Visit Ghibli’s Real-Life Spots in Aomori, Japan
Visit Real-Life Ghibli Spots in Aomori
Studio Ghibli is one of Japan’s greatest treasures.
Through its many films, it explores the bond between humans and nature —
and asks us, “What does it mean to truly live?”
Have you ever wondered,
“Is the Forest Spirit’s home from Princess Mononoke real?”
or
“Was this unique building inspired by an actual place?”
Surprisingly, at the very top of Japan’s main island — in Aomori Prefecture —
you can visit the real-life landscapes that inspired Princess Mononoke and The Secret World of Arrietty.
Forests that feel alive, gardens that look painted by hand,
and even a rock shaped like Totoro himself…
Let’s step into the world of Ghibli — right here in Aomori!
his article is perfect for:
・Fans of Studio Ghibli films
・Travelers planning a trip to Aomori
・Anyone who loves anime and film locations
Princess Mononoke — Shirakami Mountains
Princess Mononoke is a grand story set in an age when humans and forest gods were at odds, following a young man named Ashitaka on his journey to find harmony between them.
© 1997 Hayao Miyazaki / Studio Ghibli
Source: Studio Ghibli Official Site (Japanese)
In the film, there is a mysterious forest called Shishi-gami no Mori —
“The Forest of the Deer God.”
It’s said that this mystical place was inspired by two real forests:
one of them is right here in the Shirakami Mountains
(the other is Yakushima, in southern Japan).
© 1997 Hayao Miyazaki / Studio Ghibli
Source: Studio Ghibli Official Site (Japanese)
In the making-of documentary “How Princess Mononoke Was Born,”
the Ghibli staff actually visited Shirakami, photographing and studying its deep forests in detail.
Highlights of the Shirakami Mountains
Stretching across Aomori and Akita prefectures,
the Shirakami Mountains are home to untouched beech forests that are over hundreds of years old.
This UNESCO World Natural Heritage site preserves some of the most pristine nature in Japan — crystal-clear streams, waterfalls, and ancient trees.
There are two main areas to explore, each with its own charm:
🏞️ Nishimeya Village Area
Image credit
https://www.shirakami-visitor.jp/images/photos/summer/r2/summer%20(20).jpg
https://www.shirakami-visitor.jp/images/photos/summer/r2/summer%20(5).jpg
A quiet, sacred forest that truly feels like Shishi-gami’s realm.
Here you’ll find several walking and hiking courses —
from light 30-minute strolls to full 4-hour treks.
The most popular route is the World Heritage Beech Forest Trail,
where you can see waterfalls and primeval trees up close.
The paths are well maintained, so even beginners can enjoy them safely.
⚠️ Important:
Some trails may close due to heavy rain or typhoons,
and bears have occasionally been spotted in the area.
Always check the official website before visiting, and follow safety guidelines.
Shirakami Visitor Center – Official Site
Access — Nishimeya Area (Shirakami Mountains)
🚗 By Car
Aomori Airport → (Bus 60 min / Car 40 min) → Hirosaki City → (Bus 55 min / Car 40 min) → Shirakami Visitor Center
🚄 By Train
JR Aomori Station → (1 hr, Ou Main Line) → JR Hirosaki → (Bus 55 min / Car 40 min) → Shirakami Visitor Center
| Address | 61-1 Kanda, Nishimeya-mura, Nakatsugaru, Aomori 036-1411 |
| Tel | +81-172-85-2810 |
| Hours | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (April 1 – Nov 30) Closed Dec – Mar |
Travel Tips
Right near the Visitor Center is Michi-no-Eki Tsugaru Shirakami “Beech Nishimeya.”
Here you can enjoy local cuisine made with game meat and Tsugaru wine,
and find limited-edition Montbell items featuring Kogin embroidery — a traditional Aomori craft.
It’s definitely worth a stop!
🔗 Official Website – Beech Nishimeya
🌊 Iwasaki Area
This area is famous for its 33 natural lakes, the most stunning of which is Aoike (“Blue Pond”).
The water is so clear that fallen beech trees and swimming fish are visible below the surface —
and when sunlight hits, it shimmers in magical shades of blue.
Each season paints the surrounding forest in new colors,
from fresh spring greens to fiery autumn reds.
You can enjoy a short 30-minute visit to Aoike alone,
or spend about 2½ hours exploring the full scenic route.
Access — Shirakami Juniko / Blue Pond Area
Here’s how to reach both the Shirakami Juniko Eco Museum and Mori-no Bussankan Kyoro-ro, the two main starting points for exploring the Juniko (Twelve Lakes) area.
If you have plenty of time and want to enjoy a full Juniko hiking experience, start from the Shirakami Juniko Eco Museum.
If you want to see the Blue Pond (Aoike) quickly and efficiently, we recommend starting at Mori-no Bussankan Kyoro-ro (paid parking available).
① How to Get to “Shirakami Juniko Eco Museum”
🚄 By Train
Aomori Airport → (Bus 55 min) → Hirosaki Station →
(Train 1 h 30 min) → Higashi-Noshiro Station →
(Train 1 h 50 min) → Juniko Station →
(Walk 20 min) → Shirakami Juniko Eco Museum
Note: The road from Juniko Station to the Eco Museum is uphill, so take your time.
② How to Get to “Mori-no Bussankan Kyoro-ro”
🚗 By Car
From Aomori City (Aomori Airport): Route 7 → Tsugaru Expressway → Route 101
(Approx. 2 h 30 min)
🚌 By Bus
Local buses are available.
You can check nearby bus stops around “Mori-no Bussankan Kyoro-ro” using NAVITIME.
(Set it as a link in your article.)
🚌 By Bus
Buses are also available. See NAVITIME for nearby stops around Mori-no Bussankan Kyoro-ro (souvenir shop).
🚗Parking at Kyoro-ro
※ The area becomes very crowded during the autumn foliage season (Oct–Nov).
Please plan accordingly.
- Capacity: 123 standard cars / 5 large buses
- Motorcycle: ¥200
- Standard car: ¥500
- Large vehicle: ¥1,500
Cash only
| Address | 1-3 Matsukamiyama, Matsukami, Fukaura Town, Aomori |
| Tel | +81-173-77-3113 |
| Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Closed Mondays (and the next day if holiday); Dec 29 – Jan 3 |
The Shirakami Mountains are a precious gift of nature.
Please respect the land — carry out your trash, stay on the paths,
and keep the forest as pure as you found it.
Otherwise, the mountain gods might curse you like Ashitaka!
Travel Tips
Next to the Juniko Eco Museum, you’ll find Aone Shirakami,
a cozy spot with a restaurant, cottages, and a souvenir shop.
It’s one of the only dining options nearby,
so plan your meals before or after your hike.
The Secret World of Arrietty — Seibien Garden
In The Secret World of Arrietty, a tiny girl lives quietly beneath the floorboards, borrowing small things from the human world to survive.
© Studio Ghibli – Official Page
Seibien Garden in Hirakawa City inspired the house where the boy Shō lives.
References
Product image of the Arrietty House Model from Amazon (Shop name: Sankei).
URL: Amazon.co.jp: さんけい スタジオジブリシリーズ 1/150 借りぐらしのアリエッティ アリエッティの住む屋敷 ペーパークラフト MP07-36 : おもちゃ
Accessed on: 2025-11-15
Seibien Garden in Hirakawa City inspired the house where the boy Shō lives.
Its architecture blends traditional Japanese and Western styles —
the first floor is Japanese, the second floor Western.
(The second floor is not open to visitors.)
The garden, counted among Japan’s three great Meiji-era(1868-1912) gardens,
is beautifully arranged so that every angle feels like a painting.
Every tree and pond was carefully designed for harmony and balance.
Don’t miss the Gohōden Hall,
where for just three minutes every half hour,
you can glimpse a brilliant golden statue and the country’s largest peacock makie —
a lacquer painting in shimmering mother-of-pearl.
You can even see Director Hayao Miyazaki’s hand-drawn signature, left during his research visit.
Access — Seibien Garden (Arrietty’s House Model)
🚄 By Train
From Hirosaki Station → Tsugaru-Onoe Station (about 20 min) → 10-minute walk
🚗 By Car
About 40 minutes from Aomori Airport
Admission Fees (as of 2025)
Prices may vary depending on season or group size.
| Address | Iwasaki Sekirin, Saruga, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, Japan |
| Tel | +81-172-57-2020 |
| Regular Admission | Adults (Age 13+): ¥500 Teens (Age 13–18): ¥330 Children (Age 6–12): ¥220 Under 6: Free |
| Winter Season Admission (Mid-November – Mid-April) | Adults (Age 13+): ¥250 Teens (Age 13–18): ¥170 Children (Age 6–12): ¥110 Under 6: Free |
| Group Admission (20 people or more) | Adults (Age 13+): ¥430 Teens (Age 13–18): ¥280 Children (Age 6–12): ¥170 Under 6: Free |
| Winter Group Admission (Mid-November – Mid-April) | Adults (Age 13+): ¥210 Teens (Age 13–18): ¥150 Children (Age 6–12): ¥90 Under 6: Free |
| Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Apr – Sep) 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Oct – mid-Nov) 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (mid-Nov – mid-Apr) Closed Dec 29 – Jan 3 |
Travel Tips
Next to Seibien is Saruga Shrine, famous for its lotus ponds.
Nearby you’ll also find a hot spring facility with a free foot bath — perfect for relaxing after exploring the garden!
My Neighbor Totoro — Yajiro Cave (Totoro Rock)
My Neighbor Totoro follows two sisters who move to the countryside and meet a gentle forest spirit named Totoro.
© Studio Ghibli – Official Page
Image credit
Yajiro Cave, also known as Totoro Rock, isn’t an official Ghibli location,
but this natural formation shaped by wind and waves looks just like Totoro!
Standing before it, you might find yourself whispering,
“Totoro… I found you!”
Highlights
• A giant rock formed over centuries by wind and sea — a “natural Totoro.”
• The color of the rock changes with the sky and the sea — every photo is unique.
Access — Yajiro Cave (Totoro Rock)
Yajiro Cave is a bit remote, so driving is recommended.
You can refer to a map created by the Rokkasho Village Local Museum for detailed directions.
ルート案内：弥次郎穴
| Address | Tomari-Yakeyama, Rokkasho Village, Kamikita District, Aomori |
Conclusion
The world of Ghibli isn’t just found in animation — it lives in the heart of Aomori.
Here, you can feel the same spirit of coexistence between humans and nature that Ghibli films celebrate.
The quiet forests of Shirakami, the refined beauty of Seibien, and the mystical charm of Totoro Rock —
each place holds a moment of magic waiting to be discovered.
So why not come to Aomori and find your own “Ghibli moment” in real life?
References
• [Shirakami Visitor Center Official Site]
• [Seibien Garden – Tourism Info]
• [Studio Ghibli – Works]
• [Juniko Forest – Fukaura Town Official Site]
• [Rokkasho Local Museum]
