There are stories that feel like a secret whispered under a vast, star-dusted sky. They capture that fleeting, heart-achingly beautiful moment between childhood and whatever comes next, a time when the world feels both impossibly large and intimately small. Makoto Ojiro’s manga and the breathtakingly faithful anime adaptation, Insomniacs After School, is one such story. It’s a tale of two high school students, Ganta Nakami and Isaki Magari, who find solace from their shared insomnia in the quiet companionship of one another, their secret world unfolding within an abandoned school observatory. But this world, this secret place, isn’t just a fantasy. It’s real. It’s the city of Nanao, a gentle port town nestled along the coast of the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture. And to walk its streets is to feel the story’s quiet rhythm beat in time with your own heart.
This isn’t just about seeing a place from a cartoon. A pilgrimage to Nanao is about stepping into the very air that Ganta and Isaki breathe. It’s about feeling the same cool sea breeze that rustles through their hair on a late-night walk, standing under the same sky that they aim their cameras toward, and discovering that the magic of their connection is deeply woven into the fabric of this peaceful, unassuming town. It’s a journey for the quiet observers, the dreamers, the insomniacs, and anyone who has ever found a universe in the company of a single kindred spirit. It’s a chance to see that the serene, almost dreamlike, landscapes of the anime are not just backgrounds; they are a character in their own right, shaping the story’s soul. Here, the boundary between fiction and reality blurs, leaving you with the profound feeling of having been part of their world, even for a little while. This guide is your map, not just to the locations, but to the feelings they evoke, a chance to trace the constellations of Ganta and Isaki’s journey through the heart of Nanao.
This journey to Nanao is a form of literary pilgrimage, where the landscapes of a story become a tangible, emotional map to walk.
The Sanctuary in the Sky: Kuyo High School’s Observatory
At the heart of Insomniacs After School is a single, sacred place: the abandoned astronomical observatory. It serves as their fortress of solitude, their secret garden, and the space where two lonely souls meet to create a universe uniquely their own. While Kuyo High School in the story is inspired by the real Nanao High School, their rooftop refuge draws deeper inspiration from a historically rich real-world site: the Mawaki Ruins Historical Park, and particularly, the observatory that once stood there.
Where Stars and History Converge: Mawaki Ruins Jomon Park
Picture a gentle hill overlooking the tranquil waters of Toyama Bay. This is the setting for the Mawaki Ruins, a place where life has flourished for thousands of years, reaching back to the Jomon period. This park is no ordinary space; it is an archaeologically significant site, offering a glimpse into Japan’s prehistoric history. The atmosphere here feels distinct, imbued with the quiet gravity of the past. It is on this meaningful ground that the inspiration for Ganta and Isaki’s sanctuary is rooted. The observatory in the anime pays homage to the Ushitsu Astronomical Observatory, which was once part of the Ushitsu Jomon Exchange Center located on the site. Though the building has since been moved, its spirit—and the tradition of stargazing in this ancient place—remains strongly felt.
Upon visiting the park, it’s easy to see why this location was chosen. There is a deep sense of tranquility here. As you climb the gentle slope, with the city and bay stretching out below, you experience a separation from the everyday noise of life. It offers the perfect environment for introspection and quiet connection. In the story, the observatory is a forgotten relic, a place beyond the strict routines of school life. The Mawaki Ruins resonate with this feeling. It is a timeless place where the distant past and present coexist. You can almost hear the soft creak of the door as Ganta opens it for the first time, dust particles dancing in the afternoon light, and feel the wonder of discovery. This is where the origin of their entire story takes shape. Find a bench, gaze out over the water, and simply breathe. The air is thick with potential—the same hope that Ganta and Isaki sensed when they realized they had found their true place in the world.
For those interested in astrophotography, this location remains deeply appealing. Far from the brightest lights of central Nanao, the sky here unveils a clearer canvas for the stars. Even without the anime’s specific observatory building, the park is an excellent spot to set up a tripod on clear nights, just like the characters do. It is a place where you can connect not only with the anime but also with the ancient human tradition of stargazing, a practice alive on this hill for millennia. Reaching the park requires a short journey from central Nanao, typically by local bus or car, enhancing its feel as a special, secluded destination—a true pilgrimage site off the beaten path.
The Halls of Youth: Nanao High School
The school itself, with its familiar hallways, classrooms, and grounds, is based on the real Nanao High School. It is here that the more public, everyday aspects of Ganta and Isaki’s lives unfold. Seeing the school building in person is a surreal experience. The architecture, wall colors, and window shapes are instantly recognizable. You can easily imagine Isaki teasing Ganta awake in the nurse’s office, or the two of them navigating the social complexities of their class while guarding their shared secret.
However, it is important to remember that this is a functioning educational institution. Students and staff live out their daily routines here, and their privacy and safety must be respected at all times. Visitors should never enter the school grounds without permission. The charm of this pilgrimage spot lies in quiet, respectful observation from outside. You can stand across the street and see the gate they pass through each morning. You can admire the facade and imagine the lively sounds of a school festival or the calm hum of an afternoon class. This teaches a core principle of sacred spot pilgrimages: appreciating a location’s reality without disrupting it. The experience is about sensing the atmosphere from afar and understanding that this real place grounds the fictional world you cherish. The best time to visit is on a weekend or after school hours when the area is quieter, allowing a reflective experience without disturbing the school’s routine.
Nanao’s Embrace: Tracing Their Footsteps Through the City
While the observatory serves as their private sanctuary, the city of Nanao acts as their public stage, the setting for their tentative steps toward each other and the outside world. The town is more than just a collection of places; it is a character itself, its gentle rhythm and seaside charm shaping every moment of the story. To fully grasp their journey, one must walk the very same paths.
The Starting Point: Nanao Station
Like many journeys across Japan, this one begins at the train station. Nanao Station is the gateway into Ganta and Isaki’s world. Its depiction in the anime is a faithful reproduction of the real station. As soon as you step off the train, you’re immediately immersed in their reality. The station clock, the covered walkway, the bus terminal outside—everything is just as portrayed. This is where they meet, wait for trains, and begin their adventures, whether planned or spontaneous. The station itself is modest, serving as a community hub rather than a vast, impersonal terminal. This sets the tone for Nanao instantly: a place that feels human-scaled, a town you can come to know intimately.
Pause for a moment outside the station and take in the view. This is the first frame of your own Nanao story. Before you stretches the main street, mountains loom in the distance, and you can sense the distinct atmosphere of a coastal town. Functional as it is, for fans of the series, the place hums with anticipation. Every turn from here could reveal a familiar scene. Helpful practical information is easily accessible here, with a tourist information center often offering maps and tips invaluable for starting your pilgrimage. It’s the perfect spot to orient yourself before setting off on foot or by bicycle, exploring the town at the same unhurried pace as the characters.
A Taste of Nostalgia: Meiji-ya Candy Store
Some locations in the anime seem lifted from a half-remembered childhood dream, and the Meiji-ya Candy Store exemplifies this perfectly. This quaint, old-fashioned candy shop, known as “Omiyage no Miyata” in the show, is an actual place called Meiji-ya Shokuhin. Stepping inside is like stepping back in time. The shelves are stocked with nostalgic sweets, snacks, and drinks—a place that has been a community staple for generations. It’s easy to imagine the characters stopping by here for a cheap snack after school, with the store’s warm, inviting atmosphere offering a comforting refuge amid their complex teenage lives.
In the story, this shop symbolizes a point of casual connection, a place of simple, everyday happiness. Visiting allows you to share in that simple joy. The store owners are well aware of the anime’s popularity and often warmly welcome fans. Buying a small treat here is more than a transaction; it’s a way to engage with the town’s life and support a local business that has become an iconic stop on the anime pilgrimage trail. Inside, the feeling is one of genuine warmth: small, a bit cluttered, and deeply authentic. It reminds us that some of the most memorable moments occur in the most unassuming places. It perfectly captures the series’ spirit—finding beauty and connection in the overlooked corners of the world.
Whispers of History: Nanao Castle Park
High on a hill overlooking the city and bay lie the ruins of Nanao Castle. Today a sprawling and beautiful park, it was once the site of one of Japan’s largest mountain castles. This historical significance gives the park a unique atmosphere—one of serene grandeur. For Ganta and Isaki, it is a place of quiet conversations and moments of openness beneath ancient trees. The panoramic views from the park are breathtaking, offering a perspective of the town that helps illuminate its geography and relationship with the sea.
The park features in a key scene where the two share a vulnerable moment, the historical ruins silently bearing witness to the flow of time and the endurance of human connection. As you walk the stone paths, explore clearings, and find viewpoints, you can easily locate the spots that inspired the anime’s creators. The park invites slow wandering: the air is fresh, city sounds muffle in the distance, and peace reigns. Here, you can sense the more reflective side of their relationship, the unspoken understanding that passes quietly between them. Visiting in spring during cherry blossom season is especially enchanting as the park transforms into a sea of pink and white, though it remains beautiful in the lush green of summer and the crisp clarity of autumn.
The Rhythm of the Tides: The Seaside Path
Nanao is a town shaped by its connection to the sea, and many of Ganta and Isaki’s most memorable strolls unfold along the waterfront. The path tracing the coast of Nanao Bay is not a single location but a recurring motif throughout the series. It embodies their journey, the route they walk together both literally and metaphorically. Walking this path yourself is one of the most immersive experiences for any fan. You’ll spot the distinct red bridge of Nanao Marine Park, a landmark that often appears in the background, silently witnessing their growing bond.
Feel the spray of salt on your face, listen to the seagulls’ calls and the gentle lapping of waves against the seawall—this is the soundtrack of their story. The path offers beautiful views of Noto Island, connected to the mainland by the iconic Notojima Bridge. Along the way, you’ll pass fishing boats, local parks, and quiet residential neighborhoods. It’s here the town’s pace shines through: slow, marked by the rhythms of the tides, far removed from the frantic energy of a big city. This walk is ideal for the late afternoon, as the sun begins to lower, casting a warm golden light over the water—the much-loved “magic hour” cherished by photographers and dreamers alike. In these peaceful, in-between moments, the emotional core of the story feels most tangible.
Capturing Fleeting Moments: The Art of Astrophotography
Insomniacs After School focuses as much on photography as it does on insomnia or astronomy. It highlights Ganta’s passion for capturing the fleeting beauty of the world, especially the night sky, alongside Isaki’s lively presence in front of the camera. Their mission to revive the astronomy club leads them to several breathtaking locations in and around Nanao, providing dramatic settings for their photographic pursuits.
The Lighthouse on the Cape: Mihogasaki
One of the most striking and visually impactful photo shoots in the series occurs at Mihogasaki, a small cape extending into the bay. The journey to Mihogasaki Lighthouse is an adventure itself, winding along coastal roads to a spot that feels like the very edge of the world. The lighthouse is quaint and charming, but the real highlight is the surrounding scenery. Jagged rocks meet the deep blue sea, and the coastline view is stunning. It’s a place of raw, untamed nature, offering a sharp contrast to the cozy observatory.
Standing there, you can sense the power of the sea and wind. It’s easy to picture Isaki, her hair whipped by the breeze, posing on the rocks while Ganta searches for the perfect shot. This location embodies their willingness to step beyond their comfort zones and explore the unknown together. It reflects their growing confidence. For visitors, it’s an ideal spot for photography—not just of the stars but also of dramatic daytime landscapes. The path to the cape’s tip is a bit rugged, so sturdy footwear is advisable. The effort is well rewarded with incredible beauty and a profound connection to the natural world that inspires the characters throughout the series.
The Bridge to Another World: Notojima Bridge
The graceful, sweeping arc of the Notojima Bridge is a prominent landmark in the Nanao area. Connecting the mainland to Noto Island, it frequently appears in the background of many scenes as a symbol of connection and transition. The bridge is beautiful when viewed from afar, especially from Nanao’s coastal paths, but crossing it is also a remarkable experience. Whether by car, bus, or for the truly adventurous, by bicycle, the journey offers elevated panoramic views of the entire bay.
At night, the bridge takes on a different persona. Its lights shimmer on the dark water, creating a scene of peaceful beauty. For Ganta and Isaki, the bridge is part of the broader landscape they are learning to capture through their camera. It symbolizes the wider world beyond their small town—a world they are gradually growing brave enough to explore. Watching the bridge from a distance at night, perhaps from a spot along the Nanao waterfront, offers a deeply meditative moment. One can find a quiet place, gaze at the lights arching over the water, and share the same sense of wonder and possibility that fuels the characters’ nocturnal adventures. It serves as a reminder that even man-made structures can become part of a landscape’s natural magic when seen through the right lens.
Living the Story: A Deeper Dive into Nanao Life
A true pilgrimage involves more than just visiting filming locations; it’s about immersing yourself in the culture and atmosphere of the place where the story originated. To genuinely connect with Insomniacs After School, take the time to experience Nanao as a local would, discovering the simple pleasures that ground Ganta and Isaki’s extraordinary bond.
The Flavors of the Coast: Nanao’s Culinary Scene
While the anime highlights the characters’ emotional journeys, the reality of life in a port town like Nanao is the abundant bounty of the sea. Exploring the local cuisine provides a sensory way to connect with the region. Nanao is renowned for its fresh seafood. Visiting the Noto Food Market, bustling with local vendors, offers a direct taste of the area’s offerings, from fresh fish to local crafts. Enjoying sushi or sashimi prepared with fish caught that very morning in Nanao Bay is an essential experience, linking you to the local economy and the natural environment so integral to the town’s identity.
Beyond seafood, seek out small, family-run restaurants and cafes tucked away in side streets off the main thoroughfare. These are the places to experience authentic local hospitality. Imagine the kind of spots Ganta and Isaki might choose for a comforting meal—not flashy chains but quiet venues with simple, delicious menus. Sampling local specialties allows you to savor the terroir of the story and understand the place through one of the most fundamental human experiences: sharing food. It adds another layer of sensory memory to your journey.
The Peninsula’s Embrace: Exploring Greater Noto
Nanao serves as the gateway to the Noto Peninsula, a region celebrated for its stunning rugged coastline, terraced rice fields, and traditional arts and crafts. The spirit of exploration that blossoms in Ganta and Isaki reflects the landscape they call home. To fully appreciate Nanao’s surroundings, consider spending a day exploring the wider peninsula. Renting a car is the best option, giving you the freedom to stop at will and discover hidden coves, tiny fishing villages, and breathtaking scenic viewpoints.
Exploring the Noto Peninsula offers a chance to experience the sense of escape and discovery central to the anime. The farther you venture from the town, the more the landscape unfolds into wilder, more dramatic scenery. This is the world Ganta seeks to capture through his camera—a place of immense natural beauty that has inspired artists for centuries. Visiting the Shiroyone Senmaida rice terraces, cascading down to the sea, or the striking rock formations of the Sosogi Coast will deepen your appreciation for the environment that shaped Makoto Ojiro’s story. It connects specific pilgrimage sites to the larger cultural and natural fabric of the region.
A Calendar of Feelings: Visiting Nanao Through the Seasons
The atmosphere of Nanao, and indeed the entire story, transforms with the changing seasons. Your experience of the pilgrimage will be uniquely influenced by the time of year you choose to visit.
Spring signals awakening. Cherry blossoms in Nanao Castle Park and along the waterfront create a dreamlike, romantic setting, perfectly echoing the blossoming feelings between Ganta and Isaki. The air is fresh and full of promise, making it an ideal season for long walks.
Summer brings vibrant, electric energy. Days are long and hot, while the nights are magical—the prime time for stargazing, with the warm, clear August nights providing spectacular views of the Milky Way. The cicadas’ song offers a nostalgic soundtrack, and the town buzzes with local festivals. This season best captures the core of the anime: long, sleepless summer nights filled with adventure.
Autumn bathes the town in warm, melancholic light. Leaves in the castle park turn vivid shades of red and gold, and the crisp air is perfect for hiking and photography. The season carries a sense of cozy introspection, ideal for quiet moments and deep conversations, reflecting the anime’s more serious emotional tones.
Winter in Nanao is quiet and serene. A blanket of snow transforms the landscape, muffling sound and creating a monochrome world of beauty. The town is less crowded, offering a more solitary and contemplative pilgrimage experience. Stargazing on a cold, clear winter night is breathtaking, with stars shining brilliantly in the frigid air. This season invites appreciation of the stark landscape and the comfort of a cozy cafe.
A Practical Constellation: Planning Your Trip
Embarking on a pilgrimage calls for some planning to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Nanao is accessible but isn’t located on Japan’s main tourist routes, which adds to its unique charm. Here’s how to find your way into the world of Insomniacs After School.
The Journey to Nanao
For most international visitors, the trip will start in a major city such as Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto. The most efficient route to the region is via the Hokuriku Shinkansen, Japan’s renowned bullet train, with Kanazawa as your destination. Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, is a beautiful historic city worth exploring if time permits.
From Kanazawa Station, you’ll transfer to a local train. Take the IR Ishikawa Railway Line to Tsubata Station, then switch to the JR Nanao Line, which goes directly to Nanao Station. The trip from Kanazawa takes about an hour and a half, offering a scenic journey that gradually shifts from urban areas to rolling hills, and finally to the coastal plains of the Noto Peninsula. The train ride itself serves as an introduction to the world you’re about to enter.
Getting Around the Star-Crossed City
Nanao is very walkable, especially around the central area near the station, the waterfront, and the candy store. For many key spots, walking is the best mode of transport, allowing you to take in the atmosphere slowly and discover details you might otherwise miss.
To follow in the footsteps of Ganta and Isaki, and to reach slightly more distant places like Nanao Castle Park or the base of the Notojima Bridge, renting a bicycle is an excellent choice. Rental shops are often available near the station. Cycling offers a sense of freedom and lets you cover more ground while staying connected to the surroundings. It’s an ideal way to explore the seaside paths.
For more remote sites such as the Mawaki Ruins or Mihogasaki, you’ll need to rely on local buses or consider renting a car. The bus system is dependable but may run infrequently, so it’s wise to check schedules in advance at the station’s information center. Renting a car provides the most flexibility, especially if you plan to explore the wider Noto Peninsula; however, be prepared for narrow rural roads.
Where to Rest Your Head
Nanao provides various accommodation options. Near the station, you’ll find several practical and affordable business hotels, serving as a convenient base for city exploration. For a more traditional and luxurious stay, consider nearby Wakura Onsen, one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts. Just a short train or bus ride from Nanao, it offers beautiful ryokans (traditional inns) with stunning bay views and soothing onsen baths—a perfect way to relax after a day of walking.
A Note on Pilgrimage Etiquette
When visiting Nanao, remember you are a guest in a community graciously placed in the anime spotlight. It is important to be a respectful visitor. Keep in mind that Nanao High School is an active learning environment; admire it from a distance. Residential streets are people’s homes—keep your voice down, especially at night. When taking photographs, always be mindful not to include local residents without their permission. Support local businesses like Meiji-ya Shokuhin and local restaurants. By being a courteous and considerate traveler, you honor both the story you cherish and the real-world community that makes it special. Your positive conduct helps ensure fans will continue to be welcomed in the future.
A Connection That Lingers
A journey to Nanao is more than just a list of places to visit. It’s an emotional and atmospheric experience. It’s about standing on a peaceful hill and understanding why two lonely teenagers would feel safe there. It’s about walking along the sea and sensing the endless possibilities held within the horizon. You arrive in Nanao searching for Ganta and Isaki’s world, but you leave having discovered a piece of your own story reflected in its gentle streets and star-filled skies.
The magic of Insomniacs After School lies in its authenticity—the true feeling of a real place, a real time in life, and a genuine connection. That authenticity awaits you here, in the salty air, in the quiet hum of the town, and beneath the vast, silent canopy of the night sky. It serves as a reminder that the most profound adventures are often the quietest, and the most meaningful discoveries are the people who see the universe as you do. Nanao will stay with you long after you board the train home, a soft whisper urging you to look up at the stars, wherever you may be.
