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 1950s Japan, it follows two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who moved to the countryside while their mother recovered in a nearby hospital. As they explored their new house, Mei stumbled upon a hidden world—forest spirits nestled in the trees and Totoro, a great, slumbering creature beneath the canopy. Some say he’s a troll, a spirit, or something undefined. But none of that truly matters. There’s no big explanation—just quiet wonder that the girls accept without question. Watching it years ago, I found myself doing the same.

Finding the Real Totoro’s Forest

If you’re a fan of Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki, you probably know how big My Neighbor Totoro is. Totoro isn’t just a character—he’s basically the studio’s mascot, and you’ll recognize him right away if you’ve seen any of their films. I’ve been to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka a few times myself, and the Ghibli Park in Aichi Prefecture is definitely on my bucket list.

Ghibli Museum in Mitaka

But what really stuck with me wasn’t any of those places. When I first moved to Japan about nine years ago, I found out there’s an actual place that inspired Totoro’s world. It’s not some tourist hotspot or theme park—just a peaceful urban forest. Knowing that this place exists makes the story feel a lot more real to me. It’s like Ghibli’s way of showing that a little wonder and imagination can be found just by stepping outside and paying attention.

Of course, I have to admit that initially I was skeptical. Was this just some gimmick, or could I actually experience a bit of that Totoro magic? Too curious, I decided to check it out and made my way to Sayama Hills in Tokorozawa, only about 40 kilometers from central Tokyo.

The Urban Forest: Exploring Totoro’s Forest in Sayama Hills

Sayama Hills, which is said to be the inspiration for the movie setting, is a beautiful natural area that once faced serious threats from deforestation and illegal dumping. After the film’s release, its growing popularity helped spark a movement to protect this special place. Just two years later, the Totoro Fund was created—backed by local residents, businesses, and Miyazaki himself—to preserve the hills and their biodiversity. In less than a year, the first area, Totoro’s Forest No. 1, was established. Over time, the effort expanded to include 66 sites, with the latest two opening as recently as early 2025.

Part of this effort included restoring a century-old traditional folk house, now called Kurosuke’s House. Recognized as a cultural asset, it became the foundation’s home base and a stop for visitors. Whether you’re looking to escape into nature or hoping for a touch of Ghibli’s magic, Kurosuke’s House offers a warm welcome.

Kurosuke’s House: A Glimpse into Ghibli’s Spirit

For fans of My Neighbor Totoro, the house is especially meaningful as the place where you might encounter Makkuro Kurosuke—the tiny, fuzzy black soot sprites that quietly flitted around Satsuki and Mei’s house. Inside is a cozy museum showcasing the Totoro Fund’s conservation work and the surrounding forest. The walls on the second floor display detailed dioramas from the film, while shelves are lined with charming Ghibli merchandise. Of course, there’s a chance to meet Totoro himself—a moment made even more magical by the warm, wooden interiors and soft natural light filtering through the windows.

Visiting this place stirred something special in me. I could almost hear the laughter of the two sisters and imagine Mei’s wide-eyed wonder as she first glimpsed the interior, the house’s black soot, and the forest spirit, before then wandering deeper into the woods. The mix of familiar scenes from the movie with the tangible sights, sounds, and scents of the forest made the whole experience feel like stepping into a living storybook.

Enjoying Seasonal Beauty and Slowing Down

Leaving the house, the preserved nature of Sayama Hills continued to unfold around me. On my way back to the station, I took a small detour and found myself at Sayama Nature Park, a peaceful retreat tucked alongside Sayama Lake. Created in 1937, the lake and its surroundings offer a quiet escape for both locals and visitors, making it the perfect place to unwind after a walk through Totoro’s Forest.

A Ghibli-Like Autumn in Japan: Totoro’s Forest

That first visit, in the quiet of autumn in Japan, felt like stepping into a living painting. Fiery reds and warm ambers lit up the forest trails, each gust of wind sending leaves swirling like confetti from nature itself. I tried to capture it all on my phone, but no photo could truly match the emotion of being there.

First Hanami at Lake Sayama: Cherry Blossoms in Japan

That first encounter left such a mark that I found myself returning in spring, curious whether the magic would remain. It did—and in ways I didn’t expect.

This time, I walked slower, more attuned to the forest’s quiet cues. Along the way, we stumbled upon a field of mossfloxes in full bloom—so unexpectedly perfect it felt like a secret revealed only once. A dreamscape offered by Totoro himself.

Later, we headed to the park for our very first hanami. My friends and I laid out some snacks when we reached the park, cracked open a few drinks, and just relaxed under the cherry blossoms. Pink petals floated down around us as we chatted and laughed—it was one of those simple moments that just felt really special.

The Calm of Sayama Nature Park

The park's gently winding paths lead to spots where you can sit and take in the calm waters of the lake, reflecting the surrounding trees and open sky. The air here is filled with the fresh scent of pine and damp earth, with birdsong and the soft rustle of leaves providing a gentle soundtrack to the scene. Whether you're resting after your forest walk or simply soaking in the serenity, the tranquil atmosphere of the park adds to the feeling of being fully immersed in nature—just as if you’ve stepped into the world of Totoro itself.

Find Totoro Beyond the Ghibli Museum

Even with Tokyo only an hour away, Sayama Hills felt like another world entirely—a place where time moved at the pace of falling leaves. It reminded me of the way Miyazaki’s films invite you to pause, to notice the small things: A shift in light, a drifting cloud, the way the forest breathes. I let myself breathe, too. And for a moment, I simply stood still.

Imagine having a private guided walk through Totoro’s Forest, complete with chauffeured transport from the city. Add a stay at a charming boutique ryokan nearby, and your journey transforms into a full-on Ghibli escape—slow, scenic, and touched by magic. It’s the perfect day trip for fans who want to find Totoro beyond the museum walls.

If that’s the kind of escape you are looking for, or if you want to uncover more enchanting nooks like this, travel with us and experience the unforgettable wonders Japan has in store for you!