【The Cat Returns】(Nerima Ward, Tokyo)
The masterpiece “The Cat Returns” released by Studio Ghibli in 2002 is a beloved story set in modern-day Japan that has captured the hearts of many fans. This work, which depicts the adventure of the protagonist Haru wandering into the cat kingdom, features many scenes modeled after real locations within Tokyo.
In this article, we have comprehensively compiled information for “The Cat Returns” fans: pilgrimage spots in Tokyo, location scouting information, related facilities, and information to deepen your enjoyment of the work.
The Relationship Between “The Cat Returns” and Tokyo
The Setting of the Work and Tokyo
While “The Cat Returns” does not explicitly state that the setting is within Tokyo, it is believed that many of the cityscapes, buildings, and landscapes featured in the work are modeled after real places in and around Tokyo. Director Hiroyuki Morita and other production staff conducted research and location scouting in Tokyo and surrounding areas, incorporating realistic everyday scenery into the work.
The school that protagonist Yoshioka Haru attends, the residential neighborhoods, the roads where she saves the cat prince Lune—these familiar Japanese landscapes are one of the appeals of the work.
Characteristics of Tokyo Depiction in Ghibli Works
Studio Ghibli works tend to create an “idealized daily life” tailored to the work’s world, drawing inspiration from multiple locations rather than directly depicting actual places. “The Cat Returns” is no exception, incorporating the essence of various locations within Tokyo while constructing its unique worldview.
Pilgrimage Spots for “The Cat Returns” in Tokyo
Residential and Shopping Street Areas
Residential Streets 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 areas like Seijo, Todoroki, and Fukasawa, peaceful residential districts stretch out as depicted in the work, and you can even spot cats freely roaming about.
Access Information:
- Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line/Oimachi Line “Futakotamagawa Station”
- Within walking distance of Tokyu Toyoko Line “Jiyugaoka Station”
- Around Tokyu Oimachi Line “Todoroki Station”
Kichijoji and Mitaka Area
The Kichijoji and Mitaka area, home to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, is a holy site among holy sites for Ghibli fans. “The Cat Returns” exhibitions are sometimes held here, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the work’s worldview while exploring the town.
This area, with its mix of shopping streets and residential neighborhoods, overlaps with the atmosphere of the streets Haru walks through after helping the cat.
Access Information:
- JR Chuo Line “Kichijoji Station,” “Mitaka Station”
- Ghibli Museum in Mitaka: 15 minutes on foot from Mitaka Station’s south exit or via community bus
Around Schools and Educational Facilities
The Atmosphere of Public High Schools in Tokyo
The exterior and gate of Haru’s high school, as well as her commute route, are believed to be modeled after standard public high schools in Tokyo. The atmosphere particularly reflects that of metropolitan high schools from the 1990s to early 2000s.
Walking around high schools in residential areas of Suginami, Setagaya, and Nerima wards will allow you to feel the work’s atmosphere.
Locations Serving as Entrances to the Cat Kingdom
The Model for the Cat Office
The “Cat Returns Office” at the crossroads is a key location in the work. While there is no official announcement about the model for this mysterious crossroads, it is presumed to have been inspired by intersections in old shopping streets and residential neighborhoods in Tokyo.
Areas with remaining Showa-era atmosphere in Nakano, Suginami, and Setagaya wards have similar crossroads scattered throughout.
Experiencing “The Cat Returns” at the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka
Permanent and Special Exhibitions
The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka occasionally displays materials and original artwork related to “The Cat Returns.” Understanding the production process deepens your appreciation of the work.
Facility Information:
- Address: 1-1-83 Shimorenzu, Mitaka, Tokyo
- Completely reservation-based (day and time-designated reservation tickets required)
- Advance reservation through official website essential
- Photography prohibited inside (except certain areas like the rooftop garden)
Museum Shop Goods
“The Cat Returns” related original merchandise is also sold, with character goods of Baron, Muta, and Yuki being particularly popular. Perfect items to commemorate your visit.
Cat-Related Spots in Tokyo
Cat Café Tour
To experience the worldview of “The Cat Returns,” visiting cat cafés throughout Tokyo is recommended.
Recommended Cat Cafés
Kichijoji Area:
- “Temari no Ouchi”: Conveniently located near the Ghibli Museum
- Numerous rescue cat cafés
Shibuya and Harajuku Areas:
- Good accessibility, easily combined with sightseeing
- Rich selection of conceptually unique cat cafés
Ikebukuro Area:
- “Cat Café MOCHA” and other large facilities
- Beginner-friendly atmosphere
Cat Shrines and Lucky Cat Spots
Imado Shrine (Taito Ward)
Said to be the birthplace of the lucky cat, Imado Shrine is also famous as a power spot for matchmaking. With numerous lucky cats arranged throughout the grounds, there’s a mystical atmosphere that resonates with “The Cat Returns” worldview.
Access:
- 15 minutes on foot from Ginza Line “Asakusa Station”
- 5 minutes on foot from “Asakusa Nanachome” bus stop (Toei Bus)
Jiyugaoka Kumano Shrine (Meguro Ward)
Known as the “Cat Return Shrine,” it is believed to have the benefit of bringing lost cats back home. A must-visit spot for cat lovers.
Access:
- 5 minutes on foot from Tokyu Toyoko Line/Oimachi Line “Jiyugaoka Station”
Cat Temple in Nishi-Ogikubo (Suginami Ward)
Formally known as “Komyoin,” this temple is known as a place for cat memorial services and gatherings of cat lovers.
Tokyo Sightseeing Plans to Enjoy “The Cat Returns”
One-Day Course: Ghibli Museum-Centered Plan
Morning:
- 10:00 AM Ghibli Museum in Mitaka (reservation required, approximately 2-3 hours)
- Stroll through Inokashira Park
Afternoon:
- Lunch in Kichijoji
- Visit a cat café
- Explore shopping streets (Sunroad, etc.)
Evening:
- Dinner at Harmonica Yokocho
Two-Day Course: Full Tokyo Cat Tour Plan
Day 1:
- Morning: Visit Imado Shrine in Asakusa
- Afternoon: Jiyugaoka area (Kumano Shrine, cat cafés, street exploration)
- Evening: Explore Sancha-gaya and Setagaya areas
Day 2:
- Morning: Ghibli Museum in Mitaka
- Afternoon: Kichijoji and Nishi-Ogikubo areas
- Evening: Nakano Broadway (anime goods hunting)
Half-Day Course: Tour Multiple Tokyo Cat Spots
A 3-4 hour afternoon course:
- Visit Jiyugaoka Kumano Shrine (30 minutes)
- Explore Jiyugaoka and cafés (1 hour)
- Cat café experience (1-1.5 hours)
- Browse miscellaneous goods and bookstores (1 hour)
“The Cat Returns” Related Events in Tokyo
Ghibli Film Screening Events
Movie theaters throughout Tokyo regularly hold special screenings of Ghibli works. “The Cat Returns” is sometimes among the screened works, allowing audiences to enjoy the film on a large screen.
Major Screening Venues:
- Shinjuku Picadilly
- TOHO Cinemas various locations
- Cinematart Shinjuku and Roppongi
Ghibli Exhibitions and Special Programs
Art museums and department stores throughout Tokyo occasionally host Ghibli-related exhibitions. Past events have included original artwork exhibitions and cel painting displays of “The Cat Returns.”
Past Venue Locations:
- Tokyo Museum of Contemporary Art
- Mori Art Museum
- Matsuya Ginza
- Roppongi Hills
Donguri Kyowakoku (Ghibli Goods Specialty Store)
There are multiple Donguri Kyowakoku locations throughout Tokyo, with a wealth of “The Cat Returns” merchandise.
Major Stores:
- 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 Publications
Junkudo Bookstore Ikebukuro Main Store
This 10-story megastore has an extensive anime and film section where you can find “The Cat Returns” storyboard collections and setting material collections.
Kinokuniya Bookstore Shinjuku Main Store
Boasts abundant Ghibli-related books and comprehensive film-related specialist publications.
Sanseido Bookstore Jimbocho Main Store
Including used books, valuable Ghibli-related materials can sometimes be found here.
Resource Viewing at Metropolitan Libraries
Tokyo Metropolitan Central Library (Minato Ward)
Film and animation-related resources are extensive, and you can view research materials and critical works about “The Cat Returns.”
Access:
- 8 minutes on foot from Hibiya Line “Hiroo Station”
Accommodation Information for “The Cat Returns” Fans
Hotels Around the Ghibli Museum
Mitaka and Kichijoji Area
- Tokyu Rei Hotel
- Kichijoji Daiichi Hotel
- Various business hotels
Around Mitaka and Kichijoji stations, there are many reasonably priced hotels with convenient access to the Ghibli Museum.
Cat-Themed Hotels and Accommodations
Tokyo has several cat-themed hotels and guesthouses where you can stay while enjoying “The Cat Returns” worldview.
Ways to Experience “The Cat Returns” World in Tokyo
Tips for Street Exploration
- Walk Through Residential Neighborhoods: Stroll through Setagaya and Suginami ward residential streets to discover everyday landscapes like those in the work.
- Search for Cats: Many Tokyo neighborhoods have community cats. You can encounter cats in areas like Yanaka, Jiyugaoka, and Kichijoji.
- Pay Attention to Crossroads: Old shopping streets and residential neighborhood intersections retain the atmosphere of locations in the work.
- Walk During Twilight: Important scenes in the work unfold during twilight hours. Walking through Tokyo during the magic hour captures the work’s atmosphere.
Photography Tips
When taking photos during pilgrimage visits, keep these points in mind:
- Recreate the Work’s Angles: Reference movie scenes and shoot from similar angles
- Make Cats the Star: When spotting community cats, photograph them imagining the work’s characters
- Capture Everyday Moments: Capture moments that feel the work’s atmosphere even in ordinary locations
- Follow Etiquette: Be mindful of noise in residential areas and avoid trespassing on private property
“The Cat Returns” and Tokyo’s Cat Culture
Tokyo’s Community Cat Activities
Tokyo actively promotes community cat programs, with many neighborhoods fostering coexistence between cats and humans. The kindness toward cats depicted in “The Cat Returns” resonates with modern Tokyo’s cat culture.
Major Community Cat Areas
- Yanaka (Taito Ward): Famous as a “cat town”
- Around Jiyugaoka: Cat-friendly urban development
- Kichijoji and Mitaka: Active community cat programs
Tokyo’s Cat Events
Throughout the year, various cat-related events take place in Tokyo:
- Nekomaturi: Cat goods sales events held in various locations
- Rescue Cat Adoption Events: Held regularly
- Cat Photography Exhibitions: Held at galleries and bookstores
Access and Transportation Information
Access from Major Tokyo Stations
From Shinjuku Station
- Kichijoji: Approximately 15 minutes via JR Chuo Rapid Line
- Mitaka: Approximately 20 minutes via JR Chuo Rapid Line
- Jiyugaoka: Approximately 30 minutes via JR Yamanote Line → Tokyu Toyoko Line
From Tokyo Station
- Kichijoji: Approximately 30 minutes via JR Chuo Rapid Line
- Asakusa: Approximately 20 minutes via Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
From Shibuya Station
- Jiyugaoka: Approximately 10 minutes via Tokyu Toyoko Line
- Kichijoji: Approximately 25 minutes via Keio Inokashira Line
Discounted Transit Passes
- Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Pass: Convenient for traveling within the city
- Toei Marugoto Pass: Unlimited travel on all Toei transportation lines
- JR Tokyo Area Pass: Unlimited travel on JR lines
Recommended Visiting Seasons
Spring (March-May)
Cherry blossom season is perfect for exploring, with beautiful blossoms at Inokashira Park and Jiyugaoka’s greenery. The Ghibli Museum area is also lovely with blooming cherry trees.
Summer (June-August)
Cool time spent at cat cafés is recommended. Plan an itinerary centered on indoor facilities.
Autumn (September-November)
Ideal season for street exploration. Beautiful autumn foliage at Inokashira Park and Todoroki Valley are highlights.
Winter (December-February)
The crisp air makes it ideal for photography. Spending leisurely time at warm cat cafés is also recommended.
Conclusion: Enjoying “The Cat Returns” and Tokyo
To experience the worldview of “The Cat Returns” in Tokyo, it’s recommended to combine a visit to the Ghibli Museum with residential street exploration, cat café experiences, and shrine visits dedicated to cats.
The small adventures in everyday life depicted in the work still exist today in Tokyo’s street corners. By visiting cat spots throughout the city with kindness toward cats and gratitude in your heart, you can experience the work’s charm more deeply.
When embarking on pilgrimage visits, remember to be considerate of local residents and cats, and enjoy responsibly while following proper etiquette. Like Haru in “The Cat Returns,” a small act of kindness might lead to great happiness.
Tokyo has many undiscovered “Cat Returns”-like spots waiting to be found. Why not embark on a journey to discover your own personal holy site?
