【Studio Ghibli】Borrowers Arrietty – Seibien Garden (Aomori Prefecture) Complete Guide: The Charm of the Filming Location Model and Visit Information
The masterpiece “Borrowers Arrietty” released by Studio Ghibli in 2010. The model of the mansion that served as the setting for the heartwarming story of Arrietty the borrower and Sho, a human boy, is “Seibien Garden” located in Hirakawa City, Aomori Prefecture. The famous Meiji-era garden, registered as a nationally designated scenic site, continues to captivate not only Ghibli fans but many tourists with its unique space created by harmonious Western-Japanese architectural beauty and Oishi Takegaku-style garden design.
Seibien Garden: One of the Three Famous Meiji Gardens Designated as a National Scenic Site
Seibien Garden is a Japanese garden created by the 24th and 25th generation masters of the Seito family during the Meiji era. Along with Murin-an and Seifuso in Kyoto, it is counted as one of the “Three Famous Meiji Gardens” and was designated as a National Scenic Site in 1953 (Showa 28).
Within an area of approximately 3,600 tsubo (approximately 1.2 hectares), a beautiful scenic garden with a strolling pond layout unfolds, and at its center stands the “Seibikan,” a building harmonizing Western and Japanese architectural styles. This unique architectural style, with the first floor being purely Japanese and the second floor being Western, is said to be a rare building with no other examples in Japan.
The Pinnacle of Oishi Takegaku Style
When discussing Seibien Garden, one cannot overlook the “Oishi Takegaku style” of garden design. This unique garden school, nurtured in the Tsugaru region, was established by Oishi Takegakusai, a landscape designer from the late Edo period.
The characteristics of Oishi Takegaku style are as follows:
- Arrangement of artificial hills and ponds: A large pond is positioned at the center of the garden, with artificial hills skillfully arranged around it
- Use of borrowed scenery: The technique of incorporating distant mountains as part of the garden
- Beauty of stone arrangements: Powerful stone groupings using natural stones
- Consideration of plantings: Arrangement of trees that allow enjoyment of seasonal changes
Seibien Garden holds an important position in garden history as a masterpiece demonstrating the essence of this Takegaku style.
The Relationship Between “Borrowers Arrietty” and Seibien Garden
The Connection Born from Studio Ghibli Staff Trip
While there is no official announcement from Studio Ghibli, it is said that when Studio Ghibli staff visited Aomori Prefecture for a company trip in 2008, their visit to Seibien Garden sparked the film’s production. The unique Western-Japanese architectural style, verdant gardens, and timeless atmosphere perfectly matched the image of an old mansion where borrowers would live. The influence of Seibien Garden can be seen throughout the film, from the exterior of the mansion to the garden atmosphere and even the smallest decorative details.
Comparison of Scenes in the Film and Seibien Garden
After watching the film “Borrowers Arrietty,” visitors to Seibien Garden can notice numerous points of similarity:
- Western mansion exterior: The two-story Western-Japanese hybrid architecture serves directly as the model for the mansion in the film
- Garden scenery: The verdant garden and pond arrangement form the worldview of the film
- Views from windows: The view from the second floor of Seibikan looking down on the garden is precisely Arrietty’s perspective
- Building details: Similarities in decorative elements and window frame designs
However, the film also referenced other locations such as the “Nogawa” and “Hake no Komoji” in Koganei, Tokyo, so Seibien Garden served as the primary model for the mansion and garden portions.
Seibikan: A Masterpiece of Western-Japanese Hybrid Architecture
Architectural Features and History
Seibikan was constructed between 1902 and 1910 (Meiji 35-43). The building’s greatest characteristic is its structure with clearly distinct styles stacked vertically: the first floor in pure Japanese style and the second floor in Western style.
First floor (Japanese style):
- Sukiya-style tatami rooms
- Traditional furnishings such as alcoves and tiered shelves
- Serene tatami-matted spaces
- Verandas for viewing the garden
Second floor (Western style):
- Western-style reception rooms
- Stained glass and decorative ceilings
- Western-style windows and fittings
- Balcony views
This building served as a “viewing tower” built for observing the garden, and the view from the second floor in particular is spectacular. As a symbol of Meiji-era civilization and enlightenment, it stands as a precious architectural heritage where Japanese and Western cultures fused.
Normally Non-Public Second Floor
The second floor of Seibikan is normally closed to the public, but can be viewed by participating in special guided tours. From the second floor, one can see the entire garden and gain a panoramic understanding of the Oishi Takegaku gardening techniques. The contrast between the Western interior, light streaming through stained glass, and the Japanese garden visible through the windows truly embodies the beauty of Western-Japanese fusion.
The Garden Beauty of Seibien: Charm Throughout the Four Seasons
Seibien in Spring
In spring, Seibien Garden is decorated with cherry blossoms and fresh green foliage. When the cherry blossoms planted around the pond bloom in full, the petals reflected on the water’s surface create a fantastical landscape. Late April through early May is the best time to view them, and you can enjoy Aomori’s late spring.
Additionally, azaleas and other flowering shrubs begin to bloom, and the entire garden is enveloped in an atmosphere full of vitality.
Seibien in Summer
Summer is when the greenery becomes most lush. In the pond of the scenic strolling garden, lotus flowers bloom, and the cool sound of water can be heard. The foliage deepens, creating beautiful contrast with Seibikan’s Western-Japanese architectural style.
Summer at Seibien Garden is the very setting of the film “Borrowers Arrietty.” The image of the Western mansion standing amid the verdant garden perfectly aligns with the picture of the mansion where Arrietty and her family live.
Seibien in Autumn
Seibien Garden in autumn is known as a famous spot for autumn colors. From mid-October to early November, Japanese maples and other trees turn brilliant shades of red and yellow, enveloping the entire garden in a beauty like a brocade painting. The autumn leaves reflected in the pond, coloring the artificial hills, and the landscape of autumn colors with Seibikan in the background never cease to enchant visitors. Particularly on clear days, autumn leaves illuminated by the afternoon sun are extraordinarily beautiful.
Seibien in Winter
While the garden closes during winter, Seibien Garden covered in snow has its own special charm. With special openings, the contrast between the gardens and Western mansion enveloped in a snowy white world reveals a serene beauty like a sumi-e painting.
Seibien Garden Visit Information: Access and Viewing Points
Basic Information
Address: Aomori Prefecture Hirakawa City Saruka Ishibayashi 1
Hours:
- April-November: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM (Last admission 4:30 PM)
- Closed December-March
Admission Fee:
- Adults: 450 yen
- Junior/high school: 200 yen
- Elementary: 100 yen
- Additional fee may be required for second floor of Seibikan
Official Website: http://seibien.jp/
How to Access
By Train/Bus:
- From JR Hirosaki Station, take the Konan Railway Konan Line to “Hiraka Station,” then taxi for approximately 10 minutes
- From JR Hirosaki Station, approximately 40 minutes by bus
By Car:
- Approximately 15 minutes from “Kuroishi IC” on the Tohoku Expressway
- Approximately 30 minutes from Hirosaki City center
- Free parking available (approximately 50 regular vehicles)
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Nearby spots to enjoy alongside your visit to Seibien Garden:
Saruka Shrine: A historic shrine adjacent to Seibien Garden with a beautiful pond and distinctive red lacquered bridge
Hirakawa City Art Museum: An art museum introducing the region’s artistic culture
Hirosaki City: Located approximately 30 minutes by car, featuring abundant historic structures including Hirosaki Castle and Western buildings
Kuroishi City: The Komise Street and other Tsugaru-style traditional town streets remain
How to Maximize Your Ghibli Experience at Seibien Garden
Viewing the Film Before Visiting is Recommended
It is recommended to re-watch “Borrowers Arrietty” before visiting Seibien Garden. By keeping fresh in your mind the scenes of the mansion and gardens that appear in the film, the emotional impact when actually visiting Seibien Garden will be doubled.
Best Photography Spots
Exterior of Seibikan:
- Complete view of Seibikan across the pond (frontal composition)
- Photography of the Western mansion with garden greenery in the foreground
- Close-up of the second floor balcony section
Garden scenery:
- Reflection of Seibikan in the pond
- Views from the artificial hill
- Details of stone arrangements and plantings
Seasonal landscapes:
- Cherry blossoms and Seibikan in spring
- Densely green garden in summer
- Contrast of autumn colors and Western mansion
Participation in Guided Tours
Guided tours focused on “Borrowers Arrietty” pilgrimage sites are held periodically. These tours offer:
- Access to the normally non-public second floor of Seibikan
- Explanations of scenes from the film
- Detailed information on Oishi Takegaku style gardens
- Recommendations for photography spots
and other special experiences not available during regular visits. Advance reservations are often required, so check the official website or tourism association.
The History of Seibien Garden and the Story of the Seito Family
The Seito Family and the Birth of Seibien Garden
Seibien Garden was created by the Seito family, a wealthy farming family in the Tsugaru region. The Seito family, as successive generations engaged in farming and commerce in this area, was a prestigious family that contributed to regional development.
The 24th generation master, Seito Moriyoshi, inspired by the spirit of civilization and enlightenment in the Meiji era, decided to create a garden and building that would harmonize Western culture with Japanese traditional culture. The 25th generation master inherited this vision, and between 1902 and 1910, completed the current Seibien Garden and Seibikan.
Origin of the Name
The name “Seibien Garden” comes from the name of the 24th generation master, “Moriyoshi.” Additionally, the name carries the meaning of “flourishing beauty,” reflecting the wish to maintain the garden’s beauty eternally.
Path to National Scenic Site Designation
Seibien Garden’s garden beauty and architectural value were recognized, and it was designated as a National Scenic Site in 1953 (Showa 28). This designation signified that the site was acknowledged to possess national-level value worthy of protection, both as the pinnacle of Oishi Takegaku garden techniques and as a Meiji-era cultural property.
Since then, the Seito family and local people have carefully preserved and maintained it, keeping its beauty intact to the present day.
Understanding Oishi Takegaku Style Gardening Techniques Deeply
Structure of Scenic Strolling Pond Gardens
Seibien Garden employs a garden style known as “pond strolling garden,” where a large pond is positioned at the center, and visitors can enjoy varied scenery by walking around its perimeter.
Main constituent elements:
- Central pond: A large pond at the garden’s center, with water surfaces calculated to reflect desired views
- Artificial hills: Positioned around the pond to provide variation and visual interest through elevation changes
- Garden paths: Walking routes around the pond that offer changing views as one strolls
- Stone arrangements: Powerful groupings using natural stones, functioning as waterfalls and embankments
- Plantings: Trees arranged to enjoy seasonal changes
Borrowed Scenery Technique
One characteristic of Oishi Takegaku style is the “borrowed scenery” technique. At Seibien Garden, distant mountains such as Mount Iwaki are incorporated as part of the garden, creating depth and expansiveness in the landscape.
This technique allows for a sense of infinite breadth despite the limited actual land area, creating a space of boundless impression.
Water Presentation
The pond water is kept perpetually clear, and carp can be seen swimming. The images of Seibikan and trees reflected on the water’s surface, where reality and reflection overlap, create a fantastical atmosphere.
Additionally, the sound of flowing water and the sound of rain falling on the pond are also calculated as part of the garden’s multi-sensory experience.
Comparison of Seibien with Other Famous Meiji Gardens
Seibien Garden is counted as one of the “Three Famous Meiji Gardens,” and comparison with the other two gardens is also fascinating.
Murin-an (Kyoto)
Created in 1896 (Meiji 29) by Yamagata Aritomo, this Kyoto garden represents modern Meiji garden beauty through its scenic strolling pond layout with borrowed scenery from the Higashiyama mountains.
Commonalities with Seibien:
- Scenic strolling pond structure
- Use of borrowed scenery
- Reflection of Meiji-era culture
Differences:
- Murin-an is purely Japanese style, while Seibien features Western-Japanese hybrid buildings
- Kyoto’s urban refinement versus Seibien’s powerful regional character
Seifuso (Kyoto)
Another Meiji-era garden in Kyoto. Like Seibien and Murin-an, it is counted among the Three Famous Meiji Gardens.
Seibien’s placement alongside these Kyoto masterpieces demonstrates national recognition of the value of the unique Oishi Takegaku garden culture unique to the Tsugaru region.
Significance of Being Featured on the Cover of “Japan’s Beautiful Western Buildings” in 2023
The selection of Seibien Garden (Seibikan) for the cover of “Japan’s Beautiful Western Buildings,” published in October 2023, demonstrates that the architectural value of this building is being noted anew on a national level.
The unique Western-Japanese hybrid architectural style, the cultural background of the Meiji era, and its connection to the modern pop culture phenomenon “Borrowers Arrietty.” These overlapping elements allow Seibien Garden to continuously acquire new value as a cultural asset transcending time.
Regional Revitalization and Seibien Garden: Initiatives by Hirakawa and Hirosaki Cities
Utilization as a Tourism Resource
Hirakawa City, Aomori Prefecture, and the neighboring Hirosaki City position Seibien Garden as an important tourism resource and undertake various initiatives.
Hirosaki City’s tourism strategy:
- Proposals for tourism routes combining Hirosaki Castle and Western buildings
- Active information dissemination through tourism websites such as “Hirosaki Navi”
- Implementation of special programs for Ghibli fans
Hirakawa City’s initiatives:
- Support for preservation and maintenance of Seibien Garden
- Infrastructure improvement for better access
- Collaboration with other local tourism resources
As a Hub for Ghibli Tourism
Leveraging the distinctive characteristic of being the setting model for “Borrowers Arrietty,” active tourism promotion targeting Ghibli fans is being undertaken.
- Planning of pilgrimage tour programs
- Promotion as an Instagram-worthy spot
- Organization of Ghibli-related events
Through these initiatives, Seibien Garden has become a representative tourist attraction in Aomori Prefecture, drawing visitors from throughout Japan and abroad.
Points of Caution and Etiquette When Visiting Seibien Garden
Consideration for Cultural Property Protection
Seibien Garden is a nationally designated scenic site and a precious cultural property. When visiting, please note the following:
- Do not damage garden plants or stones
- Do not enter restricted areas
- Take all litter with you
- Do not touch building interiors except in designated areas
Photography Etiquette
Photography is generally permitted, but please observe the following etiquette:
- Be considerate of other visitors
- Avoid using tripods during busy times
- Prior permission is required for commercial use
- Drone photography is often prohibited, so confirm beforehand
Selection of Season and Time
To enjoy the most beautiful scenery:
- Spring: Cherry blossom season (late April-early May)
- Summer: Period of dense greenery (July-August)
- Autumn: Autumn foliage season (mid-October-early November)
- Best times: Soft morning light or afternoon western sunlight
If you wish to avoid crowds, weekday mornings are recommended.
Dining and Accommodation Near Seibien Garden
Regional Signature Cuisine
Gourmet offerings to enjoy alongside your visit to Seibien Garden in the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture:
Tsugaru Soba: Traditional soba noodles of the Tsugaru region with strong texture and rich flavor
Apple Sweets: Aomori Prefecture is Japan’s leading apple producer, offering various desserts including apple pie
Senbei Soup: A regional dish with southern Nambu rice crackers added to soup
Tsugaru Ramen: Light ramen broth based on dried sardines
Accommodation Facilities
Within Hirakawa City:
- Several business hotels and traditional inns
- Some facilities also offer hot spring baths
Within Hirosaki City:
- More diverse accommodation options
- Lodging in historic buildings also available
- Approximately 30 minutes by car to Seibien Garden
Within Kuroishi City:
- Famous as a hot spring destination
- Numerous traditional hot spring inns with calm atmospheres
Conclusion: Experiencing the Ghibli World and Japanese Garden Beauty at Seibien Garden
Seibien Garden in Hirakawa City, Aomori Prefecture, is not only known as the setting model for Studio Ghibli’s “Borrowers Arrietty,” but also stands as a nationally designated scenic site counted among the Three Famous Meiji Gardens, representing a precious cultural asset exemplifying Japanese garden culture.
The Western-Japanese hybrid Seibikan, the Oishi Takegaku-style garden design, and the beautiful landscapes throughout the seasons—all harmonize to continually move visitors.
Visit Seibien Garden after watching the film, and you can immerse yourself in Arrietty’s world. Visit as someone who knows the beauty of Japanese gardens, and you will experience the pinnacle of Meiji-era culture and technique.
When visiting Aomori Prefecture, be sure to visit Seibien Garden and experience this unique space where the Ghibli world and Japanese traditional beauty converge. The verdant garden, elegant Western mansion, and timeless beauty will certainly captivate you.
Spring cherry blossoms, summer greenery, autumn foliage—Seibien Garden welcomes you with a different face in every season. And you yourself can confirm with your own eyes the view that Arrietty saw in the film.
