Seiseki-Sakuragaoka

In short

Seiseki-Sakuragaoka is the name of a Keio Line station in Tama City, and the area around the station is also known by this name. The name "Seiseki" was given because Emperor Meiji visited the area for rabbit hunting and sweetfish fishing. Tama City explains that the backgrounds featured in the animated film "Whisper of the Heart" were drawn with heavy reference to the area around the station.

• ​The Film "Whisper of the Heart"​​: Outside the station's West Exit stands the "Post of Youth" monument, which reflects the world of the film.
• ​Irohazaka Street​​: One of the places reminiscent of scenes from the film; the cherry blossoms in a park along the way are also beautiful.
• ​Tama River​​: On the lawn plaza along the riverbank, visitors can spend time at their own pace while gazing at the river.

History and Highlights

​Seiseki-Sakuragaoka​ is the town extending around Seiseki-Sakuragaoka Station on the Keio Line in Tama City. This name belongs to the station and does not exist as an official place name; it is used as a popular name for the area.

Originally named Sekido Station, it opened on March 24, 1925. On May 1, 1937, it was renamed to the present Seiseki-Sakuragaoka Station. The name "Seiseki" was bestowed because Emperor Meiji visited as many as four times for rabbit hunting and sweetfish fishing. The building commemorating Emperor Meiji's imperial visits remains today as the Former Tama Seiseki Memorial Hall.

The historic place name around the station is Sekido. Sekido was a strategic transportation hub along the Kamakura Kaido Kaminomichi highway, where battles frequently took place and a barrier checkpoint (sekisho) was established. The name Sekido is also said to originate from this barrier. In 1333, Hojo Yasuie, a commander of the shogunate forces, fought against Nitta Yoshisada at Bubaigawara and Sekido, where he was defeated. Across the Tama River, there was once a Kamakura Kaido ferry crossing connecting Sekido and Nakagawara, but it was discontinued when the Sekido Bridge was constructed in 1937.

Seiseki-Sakuragaoka is also known as the model location for the animated film "Whisper of the Heart," produced by Studio Ghibli in 1995. Tama City explains that the film's background art was created with extensive reference to the area around Seiseki-Sakuragaoka Station. Keio Corporation introduces it as a town said to be the model for the movie. Prompted by events welcoming fans who visit from all over Japan, the civic organization "Seiseki Tourism Town Planning Council" was founded in 2005.

Viewing and Experience Points

• ​Post of Youth​​: At the station's West Exit, there is the "Post of Youth" monument expressing the world of "Whisper of the Heart." You can drop in a letter with your dreams or goals written on it to pray for their fulfillment.
• ​Irohazaka Street and Konpira-gu Shrine​​: Irohazaka Street is one of the spots reminiscent of scenes from the film. Konpira-gu Shrine at the top of the slope appears in the scene where classmate Sugimura confesses his feelings to the protagonist, Tsukishima Shizuku.
• ​Train Approach Melody​​: The station's train arrival chime is the film's theme song, "Country Roads." Different melodies play on the inbound and outbound platforms.

Strolling Tips

A good starting point for a walk is the Post of Youth at the station's West Exit. Next to it stands a walking map notice board, and you can collect stamps on the flyer version of the walking map. It is an 11-minute walk from the station to Irohazaka Sakura Park, where cherry blossoms are beautiful, located along Irohazaka Street. At "Seiseki Kawamachi," a lawn plaza on the Tama River riverbank, you can relax while viewing the river. The Former Tama Seiseki Memorial Hall is located approximately 1.9 kilometers to the southeast and can be reached by bus from the station.