There’s a unique magic to stories about finding your wings, both literally and figuratively. It’s a tale of youth, of discovering a passion that lifts you out of the mundane and into the extraordinary. The anime film Blue Thermal captures this feeling with breathtaking grace, telling the story of Tsuru Tamaki, a university freshman who stumbles into the competitive world of glider aviation. She’s a character who trades her dreams of a normal, romantic college life for the silent, awesome expanse of the sky. But the magic of Blue Thermal isn’t just in its heartfelt narrative or its stunning animation of aerial ballet; it’s in its deep, unshakable connection to the real world. The broad skies, the sun-drenched airfields, and the bustling campus where Tsuru and her teammates chase their dreams are not flights of fancy. They are real places, etched into the landscape of Japan, waiting for pilgrims to come and feel the same wind that carried the film’s characters to new heights. This journey takes us away from the neon glow of Tokyo’s core and into the heart of Saitama Prefecture, to a place where the sky feels bigger and the horizon endless. It is a pilgrimage not just to a filming location, but to the very soul of soaring. It is a chance to stand on the edge of a runway, look up, and understand what it truly means to want to fly. Join us as we explore the tangible world of Blue Thermal, from the vibrant university grounds to the sacred airfield that serves as the story’s beating heart.
For more on how cinematic journeys can bridge fiction and reality, explore our guide to the filming locations of Marriage Story.
The Heart of the Sky: Kumagaya Glider Port
The spirit of Blue Thermal is rooted in a vast, open stretch of green along the mighty Tone River. This is the Kumagaya Glider Port, or Menuma Glider Kakkujo in Japanese, the real-world counterpart to the Aonagi University Aviation Club’s home base. Stepping onto this airfield is like stepping straight into the anime’s world. The expansive, unbroken sky that fills so many scenes of the film is no exaggeration; it defines the place—a wide blue canvas that immediately evokes a sense of freedom and possibility. Here, Tsuru first felt the sky’s call, learned the subtle interplay between pilot and atmosphere, and witnessed the intense drama of competitive gliding unfold. Visiting this site offers a full sensory immersion into the heart of the story.
Where Dreams Take Flight
Upon arrival at the airfield, the first thing that strikes you is the sound—or sometimes, the deep silence. There is the gentle, steady rustling of tall grass along the Tone River’s banks, the whispering wind that fuels the sport, and then the sudden roar of a tow plane’s engine hauling a sleek, silent glider skyward. The air is charged with focused calm. You can almost see the characters: the determined Jun Kuramochi conducting pre-flight checks, the calm and collected Daisuke Sorachi scanning the clouds for thermals, and Tsuru, brimming with nervous excitement, readying herself for another flight. The real glider port is a bustling hub, home to various university aviation clubs and private gliding groups. On clear, breezy days—especially weekends—the field comes alive with the graceful dance of gliders being positioned, launched, and landing with whisper-quiet precision. The long green runway stretches toward the horizon, seemingly merging with the slow-moving river beside it. The sight of these engineless aircraft, with their impossibly long wingspans glistening in the sun, is powerful—a testament to humanity’s deep desire to soar, a passion the film captures with emotional depth. Standing here, you realize this isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character itself, shaping and defining all who come to challenge its invisible currents.
Experiencing the Thrill: Can You Fly?
For many fans making the pilgrimage, the ultimate dream is to experience what Tsuru did—sit in the cockpit and feel the earth fall away beneath you. The good news is that this is often possible. Far from a static museum, the Kumagaya Glider Port is a vibrant, active aviation center, and many clubs here are eager to share the joy of flying. Trial flights, or taiken hikou, are frequently offered to the public. Be sure to check the websites of specific clubs based at Kumagaya for the latest details on scheduling and pricing, but universally, the experience is unforgettable. The process itself is exhilarating. You’ll likely be paired with an experienced instructor who will guide you through the basics of the glider. Anticipation builds as you’re secured into the cockpit, the canopy closes around you, framing the world in clear plexiglass. The tow rope is attached, and with a jerk and the roar of the tow plane ahead, you begin rumbling down the grassy runway. Liftoff is smooth, almost surreal. One moment you’re on the ground; the next, you’re soaring gently into the sky. At the right altitude, the instructor releases the tow rope with a distinctive thunk, and a profound silence falls. There are no engines, only the rush of wind over the wings. From this vantage point, you see the world as the characters did: the winding Tone River, the patchwork fields and towns of the Kanto Plain, and on exceptionally clear days, the distant majestic outline of Mount Fuji. The instructor may even let you take the controls briefly, to feel how sensitively the glider responds to your touch. This twenty- to thirty-minute experience will forever change how you watch the film and how you perceive the sky.
A Photographer’s Paradise
For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, Kumagaya Glider Port offers a visual feast. A camera is your best tool to capture its essence. The vast landscape provides endless opportunities for composition. A telephoto lens is highly recommended to capture gliders in flight, isolating their elegant shapes against clouds or the deep blue sky. The “golden hours” of early morning and late afternoon are especially magical. The low, warm light bathes the scene in a soft glow, lengthening shadows and making the aircraft’s white fuselages gleam. This is the light the Blue Thermal animators skillfully recreated, lending the film its signature nostalgic, dreamlike atmosphere. Seek angles that echo key scenes: a low shot down the runway’s length, a wide view encompassing the field and river, or a frame capturing a pilot’s intense focus. Also, notice the small details—the weathered texture of a windsock, the intricate coils of tow ropes, the camaraderie between club members chatting between flights. These details breathe life into the location and connect your photos to the human story at the film’s heart. Always be respectful of those here, as this is their passion and workplace. Seek permission before photographing individuals up close or private aircraft.
The Campus Chronicles: Aonagi University’s Real-World Counterpart
While the sky serves as the film’s primary stage, the drama of university life acts as its emotional foundation. The fictional Aonagi University, where Tsuru becomes a member of the aviation club, is a setting of new friendships, unforeseen challenges, and personal development. This lively academic environment is inspired by a real place: the Tama Campus of Hosei University, situated in the verdant hills of western Tokyo. Visiting here offers a distinctly different but equally vital segment of the Blue Thermal pilgrimage experience, linking the soaring adventure with its grounded, human aspects.
The Halls of Hosei University
Hosei University’s Tama Campus is a vast, modern facility nestled within a rich natural landscape. Its design, marked by striking contemporary architecture and plentiful green areas, will be instantly recognizable to any fan of the film. As you stroll along its paths, you can easily picture Tsuru hurrying to class or sharing a heartfelt moment with a teammate. Key locations from the anime are present here. Look for the spacious lecture halls with tiered seating, the bright and inviting student cafeterias, and the distinctive covered walkways connecting the various buildings. The club building depicted in the anime, the center of the aviation team’s social and strategic activities, is modeled after one of the campus’s numerous facilities dedicated to student clubs. The atmosphere exudes youthful vitality and intellectual ambition. You’ll observe students rushing between classes, relaxing on benches beneath the trees, or engaging in the many club activities that form the heart of Japanese university life. Built across a series of hills, the campus features many staircases and elevated walkways offering panoramic views of the surroundings, echoing the anime’s frequent use of high-angle shots to convey a sense of place and perspective. It is this environment that shapes the daily lives of the characters—the world they return to after reaching for the skies.
Navigating the Campus: A Visitor’s Guide
Visiting a Japanese university campus can be a rewarding experience, but it’s essential to do so respectfully. Generally, campuses like Hosei’s Tama Campus are open areas where visitors may freely explore the exterior. However, as this is an active educational institution, a few considerations should be kept in mind to ensure a smooth and courteous visit. First, pay attention to the academic calendar and try to avoid peak exam periods when the campus is marked by quiet, focused intensity. It is always advisable to check the university’s official website for any specific visitor policies or closures. While on campus, maintain a low profile and act as a quiet observer. Avoid entering buildings without permission, especially classrooms and libraries, and refrain from photographing students or staff without their clear consent. The objective is to absorb the atmosphere without disrupting the daily routines of those who study and work there. Access to the Tama Campus generally involves taking a train to a nearby station such as Mejiro or Nishi-Hachioji, followed by a short bus ride up into the hills. The journey itself is an integral part of the experience, transitioning from the urban density of central Tokyo to a calmer, more natural environment. Walking these grounds, you gain a tangible sense of the world Tsuru sought to find her place in—a world full of possibilities, challenges, and the promise of a future yet to be discovered.
Exploring Kumagaya: The Town Beneath the Thermal
To fully appreciate the world of Blue Thermal, one should also explore the town that grounds it in reality: Kumagaya. Situated in northern Saitama Prefecture, Kumagaya is more than just a convenient location for an airfield. Its distinctive character and climate are intricately woven into the story itself. The city is famous across Japan for one particular feature: its intense summer heat. This reputation creates a direct thematic connection to the film, since a “thermal” refers to a rising column of hot air, the very phenomenon glider pilots seek to gain altitude. In a very real sense, Kumagaya is the city that fosters the conditions for flight.
More Than Just a Runway
Beyond its meteorological notoriety, Kumagaya is a pleasant, welcoming city offering a snapshot of daily life in the Kanto region outside Tokyo. It functions as a regional transport hub, with its station area bustling with shops, restaurants, and department stores. Moving away from the station, the city quiets into residential neighborhoods and expansive parks. The most prominent natural feature is undoubtedly the Tone River. Its broad, slow-moving waters and wide green floodplains mark the city’s northern border. Pathways along the riverbanks are perfect for cycling and walking, inviting leisurely exploration. Standing on one of the large bridges over the river, such as the Tonegawa Ohashi, you can watch the water flow and feel the same open-air freedom the characters experience thousands of feet above. It’s in these simple moments—feeling the sun on your skin, watching clouds drift—that the spirit of the film truly comes alive.
Tracing Tsuru’s Footsteps Through the City
While the film mainly highlights the airfield and the university, it’s easy to imagine the characters spending their free time around Kumagaya. They likely arrived and departed from Kumagaya Station, a modern and lively facility. They might have celebrated victories or commiserated over setbacks in one of the many izakaya (Japanese pubs) or restaurants downtown. Perhaps they browsed local shops for supplies or enjoyed a stroll through a park on a rare day off. A fun part of any anime pilgrimage is using your imagination to fill in these scenes. Wander through the city and seek out places that feel like they could be in the anime—a quiet shrine, a traditional sweet shop, or a riverside café. A great way to explore between the city center and the glider port is by renting a bicycle, allowing you to travel at your own pace alongside the river and stop whenever a view catches your eye. It’s a classic Japanese way to experience a locality and creates a more intimate connection to the landscape than traveling by bus or car.
A Taste of Kumagaya
No trip is complete without sampling local flavors, and Kumagaya boasts its own unique culinary identity. Historically known for wheat production, the region is home to many excellent udon noodle shops. A hearty bowl of udon might have been the perfect meal for the aviation club members after a long day of flying. For something sweet, you must try the local specialty, Gokabo. This traditional confection, made from glutinous rice that’s puffed and sweetened, has a delightfully light and crispy texture. It offers a taste of old Japan and makes a perfect souvenir. Visiting during the sweltering summer? Follow the locals and cool down with a bowl of kakigori, or shaved ice. Kumagaya takes its shaved ice seriously, featuring many shops with elaborate creations made using natural ice and high-quality syrups. It’s the ideal remedy for the city’s notorious heat.
Beating the Heat, Kumagaya Style
If your pilgrimage brings you to Kumagaya in the summer months of July and August, be ready for the heat. The city often records the highest temperatures in Japan. Taking practical precautions is essential for a comfortable visit: always carry a water bottle to stay hydrated, wear light, breathable clothing and a hat, seek shade, and don’t hesitate to take frequent breaks inside air-conditioned cafes or shops. The city actively promotes heat countermeasures, so you may encounter misting stations or public rest areas. Embracing the heat is also a way to connect with the film’s core theme. It’s this intense sun, baking the dark soil of the Kanto Plain, that generates the strong thermals pilots rely on. As you feel the warmth radiating from the pavement, you can better appreciate the invisible atmospheric power that makes soaring possible.
The Journey Itself: Access and Itineraries
Planning your pilgrimage to the world of Blue Thermal is a simple and rewarding experience. The sites are easily reachable from Tokyo, allowing for either a day trip or a more leisurely multi-day visit. With a bit of preparation, you can smoothly transition between the urban campus setting and the expansive skies of Saitama.
Reaching the Heart of “Blue Thermal”
Kumagaya Station serves as the central hub for your journey. The quickest and most convenient route from central Tokyo is via the Joetsu or Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train). The trip from Tokyo Station or Ueno Station is remarkably fast, taking about 40 minutes. For those on a tighter budget or using a rail pass not valid on the Shinkansen, local trains on the JR Takasaki Line also offer direct service, though the travel time is closer to 90 minutes. Upon arriving at Kumagaya Station, your next stop is the Glider Port. The most practical way to reach it is by local bus; head to the bus terminal outside the station’s north exit and look for buses headed to Menuma Shoden-zan (妻沼聖天山). The ride lasts around 25-30 minutes. You’ll want to get off at the “Guraida-mae” (グライダー前) bus stop, which literally means “In front of the Glider Port.” From there, it’s just a short walk to the airfield. Alternatively, taxis are readily available at the station for a quicker but more expensive option. To visit Hosei University’s Tama Campus, you’ll begin a different journey from Tokyo, typically taking the JR Chuo Line to Nishi-Hachioji Station or the Keio Line to Mejiro-dai Station, from where frequent buses run the 15-20 minute trip to the campus.
Designing Your Ideal Pilgrimage
The way you plan your trip depends on your dedication and the time you have available. For a focused one-day pilgrimage, concentrating on the Kumagaya area is best. You could take a morning train from Tokyo, arrive at the Glider Port by late morning, and spend a few hours watching flights, taking photos, and perhaps even trying a trial flight yourself. After soaking in the atmosphere, you might have lunch near the airfield or take the bus back toward the city center to explore the Tone River area and enjoy a local snack before returning to Tokyo in the evening. For the truly devoted fan, a two-day itinerary offers a deeper experience. On Day 1, you could spend the entire day at Kumagaya, lingering at the Glider Port without rushing and then thoroughly exploring the city. You might even stay overnight in Kumagaya. On Day 2, you could travel to Hosei University’s Tama Campus, spend the morning walking the grounds and reliving the characters’ university life before heading back to central Tokyo.
Best Time to Visit: Pursuing the Perfect Sky
The Blue Thermal experience is available year-round, with each season providing a unique ambiance. Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) are arguably the most comfortable times to visit. The weather tends to be mild and pleasant, with many clear, sunny days ideal for gliding and photography. The skies are often a deep, crisp blue, and the landscape bursts with spring blossoms or autumn foliage. Summer (June to August) is thematically the most fitting season. This period brings intense heat, creating the strong thermals essential for high-performance soaring. The atmosphere truly mirrors the film’s most dramatic scenes. However, be prepared for high temperatures and humidity. Winter (December to February) is colder but often offers the clearest air of the year. Visibility can be outstanding, providing the best opportunities to see Mount Fuji from the air. The low winter sun also creates beautiful, dramatic lighting for photographs. The only possible downside is that flying activity may decrease slightly on the coldest days.
The Spirit of Gliding and the Soul of “Blue Thermal”
A pilgrimage to the sites featured in Blue Thermal is about more than simply matching real-world locations with animated scenes. It offers a chance to connect with the essence of the story: the sport of gliding, the philosophy of flight, and the community united by this shared passion. Understanding these aspects transforms the trip from a mere visit into a deeply meaningful experience.
Understanding the Thermal
For those unfamiliar with aviation, the idea of a glider may seem puzzling. How can an engine-less craft stay aloft for hours? The film beautifully illustrates the explanation: thermals. These are invisible, rising columns of warm air formed when the sun heats the ground. Birds, especially large raptors, use them effortlessly, circling within to gain height without flapping their wings. Glider pilots skillfully find and utilize these same air columns. On a warm day in Kumagaya, you can almost sense this process. You see heat shimmering off dark fields and asphalt, grasping how this energy converts into altitude. The film presents the sky not as an empty void, but as a three-dimensional landscape of currents, updrafts, and downdrafts. Watching real gliders circle and climb over the airfield lets you witness this invisible dance firsthand. It deepens your appreciation for the skill, intuition, and knowledge pilots require, as well as the elegant simplicity of the science that keeps them airborne.
The Philosophy of the Sky
At its heart, Blue Thermal is about finding your place, confronting fear, and learning to trust both yourself and your teammates. The sky serves as a powerful metaphor for this journey. It is a realm of immense freedom, yet one that demands respect, discipline, and a profound connection to nature’s forces. Standing at the edge of Kumagaya Glider Port, you can feel this duality. The vast openness is liberating, encouraging you to think beyond your immediate surroundings. Simultaneously, you become aware of the wind’s and weather’s power—a humbling reminder of nature’s scale. Visiting these locations lets you step into the characters’ shoes and reflect on these themes firsthand. You can sense the nervous excitement Tsuru felt before her first flight and the serene focus that comes with being alone in the sky, accompanied only by the sound of the wind. It’s a meditative experience that enriches your connection to the film’s emotional core.
A Community of the Air
It’s important to remember that Kumagaya Glider Port and the clubs at Hosei University are not mere backdrops. They are homes to actual communities of students and aviation enthusiasts who dedicate their time, money, and passion to the sport. This is among the most special aspects of the pilgrimage. You aren’t just visiting a set; you’re observing a living culture. When you visit, do so respectfully. Observe operations from a safe distance, avoid active runways, and be considerate of club members busy preparing their aircraft. However, if a chance arises for polite interaction, you’ll often find a welcoming community eager to share their passion. A simple, interested question can spark a wonderful conversation. This human connection is the final piece of the puzzle, reminding you that the story of Tsuru and the Aonagi team, though fictional, reflects the real dreams and dedication of countless people who, every weekend, come to these fields to chase the wind.
A journey into the world of Blue Thermal is an invitation to look upward. It’s an opportunity to stand where earth meets sky and feel the pull of something vast and beautiful. It’s more than visiting anime locations; it’s about experiencing the passion that inspired them. Whether wandering the green hills of the Tama Campus or watching a glider catch a thermal over the Tone River, you connect with a story of discovery, courage, and the pure, joyous freedom of flight. May your travels be filled with clear skies, and may you find your own thermal—an invisible current that lifts you and reveals a world of new possibilities.
