By MOOK Scenic Spots Home Travel Life Network Editorial Team

The Totoro bus stop isn’t much to look at!* A cute Totoro train has appeared at the Qidu Railway Park in Keelung City, showcasing the Studio Ghibli character “Totoro Bus” with four train carriages. In addition to the front of the train being painted to resemble the Totoro Bus, the body also features characters from the anime “Kiki’s Delivery Service” and scenes of Totoro boarding the train, making it very eye-catching.

The newly launched Totoro train was initiated by Qidu’s young local neighborhood chief, Chiu Chi-yen. Shortly after taking office, Chiu actively sought ways to promote his community, which led him to recall the previously popular Totoro bus stop at Keelung’s Zhongzheng Park. Thinking, “Why not bring a Totoro train here?” With the support of local councilors, Chiu began collaborating with the mysterious artist behind the Totoro bus stop paintings to create the Totoro train.

The front of the train features the smiling face of the Totoro character from the “Totoro Bus” as it runs into the station. The body of the train also depicts scenes from Hayao Miyazaki’s “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” including the little witch flying on her broomstick and the curious little black cat peeking out. The cutest part is the corner showing the baby Totoros getting ready to board the train — a truly charming sight. Chiu Chi-yen hopes that the Totoro train will add a new highlight to Qidu Railway Station and encourage people to explore the area’s attractions. However, although the Totoro train quickly captured everyone’s attention after its unveiling, many netizens have raised questions about its licensing.

[Updated] January 9, 2016

After news of this attraction spread, it drew skepticism from many netizens and experts, who believed the display had not been properly authorized. As a result, the neighborhood chief...Chiu Chi-yen decided on the evening of January 8 to temporarily suspend the exhibition. Although many visitors were disappointed, the local neighborhood chief...Chiu Chi-yen also shifted from an initially joyful mood to a more subdued and somber one, stating...“I’ve learned something from this incident. There are many unauthorized tourist attractions in Taiwan, and similar cases deserve collective reflection and review.”

The Studio Ghibli Craze Hits Taiwan: Four Must-See Totoro Bus Stops