A 2012 series (studio Actas) set in a world where 'sensha-dō', the martial art of driving World War II tanks, is a girls' high-school discipline. Miho Nishizumi transfers to Ōarai Girls' Academy and ends up leading her team in the national tournament. The series reproduces the real seaside town of Ōarai (Ibaraki) with remarkable fidelity — the final battle runs right through its recognizable streets. Ōarai fully embraced the anime — character panels all over town, the 'Panzer Vor' café, festivals — and is the textbook case of local revitalization through otaku tourism.
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Ōarai Stationgateway to the town
The terminus of the Ōarai-Kashima Line, the gateway to the town and to the pilgrimage. It appears repeatedly in the series and is the symbolic heart of the fan community, usually decked out with Girls und Panzer decorations, panels and merchandise.
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Ōarai Isosaki Shrine (Kamiiso Torii)the sea torii
A clifftop shrine whose famous Kamiiso torii stands on wave-battered rocks; at dawn the sun rises right through the gate. The shrine and its coastal surroundings appear in the series and are the visual icon of Ōarai.
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Ōarai Marine TowerPanzer Vor café
A 60 m observation tower with panoramic views of the sea and town. On its second floor is the official 'Panzer Vor' café, themed after the series. Its silhouette by the harbour is one of Girls und Panzer's recurring backdrops.
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Ōarai Seaside Stationofficial store
A seaside shopping and dining complex that houses the official Girls und Panzer store, with merchandise, artwork and exhibits. A gathering point for pilgrims. (Coordinate approximate, by address.)
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Ōarai shopping streetthe final battle
Central Ōarai's shopping streets, lined with life-size character panels placed in front of the shops that appear in the series. The spectacular final-tournament tank battle runs through these very streets. (Coordinate approximate, by address.)
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Ōarai Hotelthe team's lodging
A seaside hotel that appears in the series and where characters stay during the tournament. It has become a favourite of pilgrims, with themed rooms and events. (Coordinate approximate, by address.)
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Aqua World Ōaraithe town aquarium
Ōarai's large aquarium, one of the biggest in the Kantō region, famous for its sharks. It appears in the series as one of the town's landmark spots the team passes through.
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Ōarai Sun Beachbeach scenes
A broad sandy beach south of the town, the setting for the series' seaside scenes. In summer it is one of Ibaraki's busiest beaches. (Coordinate approximate, by address.)