Being able to visit the fictional town of Karasuno in Haikyuu!! is surely the dream of many Haikyuu!! fans. Well, those fans don’t have to let their dream be just a dream. Located in Iwate Prefecture, Karumai is also known as the real life version of the fictional Haikyuu!! town, Karasuno.
Many parts of the fictional town of Karasuno in Haikyuu!! bear an uncanny resemblance to the town of Karumai. Even though this is expected since Karasuno is based on Karumai, the amount of details that was put into the creation of Karasuno is fascinating.
Karasuno High School (left) and Karumai High School (right).
Image adapted from: MysticalFantasy08 and @ravynash_
Image adapted from: Asanomi_Kuroki and Asanomi_Kuroki
The design of Karasuno High School was inspired by Karumai High School, which is also located on top of a hill.
Shinzen High School (left), Karumai Middle School (right).
Image adapted from: Asanomi_Kuroki and Asanomi_Kuroki
Karumai Middle School was used as an inspiration for the fictional Shinzen High School.
The electronics store in Karumai was used as an inspiration for the electronics store in the show
Image adapted from: Asanomi_Kuroki and Asanomi_Kuroki
Many other areas in Karumai, such as the gymnasium, the electronics store, and supermarket, were also used as references for Karasuno’s design.
The reason Karumai was chosen as an inspiration for the design of Karasuno was because it is the hometown of Furudate Haruichi, the author of Haikyuu!!.
Image credit: @kirakirahirorin
Before beginning your Haikyuu!! pilgrimage, also known as ハイキュー聖地巡礼 (haikyuu seichi junrei), you should first visit the Volunteers Area Information Centre (地域情報発信ボランティア施設). There, you can admire the plethora of Haikyuu!! merchandise on display, as well as receive an area map of iconic Haikyuu!! locations.
Image credit: @kirakirahirorin
Image credit: @kirakirahirorin
Even though it may be tempting to take photos and share them with your friends, be sure to ask the staff for permission before doing so.
Image credit: @kirakirahirorin
Aside from taking pictures of the streets of Karumai, Haikyuu!! fans can also commemorate their visit by purchasing Haikyuu!! merchandise from the Takesawa store. The Taesawa store also happens to be the real-life counterpart of the Shimada Mart in Haikyuu!!.
Image credit: @kirakirahirorin
Image credit: @kirakirahirorin
On top of groceries, the Takesawa store also has a souvenir area where you can purchase various Haikyuu!! merchandise, such as uchiwa fans, plushies, and T-shirts.
Image credit: @ravynash_
Image credit: @ravynash_
Visit the Matsuhashi bookstore, where you can find shelves upon shelves lined with Haikyuu!! mangas.
Many stores in Karumai hang up Haikyuu!! posters or lay out Haikyuu!! merchandise at their storefront to show their appreciation of the series. Talk about being proud of Haikyuu!!
Image credit: @ravynash_
Image credit: @ravynash_
After you’re done with your Haikyuu!! pilgrimage, treat yourself to some Haikyuu!! ramen at Karumai Shokudo.
Image credit: @ravynash_
Image credit: @ravynash_
Like most stores around the town, this restaurant is also decorated with various Haikyuu!! artefacts.
Address: Dai 8 Chiwari-85, Kunohe District, Iwate Prefecture, 028-6302 Karumai
Opening hours: 11AM-3PM | 5PM-7PM (Closed on Sundays | Due to the pandemic, opening hours might change)
Telephone: 01-9546-2501
It is always a joy to see real life locations being turned into animereal life locations being turned into anime, as it means that fans are one step closer to being in their favourite fantasy worlds. The uncanny resemblance between the town of Karumai and the fictional town of Karasuno in Haikyuu!!, as well as the myriad of Haikyuu!! artefacts all around town definitely give off the vibe it is indeed the real life Haikyuu!! town.
For more places to visit, check out:
Cover image adapted from (clockwise from left): @kirakirahirorin, @ravynash_ and MysticalFantasy08
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