Places You Can't-Miss If You're a Studio Ghibli Fan

With emotionally touching and meaningful stories like "Grave of the Fireflies," "My Neighbor Totoro," "Whisper of the Heart," and more, Ghibli films have captivated the hearts of audiences globally.

If you are a hardcore fan of the studio or its films, the following places are must-visit if you are looking for travel destinations in Japan. Many Ghibli works draw inspiration from real-life locations, so choose the ones that best fit your itinerary.

1. Ghibli Museum

   The Ghibli Museum is truly a place tourists cannot miss in Japan. Located in Mitaka, Tokyo, this art museum annually attracts many visitors eager to experience the recreated famous characters and scenes from Ghibli films. Tickets are sold out quickly, usually released on the 10th of each month at Lawson, so be sure to check the information and book your tickets promptly. The museum showcases and screens the artistic works produced at Studio Ghibli, providing a vivid and authentic portrayal of characters and scenes that immerses visitors in the stories once again in real life.

2. Explore "My Neighbor Totoro" Film Locations

   The first location is Yunomoto Onsen in Miyazaki. The onsen features a giant Totoro statue standing amidst mountains and expansive rice fields, creating a scene straight out of the movie, and immersing tourists in the film once again.

   Next is the Totoro Forest in Oita, which many people find reminiscent of the rural areas and forests depicted in the film. This location even has decorations featuring Mei and Satsuki to enhance the sense of familiarity.

   The iconic film "My Neighbor Totoro" is also recreated in Aichi Prefecture, where Mei and Satsuki's house is replicated. Given that 96% of the Japanese population had watched this film according to a 2013 survey, it's not surprising that the film is brought to life.

3. Real-Life Locations from "Spirited Away"

   "Spirited Away" has left a significant impact on audiences worldwide, with many scenes inspired by real-life locations in Japan, such as Shima Onsen – Sekizenkan (Gunma), Dogo Onsen (Ehime), and Shimonada Station (Ehime).

   Shima Onsen, with its familiar red bridge, is a location viewers recognize from the film. It was chosen by director Hayao Miyazaki as a setting for a scene in "Spirited Away."

   Dogo Onsen is one of the oldest hot springs with over 1000 years of history. The main building resembles the bathhouse in the film, with the distinct feature of the red bridge borrowed from Shima Onsen.

   Finally, not far from Dogo Onsen is Shimonada Station, a seaside train station with a railway connecting the sea and the land.

These locations always attract many fans of the films to explore and check off their favorite spots from the movies. Have you been to any of these places? Leave a comment and let GoEMON Global know!