A Journey to the Classic Masterpiece *My Neighbor Totoro* — The Totoro Station Where You Can’t Catch the Catbus

▲ A Realistic Recreation of Satsuki and Mei’s House at Expo Park in Aichi Prefecture. (Photo / fromWikipedia)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The recent retirement announcement by Japanese animation master Hayao Miyazaki left many fans heartbroken. His classic masterpiece *My Neighbor Totoro* (original title: となりのトトロ, also known as *Totoro*) not only sparked an enduring "Totoro craze" that continues to this day but also propelled Japanese animation into the global spotlight. Many regions in Japan now feature popular Totoro-themed attractions.

"Satsuki and Mei’s House"

Located within the Nagakute Venue of the 2005 World Expo in Aichi Prefecture, Japan — now part of the "Ecopa" Memorial Park — is a realistic recreation of the house from the movie, "Satsuki and Mei’s House," which became hugely popular after its debut at the Expo. The corroded pillars, Satsuki’s father’s workshop, and the round family bath where the three characters bathe together are all authentically reproduced, evoking nostalgia among Japanese people who lived through the Showa 30s (around 1955). With seasonal changes, "Satsuki and Mei’s House" takes on different charms, making its reservation-only viewing slots sell out daily.

▲ The Town of "Todoroki" in Saiki City, Oita Prefecture, Shares Its Name Pronunciation with Totoro, and Features Totoro-Related Character Signs and Art at Its Bus Stop. (Photo / fromWikipedia)

The "Totoro Bus Stop" Where You Can Wait But Never Catch the Catbus

The area called "Todoroki" in Saiki City, Oita Prefecture, Japan, shares the same pronunciation as Totoro (the Japanese word トトロ sounds similar to "Totoro"), so local bus stops in the area have installed signs and artwork featuring Totoro-related characters. The small bus shelter features illustrations of the big Totoro and the Catbus, along with the words "Catbus Stop," attracting large numbers of tourists for photos — even though it’s not the actual filming location where Satsuki and the big Totoro waited for the bus together.), while bus stops in the area are decorated with signs and artwork featuring Totoro-related characters. The small bus shelters are painted with images of the big Totoro and the Catbus, along with the words “Catbus Stop,” attracting large numbers of tourists to take photos—even though it’s not the actual filming location where Satsuki and Totoro waited for the bus together.

The Sayama Hills, Known as the "Forest of Totoro"

The forested area of the Sayama Hills near Saitama Prefecture, home to over a thousand plant species and 200 types of birds, served as the natural landscape reference for the setting of *My Neighbor Totoro*. After the film’s release, the area gained widespread recognition in Japan and spurred regional development around Saitama Prefecture. In 1990, to protect the natural and cultural landscape of the Sayama Hills, the "Totoro’s Hometown Fund" was established to raise funds. Parts of the Sayama Hills close to Tokyo still retain the mysterious atmosphere of Totoro, drawing many visitors eager to see the legendary hometown of Totoro.

▲ The Sayama Hills Near Saitama Prefecture Are Nicknamed the "Forest of Totoro." (Photo / fromWikipedia)

Admission to "Satsuki and Mei’s House" at the "Ecopa" Memorial Park
Address:: 1533-1 Izukake-machi, Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, within the "Ecopa" Memorial Park
Opening Hours:Weekdays: 10:00–16:30 / Weekends and Holidays: 9:30–16:30 (may vary slightly by season)
Closed:Every Monday (or the next day if a national holiday falls on Monday), and from December 29 to January 1. However, it remains open on Mondays during spring break, summer vacation, and winter vacation.
Admission Fees:By advance reservation only, with separate rates for individuals and groups
Individuals: Adults 500 yen; children aged 4 and above / junior high school students and below 250 yen
Groups (20 or more people): Adults 400 yen; children aged 4 and above / junior high school students and below 200 yen
Session Times:On weekdays, there are 8 shows, each lasting 30 minutes, with a limit of 50 people per show.
          On holidays, there are 14 shows, each lasting 30 minutes, with a limit of 50 people per show.
For details, please visitthe official website of the "EXPO '70 Commemorative Park":