Studio Ghibli has produced various animation films, some of which remain as an icon in Japan. Various works from Ghibli really fascinate people and turn them into a lifetime fan of the animation. If you are a diehard fan, you might want to visit some real-life places that resemble iconic scenes from the Japanese animation, in Japan there are places that are dedicated to Ghibli animations or some locations that may have inspired a scene from the movie.

Today, we will enlighten you with places that are considered to be the sacred places of such Ghibli works. You might want to add these locations to your bucket list for when you visit Japan!

 

 

 

1. Spirited Away

 

 Photo: Imdb

 

An iconic film about a girl who got lost in a mysterious spiritual world, these are several places you might consider visiting if you are a fan.

Shima Onsen

 

Photo: Gunma-dc

 

The Shima Onsen is located in Shima Onsen, Gunma Prefecture. Just like the oil shop that remains iconic in the animation “Spirited Away”, this place is the oldest wooden inn In Japan with over 300 years long of history. At night, the retro building is lit, creating a fantastic view just like an oil shop from the movie.

Shima Onsen has been loved by many for decades, it is famous for its hot spring that is relaxing with stunning views. It is definitely a place to add to your bucket list even if you are not a fan of the animation.

 

 

Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum

 

Photo: Instagram.com/jst3107

 

Located in Koganei City, Tokyo. A stationery store called Takei Sanshodo is found along the road, which is located on the east side of the musuem. If you are a fan of films directed by Hayao Miyazaki, you might recognize the store’s wall, which is covered with drawings. It was the inspiration for the boiler room of character Kamaji in Miyazaki’s film Spirited Away.

You can find many places that are reminiscent of the animation, such as the boiler room where Kamaji is located and the train on which Chihiro and No-Face (Kaonashi) ride. 

 

Photo: Kaiga.antenna.jp

 

Photo: timesclub.jp

 

 

 

 

2. My Neighbor Totoro

 

Photo: rakuten

 

An iconic Japanese animation of the two sisters Mei and Satsuki and a strange but loving creator “Totoro”. The film dates back to 1988, which gives us a glimpse of a rural lifestyle of Japan back in the day.

Sayama Hills

 

Photo: Photohito

 

Sayama Hills, the location stretches from Musashino region of Tokyo to Tokorozawa City of Saitama.  A forest that is popular among hikers due to its beautiful surrounding nature. With its tree-lined paths, farmlands, and hidden temples, the "Totoro forest," as we call it today, will delight fans. In 2013, it was a nationally registered tangible cultural property.

It covers an area of approcimately 3,500 hectares, it is also known as “Totoro no Mori”. There is an old-fashioned structure reminiscent of Satsuki and Mei's house from the animation. There is also a big Totoro figure on the front porch of the house that can be seen from far away.

 

Photo: 4travel.jp

 

 

Satsuki and Mei's House (Aichi Prefecture)

 

Photo: thegate12

 

Located in a small town of Nagakute in Aichi prefecture. The house was built in 2005 for the Aichi World Expo, this house is to resemble Satsuki and Mei’s iconic house straight from the animation. The house is furnished faithfully to match the film set and to give you a glimpse of the rural lifestyle in 1950s.

Not only the exterior but also the interior is created to give you a nostalgic feeling as you slipped in time, it feels as if you're in a movie scene. You can purchase the ticket in advance if you don’t want to miss out on visiting this popular location.

 

 

 

3. Laputa: Castle in the Sky 

 

Photo: Imdb

 

This animation is based on the journey of Pazu and Sheeta to the kingdom of Laputa on an island floating in the sky. There are places in Japan that are said to represent the Laputa Kingdom, let’s explore them!

Tomogashima / Okinoshima

 

Photo: thegate12

 

Tomogashima is an island in Wakayama Prefecture. It is gaining popularity due to its resemblance to the Laputa kingdom. There is also a hiking course that will allow you to explore the island and its surroundings, the old bricks and the green surrounding the old building make you feel like you are in the world of Laputa.

 

Photo: thegate12

 

 

 

4. Whisper of the Heart

 

Photo: Rakuten

 

An animation realised in 1995, “Whisper of the Heart”, directed by Yoshifumi Kondo. Which involve a love story of the two characters, Shizuku, and Seiji. 

Seisekisakuragaoka

 

Photo: kei--kei

 

Located at the Seiseki-Sakuragaoka Station on the Keio Line, you can find many of the scenery that resemble a scene from "Whisper of the Heart". For example, "Irohazaka" where Shizuku was walking, to take a shortcut to the library or "Kotohira Shrine" a secret place where Seiji proposes to Shizuku at the end. A great scenery worth exploring if you are a fan of the animation.

 

 

 

5. Princess Mononoke

 

Photo: Wikipedia

 

An animation released in 1997, produced by director Hayao Miyazaki after 16 years of crafting this movie. It shows the relationship between nature and humans. An iconic forest where the lion god appears remain mysterious and memorable till this day.

Yakushima

 

Photo: travel.co.jp 

 

Located in Kagoshima Prefecture is said to have a representation of a scene in "Princess Mononoke". It has a "Jomon cedar", which is estimated to be over 7,000 years old, it is popular among local and tourists due to its history. It is also registered as a World Heritage Site and has a mysterious atmosphere just like the vibe from the animation.

 

 

Shirakami Mountains

 

Photo: Travel.gaijinpot

 

This place is said to be one of the real-life locations of a scene from “Princess Minonoke”, the mountains that stretch from Aomori Prefecture to Akita Prefecture. One of the world’s biggest primeval beech forest, especially famous for the cobalt blue shining, “Aoike”. One of the places that has been registered as World Heritage Sites. Definitely worth a visit if you are around the area.

 

 

 

 

Sources

Icotto

Thegate12

 

Photo

Gunma-dc