There are stories that feel like a quiet whisper, a secret shared between you and the characters, a dare to do something more. And then there are stories that are a resounding shout, a cathartic cry into the vast, open sky, urging you to leap before you look. A Place Further Than the Universe is that shout. It’s an anthem for anyone who has ever felt stuck, dreaming of a world beyond their window but tethered by the mundane threads of daily life. The series follows four high school girls—Mari Tamaki, Shirase Kobuchizawa, Hinata Miyake, and Yuzuki Shiraishi—who defy expectations, save up, and embark on an impossible journey: an expedition to Antarctica. It’s a tale of profound friendship, confronting personal demons, and the dizzying, terrifying, exhilarating freedom of taking that first step into the unknown. But what makes this story resonate so deeply is that its starting line isn’t in a fantastical realm; it’s grounded in the tangible reality of a small city in Japan. The adventure doesn’t begin on an ice sheet, but on the quiet platforms of a local train station in Tatebayashi, Gunma Prefecture. This is where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary. For fans of the anime, a pilgrimage, or seichi junrei, to these locations is more than just sightseeing. It’s an act of walking in the footsteps of a dream, of connecting with the very essence of the show’s powerful message: that a place further than the universe is waiting, and the journey begins right where you are. So, let’s pack our bags, metaphorical or otherwise, and trace the path from a sleepy Japanese town to the very spirit of the white continent.
This act of connecting with a story through its real-world settings is a powerful form of pilgrimage, much like the journey to the town that inspired Sakura Quest.
Tatebayashi, Gunma: The Starting Line of an Unforgettable Journey
Every grand adventure begins modestly, and for the heroines of A Place Further Than the Universe, that modest start is Tatebayashi. Situated in the southeastern corner of Gunma Prefecture, just a couple of hours by train from Tokyo’s electric chaos, Tatebayashi is a city that radiates a gentle, unhurried charm. It features wide-open skies, peaceful rivers, and quiet residential streets—the ideal setting for a story about escaping a predictable life. Walking through Tatebayashi feels like stepping straight into the anime’s early episodes. The very air seems to carry the same blend of teenage ennui and budding hope that defined Kimari’s initial mindset. It isn’t a bustling tourist destination, and that’s exactly its strength. It feels genuine, lived-in, and deeply authentic. Visiting here isn’t about checking off famous landmarks; it’s about immersing yourself in the atmosphere and sensing the rhythm of the town that inspired the girls to pursue the horizon.
The Heart of the Adventure: Tatebayashi Station and Its Surroundings
For both the characters and any pilgrim, the journey begins at Tatebayashi Station. Served by the Tobu Railway network, this station acts as the main gateway to the city and the very place where the first seeds of the Antarctic expedition were sown. The station itself is modest—a clean, functional hub typical of many regional Japanese cities. Yet, within the anime’s context, it carries deep significance. This is where Kimari would have passed through daily, her heart weighted with yearning for something more. The platforms, ticket gates, and views of the town from the station entrance all bear the burden of her initial inertia and her eventual brave decision to take action. The area around the station sets the tone for the city—a mix of small shops, restaurants, and local businesses. You won’t find towering skyscrapers or neon-lit streets here. Instead, you encounter a pace of life that invites you to slow down and notice the details. It’s this very tranquility that makes the girls’ ambition to reach Antarctica so striking and inspiring. Their dream wasn’t born amid constant excitement; rather, it grew in the quiet moments of everyday life, proving that extraordinary goals can emerge from the most unassuming places.
A Stroll Through Their Daily Lives: Key Locations in Town
To truly connect with the anime’s spirit, one should wander beyond the station into the streets that shaped the girls’ world. This journey takes you through parks where friendships were tested, temples where wishes were likely made, and riverbanks that witnessed quiet confessions and steadfast resolve. Each location adds depth to the story, grounding the epic quest in the simple, beautiful reality of their hometown.
Morin-ji Temple: A Place of Wishes and Tanuki Tales
A short, pleasant walk from Tatebayashi Station leads to the peaceful Morin-ji Temple grounds. While not the central focus of every episode, its presence significantly influences Tatebayashi’s culture and would have been familiar to the characters. The temple is renowned across Japan for its link to the folktale Bunbuku Chagama, the story of a magical, shape-shifting tanuki (raccoon dog) that transforms into a teakettle to repay a man’s kindness. This connection becomes evident as you approach—the path lined with numerous tanuki statues, each sporting its own comical, endearing expression. They stand sentinel, welcoming visitors into a space that feels both sacred and whimsical. The main temple hall, a beautiful wooden structure, exudes calm and history. You can easily imagine the girls visiting here, perhaps making a small offering and a silent wish for their Antarctic dream to come true. The air is still, filled with the gentle rustle of leaves and distant bird calls. It’s a perfect place for quiet reflection, an ideal spot to contemplate the enormous undertaking the characters were planning. Though the grounds aren’t vast, they are rich in atmosphere. Take your time to explore smaller shrines, admire the buildings’ craftsmanship, and enjoy the charming company of countless tanuki statues. It adds a touch of folklore and magic to the pilgrimage—a reminder that in Japan, ancient legends and modern tales often walk hand in hand.
The Watarase River: Reflections of Friendship and Dreams
The Watarase River flows gracefully near Tatebayashi, its wide, open riverbanks serving as an iconic setting from the anime. These banks, with grassy slopes and expansive views, host some of the story’s most pivotal conversations. Here, the characters reveal their vulnerabilities, share deepest fears, and strengthen their friendships. Visiting the Watarase River is an essential part of the pilgrimage. Standing by the water beneath a vast sky is deeply evocative. It’s clear why this location was chosen—the openness of the landscape reflects the limitless potential of the girls’ dreams. It’s a place that encourages big thoughts and heartfelt talks. The best way to experience it is to walk or cycle along its paths. The atmosphere changes with the seasons: spring decorates the banks with cherry blossoms creating an ethereal scene; summer offers vibrant greens and brilliant blue skies; autumn brings a gentle, wistful beauty. No matter the season, the river provides peace—a place to escape town’s confines and feel connected to the wider world, a feeling surely crucial to the protagonists as they planned their journey beyond. You might see locals fishing, families picnicking, or students training for sports. It’s a slice of authentic Japanese life untouched by mass tourism, remarkably like stepping into a scene from the show.
Tsutsujigaoka Park: A Riot of Color and Contemplation
Tatebayashi is nationally famous for one thing above all: its azaleas. Tsutsujigaoka Park is the heart of that fame and a key visual from the anime. Each year from mid-April to early May, the park bursts into a spectacular display of color. Not just a few scattered bushes, but over 10,000 azalea plants, some centuries old, create dense tunnels and rolling hills of vivid pinks, deep reds, and pure whites. Walking through the park at peak bloom is an almost overwhelming sensory experience—the air heavy with the flowers’ sweet fragrance, colors so intense they seem to hum. The anime perfectly captures this beauty, using it as a backdrop for the girls’ journey. The striking contrast between the azaleas’ almost surreal beauty and the girls’ internal struggles enhances the narrative’s power. For pilgrims, visiting during the Azalea Festival is a must, if timing permits. The park buzzes with visitors, food stalls, and festive energy. Walking the famous azalea tunnel—completely enveloped by flowering branches—feels like stepping into another world. Outside bloom season, the park remains a beautiful, expansive green space ideal for a relaxed afternoon. It features a large pond with swan-shaped paddle boats for rent and many walking paths offering lovely views. It’s easy to imagine the characters spending a day here, discussing plans while seated on a bench amid a sea of flowers symbolizing the bright, vibrant future they were striving for.
The Local Library and Convenience Store: Anchors of Everyday Life
While grand landscapes and historic temples create dramatic backdrops, A Place Further Than the Universe is equally grounded in the mundane. The pilgrimage should honor these everyday spaces, too. Although no specific library is named, scenes of the girls gathered over books and maps, researching Antarctica in a quiet, studious setting, are vital. Visiting any local library in Tatebayashi evokes this atmosphere—the hushed silence, the scent of old paper, and the focused energy of people lost in their own worlds. It’s a reminder that their adventure was not a whim but the result of meticulous planning and study. Likewise, the convenience store, or konbini, where Kimari worked part-time, is a cornerstone of daily Japanese life. Stores like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson are more than snack stops—they’re brightly lit, 24/7 havens offering everything from hot meals and concert tickets to banking services. For the girls, the konbini was a workplace, a source of funding, and a setting for late-night talks over steamed buns or ice cream. To connect with their world, visit a local konbini. Grab an onigiri (rice ball) or a bottle of green tea, stand outside briefly, and watch the flow of people. It’s within these simple daily acts that the most tangible connection to the characters’ life before their great adventure can be found.
The Flavors of Tatebayashi: A Culinary Pilgrimage
No journey is complete without sampling the local cuisine, and a pilgrimage to Tatebayashi is no exception. The city lies in a region of Gunma known for high-quality wheat, which means one thing: udon noodles. Tatebayashi boasts a proud udon culture, with numerous small, family-run restaurants devoted to perfecting this humble dish. Stepping into one of these shops is comforting—you’re greeted by warm steam and the savory aroma of dashi broth. The noodles here are typically handmade, offering a delightful chewiness and texture impossible to replicate in mass-produced versions. You can enjoy them hot in a rich soup or cold with dipping sauce, a refreshing choice in summer. Eating a bowl of Tatebayashi udon is simple, hearty pleasure—a meal you can easily imagine the girls sharing after school, fueling up as they counted their saved yen. Beyond udon, the city offers other local specialties like yaki-manju, grilled buns coated in sweet and savory miso sauce, another Gunma delight. Exploring local food is a wonderful way to support the community and deepen your connection to the environment that shaped the story. It’s another thread woven into the rich fabric of the pilgrimage, linking you to the place through taste and scent.
Practical Guide to Exploring Tatebayashi
Visiting a smaller Japanese city can feel intimidating for first-timers, but Tatebayashi is both accessible and easy to navigate. Here’s what you need to know for a smooth and enjoyable pilgrimage.
Access and Transportation
The easiest way to get to Tatebayashi from Tokyo is via Tobu Railway. From Asakusa Station, take the Tobu Skytree Line Limited Express “Ryomo” for the most comfortable, direct trip, which takes about 70 minutes. Local or rapid trains on the Tobu Isesaki Line also serve Tatebayashi but may take longer and require transfers. Upon arrival, note that the city is somewhat spread out, but many key anime sites are within walking distance of the station. For places like Tsutsujigaoka Park or the Watarase River, renting a bicycle is an excellent choice. Rental shops commonly line up near the station. Cycling lets you explore at your leisure, enjoy the breeze, and discover charming side streets you might otherwise miss, perfectly capturing the youthful, adventurous spirit of the show.
A Woman Traveler’s Perspective
Japan is one of the safest countries for solo female travelers, and a quiet city like Tatebayashi is particularly peaceful. The main consideration isn’t safety but practical navigation. English signage and speakers are less common than in Tokyo, so having a translation app and saved Japanese place names on your phone is a smart move. Locals are generally very kind and will try to assist, even with language barriers. A polite smile and bow go a long way. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as you’ll cover a lot of ground. Fashion here is relaxed and practical—light, breathable fabrics with a hat and sunscreen suit summer’s heat and humidity, while layering is best for the cold, dry winters. Exploring Tatebayashi offers a chance to experience a more laid-back, authentic side of Japan, making it an incredibly rewarding journey for the solo adventurer.
Beyond Gunma: Tracing Their Steps to the World Stage
While Tatebayashi serves as the heart of the story’s beginning, the girls’ journey was, naturally, about leaving home and exploring the world. Their route to Antarctica included an essential stopover that introduced them to international travel for the first time: Singapore, a vibrant, multicultural hub that challenged their resolve and expanded their horizons in an entirely new way.
Singapore: A Vibrant Stopover of Growth and Discovery
The Singapore arc in A Place Further Than the Universe is a crucial chapter. It’s where the reality of their mission truly hits home. Suddenly, they’re outside the familiar comforts of Japan. The language is different, the cuisine unfamiliar, the heat oppressive, and they must depend on each other more than ever. This stopover encapsulates the entire journey: filled with challenges, humorous mishaps, and moments of significant personal growth. Visiting the places they explored in Singapore allows you to share that same feeling of wonder and mild disorientation.
Maxwell Food Centre: A Feast for the Senses
One of Singapore’s most memorable scenes features the girls trying the notorious durian fruit at a hawker centre. This scene took place at the iconic Maxwell Food Centre. Situated in Chinatown, Maxwell is a renowned institution in Singapore’s food scene. It is a vast, open-air complex housing dozens of food stalls, each specializing in one or two signature dishes perfected over generations. The atmosphere is a sensory whirlwind: the clang of woks, the buzz of multiple languages, and a rich blend of aromas—from sizzling satay to fragrant chicken rice, and of course, the strong scent of durian. Visiting Maxwell means immersing yourself in Singaporean culture. Be as adventurous as the girls: try the Michelin-recognized Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, taste the spicy laksa, a creamy noodle soup, or char kway teow, a smoky stir-fried noodle dish. And if you’re feeling bold, sample durian yourself. A useful tip for any hawker centre: if you see a packet of tissues on an empty table, it signals the seat is taken. This charming local custom is known as “chope-ing.”
Merlion Park and Marina Bay Sands: Iconic Backdrops of a New World
The anime beautifully highlights Singapore’s stunning, futuristic skyline, with Merlion Park and Marina Bay Sands as its most iconic landmarks. Merlion Park, home to the mythical creature with a lion’s head and a fish’s body, is a must-visit spot. It offers a postcard-worthy view across the water to Marina Bay Sands, the three-towered hotel crowned by a massive sky park shaped like a ship. In the anime, these landmarks symbolize the vast world opening up to the girls. Standing at Merlion Park, especially at night when the city sparkles with lights, you can feel that same sense of awe. The area buzzes with tourists and locals alike, and the nightly Spectra light and water show at Marina Bay Sands is an unforgettable spectacle. This moment of modern wonder provides a striking contrast to the quiet, traditional charm of Tatebayashi, underscoring just how far the girls have traveled, both in distance and in their personal growth.
The Final Frontier: The Spirit of Antarctica
Certainly, the ultimate goal of the journey is Antarctica. For 99.9% of us, undertaking an actual pilgrimage to the white continent is not practical. However, the spirit of that final frontier, and the core of Japan’s link to Antarctic exploration, can be experienced in some truly remarkable places within Japan. These sites offer a concrete connection to the world of icebreakers, research stations, and the extraordinary science behind the expedition.
A Tangible Connection: The SHIRASE 5002 in Funabashi, Chiba
One of the most direct and powerful ties to the anime is the character Shirase’s name, which was inspired by the Japanese Antarctic research icebreaker, the Shirase. While the current icebreaker (AGB-5003) remains in operation, its predecessor, the Shirase (AGB-5002), has been retired and now serves as a museum ship docked at Funabashi port in Chiba Prefecture, just east of Tokyo. Visiting this ship is an incredibly surreal and moving experience for any fan of the show. You can walk the decks of the very same class of vessel that carried the girls on their voyage. You can stand on the heliport, gaze out at the water, and imagine the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean. You can explore the bridge with its intricate navigational equipment, see the cramped crew quarters, and visit the mess hall. The ship is preserved as a tribute to Japan’s legacy of polar exploration. Onboard exhibits explain the scientific research conducted in Antarctica and the formidable challenges of navigating through sea ice. Being aboard the actual ship gives a profound sense of scale and reality. You realize just how massive and powerful this vessel had to be, deepening your respect for the bravery of both the real researchers and the four anime heroines. Though it is a slightly off-the-beaten-path destination, for a true pilgrim, it is an unmissable and deeply emotional experience.
The National Institute of Polar Research: A Glimpse into the Unknown
For an even deeper immersion into Antarctic science, visiting the National Institute of Polar Research in Tachikawa, located in the western part of Tokyo, is essential. This is the headquarters of the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE). Adjacent to the main building is the Polar Science Museum, open to the public, providing a fascinating insight into the work carried out at research stations like Showa Station, the very base depicted in the anime. Here, you can see real Antarctic ice, carefully preserved in a freezer, crackling and popping as ancient air bubbles are released. You can touch meteorites found in Antarctic ice fields, view the type of gear and equipment researchers use to endure the severe cold, and learn about the continent’s unique wildlife. There is even an aurora camera streaming a live feed from Showa Station. The museum does an exceptional job of making polar science accessible and engaging. It bridges the gap between the anime’s fictional adventure and the real-world dedication, grit, and wonder of polar research. As you explore the exhibits, you develop a newfound respect for Shirase’s mother and the other scientists who devote their lives to studying this remote and vital region. This connection makes the girls’ journey feel even more significant, linking their personal quest for closure and discovery to a much broader story of human exploration.
The Heart of the Pilgrimage: More Than Just Locations
A pilgrimage for A Place Further Than the Universe is a journey across different landscapes, from the quiet fields of Gunma to the lively streets of Singapore and the spirit of the Antarctic. Ultimately, however, this journey is an internal one. It’s about more than merely matching a real-world location to a scene from the anime. It’s about standing in that place and trying to sense what the characters experienced. It’s about standing on the banks of the Watarase River and feeling the tug of a distant horizon. It’s about immersing yourself in the bustling atmosphere of a Singaporean hawker centre and experiencing the excitement of being a stranger in an unfamiliar land. It’s about standing on the deck of an icebreaker and embracing the boldness of dreaming a dream so immense it frightens you. The series teaches us that youth is a treasure meant to be spent, not saved. It’s about taking that one, single, terrifying step that changes everything. This pilgrimage is a celebration of that first step. It’s a tangible expression of the show’s core message: that the world is vast and full of wonders, and that even the greatest of adventures begins with a simple choice to go. It’s about finding your own Antarctica, your personal quest that seems just a bit impossible, and taking the first step toward it, no matter how small.
Your journey may not lead you to the ice sheets of the South Pole, but by walking the streets of Tatebayashi, you connect with the origin of that idea. You are reminded that every epic begins with an ordinary day. The story of Mari, Shirase, Hinata, and Yuzuki is universal, and its power lies in its beautiful, hopeful, and resonant message that it’s never too late to start living. So whether you’re planning a trip to Japan or simply dreaming from your desk, let their story inspire you. The world is waiting, just one step away. A place further than the universe is out there, and the map to get there begins within your own heart.
