Recreating Spirited Away’s Magic: A Bathhouse-Turned-Café Becomes a Nostalgic New Hotspot

By MOOK Scenic Spots Peichi, compiled and reported
 
A café called SARASA Nishijin (さらさ西阵), tucked away near Kyoto’s Chion-in Kuramae Station, immediately catches the eye with its distinctive exterior. Not only does its traditional old-house look evoke a strong sense of nostalgia, but fans of Studio Ghibli animations will surely be reminded of the famous scene from "Spirited Away" featuring Chihiro.

It turns out that this SARASA Nishijin café was originally a traditional Japanese public bathhouse. It not only retains the original elements and appearance of the bathhouse, but the nostalgic look of the old building also feels quite unique. The bathhouse from Spirited Away, run by the witch Yubaba, instantly comes to mind, making you feel as if you’ve stepped right into the animation.

The interior of the SARASA Nishijin café preserves elements of the old bathhouse, with walls adorned with majolica tiles that give off an Oriental vibe. The layout of the interior also reveals the segregated men’s and women’s sections typical of old bathhouses. The mirror from the former changing room is still preserved on the wall, allowing visitors to not only feel a retro atmosphere but also slowly uncover the mystery of traditional Japanese bathhouses.

The high-ceilinged design, originally intended to allow steam from the bathhouse to dissipate, has also been preserved. Now, through the skylight windows, gentle natural sunlight shines directly into the café, creating a naturally bright atmosphere.