Top 10 Ghibli Tourist Spots in Japan

If you’re a Studio Ghibli fan, you won’t want to miss these 10 Ghibli tourist spots in Japan! Even if you don’t have plans to go to Japan anytime soon, it’s mind opening to look at the real locations that inspired these movies. Going to these locations can also allow you to explore the diverse landscapes of Japan — from deep natural forests that inspired Princess Mononoke to residential areas from Whisper of the Heart.

1. Tomo no ura (鞆の浦) – Ponyo

Hayao Miyazaki stayed in Tomo no Ura for around 2 months in 2005. During this time, he developed his idea for the setting of the Ghibli movie, Ponyo. Tomo no ura is full of nature, being a part of the Setonaikai national park. It also features a historic circular harbor that has been used since ancient times. As you gaze out to the ocean, you can immerse yourself into the world of Ponyo! 

Address: Tomocho, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Pref., Japan

2. Yakushima (屋久島) – Princess Mononoke

One of the most famous Ghibli tourist spots might be Yakushima, an island off the southern tip of Japan. This remote island inspired the movie Princess Mononoke. It is a UNESCO world heritage site with ancient forests and trees that are over 3000 years old. This is the perfect setting since the movie also touches on themes of the environment. While you admire the natural beauty of Yakushima, you can also enjoy some amazing natural onsen or hot springs!

The whole island is extremely scenic but for the ultimate Princess Mononoke experience, I recommend a visit to the Shiratani Unsui Gorge. 

Address: Miyanoura, Yakushima, Kumage District, Kagoshima 891-4200, Japan

3.Seiseki Sakura gaoka (成績聖蹟桜ケ丘) – Whisper of the Heart

Whisper of the Heart is full of Japanese scenic residential areas. If you want to relive some of the movie’s most touching moments, head over to Seiseki Sakuragaoka. Located in Tokyo, it is easy to get to and you can follow this map to see the different spots http://seiseki-s.com/htm/ssr/mimisuma.htmIt’s in Japanese, but the illustrations make it clear where to go. Notice that there is even the same shrine where Sugimura confesses his love!

I recommend starting at the Seiseki Sakuragaoka station and walking according to the map. 

Address: 1 Chome Sekido, Tama, Tokyo 206-0011, Japan

4. Sayama Kyuryo (狭山丘陵) – My Neighbor Totoro

Located about 30 minutes away by car from Tokyo, Sayama Kyuryo has forests which inspired My Neighbor Totoro! The lush forests will transport you to the magical world of the film. Here is the website to the park: https://www.totoro.or.jp/totorofund/index.html The website seems a bit outdated but contains all necessary information. Make sure to check out the Totoro forest, also called Sayama hills, and Kurosuke’s house.

Address: Kurosuke’s house 3 Chome-1169-1 Mikajima, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-1164, Japan

5. Dougo onsen (道後温泉) – Spirited Away

One of the oldest hot springs in Japan, Dougo Onsen inspired the large bathhouse from Spirited Away. On top of feeling the weight of history in this building, you can enjoy a relaxing traditional Japanese-style bath. This onsen is located in the southern part of Japan on the island of Shikoku. If you need a guide on how to enjoy hot springs in Japan be sure to check out this article!

Address: 5-6 Dōgoyunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0842, Japan

6. Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum (江戸東京たてもの園) – Spirited Away

Another Spirited Away Ghibli tourist spot are the buildings in this open air architectural museum. Hayao Miyazaki visited this museum while he was putting together his ideas for Spirited Away. There is one building in particular which looks like the workplace of Kamajii in the movie. This is the Takei Sanshodo building in the east zone of the museum. I recommended watching the movie and going there to see which buildings might have inspired the movie!

Address: 3 Chome-7-1 Sakuracho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-0005, Japan

7. Manpei Hotel (万平ホテル) – The Wind Rises

This hotel inspired some of the interior of the hotel in The Wind Rises. In particular, the dining room inside looks and feels like the one in the movie! If you don’t want to stay a night, I suggest having a meal at the luxurious dining area. The hotel was founded in 1764 and it became one of the first Western style hotels in Japan.

Address: 925 Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano 389-0102, Japan

8. Kami Kochi Imperial Hotel (上高地帝国ホテル) – The Wind Rises

Another hotel that looks like the hotel from The Wind Rises is located in the Nagano prefecture. This hotel is surrounded by beautiful mountains and the outer design of the building is strikingly similar to the hotel from the movie. It is a Ghibli tourist spot that is worth checking out if you’re a Wind Rises fan!

Address: Kamikochi Azumi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-1516, Japan

9. Harbor View park (港の見える丘公園) – Up on Poppy Hill

A park looking over the harbor of Yokohama, Harbor View Park is where you’ll find some replica flags from the movie! Not only that, the surrounding areas make up the setting for the whole movie. Since the film is based in 1960’s Yokohama, you’ll still find buildings that are reminiscent of that time. Make sure to take in the scenery and walk around!

Address: 114 Yamatecho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0862, Japan

10. Ghibli Museum

Last but not least, no list for studio Ghibli Tourist spots is complete without the Ghibli Museum! This is not to be missed if you are asStudio Ghibli fan. Here is their website: https://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/ Make sure to reserve tickets ahead of time if you want to go! What’s amazing about the museum is that the entire place is designed with the Ghibli aesthetic in mind. There are also sketches from the movies where you can see the process of creating these amazing masterpieces. Also, don’t miss the special short film that you can only watch at the museum!

Address: 1-chōme-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-0013, Japan

I hope that this article on Ghibli tourist spots in Japan will be useful on your next trip to Japan! If you’re interested in other Travel Japan articles be sure to check out How to order coffee at a coffee shop in Japanese or Survival Phrases for Travelling Japan

~ Tanuki