The Ultimate Studio Ghibli Japan Tour: Visiting Ghibli Park, Ghibli Museum Tokyo, and Real-Life Locations from Spirited Away & More
The stories of Studio Ghibli have captivated hearts worldwide. But have you ever wished you could step right into one of its breathtaking worlds? In Japan, you can. From the lantern-lit onsen town that inspired Spirited Away to lush forests where the creatures of My Neighbor Totoro might dwell, and mystical nature straight from Princess Mononoke, there are countless places to immerse yourself in the magic. No fan's journey is complete without visiting the whimsical Ghibli Museum, Tokyo, or the incredible new Studio Ghibli Park Japan. Here at 47trip, we've selected the must-visit pilgrimage spots that will make your trip to Japan truly special.
Shima Onsen Sekizenkan: Spirited Away (Gunma Prefecture)
In the beloved film Spirited Away, the 10-year-old protagonist, Chihiro, wanders through a mysterious tunnel into an enchanting new world. It's said that one of the primary models for the Aburaya, the iconic bathhouse where Chihiro works, is Sekizenkan in Gunma Prefecture's Shima Onsen. The red bridge arching before its nostalgic main building is instantly reminiscent of a symbolic scene from the movie, captivating fans the moment they arrive. Inside, you can even explore the "Roman no Tunnel" (Tunnel of Romance), which is believed to have inspired the very tunnel from the film, making you feel as if you've truly wandered into the story yourself. As a precious pilgrimage spot where you can actually stay the night, this popular onsen ryokan is a dream destination for many fans.
Recommended Hotel
Shima Grand Hotel
Boasting a prime location in the center of Shima Onsen, directly opposite the landmark Sekizenkan, our resort is a world of hot springs and entertainment. Guests can enjoy 'bath-hopping' through our diverse collection of onsen baths right here on site. When it's time to eat, dive into our lively buffet offering a rich variety of Japanese, Western, and Chinese favorites. With its combination of a great location and endless choices, our hotel is a perfect match for families and groups.
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Shima Tamura Ryokan
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Shima Onsen Yoshimoto
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Shimonada Station: Spirited Away (Ehime Prefecture)
Located in Ehime Prefecture, JR Shimonada Station offers a spectacular view, with the Seto Inland Sea spreading out directly in front of the platform. It has become a popular destination because its scenery evokes the memorable train journey over the ocean taken by Chihiro and Kaonashi (No-Face) in the film Spirited Away. Visitors often sit on the platform's bench to soak in the atmosphere, feeling as if they've become part of the story. Beyond fans of the movie, this photogenic, unmanned station is a well-known spot that attracts many tourists who come to see its beautiful and unique setting.
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REF Matsuyama City Station by VESSEL HOTELS
Discover our new hotel, offering unparalleled convenience with its prime location adjacent to Iyo-Tetsu Matsuyama City Station. Directly connected to a department store, we are at the heart of the city's transport and shopping hub. While a short transfer to JR Matsuyama Station is needed for trips to destinations like Shimonada Station, our location is exceptionally convenient for city exploration. Unwind after your day in our large public bath and sauna, all set within a chic, modern design.
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Hotel Mystays Matsuyama
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Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum: Spirited Away (Tokyo)
Located in Koganei, Tokyo, the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum is a unique park where historical buildings from across the city have been relocated and preserved. For Ghibli fans, its main attraction is the "Kodakarayu," a public bathhouse (sento) with a striking karahafu gabled roof. It has been officially cited as a major inspiration for the design of the Aburaya bathhouse in Spirited Away. The interior perfectly retains the atmosphere of a classic Japanese bathhouse, from the latticed ceilings of the dressing rooms to a grand mural of Mt. Fuji. Furthermore, the park is full of other familiar sights, including a stationery shop said to be the model for Kamaji's boiler room and a building with the type of latticed window that a wounded Haku crashes through.
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JR-EAST HOTEL METS TACHIKAWA
Enjoy unparalleled convenience with our prime location, just a one-minute walk from JR Tachikawa Station. We offer outstanding access to the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum; it's a smooth, direct 7-minute ride on the Chuo Line to Musashi-Koganei Station, where you can catch the bus to the museum. After a day of exploring, relax in our clean, functional guest rooms, designed for a perfectly comfortable stay.
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HOTEL MYSTAYS Tachikawa
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Sayama Hills: My Neighbor Totoro (Saitama Prefecture)
The enchanting forest where Satsuki and Mei first met their magical friends in My Neighbor Totoro has a real-life counterpart: the sprawling Sayama Hills, located on the border of Tokyo and Saitama. Here, you can wander through several protected woodlands known as "Totoro's Forest." Strolling through the rich satoyama (traditional countryside) landscape, you'll feel as if you've stepped directly into the beloved story. The tunnels formed by the arching trees create a magical atmosphere, and you might just feel that Totoro himself is about to peek out and greet you. Best of all, this slice of the Ghibli world is easily accessible from central Tokyo, making it a perfect day trip.
Recommended Hotel
Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro
For the perfect blend of urban convenience and nature access, choose a hotel near Ikebukuro Station. From here, the Seibu Ikebukuro Line offers a direct route to the beautiful Sayama Hills. Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo ensures a comfortable stay before and after your trek, with our extensive facilities and acclaimed service. Moreover, our prime location makes us an ideal base for all your Tokyo sightseeing adventures.
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Sunshine City Prince Hotel Ikebukuro Tokyo
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Dormy inn Ikebukuro Hot Spring
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Kurosuke's House: My Neighbor Totoro (Saitama Prefecture)
Nestled in the Sayama Hills, the setting of My Neighbor Totoro, Kurosuke's House is a destination every fan should visit. This charming traditional house (kominka) and its storehouse are over 100 years old and have been designated as a National Tangible Cultural Property. At the entrance, a life-sized Totoro is waiting to greet you. Inside, you'll find exhibits about the Totoro Forest and can purchase original merchandise available nowhere else. One of the joys is searching for the "Makkuro Kurosuke" (Soot Sprites) hidden throughout the house. Sit on the veranda (engawa) and gaze at the garden, and you'll be filled with a warm, nostalgic feeling, as if you’ve stepped right into the movie.
Recommended Hotel
Tokorozawa Park Hotel
Boasting a superb location near Tokorozawa Station, our hotel is the perfect base for exploring the diverse areas of the Sayama Hills. Our proximity to the station provides easy access to the entire region, making us an ideal hub for your adventures. For added convenience, guests can enjoy complimentary parking, making us a great choice for those traveling by rental car. Don't miss our popular breakfast buffet, featuring a variety of delicious, homemade items.
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Yakushima Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge: Princess Mononoke (Kagoshima Prefecture)
Princess Mononoke tells the epic story of the cursed prince Ashitaka and San, the girl raised by wolves. Its legendary setting is famously modeled after a real place: Shiratani Unsuikyo on the World Heritage island of Yakushima in Kagoshima. Just a 30-minute drive from the island's Miyanoura Port or Yakushima Airport brings you to the entrance of this mystical forest. Step inside, and you are immediately enveloped by the "Kokemusu-no-Mori"—the Moss Forest. This otherworldly landscape, blanketed in countless shades of green, is the very image of the Forest of the Shishigami (Forest Spirit). Here, you can embark on a fantastical trek through a primeval world where it feels as if the Kodama (tree spirits) could appear at any moment.
Recommended Hotel
Yakushima Manten Ryokan
This hotel's most significant advantage is its unparalleled convenience, located just a one-minute walk from Yakushima Airport. A standout feature, rare for the island, is its natural hot spring (onsen) facilities, complete with an open-air bath and sauna. This makes it an ideal choice for trekkers looking to soothe their muscles after a day of hiking. To round out the Yakushima experience, the hotel also serves traditional local cuisine prepared with an abundance of the island's ingredients.
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Sugaya Tatara Yamauchi: Princess Mononoke (Shimane Prefecture)
If you're a fan of Princess Mononoke, you know the mystical forests of Yakushima. But what about the heart of Lady Eboshi's fortress, Irontown? For that, you must visit Sugaya Tatara Sannai in Shimane Prefecture, the real-life inspiration for the formidable ironworks. This is a must-see for any Ghibli enthusiast. Here, you'll find the 'Takadono,' the only original Edo-period tatara iron-smelting building left in Japan. Standing before the massive, foot-powered bellows—just like the ones the women powerfully operated in the film—you can almost feel the echoes of that bygone era. It's a remarkable piece of industrial heritage, offering a tangible connection to Japan's iron-making history and the resilient people who forged it.
Recommended Hotel
Dormy Inn Izumo Hot Springs
Boasting a prime location directly in front of JR Izumoshi Station, this hotel offers the ultimate in convenience. But the real surprise lies in its large public bath, which features natural hot spring water—a rare luxury for a station-front hotel. Its position next to the terminal station ensures excellent access to regional sightseeing spots; for example, Sugaya Tatara Sannai is reachable in about 90 minutes by train and bus.
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Ghibli Museum, Mitaka (Tokyo)
To truly meet the characters from Studio Ghibli's films, a visit to the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka is an absolute must. Designed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki himself, the museum has no set path, inviting you to explore its wonders as if you're on your own adventure. You can watch exclusive short films at the cozy Saturn Theater, which can't be seen anywhere else. While photography is not allowed inside, the rooftop garden awaits with a tranquil Robot Soldier from Castle in the Sky. Posing for a photo with him will surely become a cherished memory of your trip. It's a fan pilgrimage worth the short journey from central Tokyo.
Recommended Hotel
Kichijoji Tokyu REI Hotel
This hotel stands out for its exceptional location, just a one-minute walk from the bustling Kichijoji Station. This prime position makes it an ideal base not only for exploring Tokyo but also for visiting the famed Ghibli Museum. The museum is accessible via a pleasant 20-minute stroll through scenic Inokashira Park, turning the journey into part of the experience. Beyond its location, the hotel's affiliation with a trusted brand ensures a high standard of comfort and reliability. Guests can expect clean, simple, and functional rooms, providing a comfortable retreat after a day of sightseeing.
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Richmond Hotel Tokyo Musashino
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Ghibli Park (Aichi Prefecture)
Opened in 2022, Ghibli Park in Aichi Prefecture is where the worlds of Studio Ghibli come to life. Start your journey at Ghibli's Grand Warehouse, an indoor wonderland packed with iconic scenes perfect for photo ops where you can become part of the movies. From there, explore distinct themed areas scattered throughout the park. Wander through Dondoko Forest from My Neighbor Totoro or the rugged landscape of Mononoke Village. You can also stroll through the charming European-inspired streets of the Valley of Witches. Visit Satsuki and Mei's house, peek into the bakery from Kiki's Delivery Service, and travel through your favorite films. With so much to see, spend a full day discovering your own magical corner of the park.
Recommended Hotel
Mitsui Garden Hotel Nagoya Premier
For convenient access to Ghibli Park, staying near the Nagoya Station transportation hub is the smartest choice, as the journey requires a transfer between the subway and the Linimo line. This hotel is perfectly situated just a five-minute walk from Nagoya Station. Its main attractions are the panoramic city views from the high-floor lobby and the large public bath, which features stunning, ethereal illumination.
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Princess Garden Hotel
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Summary
We've journeyed through Japan's most magical Ghibli locations, from the enchanting world of Spirited Away and the nostalgic scenery of My Neighbor Totoro to the powerful forests of Princess Mononoke. And with official destinations like the Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Park, you can fully immerse yourself in that cinematic universe. A visit to any of these spots will make the films feel more real than ever. So for your next Japan trip, why not walk in the footsteps of your favorite characters? Go find those landscapes that make you feel close to Chihiro, Satsuki and Mei, Ashitaka, and San, and capture them forever in a photo.
