Duration
3 hours
Tokyo · experience
Studio Ghibli origins walking tour
A guided walk through the real Kichijoji and Mitaka streets connected to Studio Ghibli’s history and Spirited Away, finishing with a Totoro-shaped sweet from Miyazaki’s brother’s shop.
3 hoursSmall group, limited to 8 participantsFrom €80
The experience
The real Kichijoji and Mitaka streets behind Studio Ghibli’s history, and the places said to have inspired Spirited Away.
This is a walking tour of the actual Tokyo neighbourhoods connected to Studio Ghibli’s history, rather than a museum visit — it does not include admission to the Ghibli Museum, but takes in its exterior and atmosphere along the way, in Mitaka, before continuing through Kichijoji.
A guide, typically a committed Ghibli enthusiast, leads the group past the studio’s former production sites and a handful of quieter “secret stop” locations connected to the films, weaving in the studio’s history and the everyday scenery — streets, shopfronts, the pace of local life — that is said to have shaped the visual world of Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro.
The walk finishes with a Totoro-shaped sweet from Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory, a shop run by Hayao Miyazaki’s brother, before the group disperses in Kichijoji.
Group
Small group, limited to 8 participants
Languages
English-speaking guide
Format
On foot around Kichijoji and Mitaka, with one short train connection
Meeting point
Kichijoji Station, North Exit — the guide messages at the meeting time of 10:55am
Pickup and drop-off
Confirmed with the option
Who this suits
A good choice when it matches the way you want to use the city.
- Studio Ghibli fans, especially those drawn to Spirited Away.
- Travellers who prefer real neighbourhoods and stories to a queue for museum tickets.
- Families — past guides have been noted for engaging children on the tour.
Itinerary
The route at a glance.
The guide and exact sequence are confirmed on the day. Times below are a useful indication of how this visit is normally structured.
- 110:55am
Meet at Kichijoji Station
North Exit; the guide sends a message at the meeting time.
- 2About 45 minutes
Kichijoji backstreets
Secret stops connected to Studio Ghibli’s history.
- 3About 15 minutes
Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory
A complimentary Ghibli-themed sweet.
- 4About 10 minutes
Ghibli Museum exterior, Mitaka
Pass by only — museum entry is not included.
- 5About 1 hour
Final locations
By train to a further hidden-gem stop connected to the films.
What the visit includes
The practical detail before you choose a date.
Highlights
- Real Kichijoji and Mitaka locations connected to Studio Ghibli’s history
- Places said to have inspired Spirited Away
- A view of the Ghibli Museum’s exterior and atmosphere
- A Totoro-shaped sweet from Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory, run by Miyazaki’s brother
Included
- ✓ An expert guide with Ghibli-related stories and local insight
- ✓ A sweet treat from the pastry shop
- ✓ Visits to locations connected to Studio Ghibli and its history
- ✓ Train transportation costs during the tour (about ¥400 round trip)
Not included
- • Ghibli Museum entry or ticket-reservation assistance
- • Food and drink beyond the included sweet
Before you go
A few essentials for the day.
- This tour does not include entry to the Ghibli Museum — book that separately, well in advance, if wanted.
- Wear comfortable shoes; the tour is entirely on foot with one train connection.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.