Spirited Away Real Life Anime Locations in Japan
If you’re an fan of Ghibli, or just an anime fan in general, it is highly likely that you have seen the popular Ghibli anime ‘Spirited away’ (千と千尋の神隠し Sen To Chihiro No Kami Kakushi). It is a beautiful movie that takes viewers on an emotional story of ‘Chihiro’ trying to get her parents to be turned back to humans after they are turned into pigs. One of the most famous parts of the movie is the bathhouse, or onsen in Japanese, where Chihiro needs to work. The building is beautiful and is one of the biggest symbols of the movie. But did you know that you can visit this location in real life? That’s right! This onsen exists in real life along with other locations featured in the movie. So if you’re wanting to visit some Spirited Away real life locations during your time in Japan, makes sure to keep reading to find out more!
What Are Real Life Anime Locations?
Real life anime locations are locations that exist in real life that were featured in an anime. The act of visiting these locations is known as 聖地巡礼 (Seichijunrei) in Japanese, which means the act of visiting somewhere holy. Real life anime locations act as a place for fans of anime to go and feel like they are a part of the anime. They are also great places for people to go and take pictures at, especially in cosplay! For more information on real life anime locations, check out our YouTube video HERE!
Spirited Away Real Life Anime Locations in Japan
1. Shima Onsen (Sekizenkan)
One onsen that is said to have inspired the bathhouse in Spirited Away is Shima Onsen, also known as ‘Sekizenkan’, which is located in Gunma-prefecture. From looking at the two pictures above, it is certainly apparent that the Sekizenkan onsen inspired the Spirited Away bath house in some ways. This can especially be seen through the bridge, which looks almost identical to the bridge in the anime, and also through the way the rooms are set out in long rows. Although the two have their differences, it is certainly apparent that some inspiration was found the Shima Onsen when Spirited Away was being created. You can stay the night at this onsen and there is a huge selection of traditional Japanese rooms to choose from. On top of this, there are many different baths to try out and an amazing food menu. This is the perfect place to go and relax whilst feeling like you’re in Spirited Away!
Location
Shima, Nakanojo, Agatsuma District, Gunma 377-0601
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2. Dogo Onsen
Another onsen, or bathhouse, that is said to have inspired the Spirited Away bathhouse is ‘Dogo Onsen’, located in Ehime Prefecture. Whilst this onsen does not have the bridge or the greenery that the onsen in the movie has, we can certainly see that the overall structure of the Spirited Away onsen has been inspired by Dogo Onsen. The building and its shape look extremely similar and reflects traditional Japanese bathhouses. It is said that both Dogo Onsen and Shima Onsen inspired the movie’s bathhouse, with writers combining the two onsen along with others in Japan to create the one that is in the movie. You can also stay at Dogo Onsen and enjoy all the baths that they have on offer, they also have a website in English so if you’re interested in visiting, make sure to check out their website here.
Location
790-0842 Ehime, Matsuyama, Dōgoyunomachi, 5−6
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3. Shimonada Station
Although there is sadly no station in the middle of the ocean in Japan like there is in Spirited Away. Many have theorized that this station from the movie was actually inspired by ‘Shimonada Station’ located in Ehime Prefecture. The station is a simple monorail station located by the sea which certainly makes it look very close to the station that appeared in Spirited Away. Riding this line also gives beautiful views of Japan’s sea which certainly makes this real life anime location worth visiting!! The station is also located fairly near to Dogo Onsen which means that you can visit both locations at the same time!
Location
Futamicho Okubo, Iyo, Ehime 799-3311
To find out about more real life anime locations in Japan, make sure to check out our YouTube video here:
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Otaku in Tokyo is a travel website dedicated to helping your trip to Japan with tips and information on where to visit. With particular focus on real life anime locations, pop culture and Tokyo’s hidden gems!
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