Tonari no Totoro (となりのトトロ) is one of the films from the Studio Ghibli most popular of all time. Many are ionate 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 selected some places that will make you travel and live in the world of Totoro in Japan.
For those who don't know, tonari no totoro was released in 1988, written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The story follows a family that has moved to the countryside, soon they discover a world hidden behind their new home. Studio Ghibli films have captured the hearts and minds of people all over the world. If you haven't had a chance to watch this movie yet! Run and watch!
I won't even mention the Studio Ghibli museum in the article, because it's a must for every fan. Although there are many themed things, shops and objects. I believe that the most interesting things about totoro are scattered throughout Japan.
Table of Contents
Morikoro Park in Nagoya
If you're in Nagoya, you can visit Morikoro Memorial Park to see the replica of Satsuki and Mei's house. The house and environment was planned with a lot of love and care, to recreate all the memories of the movie. This house was created in 2005 for the Nagoya world fair. Since then the house has remained in the commemorative park in Nagakute, Aichi.
Even the interior of the house has been meticulously crafted. You will see the father's office filled with books. The kitchen is fully decorated with many fine details, resembling an ordinary kitchen from the 50s. All the details of the house, such as the hole beneath 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 individuals have also placed a totoro doll at certain bus stops or in front of stores to attract the attention of tourists. 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 the province of Oita;
- At the Studio Ghibli museum;
The Totoro Forest in Sayama
Many scenes and images from Totoro's film were based on the Sayama Hills (Hills). This forest is located in Yamaguchi and is divided into 39 areas, with striking scenarios for fans. When traveling through this area you will find residential places, tourist spots, various objects and references to the film, perfect for taking pictures. In addition to being able to know all the vegetation and nature present in the totoro film. It is a public forest, no cost to visit and you are free to take pictures. There are small shops and cafes in the area.
In the area of Mikajima and Tokorozawa near Tokyo in Saitama you will find 18 more forests that bear the name of totoro and influenced the creation of the film. For more information on all these areas, we recommend accessing this PDF by clicking here.
the bus cat from totoro movie
The Cat Bus 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 this? Do you know other places or thematic situations? Leave it in the comments and share with friends. There are several thematic things in relation to the film in Japan, to finish we will leave some images and videos below:
Watch the videos below to travel more:
