Spirited Away in Japan: Bathhouses, Hidden Villages, and Mythical Destinations
Few films capture the mystery and beauty of Japan quite like Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away. This Oscar-winning masterpiece is not only a story of transformation and courage—it’s a love letter to Japan’s rich traditions, magical folklore, and surreal natural beauty.
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into Chihiro’s world, you’re in luck. Across Japan, real-life places inspired the film’s most iconic scenes—from ancient bathhouses to eerie countryside villages. In this guide, we’ll take you on a Spirited Away-themed journey through Japan, highlighting real destinations that bring the film to life, and how to stay connected with a Voye Global eSIM every step of the way.
Dogo Onsen (Matsuyama, Shikoku) – The Bathhouse
Let’s start with the most famous inspiration of them all: Dogo Onsen, believed to be the model for Yubaba’s bathhouse.
Why Visit:
- It’s one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, with a history spanning over 1,000 years.
- The main building’s architecture—with its layered rooftops and wooden façade—closely resembles the bathhouse in the film.
- Inside, you can soak in natural thermal waters just like the spirits in the movie.
How to Get There:
Fly or take a Shinkansen to Matsuyama, then hop on the Iyotetsu tram to Dogo Onsen Station.
Pro Tip:
Use your eSIM from Voye Global to access maps, tram schedules, and onsen booking info on the go—public Wi-Fi in rural areas can be unreliable.
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Jiufen (Taiwan) – The Contested Inspiration
While not in Japan, Jiufen in Taiwan often sparks debate as a visual influence for the film’s spirit town. Narrow lantern-lit alleys and red paper lamps give it an unmistakably Spirited Away atmosphere.
If you’re already exploring East Asia, it’s worth a detour—but let’s focus back on Japan.
Shima Onsen (Gunma Prefecture) – Lesser-Known Bathhouse Inspiration
While Dogo Onsen is more well-known, many fans believe Shima Onsen’s Sekizenkan Ryokan was also a strong influence on the film’s setting.
Why Visit:
- The wooden bridge, stone pathways, and riverside onsen are straight out of the movie.
- This peaceful, atmospheric town feels like a portal to the spirit world—especially at night.
How to Get There:
From Tokyo, take a bullet train to Takasaki, then a local train and bus to Shima Onsen.
What to Do:
- Stay overnight at Sekizenkan Ryokan
- Stroll the foggy riverbanks and lantern-lit streets
- Snap photos of the iconic arched bridge
The Hidden Countryside – Where the Journey Begins
In Spirited Away, Chihiro’s journey begins as her family drives through the woods and stumbles into an abandoned theme park. That eerie countryside setting is similar to the abandoned villages and rural paths found across Japan.
Best Regions for That Feeling:
- Nagano and Gifu – Forested mountain towns and empty rural roads
- Tottori – Sparse population, hidden shrines, and spiritual quiet
- Tohoku Region – Snow-covered villages in winter that feel frozen in time
Traveling through these areas often feels like stepping into a forgotten realm—ideal for Ghibli fans chasing mystery and atmosphere.
The Tunnels – Portals to the Spirit World
The iconic tunnel that Chihiro and her parents walk through can be found across Japan’s older parks and train stations.
Look Out For:
- Abandoned railway tunnels in the countryside
- Stone entrance gates at old shrines
- Meiji-era architecture in places like Kanazawa or Kyoto
These places may not be marked, but they evoke the same emotion: transition, curiosity, and transformation.
Japanese Folklore in Real Life
Spirited Away is packed with references to traditional Japanese folklore. If you’re serious about the deeper meaning behind the spirits, explore places that celebrate yōkai (spirits), Shinto shrines, and kami (gods).
Where to Go:
- Kifune Shrine (Kyoto) – Believed to be inhabited by water deities
- Tono (Iwate Prefecture) – Home of traditional folklore and ghost stories
- Kagoshima’s Yakushima Island – Forested spiritual haven, perfect for meditating or solo hiking
eSIM Tip:
Many of these areas have no public Wi-Fi, and signs are often in Japanese only. Your Voye Global eSIM gives you high-speed data so you can translate, navigate, and share your experience live.
Stay Connected with Voye Global eSIM
This journey takes you off the beaten path, through narrow alleyways, deep forests, and quiet mountainsides. And whether you’re booking trains, translating signs, or livestreaming a foggy morning outside a ryokan, you need reliable connectivity.
Why Ghibli Fans Love Voye Global for Japan Travel:
- Unlimited Data Plans – Stream, post, and navigate without limits
- Instant Activation – No SIM card shops or roaming setup required
- Nationwide 4G/5G Coverage – From cities to remote onsens
- Flexible Plan Durations – Choose from 3 to 30-day unlimited plans
- Eco-Friendly – 100% digital solution for modern travelers
Whether you’re in a quiet forest trail or filming a TikTok in front of a steaming bathhouse, your Voye Global eSIM keeps you online, informed, and inspired.
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Final Thoughts: Step into the Spirit World
Spirited Away is more than a film—it’s a feeling. It’s the sensation of walking through a mysterious door, unsure of what you’ll find, but knowing it will change you. Traveling through Japan as a Ghibli fan lets you step into that world, one meaningful location at a time.
So whether you’re soaking in ancient baths, hiking through misty forests, or wandering down a lantern-lit path, let your journey be as magical as the movie.
And remember: just like Chihiro, stay curious, stay present—and stay connected.
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