On March 21, 2026, today I visited Shakunage School (formerly Kaigake Elementary School) in Hino Town, Gamō District, Shiga Prefecture, Japan. This school is the real-life inspiration for the school in the anime "Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions!"

How to Get to Shakunage School

Compared to other abandoned schools, Shakunage School is the farthest from the train station.

Check School Opening Hours

First, we need to confirm when we can enter the school.

On the website https://gj-gj.com/users/user_7a4629d0c950d3aa you can check the school's monthly opening hours.

Generally, it is open on weekends and holidays, but for safety, it's best to check the website first.

Choose Your Mode of Transportation

The best way is by car, but it's also the most difficult for most people.

Bicycle

There is a bicycle rental shop opposite Hino Station.

By bicycle, it takes about 40 minutes one way.

Bus

The only bus route from Hino Station to the school is the Hino Town Community Bus Kamigake Line.

This bus line is special; it only runs on weekdays and Saturdays. And on Saturdays, the number of trips is very limited.

Since the school is only open for visits on holidays and weekends, that leaves only Saturday as an option.

If you choose the bus, be sure to check the timetable on the https://www.town.shiga-hino.lg.jp/0000004860.html website.

Taxi

A taxi is also an option; from Hino Station, the one-way fare is about 3000 yen or less.

However, there are very few taxis in Hino, so the chance of hailing one is extremely low.

Walking

If you're determined, walking is also possible; it takes about 1.5 hours one way. Enjoying the scenery along the way is also a good choice.

My Choice

Since the earliest bus is at noon, I ultimately chose to reserve a taxi the day before from my hotel near Hino Station, and take the 1:00 PM bus back. It's a trade-off between money and time!

I am very grateful to the hotel front desk for helping me book a taxi. I really didn't expect it to be so difficult to get a taxi in Hino.

Now, let the pilgrimage begin!

Near Hino Station

Although the anime ended many years ago, traces of the work still remain near the station. Most of them show the marks of time.

Yamabiko Playground

Across from the school is the park that appeared in the anime.

Shakunage School (Former Kaigake Elementary School)

Shakunage School (formerly Kaigake Elementary School) is the old school building of Kaigake Elementary School located in Kamigake, Hino Town, Gamō District, Shiga Prefecture, Japan. Originally built in the early Showa period (around 1930), it served as a local elementary school until 2001 (Heisei 13). After that, this wooden old school building was leased from Hino Town by an NPO group for preservation and use, named "Shakunage School" (Azalea School). It is open to the public on weekends and holidays. Its Showa-era nostalgic architectural style is often used for film and television shooting, and because it served as the model for an anime setting, it has become a pilgrimage site for fans.

Next up is the school for this pilgrimage!

Outside the School

The outside of the school is full of elements from the anime.

While wandering around, I suddenly encountered a scene of recruiting club members!

Even when I went back the second time, it had moved! A bit mysterious, as expected of the Far East Magical Napping Society of Summer.

The pillow is also a perfect touch!

A wide shot.

Playground

Anime-Related Scenes Inside the School

The school is actually quite large. Here I will categorize the scenes based on whether they are related to the anime.

First, the anime-related scenes inside the school.

Entrance

At the entrance, there is a donation box for support funds. After all, basic maintenance still requires money.

The support fund is voluntary; you can contribute 300 yen or more as you wish.

Principal's Office

First, I visited the principal's office near the entrance.

The entrance to the principal's office.

As expected, besides displaying the school's past honors, the principal's office also displays anime-related merchandise.

But why is there "Encouragement of Climb"?

Far East Magical Napping Society of Summer

Next, I went up to the 2nd floor and headed straight to the clubroom of the Far East Magical Napping Society of Summer.

The poster at the door. Why is it mirrored?

A panoramic view of the hallway.

Enthusiasts even made a magic circle with LED lights. So full of love!

Panoramic views from various angles.

Some detail photos.

There are also design drawings posted at the door.

I can't help but marvel at how high the fidelity is!

Staff Room

Unfortunately, the staff room is off-limits, so I could only take photos from the doorway.

Corridors and Stairs

There are also many elements from the works in the corridor.

They also kindly displayed comparison photos for pilgrimage.

In the corner, there seems to be a flag from the previous generation.

Gymnasium

Panoramic views of the gymnasium from various angles.

Originally, the second floor also had sacred sites, but unfortunately it is off-limits due to deterioration.

Restroom

Classroom

They thoughtfully posted a seating chart.

That makes it easy!

Rikka Takanashi's perspective

Shinka Nibutani's perspective

Yuta Togashi's perspective

Also, I noticed that Rikka's desk has 'Y.T.' carved on it.

Yuta's desk has 'リッカ' carved on it. Quite interesting.

Science Room

School scenes less related to the works

Library

Home Economics Room

It seems that all the drawing boards from past generations are here.

Second-Floor Classroom

School Lunch Room

Broadcast Room

Infirmary

Film and TV Posters

Looking through them, there are quite a few films and TV shows that used this school as a filming location.

Corridor

Nature Room

The exhibits were quite novel to me.

Folklore Room

Old Folk Tools Room

Conclusion

The above is all the content of this pilgrimage.

Compared to the previous abandoned school series, the overall maintenance condition of this school is not as good. Some areas are inaccessible for pilgrimage due to years of disrepair, which is somewhat regrettable.

Therefore, if you want to see this school in person, it is recommended to go as early as possible.