2 hours ago
4
January 18, 2025 | 10:00 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The world-renowned Studio Ghibli production Spirited Away has a massive fan base of its own, perhaps due to the surreal yet heartwarming atmosphere it manages to evoke. Much like any other pop culture enthusiast, Studio Ghibli fans are eager to discover the Spirited Away real life locations in its original country, Japan.
While the mysterious world only exists in the mind of the creator, these Japanese destinations are notable for having a similar feel to the places seen in Miyazaki's Spirited Away. If you are an avid follower of the Studio Ghibli universe, read on to continue the discovery.
5 Spirited Away Real Life Locations in Japan
Time Out and Japan Travel considered popular landmarks such as Dogo Onsen Honkan and Edo Tokyo Architectural Museum as some places that look like real-life Spirited Away locations. Other vacation destinations included are as follows:
1. Dogo Onsen Honkan, Ehime Prefecture
Dogo Onsen Honkan is widely believed to be the Spirited Away bathhouse where 10-year-old Chihiro worked in the movie. As one of the oldest operating hot springs in Japan, this onsen has looked the same since 1893. With 3,000 years of history, guests are invited to explore the town in yukata robes while staying in a traditional Japanese inns, or ryokan.
Studio Ghibli fans can fly into Matsuyama Airport, about 1.5 hours from Haneda Airport, and drive directly to Dogo Onsen in about 40 minutes. Other accessible public transportation includes a 30-minute tram ride from JR Matsuyama Station.
2. Edo Tokyo Architectural Museum
It was revealed by Miyazaki that the Edo Open Architectural Museum provided inspiration to the creator, making it an authentic Spirited Away real-life location. The district itself has many old buildings built between the 17th and mid-19th centuries, with Takei Sanshodo being the inspiration for Kamaji's boiler room in the film. Today, the wooden-walled stationery store continues to attract visitors from around the world.
3. Shimonada Station, Ehime Prefecture
The iconic train in Spirited Away, where Sen and Kaonashi arrive in one scene, has a lot in common with the remote Shimonada Station in Ehime Prefecture. The train tracks run along the blue sea, creating a magical atmosphere for all viewers. Here, fans are enthralled by the scenic views that Chihiro witnessed during her journey to meet Zeniba, Yubaba's twin sister. To capture the perfect scenery of the coastline, be sure to arrive early where fewer crowds are expected.
4. Hotel Gajoen Tokyo
Perhaps considered the hotel of Spirited Away, Meguro's Hotel Gajoen features the Hyakudan Kaidan and its adjoining gallery room, which are widely associated with the scenes of No Face and the feast. Time Out mentioned that the grand hotel was the muse of the Spirited Away bathhouse, making it one of the authentic Ghibli studio locations. Much of the present day Hotel Gajoen's construction was redesigned to match the development of the Meguro River in 1988, with Hyakudan Kaidan being one of the untouched properties during the reconstruction.
5. Sado Islands
Concluding the list of Spirited Away real life locations, Sado Islands emerges as the only alternative for Ghibli Studio enthusiasts who want to ride an extraordinary boat called "Tarai-Bune" in Spirited Away. Interestingly, the tub boats that can now be seen in Ogi Town on Sado Islands were used to harvest seaweed and abalone.
Discovering these real-life Spirited Away locations in Japan adds a whole new layer to the magic of Miyazaki's mystical realm. Start your journey now and let the timeless charm of Spirited Away come alive. Once done with the Ghibli Studio themed holiday, don’t miss out the opportunity to visit the most beautiful traditional towns in Japan.
Time Out | Japan Travel
Editor's Choice: From Nature to Culture, Here's Top 5 Reasons for Traveling to Japan
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
8 Countries with Highest Tax Rates in 2025, Strict Tax Regulations
21 jam lalu
This article uncovers the list of countries with the highest taxes in the world, where the figure exceeds 50% with strict regulations applied.
11 Indonesians Arrested in Japan for Killing Fellow Citizens
22 jam lalu
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that there were 11 Indonesian citizens involved in the murder of fellow Indonesian citizens in Japan.
8 Most Historic and Oldest Hotels, Perfect for Your Instagram Aesthetic
1 hari lalu
If you are a true history buff, this article will make you marvel at the beauty of the world's most historic and oldest hotels.
Indonesian Futsal Team to Host 4Nations World Series Against Argentina, Japan and Saudi Arabia
3 hari lalu
Indonesia will host a four-nation futsal match dubbed the 4Nations World Series with opponents from Argentina, Japan, and Saudi Arabia.
Top 10 Japan's Winter Festivals for 2025: A True Magical Experience
4 hari lalu
This article highlights Japan's top winter festival, where you can immerse yourself in stunning ice attractions and plenty of exciting entertainment.
No Tsunami Threat to Indonesia After Japan's Miyazaki Earthquake: BMKG
4 hari lalu
A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck Miyazaki, Japan, at 19:19:36 Jakarta time on Monday, January 13, 2025.
Walhi Concerned Over Japanese PM's Visit, Fears Revival of Polluting AZEC Program
4 hari lalu
Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba's visit on Saturday, January 11, 2025, marked his first official trip abroad since assuming office in October 2024.
Today's Top 3 News: When Is Ramadan 2025 and When It Ends? Here's the Detail
5 hari lalu
Tempo English compiled the top 3 news on Sunday, January 12, 2025.
PM Shigeru Ishiba Confirms Japan's Participation in Indonesia's Muara Laboh Power Plant Development
5 hari lalu
Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba says Japan is committed to taking part in the development of the Muara Laboh Geothermal Power Plant in Indonesia.
Japan Provides Rp8.5 Trillion Loan to Develop Patimban Port
5 hari lalu
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a document of agreement for Japan's Soft Loan ODA for the Patimban Port Development Project.
