Where can I meet Totoro? Hidden spots to visit in Japan
WellBe Inc.
“My Neighbor Totoro,” which is a masterpiece of Japanese animated films, is loved all over the world.
Even if they aren't Totoro fans, I think there are many people who would like to visit the place where the movie was set.
In this article, we'll show you some places in Japan where you can meet Totoro.
Tokyo/ “Mitaka Forest Ghibli Museum”
Source: Official site
It is an art museum that mainly displays works by Hayao Miyazaki, the director of “My Neighbor Totoro.”
It was invented by director Hayao Miyazaki and opened in 2001.
You can view characters and background pictures from Ghibli works, starting with Totoro, in real size.
Also, the secret story of the production is introduced in the special exhibition, and it is a place where fans can have a special experience.
Original short animation films are also being screened at “Saturn Constellation.”
Tickets must be purchased in advance, so be sure to check the official page for details.
Address: 1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo
Business hours: 10:00-18:00
Closed on Tuesdays
Access: Approximately a 15-minute walk from the south exit of JR Mitaka Station. Mitaka station is 20 minutes from Shinjuku station by rapid train on the JR Chuo Line.
Saitama Prefecture/ “Kurosuke's House”
Source: Sayama Kyuryo
“Kurosuke's House” is located about 15 minutes by bus from Kotesashi Station in Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture.
It is also the setting for Totoro, and is an activity base for the “Totoro Hometown Fund,” which preserves the nature of the “Sayama Hills,” which is now popular as Totoro's Forest.
The main house is a private house that was relocated about 50 years ago, and has a history of over 100 years.
“Totoro Fund goods” written by director Hayao Miyazaki for Totoro's Hometown Fund are also on sale.
You can get rare goods that are only available here.
The old-fashioned appearance, which is reminiscent of Satsuki and Mei's house, is also attractive.
Address: 1169-1 Mikashima 3-chome, Tokorozawa-shi, Saitama
Business days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday (10:00-15:00)
*Closed during the year-end and New Year holidays
Access: From the south exit of Kotesashi Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line, take a bus bound for “Waseda University” or “Miyaderanishi” and get off at “Dainichido” and walk for about 5 minutes
Chiba Prefecture/ “Kazusa-Okubo Station”
Source: Tripadvisor
“Kazusa-Okubo Station” is an unmanned station on the Kominato Railway that runs on the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture.
A picture of Totoro is drawn in the waiting room, and it is also known as “Totoro's station.”
This picture of Totoro was drawn by a local elementary school student.
There is also a figure of Satsuki holding an umbrella next to Totoro. Reminds me of a scene in the movie.
The train that goes to “Kazusa-Okubo Station” is a trolley train with a retro atmosphere, and the collaboration between Totoro's pictures and the train is also a highlight.
Address: Okubo, Ichihara, Chiba
Access: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes from Tokyo Station
Aichi Prefecture/ “Satsuki and Mei's House”
Source: Ghibli Park
At “Aichi Expo Memorial Park,” the site of the “Aichi Expo” held in 2005, is “Satsuki and Mei's House,” which recreates the movie.
Not only the exterior, but the interior has also been faithfully reproduced. You can immerse yourself in a scene from a movie.
You can now understand life in Japan in the old days, so you can enjoy it with a nostalgic feeling that you have traveled back in time.
Address: 1533-1 Ibarakawarima-otsu, Nagakute-shi, Aichi
Business hours: Weekdays: 10:00-16:30 Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: 9:30 to 16:30 (admission until 16:00)
Closed every Monday
Hokkaido/ “Togairo Pass Cat Bus”
Source: GoogleMap
At “Togairo Pass” in Fukagawa, Hokkaido, you can watch the “cat bus” that appears in the movie.
The cat bus in the work is a cat whose body looks like a bus, and it is a cat bus that can only be seen by children, that can only be seen by children, and it is transported to the destination at a tremendous speed.
It is a popular spot where you can take pictures with cat buses in the majestic nature.
Address: Fukagawa-shi, Hokkaido
Yamagata Prefecture/ “Kosugi Osugi (Totoro Tree)”
It is a large cedar tree called “Kosugi Osugi (Totoro Tree)” located about 30 minutes by car from “Shinjo Station” in Yamagata Prefecture.
This natural cedar tree, which is estimated to be 1000 years old, is famous for being similar to the shape of Totoro in the movie “My Neighbor Totoro.”
It has a root circumference of 6.3 meters, a height of about 20 meters, and branches 17 meters, and a mountain god is enshrined at the root.
It is a spot where you can experience rich nature, and it is also popular as a power spot known as the couple cedar, marriage tree, and child treasure tree.
Address: Kosugi area, Oaza Magarikawa, Sakegawa-mura, Yamagata
*Please note that during the winter season (late November to early April), the road to the Osugi parking lot in Kosugi will be closed due to snow accumulation.
*Invasion of surrounding private property is prohibited.
Ishikawa Prefecture/ “Tsurugi Gongen Rock (Totoro Rock)”
Source: Dicover NOTO
“Tsurugi Gongen Rock,” located along National Route 249 in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, is a rock called “Tateiwa Gongen-san” by locals.
It is also known as “Totoro Rock” because the centerpiece made of rough rope is attached and looks just like Totoro.
It's popular to run along the seaside and meet Totoro.
Address: Odomari, Monzen-cho, Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture
※It is dangerous to park your car on the road, so be sure to park your car in the parking lot before visiting.
Oita Prefecture/ “Totoro Bus Stop”
Source: Kyushu Travel Net
“Totoro” is a place name that actually exists in Saiki City, Oita Prefecture.
It is a bus stop that attracted attention as a “cat bus village” named after this name.
Even now, illustrations of Totoro and illustrations depicting scenes from the movie are displayed.
Previously, it was actually used as a bus stop for route buses, but now the route has been abolished, and only community buses in Saiki City stop.
It is located in a place full of nature, where you can enjoy a movie-like atmosphere, and it is a popular spot for tourists.
Address：Oita Prefecture Saiki Ume-oza Minamitawara 1382
Miyazaki Prefecture/ “Takaharu-cho Totoro”
Source: Google
There is a large Totoro object and bus stop in Takaharu-cho, Miyazaki-ken.
A 70-year-old couple made it as a souvenir for their grandchildren and children.
If you walk between the bus stop and Totoro with a red umbrella, you can recreate a scene from the movie.
It's a common garden, so be careful to take pictures with good manners such as not making a loud voice or entering at night.
Address: 7538-6 Kamamuta, Gunkogen-cho, Nishishōtō, Miyazaki-ken
Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from Miyazaki Expressway “Takahara IC”
These places are valuable spots where you can experience the world view of “My Neighbor Totoro” in Japan.
These places are recommended not only for movie fans, but also for those who like nature and animation.
Please visit and experience the mysterious and warm world drawn by Hayao Miyazaki.
A beauty experience is also recommended when visiting Japan!
Finding a spot in Japan where you can experience beauty treatments such as massages, nails, and esthetics to heal the tiredness of your trip is highly recommended as part of sightseeing.
Here are a few salons that I recommend to those who are particular about technology and quality.
Ginza/ “Mani Nail Care Ginza Store”
Open at 9 a.m.! A 5-minute walk from Ginza Station, this is a popular nail care salon where you can get rid of nail problems.
Hand and foot nails can be performed simultaneously. For those who are concerned about the burden of gel nails, we have prepared a number of “non-scraping” gel polishes, shellac, nail care, foot care, etc.
Recommended for those trying nail art for the first time, as well as those seeking special care. Men's care is also available, so it's also suitable for couples.
Ginza/ “head CONCIERGE Ginza Store”
A head spa specialty store where a group of nationally qualified specialists lead to “ultimate sleep.”
It is a technique of pressing pressure points on the head called the deep muscle approach, which leads to ultimate sleep.
Various effects can be expected, such as “relieving insomnia,” “improving shoulder stiffness,” “recovering from eye strain,” and “anti-aging.”
Enjoy the ultimate head spa that goes beyond relaxation.
Ikebukuro/ “Mix Up!! Ikebukuro store”
This salon, located about a 10-minute walk from Ikebukuro, offers many effective facial treatments for pores, beautiful skin, lift-up, and anti-aging.
As for body treatments, you can choose between slimming or relaxation courses. You can have your whole body well cared for according to the condition of the day.
Jimbocho (Akihabara area)/“CREBIA Jimbocho Store”
A slimming esthetic salon that leads to effortless results! Highly skilled and experienced staff are popular.
It is a talented salon that is a strong ally for women who want to go on a diet.
Our experienced staff will suggest a menu tailored to each person's constitution and concerns, so you can get closer to your ideal body without difficulty, without waste, and effectively.
Kyoto/ “Kawaramachi Sopoca-lon”
Conveniently located a 7-minute walk from Hankyu “Karasuma Station”, this salon is located between Sanjo and Shijo, making it perfect for those who enjoy shopping and tourists.
This is a popular salon for casual yet sophisticated “just the right casual nails.”
Inside the spacious store, the spacious chairs are designed so you won't get tired even if you sit for a long time, and we provide a space where you can relax while receiving careful nail care.
Honcho, Yodoyabashi, Shinsaibashi/ “Beauty Salon HAPPY”
If you are aiming for a higher-grade beautiful skin care that can be achieved in Osaka, I recommend this beauty salon.
We provide treatments tailored to each person's skin, with a focus on pore care and peeling.
Enjoy a special time that brings out the natural beauty of your skin while relaxing in a private space that requires a complete reservation.
With careful counseling by experienced staff, we are able to respond well to aging skin and pore concerns.
Osaka/ “bellissimo”
A beauty salon focused on results, located right next to Osaka's “Fukushima” station, and staffed by knowledgeable and experienced staff.
This salon is recommended for those with scalp problems such as diet, stiff shoulders/swelling, or hair loss.
We offer a superb relaxation menu, such as slimming machines, oil massages, head spas, hair loss care, and hair growth care menus.
Head spas approach scalp problems felt due to aging, dryness, stress, etc.
It thoroughly relaxes stiff scalp and improves blood circulation, thereby improving blood color.
Since it is a treatment that is close to each person in a private room, you can receive it with peace of mind.
Osaka/ “Watanabe Acupuncture and Moxibustion Chiropractic Clinic”
If you are looking for high quality acupuncture and manipulative treatment, I recommend this salon.
We are good at improving constitution and treating pain and numbness, and we provide safe treatment for people with various problems.
Please experience our careful treatment and high technical skills.
Fukuoka/ “NAILSALON EPI”
A 3-minute walk from Meinohama Station on the Fukuoka Metro Airport Line, this is the perfect nail salon for those looking for trends.
Packed with trendy colors you can't find anywhere else. We have a selection of popular magnet colors, and after the treatment, “Where did you do that nail?” There is no doubt that you will be asked.
The color can be changed according to the wishes of each customer, and it is popular for its good durability and beautiful finish.
You can also enjoy a movie during the treatment in the stylish store, so you can spend a relaxing time.
Enjoy fashion from your fingertips at this popular nail salon.
Fukuoka/ “head CONCIERGE Fukuoka Store”
A head spa specialty store where a group of nationally qualified specialists lead to “ultimate sleep.”
Head Concierge is a group of experts who have learned how to train their arms with their fingers.
It is a technique of pressing pressure points on the head called the deep muscle approach, which leads to ultimate sleep.
Various effects can be expected, such as “relieving insomnia,” “improving shoulder stiffness,” “recovering from eye strain,” and “anti-aging.”
Enjoy the ultimate head spa that goes beyond relaxation.
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- WellBe Inc.
- WellBe operating company
- WellBe Inc.
- WellBe operating company
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