Since Takao Shokudo, mentioned in the first episode of Food for the Soul, closed on April 18, 2025, and was only open for interior viewing on the 19th and 20th, I had to prioritize this pilgrimage.

On April 20, 2025, under an overcast sky, I set out on an anime pilgrimage to the locations featured in the first episode of Food for the Soul—Takao and Nishi-Hachioji.

How It Started

Here's how it happened: on April 13, I made myself a plate of curry rice. Then I opened d Anime Store to watch Food for the Soul.

When I saw the female lead eating sauce pork cutlet rice, my curry suddenly seemed bland, so I asked an expert about the restaurant's location.

Just as I was thinking about when to go, I suddenly saw news that the restaurant would close on April 18, 2025. Since it was already Sunday and I couldn't spare any time during the workweek, and with the anime's huge popularity, even taking leave might not guarantee a spot in line... I ultimately had to give up. But then the official Twitter account posted that on the 19th and 20th, although the restaurant wouldn't be serving food, it would be open for two days for fans to visit and take photos! So I hastily arranged this pilgrimage for Sunday.

Takao Shokudo

Takao Shokudo is a three-minute walk from Takao Station, a famous local eatery known for generous portions at affordable prices.

(Image fromofficial Twitter)

The restaurant's most famous dish is the sauce pork cutlet rice featured in the anime, but unfortunately, it was discontinued on April 14 due to ingredient supply issues.

Outside the Restaurant

Compared to the anime, the real restaurant lacks the display window.

Some notices and posters for the series were posted on the door.

They even translated them into English for overseas fans.

Inside the Restaurant

First, a panoramic photo of the main dining area.

Since it was the last day, a steady stream of fans came to visit.

As shown in the anime, the restaurant is filled with railway-related decorations—you can tell the owner is a big railway enthusiast.

At the back of the dining area are signed posters from the voice actors.

In the first episode, the female lead sits at the far-right seat.

The menu price list was particularly interesting.

According to the owner, this was an old menu price list written by their daughter, and to their surprise, the anime production team copied it directly into the anime 😊.

A guestbook was placed on the table, which even included messages from the voice actors.

Some other details inside the restaurant.

A panoramic photo of the hallway.

A panoramic view of the kitchen.

I stayed for about half an hour, listening to the owner share many stories from the past. Although I never learned the exact reason for the closure, I could clearly sense her deep reluctance to let go of the restaurant.

In Front of Keio Takao Building

After finishing the pilgrimage to Takao Shokudo, I decided to visit all the other locations from the first episode while I was at it!

First up is the scene you see right after getting off the train—in front of Keio Takao Building.

Old Koshu Kaido

In reality, this wooden wall is black.

Ryunan Park and Kodo Bridge

A bridge with absolutely stunning scenery!

Minamiasakawa Bridge

The scenery from this bridge is equally beautiful!

Kawabata

The sauce pork cutlet restaurant the female lead passed by but didn't enter.

Kawabata, located in Nishi-Hachioji.

Since I was already here, I ordered a sauce pork cutlet set meal, making up for missing out on Takao Shokudo.

The crispy sauce pork cutlet paired with rice was absolutely delicious!

Conclusion

That wraps up this anime pilgrimage.

Since the anime just started airing, there should be more pilgrimage spots to explore—stay tuned!