torii-shaped Torch—are lit in sequence.
After asking the locals where she could see the Daimonji-yaki, Chitose was really moved when she finally got to see it, wasn't she?
It’s only for one hour starting at 8:00 p.m., so please be sure to tune in at that time.
○ A Detailed Explanation of the "Gozan no Okuribi"
The "Gozan no Okuribi" is a ceremony to see off the ancestors who have returned home for Obon.
It began as a prayer to illuminate the dark path to the afterlife and ensure a safe return.
The Gozan no Okuribi, also known as the Daimonji-yaki, is one of Kyoto’s four major annual events.
It has also been designated as a Registered Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Kyoto City, so be sure to visit at least once a year.
Address
Various locations, including Jodoji Nanakaeri-cho
■Welcome! Chitose-chan’s Kyoto Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites, Part 7: “Togetsukyo Bridge”
Outline
Chitose, a baby emperor penguin living in Kyoto, goes all over the place.
Then, passing through the bamboo grove, you arrive at Arashiyama.
After eating soft-serve ice cream at a souvenir shop, we made our way to Togetsukyo Bridge, which spans the Katsura River.
But the pillar is too tall, so I can't climb it...
Just then, a girl who was visiting Togetsukyo Bridge on a school trip gave me a ride across the bridge.
○Detailed explanation of "Watarigatsukibashi Bridge
If you visit Arashiyama, you definitely want to see the Togetsukyo Bridge.
The bridge was originally built by the monk Dōshō during the Jōwa era (834–848). It was named after Emperor Kameyama, who, while gazing at the moon in the sky above the bridge, remarked, “It is like the moon crossing without a cloud.”
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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■Welcome! Chitose-chan’s Kyoto Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites, Part 8: “Fushimi Inari Taisha”
Outline
Fushimi Inari Taisha, located in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.
The two birds from "Welcome, Chitose-chan" hopped on a train and came to Fushimi Inari Taisha.
Chitose-chan walks cutely along the torii gate, but she gets a little confused at the fork in the road.
○Detailed explanation of "Fushimi Inari Taisha".
It was founded in 711 (the 4th year of the Wado era).
Fushimi Inari Taisha, affectionately known as "Oinari-san," has been a center of worship for over 1,300 years.
While he is famous as the god of bountiful harvests and prosperous business, he is also believed to grant blessings for household safety, the fulfillment of wishes, safe childbirth, recovery from illness, and academic success.
It is also a mecca for fans of anime series such as *Nurarihyon no Mago*, *Inari*, *Konkon*, and *Koi Iroha*.
Address
68 Fukakusa Yabunouchi-cho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City
Phone number
075-641-7331
How to access
About a 2-minute walk from Inari Station on the JR Nara Line
○Official homepage
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■Welcome! Chitose-chan’s Kyoto Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites, Part 9: “Ponto-chō”
Outline
The three birds from "Welcome, Chitose-chan" make their appearance in the nighttime streets of Ponto-chō.
Even after the sun goes down, the streets of Kyoto are still bustling with energy.
Chitose arrives at an oden food stall where laughter can be heard.
And there was the adorable Chitose, dancing for us after eating oden.
○Detailed explanation of "Pontocho".
Ponto-chō is located in Nakagyō Ward, Kyoto City.
This is a geisha district located between the Kamogawa River and Kiyamachi-dori, where you’ll often see maiko.
Ponto-chō is a narrow, 0.5-kilometer-long street that runs along the Kamo River, stretching from just south of Sanjo-dori to Shijo-dori.
The red-light district is bustling with activity from the evening onward.
Address
Ponto-cho Dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City
How to access
Approximately 5 minutes walk from Keihan Sanjo Station on the Subway Tozai Line
■Welcome! Chitose-chan’s Kyoto Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites, Part 10: “The Philosopher’s Path”
Outline
The four birds from "Welcome, Chitose-chan" make their appearance on the Philosopher's Path.
Faced with a long, long straight road, Chitose starts running.
Now that a frog has joined the fray, I wonder how this will all turn out.
○Detailed explanation of "Philosophy Road
"The Philosopher's Path" is a service road established in 1890 (Meiji 23) when the Lake Biwa Canal was completed.
This is a 2-kilometer walking path connecting Ginkaku-ji Temple and Nanzen-ji Temple.
Along the way, you'll find Kumano Wakaouji Shrine, which features a sacred tree over 400 years old; the shrine sells amulets and other items containing leaves from this tree.
In the early 20th century, the philosopher Kitaro Nishida and his disciples used to walk along this path every morning and indulge in contemplation, hence the name "path of philosophy.
Please be sure to visit the Philosopher’s Path, where you can enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons.
Address
Near Shikagaya, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City
How to access
Take the Subway Karasuma Line, get off at Imadegawa Station, transfer to a city bus, get off at Ginkakuji-michi Bus Stop, and walk shortly.
○Official homepage
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■Welcome! Chitose-chan’s Kyoto Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites, Part 11: “Shimogamo Shrine”
Outline
The five birds from "Welcome, Chitose-chan" make their appearance at Shimogamo Shrine.
Chitose visits the person who gave her the furoshiki and continues her exploration with Nishijin.
Chitose spent her days wandering around Kyoto, and one day, she learned about Yata-garasu, the god of safe travel.
So, I attached a sticker to my furoshiki and went for a stroll around Shimogamo Shrine.
Shimogamo Shrine" is explained in detail.
Shimogamo Shrine is located in Shimogamo Izumigawa-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City.
Although it is commonly known as Shimogamo Shrine, its official name is Kamomioya Shrine.
This site was built around the seventh year of Emperor Sujin’s reign; two of its shrines are designated as National Treasures, and 31 others are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
It’s famous because it appears in anime like *The Eccentric Family*.
Address
59 Shimogamo-Izumigawa-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone number
075-781-0010
How to access
Take city bus No. 4 from JR Kyoto Station to "Shimogamo-jinja-mae".
○Official homepage
https://www.shimogamo-jinja.or.jp/
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■ Summary
How was it?
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the Kyoto locations featured in *Welcome, Chitose-chan*.
This anime features many of Kyoto's famous tourist attractions.
It’s just a short animated clip lasting a few minutes, but you’re sure to be charmed by Chitose, the emperor penguin.
We hope you’ll use this article as a guide for your visit.
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