Screen Pilgrimage Real places behind anime and film, across Japan

Film · 1999

Poppoya — filming locations

6 places you can visit, in Hokkaido, Shizuoka. Every entry gives the nearest station, how long the walk is, and what to mind when you get there.

Open on the map

Many of these are shrines, schools and people’s streets. Read the conduct note before you go.

Locations · 6

Ikutora Station (Horomai)

Hokkaido Start here Gone

Dressed as Horomai Station for the film and kept that way ever since. The line closed in 2024; the station and its film set remain.

Getting there
Higashi-Shikagoe Stn + 20 min by bus · 3 min walk
Before you go
  • Remote — a car or long bus ride is needed
  • Keep your voice down
  • No longer exists — nothing remains at the site
  • Few buses — check your return time before you go
Sources
鉄道員 (小説)

Takikawa Station

Hokkaido

The junction the film's branch line runs off, and where its trains are set out from.

Getting there
Takikawa Stn · 1 min walk
Before you go
  • Never step onto the tracks
  • Do not block the path or road
  • Check the last cablecar or bus before dark
Sources
鉄道員 (小説)

Mikasa Railway Memorial Museum

Hokkaido

The coal-line museum on the closed Horonai railway, where the rolling stock of the film's era is kept.

Getting there
Iwamizawa Stn + 30 min by bus · 3 min walk
Before you go
  • Admission fee required
  • Remote — a car or long bus ride is needed
  • Closed on Mondays
Sources
鉄道員 (小説)

Ieyama Station

Shizuoka

An Oigawa Railway station used for the film's steam-era scenes.

Getting there
Ieyama Stn · At the station
Before you go
  • Never step onto the tracks
  • Keep your voice down
  • Check the last cablecar or bus before dark
Sources
鉄道員 (小説)

Kobayashi Sake Brewery

Hokkaido

The brick brewery in Kuriyama used for the film's town scenes, still brewing.

Getting there
Kuriyama Stn · 8 min walk
Before you go
  • Admission fee required
  • Follow staff instructions
  • Keep quiet indoors
Sources
鉄道員 (小説)

Yubari Coal Mine Museum

Hokkaido

The museum of the coalfield whose closure emptied the railway towns the film is about.

Getting there
Bus from Shin-Yubari Stn · 10 min walk
Before you go
  • Admission fee required
  • Remote — a car or long bus ride is needed
  • Closed on Mondays
Sources
鉄道員 (小説)

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