Top Studio Ghibli Spots Around Japan

Flying pigs, talking cats; witches big and small. Surviving war, saving nature, and raising princesses from the moon. However you’ve seen them, and however old you were when you discovered them, we’re happy you’re here. We love them too!

Often described as Japan’s Disney, Studio Ghibli has created some of the most fascinating animated films over multiple generations that are adored globally by people of all ages. Their colourful, playful design mixed with intense detail and powerful storytelling make for something any fan of film can enjoy.

Coming to Japan as a Ghibli fan hits differently. Getting to make physical connections with some of your favourite movies is always a euphoric joy, and there are many opportunities to see and feel Ghibli inspired environments on a trip to the country that started it all.

In this breakdown, we’re going to take you through some of the most ideal spots around the country to visit as a fan of the franchise. Whether it’s a place that inspired the films or a place that was inspired by the films, pack along your favorite Joe Hisaishi soundtrack, and jump directly into the adventure!

Ghibli Stores, Nationally

Probably the easiest on the list to track down, the Studio Ghibli merchandise stores, known as Donguri, are scattered around Japan’s metropolises and popular tourist destinations. With forty of them currently available to visit, there’s a good chance you can find one in whichever part of Japan you choose to spend your time.

The shops carry everything from trinkets to figurines and cover most of Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata’s works. Even for window shoppers, the stores are bite-size walk-throughs of the films. Visitors are also often greeted by a selfie-friendly Totoro statue out front.

Whether you’re looking to build a souvenir collection or just try out the little music boxes, a walk through one of these shops is sure to make any Ghibli fan smile.

Ghibli Museum, Tokyo

Undeniably the home base of Ghibli tourism, the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo is as magical of an experience to explore as it is to discover. Full of spiral stairways, tiny doors, and multiple levels, rooms, and things to see and experience, the museum is an absolute delight for Ghibli fanatics.

From top to bottom, inside and out, it’s practically the beauty of a film all its own. Museum tickets also come with film strips to be stamped upon the arrival of a private showing of one of several Ghibli short films which can only be seen inside the museum theatre – as unique of a Ghibli experience as you can get.

The museum is full of dream-like art installations depicting the development of Ghibli movies and their history. Human-size kaleidoscopes and carousels in the showrooms offer fresh looks at particularly beautiful scenes from the films. Likewise, rooms are divided into film scene replicas with original drawings on display.

Experience as much as you can before visiting the flagship Ghibli store or tasting something sweet from the museum’s café. The surrounding park is also worth a stroll.

As parts of the museum exhibits often travel, be sure to check a municipal art museum near wherever you’re staying in Japan for Ghibli related exhibitions.

Ghibli Theme Park, Aichi

That’s right. Just as it’s written, there is now a Ghibli Theme Park to visit located in Aichi prefecture.

Ghibli Park opened in November of 2022 and is full of movie themed activities. However, as the park itself states: “There are no big attractions or rides at Ghibli Park.” Thus, park goers should expect a full-on fan-of-the-films experience with a deep dive into the settings of films and less on rollercoasters.

The park is built alongside and somewhat into the neighbouring forest of the 2005 Expo Park to assist with the natural feel of being immersed in Ghibli film settings. As of the first few months of 2023, three main attractions are open that includes an exhibition hall full of artifacts from films like My Neighbour Totoro and Castle in the Sky with others including replica architecture from Whisper of the Heart and the family home from My Neighbour Totoro – all of which are waiting to be explored.

It's a good idea to check the site regularly to see how Ghibli Park will continue to expand. So far, it’s full of dazzling ambition and a dream spot for any die-hard Ghibli fan.

Tomonoura, Hiroshima (Ponyo)

The allure of small-town Japan is undeniable. There is probably no better example of the beauty of a tiny, seaside Japanese town than Tomonoura in eastern Hiroshima prefecture. Even Hayao Miyazaki knew this as he used it for the inspiration in creating his film, Ponyo.

Having spent a good deal of time in Tomonoura, Miyazaki created the setting of Ponyo with Tomonoura as the model. This is apparent when strolling through the town. Ponyo fountains and window displays decorate the old roads. However, the real draw here is not what’s available to experience from the film but coming to the area that was used as its influence.

Photo: Richard Henry

Tomonoura is a quiet, peaceful port fishing town on the Seto Inland Sea. Locals live tranquil lives here while domestic tourists come mostly to get a bit of that peace of mind for themselves. The best thing to do in Tomonoura is: sanpo (stroll). Walk the still ports, stroll the stone streets, taste a local fish cake, and, most of all, relax – the kind of relaxation that people like Miyazaki once needed in order to find imagination.

Photo: Richard Henry

For those looking for a bit more adventure, take a pirate ship ferry from the port to the neighbouring island, Sensuijima. A small, easy to navigate island that’s sprinkled with hills and high-tide stingrays visible from the walkways, Sensuijima is a joy to explore and is a perfect trip extension for those looking for one.

Yakushima, Kagoshima (Princess Mononoke)

There’s probably no more miraculous a setting of any Ghibli film than Princess Mononoke. Mostly forested and fairy-tale-like, many fans seek this one out, but most tourists don’t make it all the way to the source. However, a trip to Yakushima in southern Kagoshima prefecture is worth a trek whether you’re a fan of the film or not.

Possibly one of the most beautiful places on the planet, Shiratani Unsuikyo ravine’s forest has since been dubbed the Princess Mononoke Forest because of the impact it had on director Hayao Miyazaki – ultimately inspiring the movie’s creation.

It’s easy to see why. One step into this place and you’ll be thrown aback by the intense natural beauty of the moss-covered ancient cedar trees. Located on the island of Yakushima, it couldn’t be much further from Tokyo, but it’s only a stone’s throw from tropical Okinawa. Be one of many that takes pictures of their forest sprite figurines sitting in nature.

With tons of mountains, waterfalls, and wildlife, Yakushima is a joy for everyone but especially for Ghibli fanatics.

Dogo Onsen, Ehime (Spirited Away)

Located in Ehime prefecture’s capital, Matsuyama, in west Japan, Dogo Onsen is a hot spring that’s said to be the oldest in the country.

Known as one of the bathhouses that inspired the design of Yubaba’s bathhouse from Spirited Away, the area is full of Dogo focused streets dotted with shops dedicated to onsen culture and Spirited Away knick-knacks. Couples can often be seen perusing the roads in bath robes as their wooden sandals clap against the pavement. It’s a hot spring for all ages and walks of life including those with tattoos (which is rare to come by in Japan).

Photo: Richard Henry

The bathhouse itself is well over a century old and features bathing rooms that resemble the tiled baths of Turkey. With multiple tiers of prestige and privacy, Dogo is an ideal place for those looking to clean up after a trip around Matsuyama’s famous hilltop castle or experience a hot spring for the very first time.

Whether you’re hoping for an immersive leap into Chihiro’s world or to try a legendary hot spring for only a few hundred yen a dip, Dogo’s got you covered and will surely have you feeling fresh.

Seiseki Sakuragaoka Station, Tokyo (Whisper of the Heart)

A stop near the capital, Seiseki Sakuragaoka Station in Tama, Tokyo is the starting point for those wishing to explore some notable spots that inspired locations in Whisper of the Heart.

From the station, walking maps can be obtained that lead tourists along sites where ink stamps can be collected. At the station, a mailbox in the shape of the antique shop from the film accepts postcards for those wishing to write their aspirations on them.

Following the map, tourists are guided to street corners, riversides, public stairs, and walkways that can be compared to stills from the animated movie. One of the most familiar spots might be the Konpiragu Shrine where a confession of love was made to the film’s protagonist.

While not as immersive and as well maintained as some of the other spots on this list, fans of the film will surely find great joy in walking through the area as the town that brought many of us through the nostalgia of young love depicted in Whisper of the Heart.

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