Detective Tsuda Sacred Site Pilgrimage: The Pension That Served as the Setting for the First Case at Tateshina Club (Nagano Prefecture)

CONTENT

Supervisor: Naohiro Takemura

Started his career based on his experience at an accounting firm.
For approximately 30 years, he has been engaged in database marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, BPO operations, and new business planning.
He is well-versed in fundraising and financial management, and currently manages his own company while also undertaking outsourced work in management and new business development.

The pension featured in the first case of the Detective Tsuda series, set at the Tateshina Club, holds a special place in fans’ hearts. This article introduces the charm and backdrop of the very location where Tsuda stayed and discovered the body. Dive into a world where fiction and reality merge, and experience the scenery just as depicted in the story.


What Kind of Place Is the Tateshina Club?

A Hidden Gem Surrounded by Nature in Shinshu

Tateshina Club is nestled in Chino City, Nagano Prefecture, in a highland area approximately 1,300 meters above sea level. Known for its pleasant summers and picturesque snowy winters, it offers tranquility far removed from the bustle of urban life.

Rather than flashy tourist spots, this area is known for its serene atmosphere, with private villas and secluded residences scattered throughout. It’s a well-kept secret, ideal for those seeking peace and quiet.

Basic Info on the Tateshina Area

ItemDetails
LocationTateshina Highlands, Chino City, Nagano Prefecture
ElevationApprox. 1,300 meters
Seasonal HighlightsFresh greenery in spring, cool summers, colorful autumn foliage, snowy winters
AtmosphereSerene, natural, and prestigious villa area

The Pension Where the First Case Unfolded

The Setting of the Story’s Critical Moments

In the first installment of the series, Tsuda stays at this pension for rest and relaxation. However, he soon discovers a body there, marking the beginning of a gripping mystery. The setting leaves a strong impression, immersing readers from the very first pages.

The actual pension closely mirrors its depiction in the novel, with warm wood interiors and an antique ambiance that draws visitors into the narrative world.

Overview and Appeal of the Pension

FeatureDescription
ArchitectureTwo-story wooden building, European-style design
Guest RoomsAbout five rooms, offering a cozy atmosphere
InteriorFireplace-equipped lounge, antique-style furnishings
Special RoomA faithfully recreated room where Tsuda “stayed”

Experiencing an Extraordinary World in a Sacred Space

Walk Where Tsuda Once Did

The moment you arrive, the same silent forest from the opening scenes surrounds you. That eerie calm, which Tsuda sensed something unusual within, lingers in the air.

Guests can sit on the same chair Tsuda once did and even enter the room where the incident supposedly took place. Sunlight streaming through the windows, the quiet halls, and the flickering fireplace at night all work together to transform visitors into characters from the story.

Guest Impressions (based on real fan feedback)

VisitorComments
Woman in her 40s“From the moment I entered, I felt like I had stepped into Tsuda’s world. The stillness of the night was unforgettable.”
Man in his 30s“The attention to detail was incredible. Everything matched the novel’s setting. I even enjoyed reading here again.”
Couple in their 50s“Having read the story beforehand, being here felt like my memories and reality overlapped. It was surreal.”

How to Get There and What to Know Before Booking

Be Fully Prepared Before You Go

Tateshina Club is accessible via a 30-minute drive from Chino Station on the JR Chuo Main Line. As there are few convenience stores nearby, it’s important to prepare everything you need in advance.

Reservations are required, and the specific room where the fictional incident occurred is extremely popular, so booking several months ahead is recommended. Also, due to the area’s quiet nature, filming or media visits require prior permission.

Basic Accommodation Information

ItemDetails
Access30-minute drive or taxi from Chino Station
Check-inAfter 3 PM
Check-outBy 10 AM
MealsTwo meals included (local seasonal ingredients)
Booking NotesReserve via official website or phone. Early booking for special rooms is advised

More Than Just a Filming Location — A Place That Moves You

A Space Where Fiction and Reality Merge

This pension is more than just a backdrop. It provides an experience where the story’s emotions, ambiance, and tension are recreated with great care.

For fans, this is not simply a pilgrimage. It is a journey that deepens their connection to the story by shifting from “reading” to “feeling.” Walking in Tsuda’s footsteps lets readers reconstruct the mystery with their own senses.

Summary of the Pension’s Unique Value

CategoryDetails
Story AtmosphereArchitecture and interior match the novel exactly
Sensory ExperienceNatural sounds, lighting, and textures enhance immersion
Emotional ImpactEnables readers to relive and reimagine scenes
Fan LoyaltyMany visitors return again after their first stay

Conclusion

This Is the Origin of Detective Tsuda’s Journey

The pension at Tateshina Club is the origin of the Detective Tsuda series. It’s not just a filming location, but a place where readers can experience the tension, silence, and scenery of the story firsthand.

The imagery that stays with readers long after the final page becomes real at this location. Standing at the same doorway as Tsuda, looking through his eyes, and walking in his path – this is not just nostalgia. It’s a transformative encounter with fiction.

For fans who wish to go beyond the page and truly step into the world of Tsuda, this journey to Tateshina is one that promises lasting impact.