Ten Years On, Numazu Is Still Aqours' Town

What you're looking at

Love Live! Sunshine!! (2016) makes Numazu, and in particular the seaside district of Uchiura, home to the school idol group Aqours. The Takami family's inn is modeled on Yasuda-ya Ryokan in Uchiura, and Uranohoshi Girls' High School on Nagaisaki Junior High. Awashima, the island just offshore, is where Kanan's family runs a dive shop in the show, and the Awashima Hotel is the model for the Ohara family's hotel.

The city went all in. The Aqours members are official "Sanzan Numazu Ambassadors," and by the city's own count, pilgrim visitors jumped from 6,500 to 84,140 after the broadcast and still top 20,000 a year.

Getting there

From the south exit of Numazu Station, Tokai buses take about 40 minutes to Izu-Mito Sea Paradise, or about 30 minutes to the Awashima Marine Park stop.

Before you go

• Yasuda-ya is a working inn, and its buildings are registered cultural properties. Look from the street, or book a night.
• The Uranohoshi model is a municipal school site, not a tourist facility. Stay outside.
• Awashima is boat-only, and boats can stop in bad weather. The Awashima Hotel grounds are for staying guests.
• Parking has been the flashpoint. Before Awashima Marine Park's 2024 closure, its car park was full by about 3:30 a.m. and illegal parking drew complaints. Take the bus.

Also nearby

• Awashima Marine Park, the island aquarium, closed in February 2024 and reopened under new management in July 2024.
• Izu-Mito Sea Paradise has decorated for the series, and its mascot Uchicchi turns up at Love Live events.
• The Aqours manhole covers. All nine are on display at three sites, rotating about every four months.