Discover the Real-World Inspirations Behind Studio Ghibli Films

Welcome to our site! We’re here to take you on a journey through the enchanting places that inspired the Studio Ghibli movies. Dive into the real-world locations that brought the magical scenes of movies such as My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle and Ponyo to life !

01

Meet the studio history

Learn more about the famous Studio Ghibli and their most successful movies.

02

Discover places that inspired Ghibli films

Check some real-life places and countries that without a doubt influenced these Ghibli films.

03

Explore the places on the map

Take a look at some of the places in particular that influenced Ghibli movies on the interactive map !

The Studio Ghibli

Founded in 1985 by directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, along with producer Toshio Suzuki, the studio has become a cultural icon in the world of animation.

The Studio Ghibli is surely a renowned Japanese animation film studio known for its beautifully crafted films that mix imaginative storytelling as well as rich characters and stunning animation.

Studio Ghibli
Par Akonnchiroll — Travail personnel, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=139115462

Countries that influenced Ghibli movies

Dogo Onsen
Colmar
Hofburg Palace
Jiufen

4 Ghibli movies that were inspired by real-life places

My Neighbor Totoro

Explore the countryside as well as rural towns from Japan that inspired this heartwarming classic from the Studio Ghibli.

Spirited Away

Discover the real-life bathhouses as well as mystical locales that influenced this Academy Award-winning film.

Howl’s Moving Castle

Visit the charming European-inspired towns as well as landscapes that shaped this magical adventure.

Ponyo

Dive into the enchanting coastal town as well as beautiful landscapes of Tomonoura in Japan that inspired the picturesque setting of “Ponyo.

The Ghibli movies map

This interactive map showcases some of the places that influenced the Ghibli films listed above such as :

  • Totoro’s Forest
  • Hofburg Palace
  • Dogo Onsen

And many more !