Spirited Away

Hayao Miyazaki's masterwork / Studio Ghibli. The highest-grossing film in Japanese history until 2020. Chihiro accidentally enters the spirit world and must work in a bathhouse to rescue her parents. The spirit world is a collage of real places in Japan — rather than a single location, it comprises overlapping artistic references.

Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum — Official Modelconfirmed by Miyazaki

The only model officially confirmed by Hayao Miyazaki. The open-air museum preserves historic buildings relocated from all over Tokyo. The Takei Sanshodo building — a former stationery shop from 1927, with wooden drawers lining the walls from floor to ceiling — directly inspired Kamaji's boiler room. Miyazaki drew sketches here regularly during pre-production.

📍 3-7-1 Sakuramachi, Koganei-shi, Tokyo 184-0005 (estación: Musashi-Koganei, JR Chuo Line) (Tokyo)
Hotel Gajoen Tokyo — Luxury Interiors of the Bathhouseconfirmed

This hotel and wedding venue, established in 1931 as Japan's first wedding hall, is documented as the inspiration for the lavish interiors of the Aburaya bathhouse, particularly the grand feast halls. The Hyakudan Kaidan (100-step staircase) is designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Tokyo. Walking here feels like stepping inside the film.

📍 1-8-1 Shimomeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0064 (estación: Meguro, JR Yamanote) (Tokyo)
Ghibli Museum — Mitaka, TokyoGhibli

Not a direct filming location, but the ultimate Ghibli pilgrimage spot. Designed by Hayao Miyazaki himself, the museum features permanent exhibits on the creative process of Ghibli films, including original Chihiro sketches, storyboards, and a giant robot on the roof. Tickets sell out months in advance — booking far ahead is required.

📍 1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo 181-0013 (estación: Mitaka, JR Chuo Line) (Tokyo)
Dōgo Onsen Honkan — Exterior of the Bathhouseconfirmed

Japan's oldest hot spring (over 3,000 years of history), confirmed in the official book "The Art of Spirited Away" as an architectural reference for the exterior of the Aburaya. The multi-story wooden structure, labyrinthine corridors, and mysterious atmosphere directly inspired the film. Open to the public. Admission: from 460¥.

📍 5-6 Dogo Yunomachi, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture 790-0842 (tranvía Iyotetsu: parada Dogo Onsen) (Ehime)
Sekizenkan Ryokan — Shima Onsen, Gunmavisual inspiration

Sekizenkan Ryokan — Shima Onsen, Gunma

📍 4236 Shima, Nakanojo, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture 377-0601 (Gunma)
Rekishi no Yado Kanaguya Ryokan — Shibu Onsen, Naganovisual inspiration

Rekishi no Yado Kanaguya Ryokan — Shibu Onsen, Nagano

📍 2202 Hirao, Yamanouchi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture 381-0401 (Nagano)
Jiufen — Taiwandenied by Miyazaki / visually very similar

Jiufen — Taiwan

📍 Jiufen, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan (bus desde Taipei o tren a Ruifang)
Yunishigawa Onsen — Hidden Village Streetsfan identification

Yunishigawa Onsen — Hidden Village Streets

📍 Yunishigawa Onsen, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture (Tochigi)