The Ultimate Studio Ghibli Lover's Travel Guide: Things to Do, Places to Visit, and More!
Calling all Studio Ghibli fans, you’re in for a real treat! The World of Studio Ghibli exhibition has hit Singapore shores but, if you can’t get enough, why not up the ante by seeing the actual locations in Japan that inspired many of the films’ scenes?
Find out more about The World of Studio Ghibli exhibition:
From fan favourites like ‘My Neighbour Totoro’ and ‘Spirited Away’ to classics like ‘Princess Mononoke’ and ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’, the Studio Ghibli universe is a magical world that looks like it came straight out of an elaborate watercolour painting. Take a look, and see how many of these real-life locales you can recognise!
Studio Ghibli-Themed Attractions
1. Ghibli Museum, Tokyo
Photo credit: E-lyn Tham
How to get there: 15-minute walk from Tokyo’s Kichijoji or Mitaka stations
Co-founded by Hayao Miyazaki, the acclaimed director of many Ghibli films, the Ghibli Museum is dedicated to all things Ghibli! Spread over a colourful multi-storey house, the museum is packed with mesmerising exhibits, replicas of animators’ workstations, and life-sized re-enactments of film scenes. Don’t miss out on the Saturn Theatre, which plays a rotation of museum-exclusive animated films.
#KlookTip: Photography isn’t allowed inside the museum, but feel free to snap away at the rooftop garden (where you’ll find a robot soldier from ‘Castle in the Sky’). Or, how about a unique souvenir photo with Totoro in a ticket collector booth along the house’s exterior?
Photo credit: E-lyn Tham
There’s even a dedicated play area for the little ones, where they will love clambering around the Catbus, as well as playing with the soot bunnies plushies, from ‘My Neighbour Totoro’. Before you leave, drop by the café for some film-inspired grub and beverages. There’s a gift shop too which, fair warning, you might end up spending lots at!
#KlookTip: Walk-in tickets aren’t available at the museum, so be sure to snag yours online or from Lawson convenience stores when in Japan. They sell out really quickly! Otherwise, check out this full-day tour that includes 2.5 hours at the museum.
2. Ghibli Park, Nagoya
Photo credit: Ghibli Park
How to get there: One-minute walk from Ai-Chikyuhaku Kinen Koen station; alternatively, take a shuttle bus from Nagoya station to Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park. For greater convenience, this one-day tour from Nagoya helps to deal with the nitty-gritty transport details.
Now, this is a mecca for all die-hard Ghibli fans! Ghibli Park recently opened its doors in 2022, comprising a wonderland of five zones — namely Hill of Youth, Mononoke’s Village, Valley of Wtiches, Ghibli’s Large Warehouse, and Dondoko Forest. Don’t expect a run-of-the-mill theme park with rides, however; look at the park as more of an immersive experience, where visitors can imagine being Ghibli characters themselves.
#KlookTip: Make Ghibli’s Large Warehouse your first stop, which has the sky garden from ‘Laputa: Castle in the Sky’, a Totoro-themed playground, a cinema with Ghibli snippets on loop, and fantastic souvenirs up for grabs. Need a wet weather plan? It’s completely indoor too.
Photo credit: Ghibli Park
Highlights include Satsuki and Mei’s house (from ‘My Neighbour Totoro’’) in Dondoko forest, which has been replicated down to the last excruciating detail; as well as the opportunity to grill your own gohei-mochi at Mononoke Village. Our favourite is the Valley of the Witches, which revolves around the two films ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ and ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’. And yes, you’ll even be able to buy some bread from the adorable Kiki’s Bakery!
To ensure that you don’t miss out on anything, arm yourself with this comprehensive guide to Ghibli Park for your visit.
Studio Ghibli-Themed Movie Locations
3. My Neighbour Totoro, Sayama Hills
Photo credit: © 1988 Hayao Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli
In the much-loved My Neighbour Totoro, two sisters have a series of playful encounters with the cutest creatures in a verdant forest. This mystical forest was inspired by the lush Sayama Hills in Saitama Prefecture, which can be reached in 1-1.5 hours from Tokyo.
Photo credit: Visit Japan International on Facebook
Before you start exploring, hit up the visitor’s centre for a handy map. Use it to meander along scenic trails to come across shrines and lakes; as well as The House of Kurosuke, which houses a large Totoro statue within.
#KlookTip: Whilst you’re in the area, why not have a tea-picking session? In fact, Sayama, alongside Shizuoka and Uji, is one of Japan’s three most famous tea production regions!
How to get there: 15-minute walk from Seibukyujo-mae station
4. Ponyo On the Cliff, Tomonoura
Photo credit: © 2008 Studio Ghibli/Hayao Miyazaki
The whimsical port town depicted in Ponyo On the Cliff was inspired by Tomonoura in Hiroshima Prefecture, which hugs the Seto Inland Sea. It’s all about living the postcard-slow life here, complete with an idyllic harbour dotted with sailing boats and a lighthouse that stands sentinel over the fishing village.
#KlookTip: Plan a visit to the nearby port city of Onomichi as well, which is the gateway to the famous Shimanami Kaido cycling route that leads to Shikoku.
Photo credit: 663highland on Wikimedia Commons
Travel back in time by strolling along the harbour, going on a boat tour, wandering along nostalgic alleys, and staying overnight in a ryokan. Check out the red-roofed house that inspired Risa and Sosuke’s house, visit the famous Fukuzenji Temple (which entices with a splendid view!), and snack on delicious seafood delicacies.
#KlookTip: Up for viewing Tomonoura from a unique perspective? Take to the waters on a kayak tour, which will show you locations that inspired both Studio Ghibli and Hollywood films.
How to get there: 30-minute bus bound for Tomo Port from Fukuyama station
5. Princess Mononoke, Yakushima Island
Photo credit: 663highland on Wikimedia Commons
A sacred forest is central to the story arc of Princess Mononoke, and was inspired by Yakushima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yakushima Island is an untouched paradise covered with a sprawling ancient cedar forest and copious amounts of dense moss. It’s said that the oldest tree here might very well be over 7,000 years old!
Photo credit: Takeshi Kuboki on Flickr Creative Commons
The film’s lead animation artist spent hours sketching at Shiratani Unsuikyo, a particularly beautiful and overgrown part of the forest. Go on a hike, take a private island tour or, come May to July, visit Nagata Inakahama Beach to see turtles lay their eggs.
How to get there: Two to three-hour high-speed boat from Kagoshima, or a 75-minute high-speed boat from Ibusuki
6. Up on Poppy Hill, Yamate
Photo credit: © 2011 Studio Ghibli/Goro Miyazaki
Foreign influence is rife in the Yamate area in Yokohama, where many Westerners resided in the past. The streets are lined with European architectural buildings, which are reminiscent of the scenes in ‘From Up On Poppy Hill’.
#KlookTip: Yamate is located right above Motomachi shopping street, which is pedestrianised on weekends.
Photo credit: Ted McGrath on Flickr Creative Commons
Some shops shown in the movie are said to be based on shops here as well — such as Miyazaki Florist and the Maruei Shoten Butcher. Other locations include Neigishi Natsukashi Koen, which is reminiscent of the film’s Coquelicot Manor; as well as Yamate Seiyoukan, where you can read various editions of Weekly Quartier Latin, the newspaper shown in the movie in each of the seven houses.
How to get there: Eight-minute train from Yokohama’s Motomachi-Chukagai station, or a seven-minute train from Yokohama’s Ishikawacho station.
7. Spirited Away, Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum in Tokyo
Photo credit: © 2001 Studio Ghibli/Hayao Miyazaki
A regular haunt of director Miyazaki, the Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum heavily inspired some of the scenes in Spirited Away. Take your time to explore the park, which is full of traditional houses that date back to various eras.
See if you can find Ghibli-inspired spots like the bathhouse, where Chihiro worked; the tram, which No-Face and Chihiro journeyed on; the bar, where Chihiro’s parents ate; or the cabinets at the stationery store, which resemble Kamaji’s room at Yubaba’s bathhouse.
#KlookTip: Don’t forget to check out the gorgeous painting of Mt. Fuji that adorns the public Kodakara-yu bathhouse.
How to get there: Four-minute bus ride from Tokyo’s Musashi-Koganei station, followed by a six-minute walk
8. Spirited Away Bath House, Dogo Onsen in Ehime
Photo credit: © 2001 Studio Ghibli/Hayao Miyazaki
Much of the popular Spirited Away movie takes place in a bathhouse, which is modelled after Dogo Onsen Honkan in Dogo Onsen, Ehime Prefecture. Did you know that Dogo Onsen Honkan has a 3000-year history, making it Japan’s oldest hot spring? It was the country’s first public bathhouse, and was designated as a National Important Cultural Property in 1994.
Photo credit: Wei-Te Wong on Flickr Creative Commons
The onsen town is lined with nostalgic alleys, which are packed with rustic cafés and boutique shops. It’s especially enchanting when dusk falls, and the street lights bathe the town in a warm glow.
The bathhouse itself is quite a sight to behold: stroll along bathers donning yukatas, elegant tatami areas, and the elaborate onsens. For a deep-dive into the connection between Dogo Onsen Honkan and ‘Spirited Away’, there’s even a guided tour available.
Unfortunately, Dogo Onsen Honkan is only open for bathing. If you wish to stay the night, check out beautiful ryokans such as Ryokan Tokiwasou, Dogo Onsen Sachiya, Dogo Onsen Dogokan, or Dogo Onsen Yachiyo.
How to get there: 30-minute tram from Matsuyama station
9. Whisper of the Heart, Seiseki Sakuragaoka
Photo credit: GKIDS Films on Youtube
The Ghibli references start the minute you arrive at Seiseki Sakuragaoka by train, where the ticket gate and station sign look exactly like those in Whisper of the Heart! The coming-of-age tale follows two teenagers falling in love as they pursue their dreams, with many of their interactions taking place in surroundings inspired by the neighbourhood surrounding Seiseki Sakuragaoka Station.
#KlookTip: Plan your route by grabbing a free official ‘Cat-Chase Walking Map’ from Keio Shopping Mall, which shows where each movie location is.
Photo credit: Japan Airlines
Don’t miss movie locations like the station, Tama Library, the antique shop, Konpiragu Shrine, Irohazaka Sakura Park, and the exterior of the Atago housing complex.
How to get there: Start your exploration from Seisei Sakuragaoka station
10. The Secret World of Arietty, Seibien
Photo credit: Walt Disney Studios on Youtube
We can’t get enough of Secret World of Arietty — do we all have tiny little Borrowers living under the floorboards of our homes? Bring the film to life by planning a trip to Seibien, a lovely Japanese garden in Hirakawa, that’s said to be the inspiration for Arietty’s mansion and garden.
Photo credit: 663highland on Wikimedia Commons
Fun fact: it took a whopping nine years to finish constructing the garden!
How to get there: 30-minute bus from Hirakawa bus terminal
Studio Ghibli-Themed Photo Spots
11. Totoro statue, Takaharu
Photo Credit: @_tonton_gram_
Seriously, how picturesque does this life-sized Totoro statue look against the backdrop of the mountain and field? Built entirely by a pair of grandparents as a surprise for their grandchildren, the statue is a long-standing symbol of love. Today, it functions as one of the cutest bus stops we’ve ever seen!
#KlookTip: For greater authenticity, feel free to rent a red umbrella for 100yen (~S$0.90) to recreate the scene from the movie where Mei and Satsuki wait in the rain with Totoro.
How to get there: Five-minute taxi ride from Takaharu station
12. Totoro Bus Stop, Saiki
Photo Credit: @jmix_mao
To hunt down another Totoro bus stop, head to Saiki. You won’t find any life-sized characters here but, instead, there’s a nostalgic wooden bus stop adorned with painted boards depicting characters from the ‘My Neighbour Totoro’ film. Apparently, the bus stop has always been named ‘Totoro’ even before the film made its debut!
Photo Credit: @jmix_mao
The bus stop is no longer in use, but has now become somewhat of a tourist attraction. Venture into the nearby forest to come across cutouts of Mei, the Catbus, and more.
How to get there: Only accessible by car; Google Maps link here
13. Catbus, Fukugawa
Photo Credit: @nikomatsubara
Catch a glimpse of the Catbus from ‘My Neighbour Totoro’ in real life in Fukugawa, Hokkaido. Located along the Totoro Pass, the structure was previously a resting point for local farmers. It was repainted into the Catbus in 1998 and trust us, it’s super cute. Inside the bus, you’ll even find timetables showing the same destinations and schedules as the movie.
#KlookTip: The Catbus is a great spot to visit in all four seasons: in summer, view it against the backdrop of rolling hills and, in winter, see the landscape transform into a sea of snowy white!
How to get there: 16-minute drive from Fukugawa station
14. Ghibli Clock, Tokyo
Photo credit: Maarten Heerlien on Flickr Creative Commons
A collaboration between Hayao Miyazaki himself and Nippon Television, an ornate clock is draped across the exterior of the Nippon Television building. It’s giant in size too, spanning 10 metres high and 18 metres wide. And yes, the clock comes to life every day at 12pm, 3pm, 6pm, and 8pm (with an extra show at 10am on weekends).
#KlookTip: If you can spare the time, watch both a daytime and night show, when the clock lights up in a mystical orange glow.
Fans of Howl’s Moving Castle are especially fond of this clock, the claws of which look exactly like the ones in the film. Look closely, and you’ll notice that there are many rooms inside the clock itself! Each room looks different, but they work as one to form the clock’s machinery — putting on a mesmerising show comprising spinning wheels, a boiling teapot, and whimsical music.
How to get there: Three-minute walk from Shiodome station
Studio Ghibli-Themed Food
15. Shiro-hige’s Cream Puffs Factory, Tokyo
Photo credit: E-lyn Tham
Don’t these look almost too adorable to eat? Make your way to the peaceful residential district of Setagaya, which houses the hidden gem of Shiro-hige’s Cream Puffs Factory. Or, perhaps, hidden isn’t the word to describe this bakery, for long lines form every morning with plenty of people looking to get their hands on adorable Totoro-shaped cream puffs.
The shop is managed by Hayao Miyazaki’s sister-in-law, offering cream puffs in various flavours. The custard and chocolate flavours are available throughout the year, on top of seasonal flavours like strawberry, raspberry, chestnut, and banana. Only 200 are made every day, so fastest fingers first!
How to get there: A seven-minute walk from Shimokitazawa station
16. Kiki’s Bakery, Yufuin
Photo credit: Yufuin Floral Village on Facebook
Believe it or not, but Kiki’s bakery does exist in the real world! Nestled in Yufuin Floral Village, an enchanting shopping village inspired by the UK’s Cotswolds region, the bakery delights fans with a line-up of yummy pastries, bread, and cakes. You won’t miss it: simply look out for a cage containing Jiji the black cat from the movie, as well as a broom, at the shop’s entrance.
#KlookTip: Spoiled for choice? Go with the pastries that are accompanied by the heart-shaped signs which say ‘Kiki’s recommendation’.
How to get there: A 13-minute walk from Yufuin station
17. Kichijoji Petit Mura, Tokyo
Photo credit: Stephen Kelly on Flickr Creative Commons
Tumble headfirst into the fairytale world of Kichijoji Petit Mura, a cluster of whimsically decorated houses that’s home to idyllic cafés, trinket shops, and even a castle that’s said to be built by cats. Built to look like a picture book, the enclave has a recurring cat theme everywhere you look. Spot paw prints on the floor, and a fountain that’s shaped like a cat.
In fact, the shops here are all on the smaller side — to make guests feel like they’ve shrunk down to the level of cats! Squeal with delight as you pet over 20 cats at the Temari no Oshiro cat café, enjoy a tea break at the aesthetic Tea House Happa, and pick up a unique souvenir from Tokotoko Zakka-ten.
#KlookTip: Want to get your hands on some Totoro cream puffs from Shiro-hige’s Cream Puffs Factory without going down to Setagaya? Pop by the takeaway kiosk at Kichijoji.
How to get there: Seven-minute walk from Kichijoji station
18. Corn Barley, Tokyo
Photo credit: Tabelog
Whilst you’re at Kichijoji station, drop by Corn Barley for an overdose of all things Studio Ghibli. The whole restaurant is designed to be an immersive Ghibli experience, with murals, themed decor, and antique furniture.
Do yourself a favour, and make a reservation for the popular Homage Course. You’ll be in for a real treat with six courses of dishes, with each course dedicated to a specific film. These replicate meals from the films, such as a bowl of ramen with ham from ‘Ponyo’, Calcifer’s bacon and eggs from ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’, or chocolate truffles shaped like soot sprites from ‘My Neighbour Totoro’.
How to get there: Two-minute walk from Kichijoji station
19. Baby King Kitchen, Tokyo
Photo credit: Baby King Kitchen
If you’ve always wanted to try the food shown in the Ghibli films, here’s your chance! Baby King Kitchen has trotted out a special Ghibli-themed menu that specialises in such dishes. Tuck into Grandma’s hotcakes and carrot pie from ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’, Ponyo’s favourite ham and cheese sandwich from’ Ponyo’, or the fried egg on toast from ‘Castle in the Sky’.
#KlookTip: Families, you’ll love how family-friendly this restaurant is too! Think: a small slide, baby-changing station, and lots of children’s books available for your little ones.
How to get there: Three-minute walk from Koenji station
Studio Ghibli-Themed Shops
20. Donguri Republic
Photo credit: Tokyo Solomachi
The Ghibli fever continues with Donguri Republic, an amazing chain store that’s all about the Ghibli universe. Get your hands on plushies, household goods, notebooks, stickers, magnets, handkerchiefs, pouches, planters… anything you can think of, they’ve probably got it — with a glorious Ghlbli spin slapped on too.
How to get there: There are 40 stores all over Japan. In Tokyo itself, there are multiple outlets at Odaiba, Tokyo station, and Ikebukuro. Shops are also found in Sapporo, Sendai, Yokohama, Kamakura, Kawagoe, Nagoya, Niigata, Karuizawa, Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Fukuoka, Okinawa, and more.
21. TOKYO: GBL
Photo credit: GBL.TOKYO
Previously only found online, GBL has now opened a physical shop in Shibuya. The Ghibli goods sold here have a slightly edgier vibe — fill your baskets with trendy graphic shirts, pop art tote bags, and more.
The shops roll out seasonal collections from time to time — just take all of our money already!
How to get there: Two-minute walk from Shibuya station
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