About
Lucky Star (らき☆すた) is a slice-of-life comedy anime by Kyoto Animation based on Kagami Yoshimizu's manga. Following the daily lives of Konata Izumi and her friends, it became a pioneer in anime pilgrimage culture. Washinomiya Shrine (Kuki City, Saitama), featured prominently in the opening and series, is one of the most visited anime shrines, famously hosting Lucky Star-themed mikoshi festivals. Fans flock here to see the real-world inspiration for the Hiiragi sisters' home.
Full Pilgrimage Guide
Curated videos and routes — click a card to watch and plan your trip.
Washinomiya Shrine & Kuki City Vlog
Spotlight Location Guide
Washinomiya Shrine (鷲宮神社)
Model for Takanomiya Shrine. Iconic torii in the OP, shrine grounds with thousands of Lucky Star ema and themed items.
Best Time to Visit
Weekdays for quiet visits; New Year/July festival for crowds.
Access
Address: Washimiya, Kuki, Saitama
10-minute walk from Washinomiya Station (Tobu Isesaki Line).
Photography Tips
- • Recreate the OP torii shot from the approach path.
- • Check out the massive collection of fan-made ema.
- • Visit the nearby tea house for Lucky Star goods.
Miyamae Bridge (宮前橋)
Small bridge near the shrine appearing in the OP and series transitions.
Best Time to Visit
Daytime.
Access
Address: Near Washinomiya Shrine
Short walk from the shrine entrance.
Photography Tips
- • Capture the bridge railing perspective.
- • Good spot for character figure photos.
- • Watch for traffic on the road.
Kasukabe Station (春日部駅)
The main station used by the characters for commuting and meeting up.
Best Time to Visit
Off-peak hours.
Access
Address: Kasukabe, Saitama
Tobu Skytree Line / Urban Park Line.
Photography Tips
- • Station signage shots.
- • Capture the busy commuter vibe.
- • Be mindful of rush hour crowds.
Suggested Itineraries
Saitama Otaku Pilgrimage (Easy)
EasyTrain from Akihabara to Washinomiya → Shrine visit & Ema viewing → Kasukabe stopover.
Transportation
Tobu Isesaki Line
Estimated Cost
Low
Locations
- • Washinomiya Shrine
- • Kasukabe Station
Tips & Etiquette
Shrine Rules
Do not photograph the main hall interior. Respect worshippers.
Festivals
The Hajisai festival in September often features the Lucky Star mikoshi.
Local Goods
Support local shops near the shrine selling anime goods and snacks.
Access
Direct trains from Asakusa/Kita-Senju available via Tobu line.