In Japan, You Can Visit the Totoro House. For Real.

A very special visit…

Among all the amazing animated movies Studio Ghibli has produced, Totoro continues to be my personal favorite for a few reasons. Aside from the mastery in design, animation, and story telling led by Miyazaki-sensei, My Neighbor Totoro brings me back to my own childhood every time I watch it.

Walking into Satsuki and Mei’s house felt like walking into a dream in real life. Due to countless times of Totoro screenings, the house seemed extremely familiar as if I’ve been there before. Walking through it brought back favorite moments and chattering between the characters. Opening up their cabinets and unfolding their clothes felt slightly intrusive, but incredibly surreal. I was more than convinced that people lived there.

The house itself was absolutely mind-blowing and felt incredibly genuine. It’s the antithesis of Barbie’s Dream House. In this house, the residents lived a simple and joyful life surrounded by nature.