top of page
Inside Totoro’s Forest: The Place That Inspired Ghibli’s World
Japan is renowned for many cultural exports, but few have captured global imagination quite like its animation. At the heart of this legacy lies Studio Ghibli—an iconic name familiar to fans worldwide. With masterpieces like the Oscar-winning Spirited Away , the studio has redefined animated storytelling, proving that animation has the power not only to delight people but also to inspire and move them. Among those masterpieces is My Neighbor Totoro , a film from 1988. Set in
Laksmi Wijayanti
Nov 75 min read
Recent Posts
Dewa Sanzan: Discover Japan’s Sacred Mountains of Rebirth
Dewa Sanzan, located along the borders of Tsuruoka, Nishikawa, and Shonai in Yamagata Prefecture, refers to the three sacred mountains of Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono. During the Edo period, visiting these three mountains became known as a “Journey of Rebirth,” symbolizing a pilgrimage through the present, past, and future. Mount Haguro – the present and prayers for happiness in the current life Mount Gassan – the past and prayers for a peaceful afterlife Mou
Shunpei Nakayama
2 days ago4 min read
Japanese Gardens in Autumn: Kyoto’s Most Beautiful Season
The Tradition of Koyo In Japan, the tradition of enjoying the brilliant colors of autumn, known as koyo, has been loved for centuries. What began as an elegant pastime for nobles during the Nara and Heian periods, venturing into the hills, hosting princes under the red and gold leaves, and composing poetry, eventually spread to the wider public during the Edo period. Ever since, koyo has remained one of Japan's most anticipated seasonal highlights. In Kyoto , the city usually
Sakura Kawamata
Nov 144 min read
Inside Totoro’s Forest: The Place That Inspired Ghibli’s World
Japan is renowned for many cultural exports, but few have captured global imagination quite like its animation. At the heart of this legacy lies Studio Ghibli—an iconic name familiar to fans worldwide. With masterpieces like the Oscar-winning Spirited Away , the studio has redefined animated storytelling, proving that animation has the power not only to delight people but also to inspire and move them. Among those masterpieces is My Neighbor Totoro , a film from 1988. Set in
Laksmi Wijayanti
Nov 75 min read
Onomichi: A Japan Heritage Port Town on the Seto Inland Sea
What Does It Mean to Be a Japan Heritage Site? “ Japan Heritage ” refers to stories that convey Japan’s culture and traditions through the historical appeal and unique characteristics of each region, officially designated by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. To tell these stories, local communities take the lead in comprehensively preserving and utilizing a wide range of captivating, tangible, and intangible cultural properties that are indispensable to the narrative. By strat
Janna
Sep 294 min read
Tohoku Travel: A Slow Journey Through Japan’s Northeast
Most people are familiar with Tohoku due to the 2011 tsunami. However, beyond that tragic moment, the region has quietly rebuilt, and...
Karune
Sep 124 min read
Aokigahara Forest Tour: Beauty of Japan’s Mysterious Forest
At the base of Mt. Fuji is Aokigahara, a forest most people only know from movies. When I finally stepped inside, it felt strange at first—quiet, dark, and colder than expected. But with a local guide, I started to see another side: mossy roots, hidden caves, and a calmness that made the place feel alive.
Lily
Aug 293 min read
bottom of page