Ghibli fans, are you ready?
From fascinating museums to magical cafes and specialty shops, Japan is a treasure trove of treasures for fans of Hayao Miyazaki’s films, and they can only be experienced in Japan.
In this blog, I will introduce the overview, locations, and how to get to the Ghibli spots you should visit when you come to Japan.
I will also introduce hidden Ghibli spots that are not even listed in guidebooks.
Let’s go on a magical journey around Japan’s top spots and shops dedicated to Studio Ghibli!
Please forgive me if there are any mistakes in English grammar.
- 【Hidden Ghibli Spots】Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum（Tokyo）
- 【Hidden Ghibli Spots】Hotel Kanaguya（Nagano）
- 【Hidden Ghibli Spots】Totoro touge (Hokkaido)
- 【Hidden Ghibli Spots】Ginzan Onsen(Yamagata prefecture)
- 【Hidden Ghibli Spots】ToToRo Tree
- 【Hidden Ghibli Spots】Kurosuke no Ie (Saitama)
- Donguri Republic: The Ultimate GhibliY.” Shop
- 【Hidden Ghibli Spots】Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory（Tokyo）
- Studio Ghibli Museum in Mitaka（Tokyo）
- Conclusion: Hidden gems in Japan for Ghibli lover
【Hidden Ghibli Spots】Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum（Tokyo）
Official Model Locations of “Spirited Away”
Highlights
From here, we introduce the locations that served as models for “Spirited Away”.
In Koganei City, Tokyo, there are two official model locations recognized by Studio Ghibli at the “Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum”.
One of them is Musashino Books (a stationery store built in the early Showa period), which served as the model for Kamaji’s boiler room. It is famous as one of the few official model locations explicitly stated by Studio Ghibli.
Musashino Books, the model for Kamaji’s boiler room
The other official model is the public bathhouse “Koboto-yu”, which served as the model for the bathhouse in the film. The roof, ceiling, and wall paintings all exude a retro charm. The nostalgic atmosphere perfectly matches the mood of the movie.
Koboto-yu, the model for the bathhouse
You can check more datail below.
Check out the official website for Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum
【Hidden Ghibli Spots】Hotel Kanaguya（Nagano）
This time, we introduce “Kanekuya” located in Shibu Onsen,Nagano prefecture where you can fully enjoy the atmosphere of “Spirited Away”.
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It is said that the old building, built in the early Showa period, closely resembles the “oil shop” that appears in Spirited Away.
In particular, the fantastical sight illuminated at night is a must-see
【Hidden Ghibli Spots】Totoro touge (Hokkaido)
photo: https://photohito.com/photo/1957175/?cid=icotto_presses
This is a place known for hosting the Catbus, as seen in the movie.
While it doesn’t exactly resemble a cat as depicted in the film, it’s a painted bus that, combined with the ambiance of the area, exudes a unique atmosphere.
Totoro illustrations are also painted on the door.
“Closed from mid-November to mid-April.”
You can check more datail below.
【Hidden Ghibli Spots】Ginzan Onsen(Yamagata prefecture)
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The streets of Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture perfectly evoke the atmosphere of the film “Spirited Away.”
With a history dating back 500 years, this hot spring town is enveloped in a nostalgic ambiance, with cobblestone pathways and gas lamps lighting up the dusk, making visitors feel as if they’ve wandered into the world of Studio Ghibli movies.
There are also many retro wooden inns, which are popular among foreigners as well.
Notoya Ryokan
It is a symbol of Ginzan Onsen. It immerses you in the Ghibli-like world reminiscent of the bathhouse in “Spirited Away” and is highly recommended.
- NOTOYA RYOKAN
- NOTOYA RYOKAN
- NOTOYA RYOKAN
Kozankaku
The plaster art on the wall of the long-established inn “Koyamakan” is truly magnificent with its splendid colors and craftsmanship.
photo: https://secret-kichi.net/ Kozankaku
- Kozankaku
- Kozankaku
You can search for it by entering the hotel name in the search box.
【Hidden Ghibli Spots】ToToRo Tree
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Known as “Ohsugi of Kosugi,” this massive tree boasts a circumference of 6.3 meters and stands at a towering height of 20 meters.
Resembling Totoro, it has become a popular spot for Instagram-worthy photos, attracting many visitors.
Due to having two core trunks, it’s also referred to as the “Couple Cedar” or the “Matchmaking Cedar,” with a legend suggesting that couples who hold hands and rest at the base of the cedar will be blessed with children.
The Totoro tree is located near Ginzan Onsen.
It is about an hour by taxi from Ginzan Onsen.
【Hidden Ghibli Spots】Kurosuke no Ie (Saitama)
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“Located in Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture, ‘Kurosuke’s House’ is a place that serves as the setting for Totoro and was registered as a tangible cultural property of the country in 2013. Its nostalgic appearance reminiscent of Satsuki and Mei’s house is also charming.”
You can enjoy sitting next to Totoro and gazing outside, or quietly cuddling up for a photo!
Feel like Satsuki or Mei and spend some time with Totoro.
Donguri Republic: The Ultimate GhibliY.” Shop
Donguri Republic is a chain of stores dedicated to Ghibli merchandise, offering everything from plush toys to kitchenware.
Each store is a Ghibli wonderland, perfect for picking up souvenirs.
Locations
There are multiple stores across Japan, including major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Kyoto, Sapporo.
Tokyo Station
Shinsaibashi, Osaka
You can search for stores here.
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Unique Finds Limited edition items and seasonal products are often available, so it’s worth vis
iting multiple times or different locations.
【Hidden Ghibli Spots】Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory（Tokyo）
Did you know that there is the only sweets shop in the world that is officially endorsed by Ghibli?
The shop is called “Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory”
The cute-looking sweets are also recommended as souvenirs.
The atmosphere of the shop is sure to excite you, as if you have stepped into a Ghibli movie!
How cute !
They have cookies.
Totoro is everywhere, so you will feel warm and relaxed.
Address: 5-3-1 Daita, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo (1F)
Daily 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Tel & Fax: 03-5787-6221
Address: 2-7-5 Kichijoji Minamimachi, Musashino-shi, Tokyo
Daily 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tel & Fax: 0422-26-6550
Get more information about Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory
Studio Ghibli Museum in Mitaka（Tokyo）
This is a major facility listed in guidebooks, but it’s a must-visit for Ghibli fans. It’s a place that everyone will be satisfied with.
The Studio Ghibli Museum in Mitaka is a must-visit for any Ghibli fan. Located in Mitaka, Tokyo, the museum offers an immersive experience with exhibits, a theater showing exclusive short films, and life-sized recreations of beloved scenes.
Highlights
Don’t miss the Catbus room for children, the rooftop garden with a large robot soldier from “Laputa: Castle in the Sky,” and the museum shop for exclusive merchandise.
三鷹の森ジブリ美術館、一度でいいから訪れてみてほしい。歩き回って、階段登って降りて、迷路みたいな道あちこち探検して。
「迷子になろうよ、いっしょに。」 pic.twitter.com/dQ8mDPF0zp
— さつま瑠璃（Ruri Satsuma） (@rurimbon) May 28, 2024
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Location
1-1-83 Simorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-0013, Japan
Conclusion: Hidden gems in Japan for Ghibli lover
Japan offers a wealth of experiences for Ghibli fans, from official museums and shops to real-life locations that inspired the films.
Whether you’re exploring the enchanting streets of Seiseki-Sakuragaoka or relaxing in the historic Dogo Onsen, each destination provides a unique glimpse into the world of Studio Ghibli.
Start planning your Ghibli adventure today and step into the magic that has captivated audiences around the globe.
