Studio Ghibli in Japan: real locations behind Spirited Away, Totoro, Mononoke

The places Hayao Miyazaki studied before he drew — and how to visit each one without the myth getting in the way.

1. Studio Ghibli in Japan: real locations behind Spirited Away, Totoro, Mononoke

   The places Hayao Miyazaki studied before he drew — and how to visit each one without the myth getting in the way.

2. 01.

   Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama (Shikoku) is the most widely accepted inspiration for the Spirited Away bathhouse — but Jiufen in Taiwan is the visual confusion everyone falls for.

3. 02.

   Sayama Hills, 1h from Tokyo, is the real forest of Totoro (Tonari no Totoro). There is an official trail and it costs zero.

4. 03.

   Yakushima (UNESCO World Heritage) is the forest of Princess Mononoke. Go in May or October. It is humid all year long.

5. 04.

   Howl's Moving Castle was born in Colmar (Alsace, France). Kiki's Delivery Service in Visby (Sweden). Castle in the Sky in Cinque Terre (Italy).

6. 05.

   Ghibli Park (Aichi) opened in 2022 and requires tickets bought 4 months in advance. Ghibli Museum (Mitaka) requires tickets 1 month ahead.

7. 🇯🇵 Tóquio

   The places Hayao Miyazaki studied before he drew — and how to visit each one without the myth getting in the way.