AnimationFantasyAdventureComing-of-Age

🎬 Where Was Spirited Away Filmed? Complete Japan & Taiwan Location Guide

2001

Hayao Miyazaki

Added January 15, 2024

5 Locations

Journey into the enchanting world of Spirited Away and discover the real-life inspirations behind its magical settings. Explore Japan's historic bathhouses and Taiwan's vibrant streets.

About 🎬 Where Was Spirited Away Filmed? Complete Japan & Taiwan Location Guide

🎬 Where Was Spirited Away Filmed? Complete Japan & Taiwan Location Guide

Ever wondered if the enchanting, eerie world of Hayao Miyazaki's "Spirited Away" truly exists? Good news, movie buffs and travel aficionados – some of its most iconic scenes were inspired by real-life locations! ✨

This Oscar-winning masterpiece transports us to a mysterious spirit world, but many of its breathtaking backdrops draw direct inspiration from Japan’s hidden gems and even a vibrant street in Taiwan. It’s a testament to Studio Ghibli’s magic and Miyazaki’s eye for detail.

Imagine stepping into the very landscapes that shaped Chihiro's unforgettable adventure. From grand, traditional bathhouses to charming, lantern-lit alleys, these places offer a tangible connection to the film's spellbinding narrative.

Get ready to embark on a cinematic pilgrimage! We’re diving deep into the real-world locations that brought "Spirited Away" to life, packed with visual delights, travel tips, and fun facts to fuel your next epic journey. Let's explore! 🐉

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🗺️ Major Filming Locations

🎬 Dogo Onsen Honkan, Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, Japan - The Grand Bathhouse Inspiration ♨️

Scenic view of Dogo Onsen Honkan showing its multi-storied wooden structure and traditional Japanese architecture

🏛️ The Location

Dogo Onsen Honkan is one of Japan's oldest and most famous hot springs, with a history stretching back over a thousand years. Located in Matsuyama, it boasts a magnificent wooden public bathhouse that embodies classic Japanese architecture. It’s a designated Important Cultural Property.

🎥 In the Film

This majestic structure is widely considered the primary inspiration for Aburaya, the bathhouse run by the formidable Yubaba in "Spirited Away." The multi-tiered design, the ornate roofs, and the bustling atmosphere directly mirror the film’s central setting. You can almost hear the spirits chattering!

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 5-6 Dogo Yunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0842, Japan

🕒 Hours: Due to ongoing renovations (lasting until around 2027), parts of the main building are closed, but public bathing is available in different sections. Check their official website for current operational hours (typically 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM pre-renovation).

💰 Admission: Varies by course and access, starting from around ¥460 for basic bathing.

🌐 Website: http://dogo.jp/

💡 Pro Tip: Even with renovations, visiting in the evening when the building is lit up is magical, strongly evoking the film's nighttime scenes. 🎬 Fun Fact: Emperor Meiji himself visited Dogo Onsen Honkan in 1895, making it a truly imperial bathhouse.

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🎬 Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, Koganei, Tokyo, Japan - Echoes of the Departed Town 🏮

Stunning architecture of Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum featuring a traditional Japanese storefront with lanterns

🏛️ The Location

This fascinating museum preserves and displays various historic Japanese buildings from the Edo to Tokyo period, relocated to a spacious park. It offers a glimpse into a bygone era, featuring everything from quaint residences to traditional shops and public baths.

🎥 In the Film

The atmosphere and several specific buildings within the museum, such as the old storefronts and bathhouse, heavily influenced the bustling, mysterious spirit town Chihiro's parents stumble upon. Miyazaki himself is known to have visited for inspiration.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 3-7-1 Sakuracho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-0005, Japan

🕒 Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM (Apr-Sep), 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM (Oct-Mar). Closed Mondays (or succeeding day if Monday is a holiday).

💰 Admission: ¥400 for adults.

🌐 Website: https://www.tatemonoen.jp/english/

💡 Pro Tip: Allocate at least 2-3 hours to explore here; it's larger than it looks and full of photogenic spots. 🎬 Fun Fact: One of the buildings, the stationery shop, is believed to have inspired Zeniba's cottage, while the bathhouse model gave insight into the Aburaya's inner workings.

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🎬 Jiufen Old Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan - The Lantern-Lit Alleys ✨

Beautiful view of Jiufen Old Street showcasing its narrow, red-lantern-lined alleys and traditional tea houses

🏛️ The Location

Jiufen Old Street is a charming hillside village in Taiwan, renowned for its narrow alleyways, traditional teahouses, and stunning views of the coast. Once a gold mining boomtown, it now draws visitors with its nostalgic charm and vibrant night market.

🎥 In the Film

While Miyazaki has not explicitly confirmed Jiufen as an inspiration, the resemblance is uncanny. The steep, winding stairs, the abundance of red lanterns, and the unique architecture of its teahouses, particularly the famous A-Mei Tea House, strongly evoke the mystical atmosphere of the spirit town.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: Jiufen Old Street, Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 224

🕒 Hours: Open daily, though most shops and teahouses operate from around 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM, with some staying open later on weekends.

💰 Admission: Free to wander the streets; individual shops, restaurants, and teahouses have their own prices.

🌐 Website: No single official website, but widely featured on Taiwan tourism sites.

💡 Pro Tip: Visit especially at dusk when the lanterns begin to glow, transforming the street into a truly magical, ethereal landscape. Photos are a MUST! 🎬 Fun Fact: Jiufen also served as a backdrop for the Taiwanese film "A City of Sadness," which solidified its status as a significant cultural landmark.

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🎬 Sekizenkan Ryokan, Shima Onsen, Nakanojo, Gunma Prefecture, Japan - Step Inside the Bathhouse Dream 🏮

Impressive facade of Sekizenkan Ryokan displaying its traditional tiered wooden structure at night, illuminated by lanterns

🏛️ The Location

Established in 1691, Sekizenkan is one of Japan's oldest wooden hot spring inns, nestled in the picturesque Shima Onsen. Its stunning red bridge and intricate wooden structure make it a prime example of traditional Japanese architecture.

🎥 In the Film

Sekizenkan's distinctive red bridge, the iconic Akagaeru-bashi (Red Frog Bridge), and its main building are often cited as direct inspirations for elements of the Aburaya bathhouse. The interior, with its long, winding hallways and bath areas, also bears a striking resemblance.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: 4236 Shima, Nakanojo, Agatsuma District, Gunma 377-0601, Japan

🕒 Hours: As a ryokan, it operates 24/7 for guests. Day-use visitors may be able to use certain baths; check their website for current policies.

💰 Admission: Room rates apply for overnight stays (price varies greatly by season and room type).

🌐 Website: https://www.sekizenkan.co.jp/en/

💡 Pro Tip: Best to book an overnight stay if you want to fully immerse yourself in the ambiance and experience the onsen baths. 🎬 Fun Fact: The "Genroku-no-Yu" bath in Sekizenkan, with its unique arched windows, is a registered cultural property and highly recommended for its retro ambiance.

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🎬 Ginzan Onsen, Obanazawa, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan - The Winter Wonderland Vibe ❄️

Authentic street scene of Ginzan Onsen capturing a charming hot spring village during winter, illuminated by gas lamps and snow

🏛️ The Location

Ginzan Onsen is a remote, historic hot spring town famous for its picturesque wooden ryokan that line the Ginzan River. Especially magical in winter when covered in snow, its vintage atmosphere is further enhanced by old-fashioned gas street lamps.

🎥 In the Film

While not a direct blueprint like Dogo Onsen, Ginzan Onsen's overall aesthetic and ambiance are often cited as contributing to the whimsical, nostalgic feel of the spirit world. The charming wooden buildings lit by gas lamps evoke the kind of magical, out-of-time setting that Chihiro finds herself in.

📍 Visitor Info

📍 Address: Ginzan, Obanazawa, Yamagata 999-4333, Japan

🕒 Hours: The street is always open. Ryokan and shops have individual operating hours.

💰 Admission: Free to walk around the village. Prices apply for ryokan stays or private baths.

🌐 Website: https://www.ginzanonsen.jp/ (Japanese site with translation options)

💡 Pro Tip: Visit during winter for the most iconic and film-like experience, but be prepared for heavy snow and ensure you have appropriate footwear. 🎬 Fun Fact: Many of the ryokan in Ginzan Onsen are over 100 years old, contributing to its perfectly preserved traditional charm.

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🎬 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

"Spirited Away" is more than just a beautifully animated film; it's a testament to Hayao Miyazaki's unparalleled creative genius and the meticulous artistry of Studio Ghibli. The production process was as unique and magical as the film itself.

🎭 Director's Vision

🎯 Location Strategy: Miyazaki's team conducted extensive research, visiting real locations like the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum and historical bathhouses. He didn't just copy; he absorbed the essence of these places, reimagining them through a fantastical lens to serve his narrative and thematic explorations.

🎨 Visual Style: Every frame is a painting. Miyazaki emphasized environmental detail and a soft, melancholic palette that enhanced the film's emotional depth. The locations weren't just backdrops; they were integral to Chihiro's journey, reflecting her internal struggles and growth.

🎪 Production Highlights

🎬 Oscar Winner: "Spirited Away" made history as the first (and still only) hand-drawn, non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

🎭 No Script: Famously, Miyazaki started the film without a complete script, preferring to let the story unfold through detailed storyboards, which he drew himself.

🎨 Box Office King: It became the highest-grossing film in Japanese history upon its release, a record it held for several years until "Demon Slayer: Mugen Train."

🎯 Inspired by Life: The film was directly inspired by the 10-year-old daughter of one of Miyazaki's friends, influencing Chihiro's character development.

🌟 Cast & Crew Stories

😄 Food Focus: The team put immense effort into animating the food scenes, ensuring every dish looked incredibly delicious and realistic to emphasize the danger of gluttony.

😮 Challenging Run Time: Early cuts of the film were over three hours long, requiring careful editing to reach the final two-hour runtime without losing crucial moments.

🎉 Global Acclaim: The film's overwhelming success led to its theatrical release worldwide, introducing Studio Ghibli to a much broader international audience and cementing its legendary status.

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🗺️ Plan Your Visit

Ready to follow Chihiro's footsteps? Visiting these locations offers a unique blend of cinematic wonder and cultural immersion. Here’s how to plan your magical journey.

🏨 Where to Stay

💰 Budget: In Tokyo, consider hostels like Khaosan Tokyo Origami for a cheap, clean stay. In Matsuyama, Dormy Inn Matsuyama Ooka Natural Hot Spring offers great value.

🏛️ Mid-Range: For Tokyo, Shinjuku Granbell Hotel is a good bet for comfort and location. In Matsuyama, Yamatoya Honten offers traditional ryokan comfort near Dogo Onsen. For Jiufen, consider homestays for an authentic experience.

✨ Luxury: In Tokyo, Park Hyatt Tokyo (yes, of Lost in Translation fame!) or a high-end ryokan like Sekizenkan for a truly immersive, film-inspired experience in Gunma.

🚗 Getting Around

🚇 Metro: Japan boasts an incredibly efficient and extensive train network (JR Pass is your friend!). Most urban locations are easily accessible by public transport. Tokyo and Matsuyama are well-connected.

🚗 Car: For Sekizenkan, Ginzan Onsen, and parts of Gunma/Yamagata, renting a car offers flexibility and scenic drives, especially in the winter. Jiufen is best reached by bus or train/taxi from Taipei.

🚶 Walking: Jiufen Old Street is best explored on foot. Within the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, walking is the primary way to get around. Dogo Onsen Honkan is also very walkable from nearby stations.

📸 Photo Tips

🌅 Best Times: Early mornings or late afternoons (golden hour) are perfect for capturing the ethereal glow of these locations without crowds. Jiufen Old Street at dusk is a must!

📱 Instagram Spots: The red bridge at Sekizenkan, the lantern-lined stairs of Jiufen, and the main facade of Dogo Onsen provide iconic shots.

🎬 Movie Moments: Try to recreate scenes like Chihiro walking across the bridge or peering into the bathhouse, or stand under the lanterns in Jiufen!

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❓ Quick Answers

🎬 Is this based on a true story?

No, "Spirited Away" is a work of fiction. However, Hayao Miyazaki meticulously drew inspiration from real-world locations, Japanese folklore, and his personal experiences to craft its immersive setting and story.

🗺️ Can I visit all locations in one day?

Absolutely not! These locations are spread across different regions of Japan (and Taiwan), requiring multiple days or even a full trip to visit comprehensively. Plan your itinerary wisely, focusing on one or two regions if time is limited.

💰 How much should I budget?

A trip to Japan and Taiwan can vary greatly. For a week, assume a budget of $120-$250 USD per day for lodging, food, and transport, excluding international flights. Ryokan stays will be more expensive.

📱 Are there guided tours?

Yes, you can find guided tours that focus on Ghibli-inspired locations in Tokyo, like day trips to the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum. Many tours also cover Jiufen Old Street from Taipei.

🎭 When was this filmed?

The production of "Spirited Away" spanned from late 1999 to 2001, with the film officially released in Japan in July 2001.

🌍 Is Japan and Taiwan safe for tourists?

Both Japan and Taiwan are renowned for being incredibly safe countries for tourists, with low crime rates and friendly locals. However, standard travel precautions should always be observed.

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🎬 Ready for Your Cinematic Adventure?

"Spirited Away" isn't just a film; it's a doorway to a world of wonder, and exploring its real-life inspirations is truly a magical experience. From the grand, historical bathhouses of Japan to Taiwan's charming, lantern-lit streets, these locations offer a tangible connection to Chihiro's journey.

So, pack your bags, charge your camera, and prepare to step into the enchanting landscapes that sparked Hayao Miyazaki's extraordinary vision. Whether you're a devoted Ghibli fan or simply a lover of unique travel, this cinematic pilgrimage promises unforgettable moments and breathtaking sights.

Don't just watch the movie – live it! Share your adventure with us using #WhereWasItFilmed and inspire other film fans to explore the magic for themselves.

Year Released

2001

Director

Hayao Miyazaki

Filming Locations

5 locations

Behind the Scenes

Hayao Miyazaki, the visionary director behind Spirited Away, drew heavily on Japanese folklore, Shinto traditions, and his own observations of society to craft this animated masterpiece. The film's setting, particularly the enigmatic Aburaya bathhouse, was a deliberate blend of real-world architectural elements and Miyazaki's boundless imagination. His approach prioritizes visual storytelling and character development, often letting the narrative unfold during storyboarding rather than relying on a rigid script. This organic process allowed for the creation of a world that feels both fantastical and deeply resonant, mirroring Chihiro's journey of self-discovery.

Spirited Away was the first and only hand-drawn, non-English film to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Miyazaki was inspired to create the film after spending summer vacations with the 10-year-old daughter of a friend.
The film broke Japan's box office records, surpassing Titanic, and held the top spot for nearly two decades.
Miyazaki drew all the original storyboards by hand, which served as the primary script for the animators.
There was no traditional screenplay; the story evolved organically as the animation progressed.
Joe Hisaishi's iconic score was composed after the animation was largely complete, perfectly complementing the visuals.
The detailed depiction of food in the film was meticulously animated to make it look 'delicious and inviting.'
The concept of 'words' disappearing from people's names was a metaphor for losing one's identity in the consumer-driven world.
Environmental themes are woven throughout, from the polluted river spirit to the importance of natural balance.
The film was initially planned as a shorter project for Japanese audiences but expanded due to Miyazaki's inspiration.
The design of the bathhouse was a blend of several traditional Japanese and European architectural styles.
Chihiro's growth from a spoiled child to a responsible young woman was a core message Miyazaki wanted to convey.

Location Gallery

Dogo Onsen Honkan

Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum

Jiufen Old Street

Sekizenkan Ryokan

Ginzan Onsen

Travel Tips

Best time to visit most of these locations is during spring or fall for mild weather.
Consider booking accommodations in advance, especially during tourist season.
Guided tours are available that cover Dogo Onsen Honkan, Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, Jiufen Old Street in one day.