Real Life Ghibli Locations in Japan
Japan is full of locations that seem to be straight out of a Studio Ghibli movie—as well as plenty of other locations which are said to have served as the real life inspiration for Hayao Miyazaki and the animation team.
We’ve put together a list of real life Ghibli locations as well as places which seem to have been plucked directly from the films. All the locations are easily accessible to travelers and are sure to provide a memorable experience.
Ghibli Inspired Places in Japan
Places in Japan That Look like Studio Ghibli
Best Studio Ghibli Experiences in Japan
Ghibli Inspired Places in Japan
While most Studio Ghibli films are set in fictitious worlds, there are many real-life locations that are said to be the inspiration for the stunning backdrops and visuals of these artistic masterpieces.
SHIBU ONSEN, Nagano
Located in the onsen area of Yamanouchi and within walking distance of the Jigokudani Monkey Park, Shibu Onsen boasts a 1300-year history as a place of healing. With numerous onsen sources feeding the town’s many guesthouses, one guest house in particular is said to have been a source of inspiration for Miyazaki Hayao during his creation of the film “Spirited Away.”
Located near the center of Shibu Onsen, “Kanaguya” is a 250-year old hot spring guesthouse. The 4-storey facade is incredibly similar to the “great bathhouse of the spirits” from “Spirited Away.” Inside the guesthouse, multiple onsen sources feed its many baths. Haphazard wooden corridors and winding staircases leading between the hot springs and guest rooms further lends similarities to the film—with no two rooms having the same shape.
Any visitor to Shibu Onsen can enjoy the guesthouse from the outside but to explore its interior, you will have to book a room and stay there. But believe us, it’s worth it! For accommodation listings in Shibu Onsen, see our ‘Yamanouchi Area – Home of the Snow Monkeys’ hotel page.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:35 – 17:35 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Hakuba (winter only) |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
KAKAMIGAHARA, Gifu
The film “The Wind Rises” follows the real life of Jiro Horikoshi, an aircraft engineer who invented the famous “Zero” fighter. As the Gifu Air Base of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (formerly the Army Kakamigahara Airfield) is the oldest airfield still standing in Japan, it is believed to be the source of inspiration behind many of the flying scenes in the film. This is especially thought to be true as it was recorded that Jiro’s plane made its first flights over Kakamigahara, Gifu in 1939.
Today, the Gifu Kakamigahara Air and Space Museum is home to a life-size model of the first prototype of the Zero Fighter. While the film depicts Horikoshi’s life during the war, when he was absorbed in developing fighter planes to meet the demands of the navy, the museum also displays a real aircraft that was an essential part of Horikoshi’s life “afterwards,” —the YS11, the first passenger plane built by Japan after the second world war.
A visit to the Gifu Kakamigahara Air and Space Museum pairs well with a visit to another museum dedicated to an inventor and pioneer of transportation and industry, the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour: Nagoya’s Industrial Legacy and Toyota’s Innovation | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 10:00-17:00 |
| Meeting Place | JR Nagoya Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
KAMIKOCHI IMPERIAL HOTEL, Nagano
Also a location in “The Wind Rises” this picturesque hotel is thought to be the site where the main character falls in love. The distinctive red roofs and wooden exterior match that of the fictitious hotel in the film—and Kamikochi’s beautiful alpine valley is sure to please.
When planning your visit to Kamikochi, it is important to note that private vehicles are not allowed into the valley meaning that you cannot drive yourself. You will need to use a bus, taxi or tour to enter. Check out our page Best Places to Stay In & Around Kamikochi or book our 1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle and check out this incredible location for yourself.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle | |
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| Period | April to November |
| Time | 08:15 – 18:30 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Matsumoto Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥23,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,900 |
1 Day Tour
| (Seasonal) 1-Day Tour from Takayama: Alpine Splendor – Shinhotaka Ropeway and Kamikochi | |
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| Period | April – November |
| Time | 09:00 – 18:00 |
| Meeting Place | Takayama Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥27,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥14,900 |
Places in Japan That Look like Studio Ghibli
There are some locations in Japan that have no connection to Studio Ghibli, but appear to have been plucked straight from the films nonetheless. Here are three stunning locations that will make you feel as if you are a character within a Ghibli film.
LA COLLINA OMI-HACHIMAN, Shiga
The confectionery shop La Collina Omi-Hachiman can only be described as part nature preserve and part theme park. The shop is surrounded by nature and serves up a wide variety of popular seasonal confections.
As a bakery, the owners developed a deep appreciation for natural ingredients and thus decided to turn their shop into a nature preserve where they could grow their own ingredients and be in tune with the seasons. With its grass-covered roof, the shop has been described as Ghibli-like in appearance and is a great location for photography lovers.
A trip to this picturesque bakery is included in our 1 Day tour of Hikone and Omi-Hachiman.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Castles and Canals in Hikone and Omi Hachiman | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 9:00-18:00 |
| Meeting Place | JR Nagoya Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥28,900 |
| Child Rate | ¥24,000 |
TOGAKUSHI, Nagano
Togaksuhi, is not only home to some of the most important Shinto shrines in the country, but is also an area of incredible natural beauty reminiscent of the Ghibli Film “Princess Mononoke.”
Togakushi is a place of true spiritual importance with deep connection to the creation myths of Japan itself. With five shrines making-up the overall complex, each of the shrines is set within a forest of immense cedar trees. Highly-photogenic and a place of rare seasonal beauty, Togakushi is readily accessible from Tokyo via Nagano Station and the shrines can be accessed on foot along walking trails.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Togakushi Legends Tour: Hands-on Soba Noodles, Ninja Village, and Hidden Shrines | |
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| Period | July to November |
| Time | 09:35 – 17:20 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Information Board |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
Located on the outskirts of Nagano City, accommodation listings in Togakushi can be found through our ‘Nagano City Area’ hotel page.
MEIJI MURA, Inuyama
The film “From Up on Poppy Hill” provides viewers with beautiful scenes of Meiji Era Japan. While the film is set in Yokohama, there is a whole open-air museum, known as Meiji Mura, when you can wander the streets and see many of the same types of buildings and architecture as seen in the film.
Meiji Mura was opened in 1965 as a preservation site for Meiji-era architecture that was slated for demolition. The open-air museum is now home to over 60 buildings set around the picturesque Iruka Pond. Visitors can also enjoy riding historical rail cars, dressing in Meiji Era clothing (including school uniforms like the characters of “From Up on Poppy Hill,” and tasting recipes which were popular in the Meiji Era.
Located in Inuyama, also famous as home to the oldest castle in Japan, Meiji Mura is easily accessible for Nagoya and pairs wonderfully with our 1 Day tour of Inuyama.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Samurai Swords and Japan’s Oldest Castle | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 9:00-16:30 |
| Meeting Place | JR Nagoya Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥21,900 ~ |
| Child Rate | ¥14,000 ~ |
Best Studio Ghibli Experiences in Japan
The best places for fans of Studio Ghibli are, without a doubt, the Ghibli Park in Nagoya and the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo. Both of these locations provide truly unique experiences and allow fans to not only learn about the filmmaking process, but immerse themselves in the magical world of Studio Ghibli.
GHIBLI PARK, Nagoya
Ghibli Park is a theme park which brings to life the beloved works of Studio Ghibli. The Park allows visitors to discover all of the studio’s secrets—from artifacts and exhibits from past Studio Ghibli movies to kid-sized film studio exhibitions, hands-on learning centers, life-sized replicas, and so much more.
It is important to note that tickets are not sold at the park, but must be purchased in advance. Tickets go on sale two months in advance, on the 10th of each month at 14:00 (Japan time) on the Ghibli Park website.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour: Eat Like a Local in Nagoya | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 8:00-16:30 |
| Meeting Place | JR Nagoya Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
GHIBLI MUSEUM, Tokyo
Located in Mitaka, Tokyo, the Ghibli Museum profiles the films of Studio Ghibli. Founded by legendary director Hayao Miyazaki, the museum features children’s art, technical art, and fine art exhibitions demonstrating the film-making process and making the museum fun for guests of all ages. Tickets cannot be purchased at the museum but instead can be purchased online or through participating vendors and agents.
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Walking Tour in Shinjuku and Shibuya : The Best of Both | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:30 – 17:30 |
| Meeting Place | Inside Yotsuya-Sanchome Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
Want to experience the magical world of Studio Ghibli for yourself?
For those interested in traveling to any of the locations listed on this page, we can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter to these locations. With door-to-door service, we can pick you up from where you are and take you to where you want to go anywhere in Central Japan and the neighboring regions.
Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations in combination with any activity that suits your schedule. All vehicles are well-maintained and in good condition, allowing you to relax and enjoy your ride to wherever you are going.
For more information, please click HERE to check availability and pricing for your trip. We’d love to be part of your adventure in Central Japan and help you discover even more!
