My Neighbor Totoro is one of Studio Ghibi's most celebrated animated feature films, adored by people around the world. If you've visited Japan, you're bound to have run into something Totoro-related, but did you know there's actually several locations in Kyushu which takes it to the next level, bringing the world of the film to life?   Today, we are joined by Rie who posts her Kyushu travels on her Instagram page. She has provided us with photos of these amazing spots, which are must-visits for Totoro fans, along with her thoughts.  

Tataragi Bus Stop | Hita, Oita Prefecture

When you roll up to Tataragi Bus Stop (多々良木バス停) in Oita's city of Hita, you are welcomed by a giant piece of wall art made into the moss that grows on the wall. This bus stop is actually a stop used exclusively by school buses, so ordinary people can't actually catch a bus here. And unfortunately, you won't see any cat buses running down the street if you wait long enough in the rain, but it's still a must-visit for fans. Address: Amagasemachi Gota, Hita, Oita, Japan (In Japanese: 大分県日田市天瀬町合田)  

Totoro's Forest | Saiki, Oita Prefecture

This area is visited by many tourists and sightseers throughout the year because of how similar it looks to something from My Neighbor Totoro. There is a small park near the bus stop which is known as Totoro no Mori (Totoro's Forest). Being surrounded by nature, enveloped by the green trees and foliage, makes you feel like Mei and Satsuki from the movie. It's like being transported back to my childhood. It's a strange place that makes you feel nostalgic even if it's your first time visiting. Address: 1368 Ume Oaza Minamitabaru, Saiki-shi, Oita Prefecture (In Japanese: 大分県佐伯市宇目大字南田原轟1368)  

Takahara, Miyazaki Prefecture

The next spot I want to show you is where an ordinary person made their very own Totoro statue. If you hold up an umbrella in the rain you can take a photo that recreates that one scene from te movie. There is a sign nearby the statue with a caution written on it as the Totoro is actually inside a family garden. When visiting to take a photo, please make sure to follow the caution and not cause any trouble for people in the neighbouring area. Address: 7538-6 Kamamuta, Takaharu, Nishimorokata-gun, Miyazaki Prefecture (In Japanese: 宮崎県西諸島県群高原町大字蒲牟田7538-6)   Rie posts photos of all her visits around Kyushu on Instagram, so if you're thinking of ever visiting there, be sure to follow her for ideas on where to go.   Photos by Rie*The information listed in this article is correct at the time of publishing

A new collection of summer themed Japanese trinkets have been released at branches of the official Studio Ghibli shop Donguri Kyowakoku and its online store Sora no Ue in Japan, including five different folding fans based on My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service, and Spirited Away.

Sensu Folding Fans: ¥2,980 Each (Before Tax)

Studio Ghibli themed folding fans are a popular product every year at Donguri Kyowakoku and Sora no Ue. This year, the designs contrast vivid colours of the main fan face with vivid colours along the frame. The handles are also fitted with  cute ornaments. These ornaments aren't available with the mini fans however.

Pouch Bags (2 Designs): ¥1,800 Each (Before Tax)

These pouch bags are the perfect coordination partner when combined with a folding fan. The designs give a real yukata-wearing Japanese summer festival vibe.

My Neighbor Totoro Wind Chime: ¥3,200 (Before Tax)

Also available to buy is this My Neighbor Totor wind chime carefully crafted by the artisans over at Oiden, a company that has been around since 1852.   What better way to spend summer than with the characters of Studio Ghibli?

Donguri Kyowakoku Sora no Ue, the official online shop for Studio Ghibli merchandise in Japan, has released its new Donguri Closet line for grown-up fans of the animation studio which will run for a limited time only.The new Donguri Closet brand focuses on the heroines of Studio Ghibli’s moviesーfemale characters who are by nature gentle but all of whom are strong women. The brand’s concept centres on being a place where people can be themselves through the merch. The collection is available to buy on Donguri Kyowakoku Sora no Ue.This textile series features both big Totoro and small Totoro running around playing while surrounded by mint leaves.

Mini Pouch - ¥1,600 (Before Tax)

 

Clear Pouch - ¥1,800 (Before Tax)

The line-up is packed full of items you can use in your everyday life, from pouches to tote bags and more.

Left: Kiki’s Departure Mini Towel - ¥600 (Before Tax) / Right: Baron & Louise Mini Towel - ¥600 (Before Tax)

The mini towels feel soft on the skin and are embroidered with delicate flowers. Their small size means you can carry them around with you everywhere in your bag.

Whisper of the Heart Embroidered Brooch Collection (Box of 10) - ¥7,000 (Before Tax)

A Whisper of the Heart version of the store’s popular embroidered brooch collection enters the fray.The Donguri Closet collection is available for a limited time only so be sure to check out the official website.

The My Neighbor Totoro corn gift set is a hugely popular item sold in Japan for Mother's Day. It will be released again this April at Donguri Kyowakoku stores across Japan and on the Sora no Ue online shop.Studio Ghibli’s films never fail to warm the hearts of viewers. One of these feelsy moments is seen in the movie My Neighbor Totoro when Mei picks corn for her mother and treks her way to the hospital to give it to her. This gift set is inspired by that corn inside which is wrapped a lunch bag and handkerchief with illustrations of a lively Totoro and fresh vegetables.

My Neighbor Totoro 2020 Corn Gift Set - ¥2,727 (Before Tax)

The corn set is the same size as a real corn, and is sure to bring a smile to your mother’s face. If she’s yet to see the film, you’ll have to try convincing her to watch it. Pre-orders for the gift are now open.

Kiki’s Delivery Service UV Protection 33 - ¥2,300 (Before Tax)

Whisper of the Heart UV Protection 33 - ¥2,300 (Before Tax)

Protect yourself from UV rays with these new protection creams based on the Studio Ghibli films Kiki’s Delivery Service and Whisper of the Heart. The cream is made with organic plant based ingredients, and it can be used all over your body, whether for your morning and nighttime skin care routines or body when you get out the bath. The cream spreads across the skin easily and so is a recommended base for your make-up too. This is a great gift to get together with the corn set.

Treat mom to a special present this year by heading over to Donguri Kyowakoku.

Closet is a new brand created by Donguri Kyowakoku―the official Studio Ghibli merch shop in Japan―and they've just unveiled a new series of denim goods embroidered with My Neighbor Totoro designs. The new merch will drop at the Lazona Kawasaki Plaza branch of Closet and at shops stocking the Closet brand from October 13.  

Closet Limited Edition - My Neighbor Totoro Denim Series - Tote Bag: ¥2,300 (Pre-Tax)

  Closet is a new spin-off brand from Donguri Kyowakoku whose products focus on the heroines of the Studio Ghibli filmography who wield a strong heart under their kindness.

My Neighbor Totoro Denim Series - Lunch Tote Bag: ¥2,100 (Pre-Tax)

  The brand's first permanent shop opened in Lazona Kawasaki in March this year where they stock a whole variety of Ghibli items aimed at women including cosmetics, pouches, accessories and more.

My Neighbor Totoro Denim Series - Mini Pouch: ¥1,500 (Pre-Tax)

My Neighbor Totoro Denim Series - Pouch w/Gusset: ¥1,700 (Pre-Tax)

  This is the second denim series in the line following the Kiki's Delivery Service run of embroidered denim items. There are four pieces in total: a tote bag, lunch tote bag, mini pouch and a pouch with a gusset.   If you're a Totoro fan then be sure to check out this delicately crafted series.

With just a small bit of ingenuity, turn everyday food into something cute using Kaori’s recipe series! With a few simple ideas, an ordinary recipe magically transforms into a cute dish.   In this character recipe you'll learn how to make a Totoro black sesame seed purin.   1: Ingredients Black Sesame Purin Mix (purchased from Daiso) Milk Pura Chocolate (Swiss chocolate also fine) Transparent Jar (Weck jar used) ☆For Decorating: Almonds Fresh Cream Fruits of your choice   2: Cook the black sesame seed purin according to the box instructions and leave to cool.   3: Cut the chocolate into eyes, a nose and stomach and decorate the features with a chocolate pen. Make a leaf with a green pura chocolate. ☆Cool each part in the refrigerator to fully harden.     4: One the chocolate in step 3 has solidified, place it on the inner side of the jar as shown in the photo. Add whiskers with the chocolate pen.   ☆Once everything is in position, leave it to cool in the refrigerator once more.     5: After cooling again, pour in your black sesame seed purin mix from step 2. ☆If you do not leave the chocolate to completely harden it will fall off. ☆Place in the fridge once more to harden and you're done! Finish off by decorating with fresh cream, add almonds for ears and top with a cherry.   Kaori invites you into her world of character-themed food dishes in her recipe series. Be sure to check out her Instagram where she has uploaded many pictures of her character dishes!