My Neighbor Totoro (となりのトトロ) is one of the most popular films from Studio Ghibli of all time. Many are passionate about the character Totoro, buying various plush toys and items related to the anime. If you live in or wish to travel to Japan, you might want to visit themed locations related to Totoro. That’s why we’ve separated some places that will make you travel and live in the world of Totoro in Japan.
For those who don’t know, My Neighbor Totoro was released in 1988, written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The story follows a family that moved to the countryside, and soon they discover a hidden world behind their new home. Studio Ghibli films have captured the hearts and minds of people all over the world. If you haven’t had the chance to watch this movie yet! Hurry and watch it!
I won’t even mention the Studio Ghibli museum in the article because it’s a must for all fans. Although there are many themed things, shops, and objects there, I believe the most interesting things about Totoro are scattered throughout Japan.
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Morikoro Park in Nagoya
If you are in Nagoya, you can visit the Morikoro Memorial Park to see the replica of Satsuki and Mei’s house. The house and the environment were planned with a lot of love and care to recreate all the memories from the movie. This house was created in 2005 for the World Expo in Nagoya. Since then, the house has remained in the memorial park in Nagakute, Aichi.
Even the interior of the house was meticulously created. You will see the father’s office filled with books. The kitchen is fully decorated with many fine details, resembling a typical kitchen from the 50s. All the details of the house, such as the hole under the house and even the bus stop. When visiting the house, you have complete freedom to touch everything, open drawers, cabinets, and windows. It’s a true immersion into the world of Totoro.
One of the most memorable scenes from the movie is the bus stop. We can find thousands of photos of people with cosplay of Totoro holding a black umbrella at real bus stops. Some shops and people have also placed a Totoro doll at some bus stops or in front of shops to attract tourists’ attention. Finding these locations can be great for you to take memorable photos. Below is a list of places where you can find these themed bus stops:
- On Ninen-Zaka street near Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto;
- In the city of Saikai in Nagasaki;
- Hakui in Ishikawa Prefecture;
- In Totoro in Oita Prefecture;
- At the Studio Ghibli museum;
The Totoro Forest in Sayama
Many scenes and images from the Totoro movie were based on the Sayama Hills. This forest is located in Yamaguchi and is divided into 39 areas, with striking scenery for fans. While traveling through this area, you will find residential locations, tourist spots, various objects, and references to the film, perfect for taking photos. In addition to being able to see all the vegetation and nature present in the Totoro movie. It is a public forest, free to visit, and you are free to take photos. There are small shops and cafés in the area.
In the Mikajima and Tokorozawa area near Tokyo in Saitama, you can find 18 more forests named after Totoro that influenced the creation of the film. For more information about all these areas, we recommend accessing this PDF by clicking here.
The Catbus from the Totoro movie
The Catbus from the movie is not just fantasy; in Japan, there are several real catbuses scattered around. Even some preschools use themed buses for students. It is impossible to live in Japan and not come across anything related to Totoro. What do you think about that? Do you know other themed locations or situations? Leave a comment and share with friends. There are many themed things related to the movie in Japan, to finish, let’s leave some images and videos below:
Watch the videos below to travel more:
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