Hi, this is Izumitani from the Ehime Film Commission (Ehime FC).
The Mitsu no Watashi ferry is a city-operated water shuttle that takes you across the water in about 80 meters (and it’s free!). The current ferry is quite sturdy, but I remember that the old one was so low that I felt like I could touch the water if I stretched my hand out (or maybe my memory is playing tricks on me—sorry if I’m mistaken!).
I also recall how the waves from passing boats would rock the ferry, making it feel almost like an amusement park ride. By the way, the Mitsu side of the Mitsu Ferry was also a filming location for Destruction Babies.
Retracing Filming Locations
After getting off the ferry, I turned left and walked along the canal, admiring the boats docked along the way to Mitsu Station.
On the way, I passed a filming spot from the drama version of Ganbatte Ikimasshoi (Give It All), where Etsuko (played by Anne Suzuki) and Sekimoto (played by Ryo Nishikido) had a nighttime conversation scene.
If you take a right after getting off the ferry and turn left at the second corner, you’ll find the former Suzuki residence, now a café run by Ms.Okazaki.
Apparently, the “ohagi” (sweet rice cakes) he makes are incredibly delicious, attracting visitors just for a taste! Mr. Okazaki learned how to make them from locals in Mitsu, preserving a traditional flavor.
This area is perfect for strolling, with charming shops like Tanakado and N’s Kitchen & Labo.
Filming Spots in Mitsuhama Shopping Street
Mitsuhama Shopping Street (which had an arcade covering it until a few decades ago) was considered as a filming location for 20th Century Boys and Love is Light.
In fact, many directors and production teams visited the area multiple times as potential shooting spots, but due to various circumstances, filming didn’t take place.
If you continue walking east along the shopping street, you’ll eventually reach the Iyotetsu Mitsu Station, marking the end of the location tour.
How Long Does the Tour Take?
A walking tour covering filming locations from Baishinji Station, Minatoyama Station, and Mitsu Station takes about three hours, including stops to enjoy local specialties:
・Mitsuhamayaki at “Soft Time”
・A visit to Mishima Shrine
・Tasting sweets at Mitsuhama Shopping Street
Films & Shows Set in This Area
A total of six productions are connected to this area:
・Give It All (Drama & Anime versions)
・Tokyo Love Story
・Clouds Over the Hill
・Destruction Babies
・20th Century Boys
・Love is Light
Revisiting the locations from the anime version of Give It All while discovering other films and dramas makes for a fantastic filming location pilgrimage. I highly recommend it!