Not Just Jiufen: 4 Legendary Filming Locations of Spirited Away

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
 
There has long been a rumor that the bathhouse in Studio Ghibli’s blockbuster movie “Spirited Away” was inspired by Amei Tea House in Jiufen. Although the president of Studio Ghibli later debunked the claim, the similar appearance and atmosphere still attract countless domestic and international tourists. There are many other popular spots that have also gained fame due to this connection. Below are 4 rumored filming locations of Spirited Away.

Jiufen
Amei Tea House on Zhishan Road in Jiufen Old Street is a flagship teahouse in the area and a must-visit spot for international travelers. The scenery here differs between day and night, and it becomes even more stunning when the red lanterns are lit at night. Many Japanese people who have never been to Taiwan know about Jiufen, which is filled with vintage charm and historical ambiance. Even if it’s not the actual filming site, it’s definitely worth a visit.

Dogo Onsen
Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan, is world-famous. It is said to have been in operation for 3,000 years and is known as Japan’s oldest hot spring. Many members of the imperial family and historical figures have visited here. The famous author Natsume Soseki also featured Dogo Onsen in his classic novel “Botchan,” which is why it is also affectionately called “Botchan’s Hot Spring.”
It is also rumored that its architecture served as the inspiration for the bathhouse in Spirited Away.

Yunoshima Onsen
Yamagata Prefecture in Northeastern Japan captured Taiwanese hearts through the drama “Oshin.” In the city of Obanazawa, there is Yunoshima Onsen, a hot spring nestled along the Yunoshima River valley. Once thriving thanks to silver mining, its wooden, retro-style architecture has also led to rumors that it served as the model for the bathhouse in Spirited Away. Strolling along the riverbank offers a tranquil atmosphere, with rows of large Western-style wooden hotels reminiscent of the Taisho and early Showa periods, creating a serene and beautiful scenery like a hidden paradise.

Sarasa Nishijin
SARASA Nishijin, a café near Kyoto’s Senbon Kuramaguchi Station, is a converted traditional Japanese public bathhouse. It retains many original elements and the exterior of the old bathhouse, and its nostalgic design gives off a uniquely charming vibe. The classic look of the traditional building often reminds people of the bathhouse scenes from Spirited Away.