Screen Pilgrimage Real places behind anime and film, across Japan

Anime film · 1997

Princess Mononoke (Mononoke Hime) — real-life locations

Shiratani Unsuikyo, Yakushima, Shirakami-Sanchi and more — 4 places you can visit, in Kagoshima, Aomori, Hokkaido. Every entry gives the nearest station, how long the walk is, and what to mind when you get there.

Open on the map

Many of these are shrines, schools and people’s streets. Read the conduct note before you go.

Locations · 4

Shiratani Unsuikyo, Yakushima

Kagoshima Start here Unofficial

The moss forest the art staff surveyed while designing the film's woodland. Studio Ghibli has never named it as a location, but the resemblance is why visitors come.

Getting there
Miyanoura Port + bus 40 min · 5 min walk
Before you go
  • Fan-identified — not officially confirmed
  • Admission fee required
  • A real trail — wear shoes you can climb in
  • Remote — a car or long bus ride is needed
Sources
もののけ姫のモデル地としての屋久島・白谷雲水峡

Open on the map Google Maps Report an error

Shirakami-Sanchi

Aomori Start here

The old beech forest the film's woods were drawn from, unlogged and roadless across two prefectures.

Getting there
Hirosaki Stn + bus (Tsugaru Pass, summer only) · 10 min walk
Before you go
  • Remote — a car or long bus ride is needed
  • A real trail — wear shoes you can climb in
  • Keep your voice down
  • Do not enter private property
Sources
もののけ姫 · 旅する亜人ちゃん — もののけ姫 物語の舞台「白神山地」

Open on the map Google Maps Report an error

Tsugaru Pass, Shirakami

Aomori

The beech forest the art director walked and sketched for Ashitaka's village, in the Shirakami mountains.

Getting there
Hirosaki Stn + 120 min by bus (closed in winter) · 10 min walk
Before you go
  • A real trail — wear shoes you can climb in
  • Remote — a car or long bus ride is needed
  • Keep your voice down
  • Few buses — check your return time before you go
Sources
もののけ姫

Open on the map Google Maps Report an error

Otaru Herring Mansion

Hokkaido

A herring fishery master's house moved to the Shukutsu headland, said to be the model for the inside of Irontown.

Getting there
Otaru Stn + bus 25min · 5 min walk
Before you go
  • Admission fee required
  • Keep quiet indoors
Sources
聖地巡礼マップ もののけ姫 「たたら場の内部のモデルになった建物」

Open on the map Google Maps Report an error

More titles in Aomori

By prefecture