Best Anime-inspired Sights

Best Anime-inspired Sights

Trying to connect deeper with their favorite characters fans from all around the world are coming to Japan. There are so many things you can do in the real world of Japanese Anime. Here is a shortlist of the best places that inspired Anime across Japan.

Studio Ghibli Museum in Tokyo

The Ghibli Museum (Mitaka no Mori Ghibli Bijutsukan) is the animation and art museum of Miyazaki Hayao’s Studio Ghibli. Studio Ghibli has produced many feature-length films such as “My Neighbor Totoro”, “Princess Mononoke”, “Spirited Away” and “Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea”.

Located in Mitaka, the museum is a must-see for fans of the films. The building of the museum was designed in the very distinct style of the studio’s films. It presents many of their famous characters are there, including a life-sized robot from “Castle in the Sky” in the rooftop garden.

The first floor of the museum exhibits the history and techniques of animation, complete with sketchbooks, and has a small theater that shows short movies by Studio Ghibli that are exclusive to the museum so you can enjoy the museum several times. The second floor houses special temporary exhibitions. The museum also has a cafe, a children’s play area, a rooftop garden, and a gift shop.

Kanaguya, a model for Spirited Away

Kanaguya is a traditional ryokan in Shibu Onsen (Nagano Prefecture). This more than 250 years old building inspired the final look of Spirited Away, especially its bathhouse.

There are a total of 9 baths in the Inn. Five of them are private (you can enter and lock the door and have it all to yourself). The four other baths are shared baths, called rotenburo (same gender only).

Kanaguya’s hot spring water comes from 4 different sources. If you liked Spirited Away, contact us so we can plan your trip to Japan including Kanaguya.

Ghibli Park, in Aichi

The Ghibli Park, an upcoming wonderland in Aichi Prefecture dedicated to the magical world of Studio Ghibli, finally unveiled two new attractions from two of the studio’s most famous films: Howl’s Moving Castle and Princess Mononoke.

Aichi Governor Hideaki Omura says the castle is set to stand 16 meters (52 feet) in height, close to the size of a four-to-five story building, with rotating canons resembling R2-D2’s eyeballs, just like the castle in the film. The interior will be an invitation to step into the movie, with special areas like Howl’s bedroom waiting to be explored.

The next big announcement from Omura is the creation of concept art for Irontown, in the Princess Mononoke area of the park. Visitors will be able to enter Irontown, the outcast settlement from the movie, through its iconic wooden fence, which features a viewing platform at the entrance to recreate the fort-like feel of the town.

Fans of My Neighbour Totoro will also have their treat and will want to take the “Rutted Road” through the woods, similar to the nature trails from the movie, which leads to the Dondoko Forest Area.

The park aims to utilize green energy as much as possible, and according to the governor, the park is still on track to open on time, in autumn 2022.

Gundam Café

A concept café dedicated to all Gundam fans in Tokyo, Osaka or Fukuoka. Enjoy the world of Gundam on your plate from a colorful menu and purchase unique and original goods only available at Gundam Café!

One Piece Mugiwara Store

Available in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya or Fukuoka, the One Piece Mugiwara Stores are an invitation to enter the world of ONE PIECE: Tons of limited edition items that you can only find at the Mugiwara Store!
Each store offer different characters waiting for you. Take photos with them while you’re enjoying special limited-time-only events.
Get ready for an adventure and enter the world of ONE PIECE!

Pokemon Center – Pokemon Café

While Pokemon centers are already available all across Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Okinawa,…) there are only two Pokemon Cafés in Tokyo and in Osaka. Come and enjoy dishes inspired by your favorite characters. Pokemon Cafés do not necessarily require a reservation but it’s recommended.
Pokémon Centers are well-known for carrying a wide variety of exclusive merchandise not found in any other store. Special offers and events are also held at each Pokemon Center.

Tour Types

Rediscover Tours arranges amazing trips whether you are traveling with your family, on your honeymoon, as a couple or as a group of friends. We work with you to make sure everything is exactly as you want it.