There are stories that feel like a soft, melancholic melody played on a distant piano—stories that nestle deep within your soul and resonate with a bittersweet ache long after they conclude. White Album 2 is one such masterpiece. It’s a narrative that doesn’t just tell a story of high school romance; it orchestrates a complex, heart-wrenching symphony of love, friendship, and betrayal, centered around three unforgettable characters: Haruki Kitahara, Kazusa Touma, and Setsuna Ogiso. The raw, unflinching honesty of their tangled relationships has left an indelible mark on fans worldwide. But what truly elevates this poignant tale is its profound sense of place. The world of White Album 2 feels so tangible, so real, because much of it is. From the everyday suburban train stations of Chiba to the snow-dusted, fairytale streets of Strasbourg, France, the anime’s backdrop is a character in itself, grounding the soaring emotions in locations you can actually visit.
This is the magic of seichi junrei, the beautiful Japanese tradition of anime pilgrimage. It’s a journey that transforms you from a passive viewer into an active participant in the story. To walk the same riverbank where Setsuna and Haruki shared quiet moments, to stand before the school that inspired the iconic rooftop scenes, or to feel the winter chill in the European square where destinies converged—it’s an experience that adds new layers of depth to the story you love. It’s about more than just snapping photos of familiar scenery; it’s about breathing the same air, feeling the same atmosphere, and perhaps, for a moment, understanding the characters’ hearts just a little better. This guide is your invitation to step through the screen and into their world. It is a journey for the heart, a pilgrimage set to the unforgettable soundtrack of a winter long past, waiting to be rediscovered by you. Prepare to trace the melody, from the quiet suburbs of Tokyo to the heart of Alsace, and relive the story that never quite lets you go.
This tradition of visiting real-world anime locations, known as seichi junrei, allows fans to connect with their favorite stories on a deeper level.
The Heart of the Trio: Exploring the Tokyo & Chiba Locales
The story of Haruki, Kazusa, and Setsuna is fundamentally a tale born from the ordinary. It takes place not in fantastical worlds, but within the familiar, everyday environments of suburban Japan. These settings—the train stations, school hallways, and riverside paths—quietly bear witness to their blossoming friendships and ultimately heart-wrenching conflicts. The main stage for their story spans Chiba Prefecture and parts of Tokyo, a region that perfectly captures the essence of contemporary Japanese life just beyond the bustling metropolitan core. It is a realm of commuter trains, serene residential streets, and the universal experiences of youth. Visiting these places allows one to grasp the foundation of their story, the reality that rendered their extraordinary connection so intimately relatable.
Chofu City & Beyond – The Everyday Backdrop
Much of the narrative’s emotional resonance is found in the quiet, in-between moments: the commute to and from school, the shared walks home, the whispered conversations beneath the evening sky. These scenes primarily occur in and around areas inspired by Chofu, Ichikawa, and Narashino. This is where the trio’s world feels most vivid, a tapestry woven from the sights and sounds of daily life.
Gakuen-Mae Station (Fictional) & Its Real-Life Counterpart: Tsudanuma Station
In White Album 2, Gakuen-Mae Station serves as the central hub of the characters’ lives. It is the gateway to their school, the meeting spot for their outings, and the backdrop for countless hellos and goodbyes. Its real-life inspiration, Tsudanuma Station in Narashino, Chiba, perfectly embodies this spirit. Stepping off the train onto the platform, one is immediately immersed in the rhythmic energy of a major suburban interchange. The air is filled with melodic chimes announcing train arrivals, the steady murmur of commuters, and the distant rumble of trains along the JR Sobu Line. It may not be a tourist attraction; it is a place of purpose and daily routine—and that is its true power.
Picture standing on the platform during the late afternoon rush. Students in crisp uniforms converse animatedly, salarymen in dark suits rush toward their connections, and the aroma of freshly baked goods drifts from small shops. You can almost see Haruki, lost in thought, waiting for the others with his school bag slung over his shoulder. You can feel the nervous anticipation of a planned meeting or the quiet sadness of a solitary journey home. The station’s north exit, with its distinctive pedestrian deck and the Parco department store in the background, is especially recognizable. Many of the anime’s establishing shots are framed here. Spend a moment observing the flow of people—this constant, predictable motion forms the canvas on which the trio’s unpredictable, chaotic emotions were painted. Access is easy via the JR Sobu Line, a major artery linking Chiba and central Tokyo. From this point, the world of Houjou High and its surroundings begin to unfold.
The Rooftop Where It All Began: The Model for Houjou High School
No site holds greater significance in the White Album 2 pilgrimage than the school itself. Houjou High School is the crucible where the trio’s bond is forged amid musical passion and teenage angst. The iconic rooftop of the second music room, where Haruki’s tentative guitar practice first blended with Kazusa’s transcendent piano, marks the story’s ground zero. The real-life counterpart to this hallowed place is the main building of the Chiba University of Commerce in Ichikawa. Upon seeing it, the resemblance is striking—the building’s clean, modern lines, grid-patterned windows, and overall structure feel immediately familiar.
It is essential to stress one point: this is an active educational institution. Under no circumstances should fans enter the campus grounds, disrupt classes, or inconvenience students and faculty. The pilgrimage is an act of respect, one that must be extended toward the real-world locations and those who inhabit them daily. From the perspective of safe and respectful travel, especially for women, it is vital to admire from afar. The building’s impressive facade is clearly visible from the public streets surrounding the campus.
Find a respectful vantage point and simply take it all in. Look up toward the roof and imagine that crisp autumn day—Kazusa, isolated and misunderstood, pouring her unspoken feelings into the piano keys; Haruki below, captivated by the sound, his life about to change forever. Perhaps the wind rustles the leaves of nearby trees, carrying a faint, impossible melody. The school is a short walk from Kōnodai Station on the Keisei Main Line. Visiting this spot is less about capturing a perfect replica of an anime shot and more about feeling the weight of where the story truly began—the birthplace of that first tentative harmony.
Moments of Respite: Parks and Promenades
Beyond the structured realms of school and the transient spaces of train stations, the characters find freedom and emotional clarity in the natural landscapes of their town. Riverbanks and bridges act as open-air confessionals, where heartfelt feelings can be expressed away from the watchful eyes and ringing bells of high school life. These locations provide a serene, contemplative counterpoint to the story’s more intense moments.
The Riverside Walk: Edogawa Riverbank
Stretching for miles, the Edogawa Riverbank is a lush, green ribbon that serves as the town’s communal backyard. It is the setting for many key conversations, especially between Haruki and Setsuna. The wide, open expanse of the riverbank encourages a similar openness of heart. To visit, head to the large grassy area near Kōnodai Station and begin walking. The atmosphere is peaceful and quietly recreational. Local joggers pass by, families fly kites, and couples stroll hand in hand.
The mood here changes dramatically with the seasons, each offering a distinct perspective through which to view the story. In spring, the path is lined with breathtaking cherry blossoms, their delicate pink petals drifting down like snow—a beautiful, almost painfully romantic backdrop for their evolving relationship. Summer brings lush greenery and the vibrant hum of cicadas, mirroring the peak of their happiest days. Yet perhaps the most fitting time to visit is in late autumn or winter, when the air is crisp and clear, the grass fades to pale gold, and bare branches create stark, elegant silhouettes against the sky. This setting best captures the series’ signature melancholy. As you walk, imagine their conversations—the hopes, worries, and subtle shifts in their dynamics that unfolded on this very path. For a more immersive experience, consider renting a bicycle to explore further, or bring along a small bento and warm tea for a quiet picnic to soak in the contemplative scenery at your own pace.
The Confession Bridge: Yagiri no Watashi Area Bridge
Certain structures become iconic, charged with the emotional weight of the scenes they host. A simple, functional truss bridge spanning a small channel near the Edogawa River represents one such location. Modeled after a bridge near the historic Yagiri no Watashi ferry crossing, it is a place of confessions, confrontations, and both promises kept and broken. The bridge itself is modest and practical, yet for fans, it reverberates with dramatic tension.
Standing on this bridge is a powerful experience. You can almost feel the echoes of their conversations carried by the wind over the water. The cool metal railing beneath your hand, the steady clank of footsteps on the walkway, the expansive river view—all combine to transport you into those pivotal scenes. The best time to visit is undoubtedly during the golden hour just before sunset. As the sun lowers, it bathes the landscape in a warm, dramatic light, casting long shadows and painting the sky with shades of orange and purple. This is the lighting of memories, moments frozen in time. The Yagiri no Watashi area itself exudes a quiet, old-world charm, named after the traditional ferry service that has operated there for centuries. Visiting the bridge connects you not only to the anime’s narrative but also to a tangible slice of local history, adding intellectual depth to the emotional pilgrimage.
A European Interlude: The Snowy Streets of Strasbourg
The story of White Album 2 takes a stunning turn in its second act, Closing Chapter, as the setting shifts dramatically from Japan’s familiar suburbs to the historic, snow-covered city of Strasbourg, France. This change in location is more than just a backdrop; it is a vital element of the narrative’s emotional progression. Strasbourg symbolizes Kazusa’s new world—a realm defined by classical music, professional aspirations, and a self-imposed separation from the painful memories of her high school days. The city, rich with history, feels both like a fairytale and a lonely, foreign land. For Haruki, who ventures there in a desperate attempt to reconcile the past, Strasbourg is a labyrinth of breathtaking beauty and wrenching emotional distance.
Entering Kazusa’s World
Strasbourg, the capital of France’s Grand Est region, is a city of striking contrasts. Its history is woven from French and German influences, a cultural blend apparent in its architecture, cuisine, and very spirit. The city’s historic heart, the Grande Île, is a UNESCO World Heritage site—a maze of cobblestone streets, canals, and medieval half-timbered houses that seem lifted straight from a storybook. Especially during winter, as the story portrays, the atmosphere is utterly magical. The air is crisp and cold, the scent of mulled wine and roasting chestnuts from Christmas markets fills the air, and a gentle hush falls over the city, particularly when snow blankets the streets. This is the world Kazusa has chosen—a place of immense beauty that also serves as her sanctuary. Walking through these streets, one begins to grasp the profound distance—not only physical but emotional—that has grown between the characters.
Following Haruki’s Search: Important Strasbourg Sites
When Haruki arrives in Strasbourg, his journey becomes a frantic, emotional quest through an unfamiliar city. He is a man lost, searching for a ghost from his past in a place both stunningly beautiful and deeply alienating. Tracing his steps through the city allows you to experience this emotional voyage personally, from grand public squares to intimate hidden corners.
Place Kléber: The Major Square
Place Kléber is the vibrant heart of Strasbourg. It is the city’s largest square, an expansive open area encircled by elegant historic buildings. Around Christmas, it transforms into a festive wonderland, home to the Great Christmas Tree (Grand Sapin), a towering, brilliantly adorned fir symbolizing Strasbourg’s title as the “Capital of Christmas.” This square serves as a pivotal setting for the Closing Chapter reunion. Overflowing with joyful crowds and sparkling with lights, it offers a poignant and ironic backdrop for the characters’ painful, complex reunion. Standing in the center of Place Kléber, especially on a cold winter night with snowflakes gently falling, one feels the full weight of the moment. The city’s festive spirit sharply contrasts with the quiet, intense drama occurring within it. From a visitor’s point of view, the square is an excellent starting place to explore the city. Surrounded by high-end boutiques and the Galeries Lafayette department store, it also allows blending sightseeing with a touch of chic European shopping—a perfect way to engage with the city’s modern, fashionable side.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg: Gothic Splendor
The silhouette of Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg dominates the city’s skyline. This towering Gothic masterpiece is a constant presence throughout the anime’s Strasbourg arc, a silent, awe-inspiring witness to the characters’ journey. Its single, soaring spire and the intricate, lace-like façade of pink sandstone are breathtaking. Approaching it compels you to crane your neck in awe of its sheer scale and artistry. This sensation of smallness before something grand and ancient reflects Haruki’s own feelings of being overwhelmed by his circumstances. Inside, the atmosphere transforms: the air becomes cool and still, and light filters through stunning stained-glass windows, casting colorful, shifting patterns on the stone floors. It is a place for quiet reflection. Centuries of history seem to live within its walls. Visiting the cathedral is not just about reenacting scenes; it is about feeling the reverence and introspection such a space inspires, providing a moment of calm amid the story’s emotional turmoil.
Petite France: The Enchanted Quarter
If any part of Strasbourg seems dreamlike, it is the historic quarter of Petite France. This area concentrates the city’s fairytale charm. A labyrinth of narrow cobblestone lanes weaves between striking black-and-white half-timbered houses, their flower boxes vibrant even in colder months. The River Ill splits into canals flowing through the district, and the entire area feels frozen in time. This picturesque maze is where Haruki wanders, searching for any sign of Kazusa. The beauty of the surroundings is almost cruel—a constant reminder of the romance that might have been, set against the harsh reality of his quest. Exploring Petite France invites you to get a little lost. Turn down quiet alleys, cross flower-adorned bridges, and discover hidden courtyards. The best way to experience the area’s charm is to surrender to it. For a fresh and utterly stylish view, consider a Batorama boat tour along the canals. Seeing the half-timbered houses reflected on the water as you glide by offers a new appreciation of the city’s unique beauty and a relaxing way to take in many key sights from the anime.
Ponts Couverts and Barrage Vauban
At the edge of Petite France stand the Ponts Couverts: three bridges fortified by four stone towers that once formed part of the city’s medieval defenses. Just behind them lies Barrage Vauban, a 17th-century defensive dam and bridge. The dam’s rooftop has been transformed into a panoramic terrace, from which you can enjoy one of Strasbourg’s most iconic and sweeping views—looking back over the canals and towers of Petite France toward the distant cathedral spire. This breathtaking vista serves as the kind of establishing shot the anime uses masterfully, capturing the full scope and beauty of Kazusa’s new home. Visiting the terrace offers a moment of clarity. From this viewpoint, you see how the city’s different parts connect. It is a place to pause, take in the magnificent panorama, and reflect on the journey—both your own and that of the characters. The wide view helps put everything into perspective, a fitting experience for a story centered on looking back at the past from a new, more distant vantage point.
The Little Details: Cafes, Concert Halls, and Crossroads
A story’s world is shaped not only by grand landmarks but also by the small, intimate spaces where life truly unfolds. In White Album 2, these are the family restaurants where plans are made over inexpensive coffee, the concert halls that capture moments of pure joy, and the impersonal transit hubs that become scenes of heartbreaking farewells. These settings enrich the narrative, anchoring the intense emotions in a world that feels relatable and deeply genuine.
The Local Hangouts
Every friend group has a favorite spot—a place they return to repeatedly, a neutral ground for celebrating, commiserating, and everything in between. For the light music club, that place was often the modest Japanese family restaurant.
The Family Restaurant: Jonathan’s
In Japan, the “famiresu” is a cultural staple, especially among students. These affordable, casual eateries—with extensive menus, cozy booths, and unlimited drink bars—serve as modern community centers for young people. They are places to study, gossip, debate, and fall in love. The chain modeled in White Album 2 is commonly identified as Jonathan’s, with the location near Tsudanuma Station likely inspiring the setting. Stepping into Jonathan’s feels like entering the trio’s unofficial clubhouse. The atmosphere is a gentle buzz—the clinking of glasses, the soft murmur of other customers, the cheerful electronic chime signaling a call for service. Find a booth, order from the picture-filled menu, and grab a cup from the drink bar. Sitting there, you can easily picture Haruki, Kazusa, and Setsuna gathered around a similar table, poring over sheet music, debating festival plans, or sharing one of their many emotionally charged talks. It is in these ordinary moments, fueled by coffee and curry doria, that the foundation of their complex relationship was truly laid. It’s a simple, affordable, and profoundly authentic way to connect with their world.
The Sound of Music
Music is the language of White Album 2. It is the force that unites the characters and, ultimately, the medium through which they express their deepest, most complex emotions. The places where they create and experience music are thus some of the story’s most emotionally resonant locations.
The School Festival Stage: Fictional Concert Hall
The pinnacle of their shared joy, the moment when everything seemed possible, was their performance at the Houjou High school festival. The song “Todokanai Koi” (“Unreachable Love”), performed on that stage, serves as the story’s anthem. Although the concert hall is a fictional construct within the school, its essence can be found in any local civic or cultural hall in Japan, such as the Narashino Cultural Hall. The bunkasai, or school festival, holds tremendous cultural significance in Japan. It is a large, student-run event representing a fleeting, shining moment of freedom and creativity. Visiting a local hall, one can imagine the electric atmosphere of that day: the dark auditorium, the nervous energy behind the scenes, the heat of the stage lights, and the roar of the crowd of fellow students. It was on a stage like this that their three unique melodies—Haruki’s steady rhythm, Setsuna’s clear voice, and Kazusa’s passionate piano—merged into perfect, ephemeral harmony. This was a moment of pure, unfiltered triumph before everything began to fall apart.
The Airport: Narita International Airport
Airports are inherently dramatic places—modern crossroads where joyous reunions and tearful farewells unfold. In White Album 2, Narita International Airport symbolizes separation and finality. It is here that Kazusa leaves for Europe, abandoning her high school life and Haruki behind. The departure lobby of Narita’s Terminal 1 or 2, with its soaring ceilings, polished floors, and massive, constantly updating flight boards, perfectly captures the cold, impersonal nature of such a goodbye. The atmosphere is one of sterile efficiency and rushed movement, sharply contrasting with the intensely personal and chaotic emotions of the characters. Standing in that departure hall, watching travelers from around the world check in for their flights, you feel the profound loneliness and helplessness of the scene. Each name on the board represents a different story, a different destination. For the characters, it marked a future diverging, a story ending, and a new, uncertain chapter beginning thousands of miles away. It’s a poignant final stop on the Japanese leg of their journey, a place that reminds us every journey, even a fictional one, entails a departure.
A Pilgrim’s Practical Guide
Embarking on a seichi junrei is a profoundly rewarding experience, and a bit of planning can make the journey smoother, more respectful, and ultimately more enjoyable. As a traveler who values both style and safety, I believe that being well-prepared is the key to a truly memorable adventure. Here are some practical tips for following the melody of White Album 2.
Planning Your Japanese Itinerary
Most of the key locations in Japan are concentrated in Chiba Prefecture, just east of Tokyo, making them ideal for a focused day trip or a more relaxed two-day exploration. A sensible approach is to base yourself in Tokyo and utilize the extensive train network. The JR Sobu Line will be your best ally, directly connecting central hubs like Shinjuku and Akihabara to Tsudanuma. From Tsudanuma, you can easily transfer to other lines, such as the Keisei Main Line from nearby Keisei-Tsudanuma Station, to reach Kōnodai. I strongly recommend purchasing a Suica or Pasmo IC card upon arrival in Japan. These rechargeable cards allow seamless tapping in and out of train stations and even convenient cashless payments at many stores. Plan your route ahead using apps like Google Maps or Jorudan (Japan Transit Planner), but also leave room for spontaneous discoveries. Often, the most memorable moments come from wandering off the beaten path.
A Note on Etiquette and Respect
One of the golden rules of anime pilgrimages is to be a respectful visitor. Keep in mind these are not theme park sets; they are real places where people live, work, and study. The most important rule, worth repeating, is to never trespass on private property, especially the Chiba University of Commerce campus. Appreciate it from the public sidewalks and be careful not to disturb the students. Generally, observe Japanese social etiquette: keep your voice low on public transportation, carry a small bag for your trash as public bins can be scarce, and be considerate when taking photographs by avoiding including strangers without their permission. As a solo female traveler, I find that blending in and showing respect not only feels right but also enhances my personal safety and sense of belonging. Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, but practicing common sense—like watching your belongings in crowded stations and having your hotel’s address saved on your phone—is always wise.
When to Visit
Given the anime’s title, a pilgrimage during winter is thematically fitting. The crisp, cold air, bare trees, and occasional dusting of snow create an atmosphere unmistakably White Album. The early sunsets in December and January cast a beautiful, melancholic golden light, perfect for photography and quiet reflection. This season also features the Christmas markets in Strasbourg, an essential part of the Closing Chapter experience. However, don’t overlook other seasons. Spring showcases the stunning cherry blossoms along the Edogawa River, giving familiar locations a fresh, hopeful glow. Autumn, when the story begins, offers a vibrant backdrop of changing leaves and a pleasant, cool climate ideal for walking. Ultimately, the best time to visit is whenever the story calls to you, but for the most immersive experience, a winter journey is hard to surpass.
An Unforgettable Melody
A journey to the real-life locations of White Album 2 is far more than a simple sightseeing trip. It is a deeply personal and emotional experience that bridges the divide between fiction and reality. To walk these streets is to sense the echoes of the story resonating in the real world. You begin to grasp, on a visceral level, how the quiet melancholy of a suburban riverbank or the overwhelming beauty of a Gothic cathedral influenced the characters’ hearts and decisions. The places become inseparably entwined with the emotions—the joy of a flawless performance, the ache of a confession on a cold bridge, the loneliness of searching for a lost love in an unfamiliar city.
Standing on the platform at Tsudanuma Station, you are more than just a tourist; you are a witness. Gazing up at the school building in Ichikawa, you become a keeper of secrets. And wandering the cobblestone lanes of Petite France, you are a fellow seeker, chasing a melody that lingers just out of reach. This pilgrimage does not offer easy answers or a happier conclusion to the story. Instead, it gives something deeper: a richer connection, a more subtle understanding. You depart with more than just photos; you carry memories layered over those from the anime, creating a personal harmony uniquely your own. May your journey be safe, stylish, and filled with the unforgettable, bittersweet music of this timeless tale.
