There are stories that feel like a fleeting summer dream, and then there are those that crash into your heart like a perfect, sun-kissed wave. Masaaki Yuasa’s animated masterpiece, Ride Your Wave, is undeniably the latter. It’s a tale that ripples with the vibrant energy of young love, the profound sorrow of loss, and the quiet strength it takes to find your own rhythm in the vast, unpredictable ocean of life. The story of Hinako Mukaimizu, a spirited surfer, and Minato Hinageshi, a kind-hearted firefighter, is so deeply intertwined with its seaside setting that the town itself becomes a central character—a silent witness to their laughter, tears, and the supernatural bond that transcends even death. For fans of this poignant film, the desire to walk those same sandy shores and feel the same salty breeze is a powerful call, a journey known in Japan as seichi junrei, or a sacred spot pilgrimage. This is not merely about finding a filming location; it is about stepping into the emotional landscape of the film, connecting with its soul, and perhaps, learning to ride the waves of our own lives. The film’s world is a beautiful mosaic, drawing its primary inspiration from the sun-drenched coastlines of Chiba and Kanagawa Prefectures, places where the pulse of the city softens into the gentle, constant rhythm of the tide. This guide is your invitation to dive in, to explore the real-world canvases that brought Hinako and Minato’s world to life, and to discover the magic that lingers where the land meets the sea.
If you’re captivated by the idea of connecting with a story’s world, you might also be interested in exploring the real-world pilgrimage sites for “Steins;Gate”.
The Shonan Echo: Cinematic Sands and Seaside Dreams
The coastline south of Tokyo, affectionately known as the Shonan area, is more than just a location; it’s a cultural phenomenon. For decades, this stretch of land encompassing cities like Kamakura, Fujisawa, and Zushi has served as the quintessential backdrop for Japanese stories of youth, romance, and summer freedom. Its unique combination of historic temples, laid-back surf culture, and the iconic Enoden train line running along the shore creates a cinematic atmosphere that feels both timeless and vibrantly modern. This very vibe pulses through Ride Your Wave, and it is here, in the heart of Kanagawa Prefecture, that some of the film’s most recognizable and emotionally resonant settings are found.
Hinako’s Sanctuary: The Zushi Marina Vista
One of the film’s most striking settings is Hinako’s new apartment building—a sleek, modern complex with breathtaking ocean views that symbolize her fresh start and her effort to build a life on her own terms. This building draws heavy inspiration from the Zushi Marina, a luxurious resort complex in Zushi City. Approaching it, the resemblance is unmistakable. Rows of stark white buildings with clean lines and spacious balconies, set against a harbor filled with gently bobbing yachts, instantly immerse you in Hinako’s world. Strolling through the marina, you can almost catch the faint echo of her humming as she settles into her new home, full of hope and a touch of uncertainty.
The atmosphere here exudes relaxed affluence. Palm trees sway in the sea breeze, carrying the scent of salt and sunshine. It’s a place that feels both aspirational and serene. Find a spot along the boardwalk and gaze out at the water, imagining Hinako standing on her balcony, looking out at the same endless blue horizon. This was the view she saw every morning—the view that framed her fateful meeting with Minato. It’s a powerful act of empathy, connecting you directly to her character’s starting point. While you can’t enter the private residential buildings, Zushi Marina’s public areas offer plenty of chances to soak in the ambiance. Several upscale cafes and restaurants boast terraces overlooking the harbor. Grabbing a coffee here feels like stepping into a scene from the movie—a moment of quiet reflection before the story’s dramatic events unfold.
The Rhythmic Journey: Riding the Enoden Line
Although not featured in every scene, the spirit of the Enoshima Electric Railway, or Enoden, is woven into the film’s coastal life. This charming, slightly rickety train line is a Shonan icon, known for its scenic route that hugs the coastline—sometimes just meters from the waves—and winds through narrow residential streets. The rhythmic clatter of its wheels and the chime that signals its arrival form the heartbeat of the region. Riding the Enoden is an essential part of the pilgrimage, connecting many key locations and providing views that are cinematic masterpieces themselves.
Board the train at Kamakura Station and head toward Enoshima. The journey itself becomes the destination. As the train departs the city center, the scenery shifts. Suddenly, through the windows framed by charming old houses, your first breathtaking glimpse of the sea unfolds. The stretch between Shichirigahama and Kamakurakōkō-mae stations is legendary. Here, the tracks run alongside the coastal road, offering an unobstructed panorama of the Pacific Ocean. This is the landscape Hinako and Minato would have traversed daily. It serves as the backdrop to their commutes, their dates, their entire life together. It’s easy to picture them sitting side-by-side, holding hands, the afternoon sun sparkling on the water beyond the window. You can hop off at small stations along the way, like Inamuragasaki or Shichirigahama, to discover quiet beaches and local cafes—each offering a unique perspective on the sea that defined the couple’s love story. This train ride is more than transport; it’s a moving picture, a rolling tribute to the simple, beautiful moments that compose a life.
A Taste of the Coast: Shonan’s Cafe Culture
The film portrays a laid-back lifestyle where work and passion coexist seamlessly, epitomized by the cozy café where Hinako works part-time. While the exact café is fictional, the Shonan area is dotted with many establishments that capture its spirit. These are not sterile corporate chains but unique, independently owned spots full of character and warmth. Many feature ocean views, with large windows or open-air terraces designed to blur the boundaries between inside and out.
To find your own “Ride Your Wave” café, wander the streets of Hase or the beachfront near Yuigahama Beach. Look for places with surfboards leaning against walls, menus chalked on boards, and the mellow sound of acoustic music drifting inside. Imagine the kind of spot that would welcome Hinako’s cheerful energy. Order a cup of coffee and a slice of homemade cake, find a seat by the window, and watch surfers carve through the waves—a way to experience a piece of her life. These cafés serve as community hubs where locals and visitors alike gather to unwind, share stories, and watch the world move at the gentle pace of the tides. It’s in these quiet, everyday moments that the film’s message about finding joy in the present truly resonates. You can almost feel Minato’s presence in the warmth of the sun—a comforting and constant companion, just as he was for Hinako.
The Bōsō Soul: Chiba’s Sun and Surf
While the Shonan area supplies many of the visual cues for daily life, the film’s director, Masaaki Yuasa, has remarked that the raw, powerful spirit of the ocean and the surfing scenes drew considerable inspiration from Chiba Prefecture, specifically the eastern coast of the Bōsō Peninsula. This region, less refined and more rugged than Kamakura, offers a distinct flavor of coastal Japan. It is a place of expansive beaches, legendary surf breaks, and a deep, enduring connection to the sea that feels wilder and more primal. Here, one can connect with the essence of Hinako’s passion and the untamed force of nature, which is both a source of joy and a reminder of life’s fragility.
The Endless Summer: Onjuku and Katsuura Beaches
To truly grasp Hinako’s love for surfing, you must visit the beaches of the Bōsō Peninsula. Onjuku Beach is a stunning, crescent-shaped stretch of white sand, known for its relatively gentle waves, ideal for beginners and longboarders like Hinako herself. Standing on this vast beach, gazing at the horizon, you sense infinite possibility. The immense scale of the landscape dwarfs everything else, making it easy to understand why someone would feel a deep spiritual bond with the ocean here. This is a place to lose yourself in the rhythm of the waves, feel the tide’s pull, and appreciate surfing not just as a sport, but as a form of meditation, a dance with nature.
Nearby, Katsuura presents a slightly different, more rugged coastline. Its beaches are dotted with rocky outcrops and dramatic cliffs, creating a more dynamic and powerful landscape. The local culture is closely tied to the fishing industry, and a visit to the Katsuura Morning Market provides an authentic glimpse of daily life. Here, you see the sea’s bounty that sustains the community, a potent reminder of the ocean’s dual role as both playground and provider. Walking these shores, you can envision the countless hours Hinako spent in the water, honing her skills, finding solace, and feeling truly alive. The salty air is thick with the stories of generations living by the sea, a fitting real-world parallel to the film’s themes of heritage and memory carried on the water.
The Beacon of Hope: Chiba Port Tower
Perhaps the most significant and emotionally charged location in Ride Your Wave is the towering structure where Hinako and Minato share their final, heart-wrenching, yet ultimately beautiful moments together. This site is unmistakably modeled after Chiba Port Tower, a slender, mirror-glassed landmark that stands as an icon for the entire region. A pilgrimage to this tower serves as the emotional climax of any seichi junrei for the film.
From afar, the tower stands as a striking example of modern architecture, its reflective surface capturing the shifting colors of sky and sea. As you approach and ascend in the glass elevator, a sense of anticipation builds. The upward journey symbolizes the film’s themes of transcending physical limits. Upon stepping onto the observation deck, the view is breathtaking. The entire city of Chiba stretches out below, a vast tapestry of buildings, highways, and green spaces framed by the glittering expanse of Tokyo Bay. This is the city Minato pledged to protect. From this vantage point, you perceive the scale of his responsibility and the depth of his love for his community.
Here, Hinako sings their song, “Brand New Story,” to summon Minato one last time. Standing there, gazing at the panoramic view with the film’s soundtrack in your ears, is a profoundly moving experience. It is a place of endings and beginnings, of letting go and holding on. The tower symbolizes the connection between earth and sky, the living and the spirit world. It invites reflection on the film’s central message: that love and memory are forces capable of bridging any distance. Find the spot by the windows where they stood, and pause for a moment. It is a deeply bittersweet feeling, blending the sorrow of their parting with the beauty of their eternal bond. The tower is more than a viewpoint; it is a sanctuary of memory, the most sacred site on the entire pilgrimage.
The Intangible Pilgrimage: Living the Film’s Spirit
A genuine seichi junrei involves more than merely visiting physical sites. It’s about fully immersing yourself in the story’s world and engaging with its deeper themes. Ride Your Wave is a film rich with sensory details and emotional undercurrents, and experiencing these elements firsthand is what truly gives the journey meaning.
The Flavors of Memory: Coastal Cuisine
Food plays a subtle yet significant role in the film, particularly Minato’s dedication to perfecting his omurice (omelet rice). This simple, comforting dish symbolizes his love and care for Hinako. While on your pilgrimage, seeking out the coastal flavors offers a way to connect with the heart of the film. The Shonan and Bōsō regions are renowned for their fresh seafood. One must-try dish is shirasu-don, a rice bowl topped with heaps of tiny, fresh whitebait. It’s a pure, simple taste of the ocean itself—delicious and unpretentious. You’ll find it in numerous small eateries along the coast, often served with a raw egg yolk and a splash of soy sauce. Enjoying shirasu-don by the sea is an essential local experience. It’s easy to picture Hinako and Minato sharing this meal at a humble seaside diner after a long day of surfing, their conversation light and filled with laughter. And don’t forget to look out for cafes and restaurants offering excellent omurice. Ordering one becomes a small tribute to Minato and the love he infused into his cooking—a tangible way to savor his affection.
The Ocean’s Presence: Beyond a Mere View
In Ride Your Wave, the ocean represents everything. It’s a source of joy, a workplace, a channel for spirits, and a symbol of life’s unstoppable, powerful flow. To truly complete your pilgrimage, you need to spend time simply being with the sea. This means more than just taking photos. It involves removing your shoes and walking along the water’s edge, feeling the cool sand and the gentle tickle of foam as the waves pull back. It means finding a spot on the seawall to watch the sunset, observing how the light shimmers on the water, shifting from bright blue to molten gold and finally to deep indigo. It means closing your eyes and listening—to the rhythmic crash and sigh of the waves, the cries of the gulls, and the distant murmur of the town. This is the soundtrack of Hinako’s life. Immersing yourself in this sensory world lets you begin to grasp, on a deeper level, why she felt so at home here and why the ocean became the means of her connection with Minato. Whether you take a beginner’s surfing lesson in Onjuku or simply sit on the sands of Yuigahama, allowing yourself to be present with the ocean is a powerful, meditative experience linking you to the very essence of the film’s story.
A Traveler’s Guide to Your Own Wave
Embarking on this pilgrimage is a journey of discovery, and having a bit of practical knowledge can help ensure it is both smooth and unforgettable. The Shonan and Bōsō coastal areas are easily reachable from Tokyo, making them ideal for day trips or longer, more immersive stays.
Navigating the Coastlines
For the Shonan portion of your trip, the best starting points are Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station. The JR Yokosuka Line or the Shonan-Shinjuku Line will get you to Kamakura in about an hour. From Kamakura, the Enoden line is essential for exploring the coast, with a one-day pass providing a convenient, scenic way to hop on and off as you please. Zushi Marina lies a bit further out and can be reached by a short bus ride from Zushi Station, just one stop from Kamakura on the JR Yokosuka Line. The area is also great to explore by rental bicycle, allowing you to go at your own pace and discover hidden alleyways and quiet spots along the shore.
To reach the Bōsō Peninsula and Chiba Port Tower, the JR Keiyo Line from Tokyo Station is the most direct route to Chiba-Minato Station, situated right at the tower’s base. For surf beaches such as Onjuku, the JR Wakashio Limited Express from Tokyo Station provides a comfortable and relatively quick trip. Getting around the Bōsō Peninsula is best done by local trains, though they run less frequently than in Shonan, so checking timetables ahead of time is recommended. Renting a car offers more flexibility if you want to explore the more remote, rugged parts of the coastline.
The Rhythm of the Seasons
While summer is the most popular season to visit—capturing the vibrant, sun-drenched energy of the film—each season has its own distinct charm. Summer features bustling beaches, warm waters, and a lively festival atmosphere, perfectly reflecting the height of Hinako and Minato’s romance, but it can also be crowded and humid. Spring and autumn are arguably the best times for a pilgrimage. The weather is pleasant, crowds are thinner, and the clear, crisp air often affords stunning views of Mount Fuji from the Shonan coast. During these months, the sea takes on a deeper, more contemplative character fitting the film’s introspective moments. Winter is quiet and peaceful, with nearly empty beaches and cold, clear air that possesses its own beauty. Visiting in winter allows for a more solitary, personal connection with the landscape—a time for quiet reflection on the film’s themes of memory and resilience.
Beyond the Screen, A Current of Your Own
To visit the real-world locations of Ride Your Wave is to realize that the film’s magic extends beyond animation, rooted deeply in the tangible beauty and spirit of Japan’s coastline. Walking the same paths as Hinako and Minato, feeling the same sunlight on your skin, and hearing the ocean’s eternal song creates a connection that goes beyond the screen. It serves as a reminder that the landscapes of our lives shape our stories, and that even amid profound loss, immense beauty and strength can be found in the world around us. This journey is more than just ticking off locations; it is an invitation to discover your own new story, to face the future with bravery, and to learn, as Hinako did, how to stand on your own board and ride the wave meant for you. The current is waiting.
