Studio Ghibli

Spirited Away (Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi, 2001) is the highest-grossing film in Japanese history and winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Hayao Miyazaki drew from dozens of real Japanese locations to build the surreal, layered world of the Spirit Realm — and visiting them is one of the most magical travel experiences Japan offers. This guide covers every confirmed and widely-accepted filming location, with practical access tips and the best ways to experience each one. ...

Studio Ghibli has created the most universally beloved animated films in history, and their locations span the length of Japan — from Yakushima’s ancient cedar forests to the hot spring lanes of Matsuyama. This is the master guide to every confirmed Ghibli filming location. Quick Facts Studio Studio Ghibli (founded 1985) Key Directors Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata Key Locations Tokyo · Ehime · Kagoshima · Saitama · Aichi · Hyogo Best Season Year-round; each location has its own peak season Recommended Duration 7–10 days for a comprehensive pilgrimage The Essential Stop: Ghibli Museum, Mitaka No Ghibli pilgrimage starts anywhere else. The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, western Tokyo, was designed by Miyazaki himself and is a complete Ghibli world made real — spiral staircases, stained glass, a rooftop Laputa robot soldier, hand-drawn animation exhibits, and an exclusive cinema showing original Ghibli short films. ...