8 Japanese spots with Studio Ghibli-esque scenery

Are you familiar with the Japanese animation production company Studio Ghibli?

The company has produced animated films such as My Neighbor Totoro, Castle in the Sky, and Spirited Away.

There are several places in Japan where you can enjoy scenery like that of Ghibli’s animated works.Today I will introduce 8 “Studio Ghibli world-view-like” tourist attractions around Japan!

Scenery of Princess Mononoke. Shiratani Unsuikyo (Yakushima)

Shiratani Unsuikyo is believed to be the setting of Princess Mononoke. Hayao Miyazaki, the director of Studio Ghibli, visited the area many times to create the image of Princess Mononoke.

Lush water, lush moss, and old trees are highlights.

Because the valley is humid, the moss is very lively and beautiful.

Mysterious blue pond! Shirakami Sanchi (Aomori)

The Shirakami Mountains in Aomori Prefecture are also considered the setting of Princess Mononoke.It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its pristine nature, untouched for thousands of years, is full of life.

The Shirakami Sanchi is famous for its fantastic lakes. Among them, “Aoike” (meaning “blue pond”) is very mysterious and very popular among tourists.

Totoro-esque trees!(Yamagata)

“Kosugi no Oosugi” in Salmon River Village, Yamagata Prefecture, is a natural cedar over 1,000 years old that is beloved as a sacred tree by the villagers.

The two trees at the top that look like ears and the round shape that spreads out as it goes down…it looks just like the shape of Totoro, doesn’t it?

Kosugi’s giant cedar, which is 20 meters tall and has a root circumference of 6.3 meters, is also known as a power spot and is called a “match-making tree” or “tree of fertility”.

Totoro rocks! (Ishikawa)

Another natural landscape in the shape of Totoro. This time it is a rock!

The Tsurugi-Gongen-Iwa(Commonly known as Totoro Rock) is located in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, and floats on the sea.The rocks are decorated with eyeballs with rough ropes, so they look just like Totoro.

Incidentally, the rock can be seen from right beside the national highway, so there is a lot of traffic. Be sure to park in a parking space before seeing it.

It is like the world of Laputa, the castle in the sky! Tomogashima Island (Wakayama)

Tomogashima, an island in Wakayama Prefecture, is famous for its “No. 3 Battery,” built around 1905.This was once an army site.

This now-abandoned landscape is popular in Japan for its resemblance to the world of Laputa, Castle in the Sky.

Come to think of it, Tomogashima is also the sacred place for the anime “Summertime Renda. Apparently, quite a lot of people visit the island.

Tomogashima can be reached from Kata Port, but get there early because boarding tickets cannot be reserved and the boat will not be available when it reaches capacity.

The setting of Spirited Away? Shima Onsen (Gunma)

Sekizenkan, a hot spring resort in Gunma Prefecture, is known as the oldest wooden bathhouse building in Japan.

At night, the lights of the inn float in the sky like something out of Spirited Away.

The railway line leading to the lake – Lake Shikaribetsu (Hokkaido)

Lake Shikaribetsu is located in the Tokachi region of Hokkaido.The lake was formed by an eruption about 30,000 years ago.

I went just last year, so check out the article if you want.

Seiseki Sakuragaoka, the setting of “Ears to the Future”(Tokyo)

Last but not least is the town where the 1995 animated film “Ears to the Future” was set.

It takes about 30 minutes from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo by Keio Line express train.You can follow the main character, Tsukishima Shizuku, as she makes her way around the city.

Which Ghibli film is your favorite?

By the way, I like Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind best.I’ve seen the movie and I’ve seen the comic book.

I also like Red Pig and Princess Mononoke. Which Ghibli film is your favorite?