My Neighbor Totoro and Tokorozawa City, Saitama: A Deep Connection – Complete Explanation of the Setting Model, Filming Locations, and Totoro Forest
The 1988 Studio Ghibli masterpiece animation film “My Neighbor Totoro.” This timeless classic has a deep connection with Tokorozawa City in Saitama Prefecture that many people don’t know about. This article provides detailed explanations of the charm of the Tokorozawa area, which is believed to be the setting model for My Neighbor Totoro, the spots you can actually visit, and director Hayao Miyazaki’s connection to Tokorozawa.
Is the Setting of My Neighbor Totoro Based on Tokorozawa City?
The official setting of “My Neighbor Totoro” is described as “the Sayama Hills in the early 1950s.” The Sayama Hills are a vast hilly region spanning Saitama and Tokyo prefectures, with Tokorozawa City occupying a central position.
Since director Hayao Miyazaki himself lived in Tokorozawa City for many years, it is widely believed that the rural landscapes, woodlands, rice paddies, and streams featured in the film are modeled after the natural environment of the Sayama Hills around Tokorozawa City.
Sayama Hills and Totoro Forest
The Sayama Hills span both Tokyo and Saitama prefectures, covering approximately 3,500 hectares of green space, beloved as “Totoro’s Forest.” This area features:
- Rich Nature: Woodlands of Japanese oak and Japanese chinquapin trees spread throughout, displaying different appearances each season
- Diverse Ecosystems: Home to approximately 1,000 plant species and thousands of insect species
- Satoyama Landscape: The original Japanese countryside scenery from the 1950s remains preserved today
Tokorozawa City actively engages in conservation activities in the Sayama Hills, continuing to protect the natural environment that served as the setting for the film through initiatives such as the “Totoro’s Hometown Fund.”
Must-Visit Spots Related to Totoro in Tokorozawa City
1. Kurosuke’s House (Former Tokorozawa Municipal Kozashi Childcare Center)
Location: 3-1169-1 Mikashima, Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture
“Kurosuke’s House” is said to be one of the models for the Kusakabe family home that appears in My Neighbor Totoro. Formally managed by the “Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Totoro’s Hometown Fund,” this facility features:
- Building Characteristics: A single-story wooden structure built in the early Showa period
- Interior Tours: Interior viewing is possible by advance reservation (open about twice monthly)
- Exhibition Content: Displays about the nature of Totoro Forest and conservation activities
- Atmosphere: An old house where you can feel the atmosphere of the Kusakabe family home from the film
At Kurosuke’s House, volunteer staff provide guided tours, allowing you to learn in detail about the connection between Totoro and Tokorozawa.
2. Totoro Forest Site No. 1
Location: 351 Kamiyamaguchi Zazaoin, Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture
Totoro Forest Site No. 1 was the first conservation area acquired by the “Totoro’s Hometown Fund” in 1991:
- Area: Approximately 6,600 square meters
- Characteristics: Woodlands of Japanese chinquapin and Japanese oak trees
- Walking Paths: Well-maintained trails allow for nature observation
- Access: About 15 minutes on foot from Shimoyamaguchi Station on the Seibu Sayama Line
Currently, Totoro Forest extends to over 60 sites, with multiple conservation areas throughout Tokorozawa City.
3. Hakkoku Mountain Greenery
Location: Higashimurayama City, Tokyo and Tokorozawa City, Saitama
Hakkoku Mountain Greenery is located near where the Shichikoku Hospital, said to be the model for the hospital in My Neighbor Totoro, is situated:
- Elevation: Approximately 89 meters
- Views: On clear days, you can see Mount Fuji and the Chichibu Mountains
- Hiking: Multiple hiking courses are maintained
- Nature: The scenery spreads out like the woodlands that appear in the film
It is accessible from the Tokorozawa City side and is a popular spot where you can experience the world of Totoro.
4. Sayama Lake (Yamaguchi Reservoir)
Location: Tokorozawa City, Saitama and Higashiyamato City, Tokyo
Sayama Lake is said to be one of the image sources for the film:
- Completion: 1934 (Showa 9)
- Perimeter: Approximately 7 kilometers
- Scenery: Rich natural surroundings encircling the lake
- Cherry Blossom Spot: Approximately 20,000 cherry trees bloom in spring
From the promenade along the lakeshore, you can enjoy beautiful natural scenery like that appearing in the film.
Director Hayao Miyazaki’s Deep Connection with Tokorozawa City
Miyazaki as a Tokorozawa Resident
Director Miyazaki established his residence in Tokorozawa City from the 1970s onward and continued his creative activities in this area for many years. The natural environment of Tokorozawa has served as an inspiration source not only for “My Neighbor Totoro” but for many Studio Ghibli works.
Participation in Nature Conservation
Director Miyazaki opposed development plans for the Sayama Hills and actively participated in nature conservation movements:
- Totoro’s Hometown Fund: Cooperated in its establishment and serves as an adviser
- Conservation Activities: Continues to provide donations and support for Sayama Hills greenery conservation
- Message Transmission: Continues to appeal to the importance of nature through his works
Official Relations with Tokorozawa City
Tokorozawa City cherishes the connection between Totoro and Director Miyazaki:
- Tourism Resource: Utilized as a tourism PR point related to Totoro
- Environmental Education: Uses Totoro Forest as a location for environmental education
- Cultural Promotion: Promotes cultural activities through Ghibli works
However, since Director Miyazaki prefers not to encourage excessive commercialization, the city also takes care to exercise restraint in how it utilizes these connections.
Debate Over the Setting Model of My Neighbor Totoro
In fact, there are multiple candidate locations for the setting of My Neighbor Totoro:
Higashimurayama City, Tokyo Theory
- Hakkoku Mountain Greenery: Said to be the model for Shichikoku Mountain that appears in the film
- Shin-Akitsu Station Surroundings: Places similar to scenes in the film exist
- Director Miyazaki’s Statements: Has made references to Higashimurayama City
Iruma City, Saitama Theory
- Totoro Forest: Conservation areas of Totoro Forest exist in Iruma City as well
- Sayama Hills: Iruma City also includes a portion of the Sayama Hills
Combined Model Theory
The most plausible theory is that the entire Sayama Hills area centered on Tokorozawa City serves as a comprehensive model. Director Miyazaki himself has made statements to the effect that “rather than a specific single location, the entire Sayama Hills region serves as the model.”
Tokorozawa City is positioned at the center of the Sayama Hills, and given that Director Miyazaki lived there for many years, it is considered the region that had the most influence.
Important Notes and Access Information When Visiting Totoro Forest
Access Methods
By Train:
- Get off at Kozashi Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line
- Get off at Shimoyamaguchi Station on the Seibu Sayama Line
- Get off at Shin-Tokorozawa Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line
From each station, you can reach various spots by bus or on foot.
By Car:
- Approximately 15 minutes from Tokorozawa Interchange on the Kan-Etsu Expressway
- Parking varies by facility, so advance confirmation is necessary
Notes for Your Visit
- Consideration for Private Property: Some of Totoro Forest is private land. Do not enter areas marked as off-limits
- Nature Conservation: Always take your trash with you, and do not collect plants
- Kurosuke’s House Reservations: Tours require advance reservation, so check the official website
- Season and Clothing: Since you’ll be walking in nature, wear clothing and shoes appropriate for the season
- Insect Prevention: During summer, measures against mosquitoes and blackflies are necessary
Recommended Visiting Seasons
- Spring (March-May): Fresh greenery is beautiful, and you can enjoy cherry blossoms
- Summer (June-August): Surrounded by deep green, you can experience the summer scenes from the film
- Autumn (September-November): Autumn foliage is beautiful, and acorn collecting is enjoyable
- Winter (December-February): After leaves fall, the woodland structure becomes visible, ideal for bird watching
Activities of the Totoro’s Hometown Fund
The “Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Totoro’s Hometown Fund” is a nature conservation organization established in 1990:
Main Activities
- Land Acquisition and Conservation: Purchase land with donations and preserve it as “Totoro’s Forest”
- Environmental Education: Implementing nature observation sessions and environmental learning programs
- Information Dissemination: Report activities through newsletters and websites
- Volunteer Activities: Promote citizen-participatory conservation activities
Ways to Support
- Donations: General donations and membership programs are available
- Volunteering: Support forest maintenance and observation sessions
- Purchasing Goods: Profits from original goods support conservation activities
Details can be confirmed on the official website.
Other Totoro-Related Information in Tokorozawa City
Tokorozawa City Tourism Information
The Tokorozawa City Tourism Association provides tourism maps for touring locations related to Totoro:
- Totoro Forest Map: Introduces the locations and features of each conservation area
- Walking Courses: Multiple courses are set up
- Guided Tours: Guided tours are occasionally held depending on the season
Other Tourist Spots in the Area
Tokorozawa City has attractive spots beyond Totoro Forest:
- Tokorozawa Aviation Memorial Park: A vast park created on the site of Japan’s first airfield
- Tokorozawa Aviation Museum: Well-stocked aviation-related exhibits
- Seibu Yuen: A retro-atmosphere amusement park
- Kadokawa Musashino Museum: A multi-purpose cultural facility designed by Kengo Kuma
By combining these spots, you can enjoy a fulfilling Tokorozawa tour.
Complete Guide to Experiencing the World of My Neighbor Totoro
One-Day Model Course
Morning:
- 9:00 AM Arrive at Kozashi Station on Seibu Line
- 9:30 AM Visit Kurosuke’s House (reservation required)
- 11:00 AM Tour Totoro Forest Site No. 1
Afternoon:
- 12:00 PM Lunch in Tokorozawa City
- 1:30 PM Hike Hakkoku Mountain Greenery
- 3:30 PM Explore around Sayama Lake
- 5:00 PM Return journey
Packing Checklist
- Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers or trekking shoes)
- Hat (sun and insect protection)
- Drinking water
- Towel
- Insect repellent spray (summer)
- Camera
- Binoculars (for bird watching)
- Leisure sheet (for resting)
Photography Tips
- Woodlands: Dappled light is most beautiful in the morning
- Streams: Take advantage of water surface reflections
- Rice Paddies: Capture the changing expressions throughout the seasons
- Sky: Find open areas where wide skies are visible
However, refrain from photography in private areas or off-limits zones.
Conclusion: The Future of My Neighbor Totoro and Tokorozawa City
The connection between Tokorozawa City in Saitama Prefecture and “My Neighbor Totoro” runs deeper than merely being a setting model. The natural environment of Tokorozawa, where director Hayao Miyazaki lived for many years and conducted his creative activities, is quite literally the forest where Totoro lives.
Even today, conservation efforts centered on the “Totoro’s Hometown Fund” preserve the beautiful satoyama landscape featured in the film. The fact that you can actually experience the world of My Neighbor Totoro in Tokorozawa City, accessible from downtown in about an hour, is a cultural and natural treasure of Japan.
When visiting Tokorozawa City, it is not merely a tourist experience—it becomes an opportunity to contemplate the importance of nature conservation and the value of satoyama landscapes. The message that Totoro teaches us about “coexistence with nature” becomes increasingly important in modern society.
Please visit Tokorozawa City’s Totoro Forest and experience the world of the film while touching this rich natural environment. And if possible, consider participating in some way in the activities necessary to preserve this precious nature for the future.
The story of My Neighbor Totoro and Tokorozawa City continues on.
