“The Cat Returns,” a masterpiece of Studio Ghibli released in 2002, is a beloved work among many fans for its relatable story set in modern-day Japan. This work, which depicts the adventure of the protagonist Haru wandering into the cat kingdom, features numerous scenes modeled after real locations within Tokyo.
In this article, we have thoroughly compiled information about sacred pilgrimage spots in Tokyo for “The Cat Returns” fans, filming locations, related facilities, and information to help you enjoy the work more deeply.
The Relationship Between “The Cat Returns” and Tokyo
The Setting of the Work and Tokyo
While the setting of “The Cat Returns” is not explicitly stated to be within Tokyo, it is believed that many of the cityscapes, buildings, and scenery appearing in the work are modeled after real locations in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Director Hiroyuki Morita and other production staff conducted research and location scouting in Tokyo and surrounding areas, incorporating realistic everyday landscapes into the work.
The school that protagonist Yoshioka Haru attends, residential neighborhoods, the road where she helps the cat prince Lune, and other seemingly familiar Japanese scenery are part of what makes the work so appealing.
Characteristics of Tokyo Depiction in Studio Ghibli Works
Studio Ghibli works tend to create an “idealized everyday” tailored to the work’s world by drawing inspiration from multiple locations, rather than directly depicting real places. “The Cat Returns” is no exception, incorporating essence from various locations throughout Tokyo while building a unique world view.
Sacred Pilgrimage Spots for “The Cat Returns” in Tokyo
Residential and Shopping Street Areas
Residential Neighborhoods Around Setagaya Ward
The quiet residential neighborhoods of Setagaya Ward are said to be one of the models for the town where Haru lives. Particularly in the Seijo, Todoroki, and Fukasawa areas, peaceful residential areas similar to those in the work spread out, where you can also spot cats freely walking around.
Access Information:
- Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line and Oimachi Line “Futako Tamagawa Station”
- Within walking distance from Tokyu Toyoko Line “Jiyugaoka Station”
- Around Tokyu Oimachi Line “Todoroki Station”
Kichijoji and Mitaka Areas
The Kichijoji and Mitaka areas, home to the Ghibli Museum Mitaka, are sacred sites among Ghibli fans. “The Cat Returns” exhibitions are sometimes held, allowing you to enjoy street walks while immersing yourself in the work’s world view.
This area, where shopping streets and residential neighborhoods coexist, shares aspects with the atmosphere of the streets Haru walks after helping the cat.
Access Information:
- JR Chuo Line “Kichijoji Station” and “Mitaka Station”
- Ghibli Museum Mitaka: 15-minute walk from Mitaka Station South Exit or Community Bus
Areas Around Schools and Educational Facilities
Atmosphere of Tokyo Public High Schools
The exterior and school gate of Haru’s high school, as well as her school route, are thought to be modeled after standard public high schools in Tokyo. The atmosphere of Tokyo metropolitan public high schools from the 1990s to early 2000s is particularly reflected.
Walking around high schools in residential areas of Suginami, Setagaya, and Nerima wards will allow you to feel the atmosphere of the work.
Places That Serve as Entrances to the Cat Kingdom
Model Location of the Cat’s Office
The intersection where the cat’s office, the “Cat’s Return Office,” is located is a key place in the work. While there is no official announcement about this mysterious intersection’s model, it is presumed that old shopping streets and residential area intersections in Tokyo served as inspiration.
In areas with remaining Showa-era atmosphere such as Nakano, Suginami, and Setagaya wards, similar intersections are scattered throughout.
Experiencing “The Cat Returns” at Ghibli Museum Mitaka
Permanent and Special Exhibitions
At Ghibli Museum Mitaka, materials and original paintings related to “The Cat Returns” are sometimes displayed. Understanding the production process deepens understanding of the work.
Facility Information:
- Address: 1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo
- Completely reservation-based (date and time-specified reservation tickets required)
- Prior online reservation required from official website
- Photography prohibited inside the museum (except certain areas like the rooftop garden)
Museum Shop Goods
“The Cat Returns”-related original goods are also sold, with character merchandise of Baron, Muta, and Yuki being particularly popular. Perfect souvenirs for commemorating your visit.
Cat-Related Spots in Tokyo
Cat Cafe Tours
To experience the world of “The Cat Returns,” visiting cat cafes in Tokyo is also recommended.
Recommended Cat Cafes
Kichijoji Area:
- “Temari no Ouchi”: Located close to the Ghibli Museum
- Multiple rescue cat cafes
Shibuya and Harajuku Area:
- Good accessibility and easy to combine with sightseeing
- Abundant cat cafes with unique concepts
Ikebukuro Area:
- “Cat Cafe MOCHA” and other large stores
- Beginner-friendly atmosphere
Cat Shrines and Lucky Cat Spots
Imado Shrine (Taito Ward)
Imado Shrine, said to be the birthplace of the Maneki-neko (lucky cat), is also famous as a power spot for romantic connections. The grounds feature numerous lucky cats arranged together, creating a mystical atmosphere that links with the world of “The Cat Returns.”
Access:
- 15-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza Line “Asakusa Station”
- 5-minute walk from Toei Bus “Asakusa Nanachome” stop
Jiyugaoka Kumano Shrine (Meguro Ward)
Known as the “Cat Return Shrine,” it is said to have the blessing of lost cats returning home. This is a must-visit spot for cat lovers.
Access:
- 5-minute walk from Tokyu Toyoko Line and Oimachi Line “Jiyugaoka Station”
Cat Temple in Nishi-Ogikubo (Suginami Ward)
Formally called “Komyoin,” this temple is known as a place for cat memorials and where cat lovers gather.
Tokyo Sightseeing Plans to Enjoy “The Cat Returns”
One-Day Course: Ghibli Museum-Centered Plan
Morning:
- 10:00 Ghibli Museum Mitaka (requires reservation, approximately 2-3 hours)
- Inokashira Park walk
Afternoon:
- Lunch in Kichijoji
- Cat cafe visit
- Shopping street walk (Sunroad, etc.)
Evening:
- Dinner at Hamonica Yokocho
Two-Day Course: Full Tokyo Cat Tour Plan
Day 1:
- Morning: Asakusa and Imado Shrine visit
- Afternoon: Jiyugaoka area (Kumano Shrine, cat cafes, street walk)
- Evening: Sangenjaya and Setagaya area walk
Day 2:
- Morning: Ghibli Museum Mitaka
- Afternoon: Kichijoji and Nishi-Ogikubo areas
- Evening: Nakano Broadway (anime merchandise hunting)
Half-Day Course: Urban Cat Spot Tour
3-4 hour afternoon course:
- Jiyugaoka Kumano Shrine visit (30 minutes)
- Jiyugaoka walk and cafe (1 hour)
- Cat cafe experience (1-1.5 hours)
- Miscellaneous goods and bookstore browsing (1 hour)
“The Cat Returns” Related Event Information in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli Film Screening Events
Movie theaters throughout Tokyo regularly hold special screenings of Ghibli works. “The Cat Returns” is sometimes screened, allowing you to enjoy the work on the big screen.
Major Screening Venues:
- Shinjuku Picadilly
- Toho Cinemas various locations
- Cinemaart Shinjuku and Roppongi
Ghibli Exhibitions and Featured Exhibitions
Art museums and department stores in Tokyo occasionally host Ghibli-related exhibitions. Past exhibitions have included original painting exhibitions and cel paint displays of “The Cat Returns.”
Past Venue Locations:
- Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Contemporary Art
- Mori Art Museum
- Matsuya Ginza
- Roppongi Hills
Donguri Republic (Ghibli Goods Specialty Store)
Multiple “Donguri Republic” stores exist in Tokyo with an extensive selection of “The Cat Returns” merchandise.
Main Store Locations:
- Tokyo Station store (Tokyo Station Ichiban-gai)
- Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi store
- Kichijoji store
- Ikebukuro store (Sunshine City)
Tokyo Bookstores and Libraries to Deepen Understanding of “The Cat Returns”
Bookstores with Extensive Ghibli-Related Books
Junkudo Ikebukuro Main Store
A 10-story large bookstore with an extensive anime and film-related book section. You can find “The Cat Returns” storyboard collections and setting material collections.
Kinokuniya Shinjuku Main Store
Ghibli-related books are abundant, with comprehensive film-related professional books.
Sanseido Kanda Main Store
Including used books, valuable Ghibli-related materials can sometimes be found.
Resource Access at Metropolitan Libraries
Tokyo Metropolitan Central Library (Minato Ward)
Film and animation-related resources are extensive, allowing you to view research materials and critical works related to “The Cat Returns.”
Access:
- 8-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line “Hiroo Station”
Accommodation Information for “The Cat Returns” Fans
Hotels Around Ghibli Museum
Mitaka and Kichijoji Areas
- Tokyu Rei Hotel
- Kichijoji Daiichi Hotel
- Various business hotels
Around Mitaka and Kichijoji stations, there are many reasonably priced hotels with good access to the Ghibli Museum.
Cat-Themed Hotels and Accommodations
Tokyo has cat-themed accommodations and guesthouses where you can stay while enjoying the world of “The Cat Returns.”
How to Experience “The Cat Returns” World in Tokyo
Points for Walking the Streets
- Walk residential neighborhoods: Explore residential neighborhoods in Setagaya and Suginami wards to find everyday scenery like that in the work.
- Look for cats: There are areas in Tokyo with many community cats. You can enjoy encounters with cats in Yanaka, Jiyugaoka, and Kichijoji.
- Pay attention to intersections: In old shopping streets and residential areas, intersections with the atmosphere of the work remain.
- Walk during twilight: Important scenes in the work unfold during twilight. Walking Tokyo during the magic hour allows you to feel the atmosphere of the work.
Photography Tips
Keep the following points in mind when taking photos during pilgrimage tourism:
- Recreate angles from the work: Use movie scenes as reference and shoot from similar angles
- Make cats the main subject: When spotting community cats, shoot envisioning the work’s characters
- Capture everyday scenery: Even in non-special places, capture moments where you feel the work’s atmosphere
- Follow etiquette: Be mindful of noise in residential areas, avoid trespassing on private property
“The Cat Returns” and Tokyo’s Cat Culture
Community Cat Activities in Tokyo
Tokyo actively engages in community cat activities, with many areas where cats and humans coexist. The kindness toward cats depicted in “The Cat Returns” resonates with modern Tokyo’s cat culture.
Main Community Cat Areas
- Yanaka (Taito Ward): Famous as a “cat town”
- Around Jiyugaoka: Cat-friendly city development
- Kichijoji and Mitaka: Active community cat activities
Tokyo’s Cat Events
Cat-related events are held throughout the year in Tokyo:
- Nekomaturi: Cat goods sales events held in various locations
- Rescue cat adoption fairs: Held regularly
- Cat photo exhibitions: Held at galleries and bookstores
Access and Transportation Information
Access from Major Stations in Tokyo
From Shinjuku Station
- Kichijoji: JR Chuo Line Rapid approximately 15 minutes
- Mitaka: JR Chuo Line Rapid approximately 20 minutes
- Jiyugaoka: JR Yamanote Line → Tokyu Toyoko Line approximately 30 minutes
From Tokyo Station
- Kichijoji: JR Chuo Line Rapid approximately 30 minutes
- Asakusa: Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line approximately 20 minutes
From Shibuya Station
- Jiyugaoka: Tokyu Toyoko Line approximately 10 minutes
- Kichijoji: Keio Inokashira Line approximately 25 minutes
Economical Transit Passes
- Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Ticket: Convenient for getting around the city
- Toei All-Inclusive Pass: Unlimited travel on all Toei transportation
- JR Tokyo Area Pass: Unlimited JR line travel
Recommended Visiting Seasons
Spring (March-May)
Cherry blossom season makes Inokashira Park and Jiyugaoka’s greenway beautiful, perfect for walks. The area around the Ghibli Museum is also gorgeous with cherry blossoms.
Summer (June-August)
Spending cool time in cat cafes is recommended. Plan an indoor facility-centered program.
Autumn (September-November)
The optimal season for street walking. Inokashira Park and Todoroki Valley offer beautiful autumn foliage.
Winter (December-February)
Clear air makes it suitable for photography. Spending leisurely time in a warm cat cafe is also recommended.
Conclusion: How to Enjoy “The Cat Returns” and Tokyo
To experience the world of “The Cat Returns” in Tokyo, it is recommended to combine visits to the Ghibli Museum as the center, residential neighborhood walks, cat cafe experiences, and cat shrine visits.
The small adventures in everyday life depicted in the work still live on in Tokyo’s street corners. By visiting the city’s cat spots with kindness toward cats and gratitude in your heart, you can experience the work’s charm more deeply.
When on pilgrimage tours, do not forget consideration for the area’s residents and cats, and enjoy while following proper etiquette. Like Haru in “The Cat Returns,” small acts of kindness might lead to great happiness.
Many yet-unknown “Cat Returns”-like spots exist throughout Tokyo. Why not embark on a journey to discover your own sacred sites?
