The world of Studio Ghibli is among the most fascinating and magical in all of anime. In Tohoku, you can discover this world in real-life places that inspired the creative minds of Ghibli. Learn about some of the locations that have become "pilgrimage sites" to fans. For Ghibli movie fans, visit these locations to step into the world of Studio Ghibli.

First is the world heritage site of the Shirakami Sanchi Mountain Range, which straddles both Aomori and Akita prefectures. Home to one of the world's largest primeval beech forests and a diversity of flora and fauna, it was a great source of inspiration for the natural environments of Princess Mononoke.

One spot where visitors can easily marvel at Shirakami Sanchi is Lake Juniko (Twelve Lakes) in Fukaura Town, Aomori Prefecture. It is the collective name for a group of 33 lakes and marshes created by a major earthquake in the Edo period (1603-1867). Among them, Aoike (Blue Pond), with its captivating blue water surface, is particularly popular.

Aomori Prefecture is also home to another pilgrimage site. Seibien, in Hirakawa City, inspired the setting of The Secret World of Arrietty. Covering 11900m2, Seibien is one of the three most famous gardens of the Meiji era (1868-1912), and in the corner of the garden stands Seibikan, which was built for the purpose of viewing the garden.

Inside the park, visitors can see a pond fountain with a stone bridge and the domed roof of the Seibikan that inspired the world of this fantasy film. Visitors can also find signed autographs by Ghibli staff when they came to Seibien.

If you are feeling active and looking for an intermediate to advanced level hike, try the course from Mt. Akita-Komagatake to Mount Nyuto or the route from Takinoue Onsen. 

Near the border between Akita and Iwate prefectures lies the Senshogahara Marshland, which is said to have served as the model for the scenery in Howl's Moving Castle.

Located 1379 meters above sea level, it is the largest high-altitude marsh in Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Besides being home to many alpine marshland plants, people also believe that Senshogahara Marshland rivals Oze Marshland in terms of its large scale and preserved nature.

Many who saw Only Yesterday may recall the safflowers. The inspiration behind such breathtaking splendor can be found in the Takase district of Yamagata City in Yamagata Prefecture. Every summer, beautiful safflower farms can be seen around the Takase Benibana Fureai Center; in July, the Yamagata Safflower Festival is held, allowing visitors to see, dye, and even eat the safflower of Yamagata.

The scenery, animated with beautiful emotion in Only Yesterday, is based on actual locations around Yamagata City. Some places might have changed over the years, but those that remain are still a gem worth discovering.

Ginzan Onsen is a famous hot spring resort in Obanazawa City in Yamagata Prefecture. Its rows of multi-story wooden inns, dating from the late Taisho (1912-1926) and early Showa (1926-1989) eras, are close to the buildings seen in the classic Spirited Away.

Notoya Ryokan is a landmark Ginzan Onsen. It is a three-story wooden building established in 1921, with a stunning balcony above the entrance and a tower house. Enjoy the world and design of Taisho Romanticism, a western style of design from that era, take a dip in the hot spring , and feast on seasonal delicacies. You will surely have a wonderful experience here, freeing your mind and body and escaping from daily life.

■ Learn more at the following pages.

Seibien: National site of scenic beauty

http://www.seibien.jp/

Shizukuishi Tourism Association (Senshogahara Marshland)

http://www.shizukuishi-kanko.gr.jp/nature/article.php?p=51

Notoya Ryokan

https://www.notoyaryokan.com/