About
Spirited Away (Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi) is Hayao Miyazaki’s Oscar-winning masterpiece, transporting viewers to a mysterious world of spirits and bathhouses. While Studio Ghibli maintains that the setting is purely fictional, several real-world locations heavily influenced its architectural design. From the majestic Dōgo Onsen in Ehime to the nostalgic red bridges of Sekizenkan in Gunma and the bustling lantern-lit streets of Jiufen in Taiwan, these spots evoke the film’s magical atmosphere and are top destinations for pilgrimage (seichi junrei).
Full Pilgrimage Guide
Curated videos and routes — click a card to watch and plan your trip.
Real Life Locations Tour (Japan & Taiwan)
Spotlight Location Guide
Dōgo Onsen Honkan (道後温泉本館)
One of Japan’s oldest hot springs in Matsuyama, Ehime. Its labyrinthine wooden structure and bustling atmosphere directly inspired the main bathhouse exterior.
Best Time to Visit
Early morning or evening for lantern lights.
Access
Address: Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture
Tram from Matsuyama Station to Dogo Onsen Station.
Photography Tips
- • Capture the main entrance with guests in yukata.
- • Visit the imperial bath viewing area.
- • Check renovation schedules beforehand.
Sekizenkan (Shima Onsen) (積善館（四万温泉）)
Famous for its red bridge leading to the ryokan, strikingly similar to the bridge Chihiro crosses into the spirit realm.
Best Time to Visit
Autumn for foliage; winter for snow-covered bridge.
Access
Address: Nakanojo, Gunma Prefecture
Bus from Nakanojo Station to Shima Onsen.
Photography Tips
- • Photo from low angle on the red bridge.
- • Stay overnight for the full ryokan experience.
- • Explore the tunnel connecting buildings.
Jiufen Old Street (Taiwan) (九份（台湾）)
Mountain town with narrow alleys and red lanterns, evoking the spirit world’s food market atmosphere (though Ghibli denies direct inspiration, the vibe is identical).
Best Time to Visit
Evening when lanterns are lit.
Access
Address: Ruifang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan
Bus/taxi from Taipei City.
Photography Tips
- • Visit A-Mei Teahouse for the iconic view.
- • Try taro balls and street food.
- • Prepare for crowds on weekends.
Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum (江戸東京たてもの園)
Located in Koganei Park, Tokyo. The boiler room and old stationery shop here influenced Kamaji’s boiler room and the bathhouse interiors.
Best Time to Visit
Weekdays for quieter exploration.
Access
Address: Koganei, Tokyo
Bus from Musashi-Koganei Station.
Photography Tips
- • Look for the stationery shop filled with drawers.
- • Check the old tram carriage (similar to the train scene).
- • Great for architectural details.
Suggested Itineraries
Ultimate Onsen Tour (Medium)
ModerateFly to Matsuyama for Dōgo Onsen → Train/Bus to Gunma for Sekizenkan bridge.
Transportation
Flights + JR Trains + Buses
Estimated Cost
High (Travel + Ryokan stays)
Locations
- • Dōgo Onsen (Ehime)
- • Sekizenkan (Gunma)
Tokyo Inspiration Day (Easy)
EasyExplore the museum in Koganei to see the architectural roots of the bathhouse.
Transportation
JR Chuo Line + Bus
Estimated Cost
Low
Locations
- • Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum
Tips & Etiquette
Best Times for Photos
Dusk (Blue Hour) is magical for lanterns at Dōgo and Jiufen.
Bathhouse Etiquette
No photos inside bathing areas. Wash before entering tubs. Cover tattoos if required.
Access
Shima Onsen is remote; check bus schedules carefully. Jiufen requires travel from Taipei.
Stay Early
Sekizenkan and Dōgo area ryokans book out months in advance.