Spirited Away Pilgrimage: A Dreamy 3-Day Itinerary for Ghibli Fans in Japan
Are you a fan of Spirited Away by Studio Ghibli?
Did you know that many of the film’s magical scenes were inspired by real places in Japan?
This article introduces a 3-day Ghibli pilgrimage itinerary, taking you through some of the most iconic spots believed to have inspired the world of Spirited Away—starting with the red bridge and bathhouse that resemble Yubaba’s Aburaya.
Let’s step into the world of spirits, soot sprites, and hot springs…
🌸 Day 1: From Tokyo to Shima Onsen — Welcome to Sekizenkan
🏮 Sekizenkan Ryokan (Gunma) – Walk Across the Red Bridge into Ghibli’s World
The Sekizenkan Ryokan in Gunma Prefecture is said to be one of the inspirations for the grand bathhouse Aburaya in Spirited Away.
The striking red bridge, the wooden architecture, and the nostalgic atmosphere feel like stepping straight into the film.
📍 Address: 4236 Shima Onsen, Nakanojo, Gunma
🚌 Access:
-
40 minutes by bus from JR Nakanojo Station
-
210 minutes from Tokyo Station via direct highway bus (Shima Onsen-go)
▶ Official Website (Sekizenkan)
🛏 Choose your stay:
-
Honkan: Traditional “toji” (healing) stay with futon and simple meals
-
Sansou: Built in the Showa era with a romantic retro feel
-
Kasho-tei: Modern Japanese luxury
🏯 Day 2: Travel to Shibu Onsen – Explore the Enchanted Kanaguya Inn
🏨 Kanaguya (Nagano) – Multi-Level Wooden Inn That Feels Straight Out of the Movie
In Nagano’s Shibu Onsen area, Kanaguya is another hot spring inn often linked to Spirited Away.
The multi-story wooden building glows beautifully at night and resembles the grand interiors of Yubaba’s bathhouse.
📍 Address: 2202 Hirao, Yamanouchi, Nagano
▶ Official Website (Kanaguya)
💡 Tip: Even if you don’t stay overnight, guided building tours are sometimes available.
🧖♀️ Day 3: Head to Ehime – Soak in the Atmosphere at Dogo Onsen
♨️ Dogo Onsen Honkan (Ehime) – Ancient Bathhouse, Timeless Magic
Considered one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, Dogo Onsen Honkan is also believed to have influenced the design of Aburaya.
Its red railings, tiled roof, and three-story wooden structure closely mirror the bathhouse in the film.
📍 Address: 5-6 Dogo Yunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime
▶ Official Website (Dogo Onsen Honkan)
✈️ Access:
-
Fly to Matsuyama Airport from Tokyo or Osaka
-
From Sekizenkan, you may fly or take the Shinkansen to connect to Ehime via major cities
🗺 Bonus Ghibli Pilgrimage Spots in Japan
| Spot | Location | Why Visit? |
|---|---|---|
| Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum | Tokyo (Koganei) | Background inspiration for many Ghibli films, including buildings in Spirited Away |
| Hotel Gajoen Tokyo | Tokyo (Meguro) | Lavish interiors said to inspire Yubaba’s room |
| Taketomi Island | Okinawa | Resembles the quiet, otherworldly village from the beginning of the film |
✨ Recommended 3-Day Ghibli Itinerary
| Day | Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Sekizenkan, Gunma | Cross the red bridge, stay in a magical hot spring inn |
| Day 2 | Kanaguya, Nagano | Discover mystical architecture & retro streets |
| Day 3 | Dogo Onsen, Ehime | Relax in Japan’s oldest bathhouse with Ghibli vibes |
🎒 Why Visit These Ghibli-Inspired Places?
Spirited Away may be fantasy, but many of its dreamlike locations are rooted in real Japanese landscapes, buildings, and traditions.
This journey lets you not only relive the film—but step into its spirit world.
🧳 So, next time you’re in Japan, why not follow Chihiro’s footsteps… and cross that red bridge?
