© 2012 ガールズ&パンツァー / アクタス
Girls und Panzer
ガールズ&パンツァー
A high school girl anime featuring 'Sensha-do' (the art of the tank). Set in Oarai, Ibaraki, famous for successful anime tourism collaboration.
Synopsis
In a world where "Sensha-do" (the way of the tank) is a feminine art alongside tea and flower ceremonies, Miho Nishizumi—who fled from her family's elite sensha-do legacy—transfers to Oarai Girls' Academy, where she is asked to revive the school's near-extinct tank squad. With Yukari Akiyama, Saori Takebe, Hana Isuzu and Mako Reizei, she takes on rival schools in armored tournaments en route to nationals. A 2012 original TV anime directed by Tsutomu Mizushima; theatrical films and the Das Finale series have kept its multi-generational fan base going strong.
Why visit the real-life locations
The town of Oarai in Ibaraki is the wholesale model. Oarai Marine Tower, Oarai Isosaki Shrine, the shopping street, and Oarai Station—about 99% of the show's locations exist for real, and the entire town moves in step with GuP. Almost every shop displays life-size character panels and offers themed menus or souvenirs. Each November's Oarai Anglerfish Festival even includes a GuP stage; it's a textbook case of anime tourism revitalizing a local economy.
Enjoy this title on Amazon
Manga, anime and streaming on Amazon
*As an Amazon Associate, this site may earn from qualifying purchases made through these links.
Pilgrimage guides for this work
Pilgrimage Spots（12 spots）
Oarai Isomae Shrine
📍 Higashiibaraki, Ibaraki
This shrine is famous for its torii gate facing the sea. Numerous votive tablets featuring characters from Girls und Panzer have been dedicated here, making it a symbolic spot for fans on pilgrimage. Many fans visit during the New Year's holiday.
Oarai Seaside Park
📍 Higashiibaraki, Ibaraki
A park along the Oarai coast with Girls und Panzer character panels set up.
Oarai Marine Tower
📍 Higashiibaraki, Ibaraki
The symbolic tower of Oarai. It appears in the anime in a scene where the girls watch a tankery match. From the observation deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the town of Oarai and the Pacific Ocean.
Oarai Isomae Shrine
📍 Higashiibaraki, Ibaraki
This shrine is famous for its torii gate facing the sea. Numerous votive tablets featuring characters from Girls und Panzer have been dedicated here, making it a symbolic spot for fans on pilgrimage. Many fans visit during the New Year's holiday.
Oarai Seaside Station
📍 Higashiibaraki, Ibaraki
A shopping mall that appears in the story. It has a store that sells Girls und Panzer merchandise and has life-sized character panels on display.
Sakana-ya Honten
📍 Higashiibaraki, Ibaraki
This long-established inn appears in the series. It actually offers accommodation plans for Girls und Panzer fans and is a popular base for pilgrimages to the anime's locations.
Usuya Meat Shop
📍 Higashiibaraki, Ibaraki
A butcher shop located in the shopping district. Character panels are displayed in front of the store, and croquettes are a specialty. It is a central presence in the Girls und Panzer shopping district.
Oarai Station
📍 Higashiibaraki, Ibaraki
This is a station on the Kashima Rinkai Railway. The station is decorated with Girls und Panzer-themed wrapping and exhibits, allowing you to experience the world of Girls und Panzer from the moment you arrive.
Aqua World Ibaraki Oarai Aquarium
📍 Higashiibaraki, Ibaraki
This is the most famous aquarium in Oarai. It is featured in the anime and regularly holds collaboration events with Girls und Panzer. It boasts the largest number of sharks in Japan.
Oarai Town Cultural Center
📍 Higashiibaraki, Ibaraki
It appears in the story as a school facility. It is a cultural facility where Girls und Panzer exhibitions and events are sometimes held.
Magarimatsu Shopping Street
📍 Higashiibaraki, Ibaraki
This is the central shopping district of Oarai. Panels of Girls und Panzer characters are displayed in each store, and it also serves as the setting for a stamp rally.
Oarai Sun Beach
📍 Higashiibaraki, Ibaraki
This beach is the setting for the beach swimming scenes in the anime. In the summer, it's bustling with beachgoers and is a popular spot for Girls und Panzer fans.