【My Neighbor Totoro】(Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture)
“My Neighbor Totoro,” a masterpiece animated film by Studio Ghibli released in 1988. This timeless classic and Tokorozawa City in Saitama Prefecture have a deep relationship that many people are unaware of. This article provides a detailed explanation of the charm of the areas around Tokorozawa City, which is said to be the setting model for My Neighbor Totoro, the spots that can actually be visited, and the connection between Director Hayao Miyazaki and Tokorozawa.
Is the Setting of My Neighbor Totoro Based on Tokorozawa City?
The setting of “My Neighbor Totoro” is officially described as “the Sayama Hills in the early 1950s.” The Sayama Hills are vast hilly terrain spanning Saitama and Tokyo prefectures, with Tokorozawa City occupying a central position within them.
Since Director Miyazaki himself lived in Tokorozawa City for many years, it is widely believed that the rural landscapes, copses, rice paddies, and streams featured in the film were modeled after the nature of the Sayama Hills around Tokorozawa City.
Sayama Hills and Totoro’s Forest
The Sayama Hills are approximately 3,500 hectares of greenery spanning Tokyo and Saitama prefectures and are affectionately known as “Totoro’s Forest.” This area features:
- Rich nature: Copses of Konara oak and Kunugi oak spread throughout, displaying different aspects in each season
- Diverse ecosystem: Approximately 1,000 species of plants and thousands of species of insects inhabit the area
- Original satoyama landscape: The rural scenery of Japan from the 1950s remains preserved to this day
Tokorozawa City actively works on conservation of the Sayama Hills, and through initiatives like the “Totoro’s Hometown Fund,” continues to protect the natural environment that became the setting for the film.
Must-Visit Spots Related to Totoro in Tokorozawa City
1. Kurosuke’s House (Former Tokorozawa Municipal Koteashi Nursery)
Location: 3-1169-1 Mikaijima, 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. Officially managed by the “Totoro’s Hometown Fund,” it features:
- Building characteristics: Wooden single-story structure built in the early Showa period
- Interior viewing: Interior viewing is available by advance reservation (open approximately twice per month)
- Exhibition content: Exhibitions on the nature of Totoro’s 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 also provide guided tours where you can learn in detail about the relationship between Totoro and Tokorozawa.
2. Totoro’s Forest 1st Area
Location: 351 Kamiyamaguchi Zakogairyu, Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture
Totoro’s Forest 1st Area is the first conservation woodland acquired by the “Totoro’s Hometown Fund” in 1991:
- Area: Approximately 6,600 square meters
- Features: Copse of Kunugi and Konara oak
- Walking path: Well-maintained hiking trails for nature observation
- Access: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Seibu Sayama Line Shimoyamaguchi Station
Currently, Totoro’s Forest spans over 60 areas, with multiple conservation sites throughout Tokorozawa City.
3. Hakkoku Mountain Greenery
Location: Higashimurayama City, Tokyo / Tokorozawa City, Saitama
Hakkoku Mountain Greenery is located near the place said to be the model for the Shichikoku Mountain Hospital in My Neighbor Totoro:
- Elevation: Approximately 89 meters
- Views: On clear days, you can see Mount Fuji and the Chichibu Mountains
- Hiking: Multiple hiking courses are developed
- Nature: A landscape with copses like those in the film spreads out
It is accessible from Tokorozawa City as well and is a popular spot where you can experience the world of Totoro.
4. Sayama Lake (Yamakuchi Reservoir)
Location: Tokorozawa City, Saitama / Higashiyamato City, Tokyo
Sayama Lake is said to be one of the image sources for the film:
- Completion: 1934 (Showa 9)
- Circumference: Approximately 7 kilometers
- Scenery: Rich nature surrounding the lake
- Cherry blossom spot: Approximately 20,000 cherry blossoms bloom in spring
From the lakeside walking path, you can enjoy beautiful natural scenery like that depicted in the film.
Director Hayao Miyazaki’s Deep Connection to Tokorozawa City
Miyazaki as a Tokorozawa Resident
Director Miyazaki established his residence in Tokorozawa City from the 1970s and has continued his creative activities in this area for many years. The natural environment of Tokorozawa has been a source of inspiration not only for “My Neighbor Totoro” but for many Studio Ghibli works.
Participation in Nature Conservation Activities
Director Miyazaki has actively participated in nature conservation movements, opposing development plans for the Sayama Hills:
- Totoro’s Hometown Fund: Cooperated in its establishment and serves as advisor
- Conservation activities: Continues donations and support for greenery conservation of the Sayama Hills
- Message dissemination: Continues to advocate for the importance of nature through his works
Official Relationship with Tokorozawa City
Tokorozawa City cherishes its connection with Totoro and Director Miyazaki:
- Tourism resource: Utilized in tourism PR as a place related to Totoro
- Environmental education: Uses Totoro’s Forest as a venue for environmental education
- Cultural promotion: Promotes cultural advancement activities through Ghibli works
However, since Director Miyazaki dislikes excessive commercialization, the city exercises restraint in its utilization.
The Setting Model Debate Surrounding My Neighbor Totoro
In fact, there are multiple candidate sites for the setting of My Neighbor Totoro:
Higashimurayama City, Tokyo Theory
- Hakkoku Mountain Greenery: Said to be the model for Shichikoku Mountain featured in the film
- Shin-Akitsu Station area: Places similar to scenes in the film exist
- Director Miyazaki’s comments: Has made reference to Higashimurayama City
Iruma City, Saitama Theory
- Totoro’s Forest: Conservation sites of Totoro’s Forest also exist in Iruma City
- Sayama Hills: Iruma City also includes part of the Sayama Hills
Composite Model Theory
The most plausible theory is that the Sayama Hills area centered on Tokorozawa City collectively served as the model. Director Miyazaki himself has made statements to the effect of “not a specific single location, but the entire Sayama Hills area as the model.”
Tokorozawa City is located at the center of the Sayama Hills, and because Director Miyazaki lived there for many years, it is considered the region that had the greatest influence.
Precautions and Access Information When Visiting Totoro’s Forest
Access Methods
By Train:
- Seibu Ikebukuro Line “Koteashi Station”
- Seibu Sayama Line “Shimoyamaguchi Station”
- Seibu Shinjuku Line “Shin-Tokorozawa Station”
From each station, you can reach each spot by bus or on foot.
By Car:
- Approximately 15 minutes from “Tokorozawa Interchange” on the Kan’etsu Expressway
- Parking varies by facility and requires advance confirmation
Precautions for Visiting
- Consideration for private land: Some of Totoro’s Forest is on private property. Do not enter prohibited areas
- Nature conservation: Always take trash with you, and plant collection is prohibited
- Kurosuke’s House reservation: Viewing requires advance reservation, so check the official website
- Season and clothing: Since you will be walking in nature, prepare seasonally appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes
- Insect repellent: Mosquito and gnat protection is necessary in summer
Recommended Visiting Seasons
- Spring (March–May): Fresh greenery is beautiful, and cherry blossoms can be enjoyed
- Summer (June–August): Enveloped in deep green, you can experience the summer scenes from the film
- Autumn (September–November): Autumn foliage is beautiful, and acorn gathering is also fun
- Winter (December–February): After leaves fall, the structure of the copse 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: Purchasing land with donated funds and preserving it as “Totoro’s Forest”
- Environmental education: Implementation of nature observation meetings and environmental learning programs
- Information dissemination: Reporting activities through newsletters and websites
- Volunteer activities: Promotion of citizen-participation conservation activities
Support Methods
- Donation: General donations and membership systems are available
- Volunteering: Support for forest maintenance and observation meetings
- Goods purchase: Profits from original goods are used for conservation activities
You can check details on the official website.
Other Totoro-Related Information in Tokorozawa City
Tokorozawa City Tourism Information
The Tokorozawa City Tourism Association provides tourism maps for visiting places related to Totoro:
- Totoro’s Forest Map: Introduces the location and characteristics of each conservation site
- Walking courses: Multiple courses are established
- Guided tours: Guided tours are sometimes offered depending on the season
Nearby Tourist Spots
Tokorozawa City has other attractive spots besides Totoro’s Forest:
- Tokorozawa Aviation Memorial Park: A vast park built on the site of Japan’s first airfield
- Tokorozawa Aviation Origin Memorial Museum: Exhibits on aviation are extensive
- Seibu Land Yuuenchi: A retro-style amusement park
- Kadokawa Musashino Museum: A complex cultural facility designed by Kengo Kuma
Combined with these spots, you can enjoy fulfilling Tokorozawa sightseeing.
Complete Guide to Experiencing the World of My Neighbor Totoro
One-Day Model Course
Morning:
- 9:00 Arrival at Seibu Line Koteashi Station
- 9:30 Kurosuke’s House tour (advance reservation required)
- 11:00 Totoro’s Forest 1st Area walk
Afternoon:
- 12:00 Lunch in Tokorozawa City
- 13:30 Hakkoku Mountain Greenery hiking
- 15:30 Stroll around Sayama Lake
- 17:00 Return
Packing Checklist
- Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers or trekking shoes)
- Hat (sun protection/insect repellent)
- Drinking water
- Towel
- Insect repellent spray (summer)
- Camera
- Binoculars (for bird watching)
- Picnic mat (for rest)
Photography Tips
- Copse: Morning light is best for capturing dappled sunlight
- Stream: Use water surface reflections for composition
- Rice paddies: Capture seasonal changes in expression
- Sky: Search for open areas where wide sky is visible
However, refrain from photographing private property or prohibited areas.
Summary: The Future of My Neighbor Totoro and Tokorozawa City
The relationship between Tokorozawa City in Saitama Prefecture and “My Neighbor Totoro” goes deeper than simply being a setting model. The nature of Tokorozawa, where Director Hayao Miyazaki lived for many years and conducted his creative activities, is truly the forest where Totoro lives.
Currently, through conservation activities centered on the “Totoro’s Hometown Fund,” the beautiful satoyama landscape depicted in the film is being preserved. The fact that you can experience the world of My Neighbor Totoro in Tokorozawa City, which is accessible within about an hour from the urban center, can be said to be a cultural and natural asset of Japan.
When visiting Tokorozawa City, it becomes an opportunity not only to sightsee but also to reflect on the importance of nature conservation and the value of satoyama. The message of “coexistence with nature” that Totoro teaches us is becoming increasingly important in contemporary society.
By all means, visit Totoro’s Forest in Tokorozawa City and experience the world of the film while touching the rich nature. And if possible, why not participate in some way in activities to preserve this precious nature for the future?
The story of My Neighbor Totoro and Tokorozawa City will continue on.
