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Shrine Pilgrimage at Bocchi the Rock! Sacred Sites

Discover the historic shrines featured in the anime Bocchi the Rock! From Biwajima Shrine in Kanazawa Hakkei to Enoshima Jinja on Enoshima Island, these sacred sites have deep roots in the Kamakura period. A pilgrimage guide for both anime fans and history enthusiasts.

Contents

MOKUJI

Where Are the Bocchi the Rock! Shrine Pilgrimage Sites?

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The History of Biwajima Shrine and Benzaiten Worship

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The History of Seto Jinja and Minamoto no Yoritomo's Foundation

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The History of Enoshima Jinja and the Three Great Benzaiten of Japan

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Summary: Pilgrimage Tips and Recommended Sites

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The shrines featured as pilgrimage sites in the anime Bocchi the Rock! are not merely anime locations — they are historic sacred places with roots stretching back to the Kamakura period, more than 800 years ago. Visiting them as part of an anime pilgrimage and then discovering their deep historical significance transforms a casual fan trip into a genuine cultural and spiritual experience. This guide covers Biwajima Shrine and Seto Jinja in Kanazawa Hakkei, and Enoshima Jinja on Enoshima Island, from the perspectives of history, deity worship, and goshuin (shrine stamps).

Biwajima Shrine, the setting of episode 6 of Bocchi the Rock!, floating in Hirakata Bay.

Photo by あきとし。 / Toku

Where Are the Bocchi the Rock! Shrine Pilgrimage Sites?

Kanazawa Hakkei as the Hometown of Hitori Gotoh

The TV anime Bocchi the Rock!, broadcast in 2022, won a large fanbase with its vivid portrayal of the live music scene in Shimokitazawa. The hometown of protagonist Hitori Gotoh is depicted as the Kanazawa Hakkei area in Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama. In episode 6, she walks along the Hirakata Bay Promenade and around Hakkei Bridge, with the scenery of Biwajima Shrine prominently featured. Episode 1’s middle school flashback and episode 7 also include scenes set around Kanazawa Hakkei, making this area especially meaningful for fans. All the pilgrimage sites are within walking distance of Kanazawa Hakkei Station on the Keikyu Line, making them easy to visit together.

Enoshima’s Torii Gate and Approach Also Appear in the Anime

The Enoshima area also appears in the anime. The vermilion torii gate and stone steps near the approach to Enoshima Jinja are used in several scenes, drawing many fans who arrive by Enoden or Odakyu railway. Enoshima has long been a sacred site for Benzaiten worship, allowing visitors to combine anime pilgrimage with genuine historical shrine-visiting in one trip.

Shrine Pilgrimage Sites at a Glance

Shrine

Main Scene

Nearest Station

Biwajima Shrine

Episode 6 (Hirakata Bay Promenade, Hakkei Bridge area)

Keikyu Kanazawa Hakkei Station, about 2 min walk

Seto Jinja

Background of Kanazawa Hakkei area scenes

Keikyu Kanazawa Hakkei Station, about 3 min walk

Enoshima Jinja

Approach and vermilion torii gate scenes

Odakyu/Enoden Enoshima Station, about 10 min walk

The vermilion torii gate of Enoshima Jinja, which appears in the anime, at the entrance to Enoshima Island.

Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA

The History of Biwajima Shrine and Benzaiten Worship

The “Standing Benzaiten” Enshrined by Hojo Masako

Biwajima Shrine is a subsidiary shrine (sessha) of Seto Jinja, built on a small islet in Hirakata Bay. Its founding tradition traces back to the Kamakura period: Hojo Masako is said to have enshrined here the Benzaiten from Chikubushima on Lake Biwa, and the deity worshipped is Ichikishima-hime no Mikoto.

What makes this shrine distinctive is its designation as the “Risshin (Rising in the World) Benzaiten.” While most Benzaiten statues are seated, the sacred image here is standing — an unusual form connected to Masako’s role as a woman who stood at the very center of power beside Minamoto no Yoritomo. The shrine is thus revered for blessings of success and advancement in life. As a symbol of the strength of a woman who helped shape the Kamakura shogunate, it continues to draw many worshippers today.

Goshuin Are Issued at Seto Jinja

Goshuin for Biwajima Shrine are issued at the shrine office of the parent shrine, Seto Jinja. Two types are available — one for Seto Jinja and one for Biwajima Shrine — each with an offering (hatsuho-ryo) of 500 yen. The shrine office is generally open from 9:00 to 17:00; it is advisable to confirm before visiting. Bring your own goshuin-cho (stamp book) and visit the issuing counter after completing your worship.

Seto Jinja, founded by Minamoto no Yoritomo, the main shrine of Biwajima Shrine and a historic landmark of Kanazawa Hakkei.

Photo by あきとし。 / Toku

The History of Seto Jinja and Minamoto no Yoritomo’s Foundation

Founded by Yoritomo in Jisho 4 (1180)

Seto Jinja is said to have been founded by Minamoto no Yoritomo in Jisho 4 (1180), when he enshrined the deity of Mishima Taisha (Izu Mishima Shrine). The year coincides with Yoritomo’s uprising, and the shrine was deeply venerated by fishermen and seafarers as the guardian of maritime traffic in Kanazawa. Its scenic beauty was so renowned that Utagawa Hiroshige depicted it in his woodblock print series Kanazawa Hakkei as “Autumn Moon at Seto.”

The Guardian Shrine of Kanazawa Hakkei, Continuing to the Present

The current shrine buildings are largely based on Edo-period construction, but traces of medieval faith remain in the carvings of the main hall and stone structures throughout the precinct. Maintaining its status as the parent shrine, Seto Jinja continues to guard the scenic landscape of Hirakata Bay together with the subsidiary Biwajima Shrine. When visiting Kanazawa Hakkei as an anime pilgrimage site, the recommended route is to worship first at Seto Jinja and then proceed from the precinct to Biwajima Shrine.

Kanazawa Hakkei "Autumn Moon at Seto" by Utagawa Hiroshige, depicting the scenic landscape where Biwajima Shrine stands as it appeared in the Edo period.

Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain / Utagawa Hiroshige

The History of Enoshima Jinja and the Three Great Benzaiten of Japan

An Ancient Shrine Founded in the 6th Century

Enoshima Jinja is said to have been founded in the 13th year of Emperor Kinmei (552), making it one of the oldest shrines in Sagami Province. Three sub-shrines — Hetsu-miya, Nakatsu-miya, and Okutsu-miya — stand in a line along the ridge of Enoshima Island, enshrining the three Munakata goddesses (Tagiri-hime no Mikoto, Tagitsu-hime no Mikoto, and Ichikishima-hime no Mikoto). The entire island of Enoshima forms the sacred precinct, allowing visitors to experience both nature and history as they walk the approach.

Counted among the Three Great Benzaiten Shrines of Japan, Enoshima Jinja is known for its blessings of music, the arts, wealth, and marriage. Many warriors and literary figures have made pilgrimages here since ancient times. Minamoto no Yoritomo is said to have enshrined Benzaiten here and prayed for victory in battle. The Enoshima Benzaiten has served as a guardian of Kamakura culture, continuing to attract worshippers to the present day.

The main hall of Enoshima Jinja, one of Japan's three great Benzaiten shrines, said to have been founded during the reign of Emperor Kinmei.

Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA

Walking the Pilgrimage Route from the Approach to Okutsu-miya

A visit to Enoshima Jinja begins at the bronze torii gate, from which you walk along the approach lined with souvenir shops. Passing through the Nakamise shopping street brings you to Hetsu-miya, and continuing deeper into the island leads to Nakatsu-miya and Okutsu-miya. The vermilion torii and stone steps that appear in the anime are located along this approach, meaning anime pilgrimage and shrine worship can be enjoyed simultaneously. Walking to Okutsu-miya and back takes about 30 minutes, so wear comfortable shoes.

Summary: Pilgrimage Tips and Recommended Sites

Tips for Visiting

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Kanazawa Hakkei Station on the Keikyu Line is the starting point. Seto Jinja and Biwajima Shrine are 2–3 minutes on foot from the station.

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Goshuin are issued at the Seto Jinja shrine office (approx. 9:00–17:00). Two types are available: Seto Jinja and Biwajima Shrine.

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Allow 1–2 hours for Enoshima Jinja, including the walk to Okutsu-miya. Weekday mornings are less crowded.

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Follow pilgrimage etiquette: be considerate of local residents, do not enter private property, keep noise down, and be mindful of photography.

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The Shimokitazawa live house district has undergone redevelopment, and some locations have changed or disappeared. The shrine sites in Kanazawa Hakkei and Enoshima remain intact and can be visited reliably.

Related Spots

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Biwajima Shrine: The main setting of episode 6. The Standing Benzaiten enshrined by Hojo Masako, on a small islet in Hirakata Bay.

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Seto Jinja: Founded by Minamoto no Yoritomo, guardian shrine of Kanazawa Hakkei, and the goshuin issuing location for both shrines.

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Enoshima Jinja: One of Japan’s three great Benzaiten shrines, with its vermilion torii and approach featured in the anime.

Last updated: June 3, 2026

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武

Author

Taketoki（たけとき）