A father who abandons his own flesh and blood for the organization.

Tenryu-Futamata is the location that served as the model for the "Third Village" in the film Evangelion: 3.0 + 1.0 Thrice Upon a Time. However, long before that, during the Sengoku (Warring States) period, this land was also home to another "story of father and son."

Who was the tragic young warrior, Nobuyasu Tokugawa?

Born as the eldest son of Ieyasu Tokugawa, Nobuyasu was known for his bravery from a young age, and his retainers held high hopes for his future, calling him "a great lord who will lead the Tokugawa clan in the next generation." However, at the young age of 21, he took his own life in this very land of Futamata.

Ieyasu commanded his beloved son, Nobuyasu, to commit seppuku (ritual suicide) for the great cause of protecting the Tokugawa clan. This structure somehow evokes the figures of Gendo and Shinji. Why not touch upon the historical footprint carved into this land while touring the anime's sacred place?

1. Tenryu-Futamata Station (Entrance to the Third Village)

First, head to the beginning of the story. The station building, which retains the atmosphere of the early Showa period, is truly the "Third Village" itself. From here, a walk where anime and history intersect begins.

2. Turntable & Railway History Museum Tour

A popular tour where you can see the active turntable and the roundhouse. The sheer power emitted by the giant steel structures allows you to feel the profound worldview of the film. It is a symbol of Futamata that will overwhelm even those who are not railway fans.

• Schedule
  Weekdays: 1:50 PM (Once daily)
  Weekends & Holidays: 10:50 AM / 1:50 PM (Twice daily)

• Meeting Point
  Tenryu-Futamata Station Waiting Room
  No reservation required. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start.

• Fees
  Adults: ¥600
  Children (Ages 1 to 12): ¥300

• Duration
  Approx. 45 minutes

3. Saito Ramen

A ramen shop with a nostalgic atmosphere, located right next to the station. Just as Shinji gradually regained his "sense of being alive" through interacting with the villagers in the story, let's take a break and enjoy a warm bowl of ramen. Its simple taste soaks into a tired body after a walk.

• Business Hours

  Lunch: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM

  Dinner: 5:00 PM – approx. 9:00 PM

  (Note: May remain open all day on weekends)

• Closed　Tuesdays

• Parking　Available (12 spaces)

4. Futamata Castle Ruins | Another Story of Father and Son: Organizational Decision, Son's Destiny

A father who sacrifices his "private self (son)" for the sake of the "public self (organization)." In 1579, the Tokugawa clan faced its greatest crisis. Nobuyasu was suspected of "colluding with the Takeda clan" by Oda Nobunaga, their ally at the time.

Nobunaga strongly pressured Ieyasu to execute Nobuyasu. For the Tokugawa clan at the time, breaking the alliance with the Oda clan meant the downfall of their family. Ieyasu, in a difficult choice, ordered his son to commit seppuku.

Nobuyasu, though proclaiming his innocence, chose to dedicate his life for the survival of his father and the "organization" that was the Tokugawa clan. The quiet stone walls of Futamata Castle are the final resting place of the son who quietly accepted his father's command.

• Opening Hours

  Open 24 hours (Free to explore anytime)

• Admission　
  Free

• Parking

  Available (Futamata Castle / Tobayama Park Parking Lot)

5. Seiryu-ji Temple | Another Story of Father and Son: Father's Prayer and Unfading Regret

The "Affection" Carved by the Father Left Behind After Nobuyasu's suicide, a deep wound remained in Ieyasu's heart. Although he later became the Shogun, it was Seiryu-ji Temple that Ieyasu established to pray for the soul of his deceased son when he visited this land of Futamata.

It is said that Ieyasu carved a wooden statue of Nobuyasu with his own hands and enshrined it as the main object of worship. Furthermore, he named the waterfall behind the temple "Seiryu" (Pure Waterfall), which became the origin of the temple's name.

Ieyasu, the cold-hearted leader who cut off his son. However, the numerous episodes remaining at this temple reveal the "private" face of a father who carried regret and affection until his death.

• Visiting Hours

  9:00 AM – approx. 5:00 PM

• Admission

  Free (Voluntary offerings appreciated)

6. PAO

Conclude your journey at "PAO," a local favorite gelato shop. The cold, sweet gelato made with fresh ingredients gently soothes the heart after touching upon the weight of history. It is a moment of bliss to cap off your walk through the town of Futamata.

• Opening Hours

  12:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Closing early when sold out)

• Open Days

  Fri, Sat, Sun, and Holidays

  Please note: Usually closed Mon–Thu.

  Note: Irregular holidays may occur. We recommend checking official Instagram for the latest schedule before visiting.

• Parking

  Available (Shared parking lot in front of Futamata Elementary School)

Disclaimer
This website is a tourism guide operated by the Clover-dori Shopping Street to promote the attractions of Tenryu-Futamata. Information regarding locations used as models in the film is provided solely for the convenience of fans. This website is an independent resource and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Studio Coler, Inc. or the official "Evangelion" series.