Japan is known around the world for its rich tradition of craftsmanship—arts that have been passed down through generations.
Among them are classical forms such as woodworking, indigo dyeing, and lacquerware (known as urushi).
But in modern times, another cultural treasure has captured global attention: Japanese animation. From My Neighbor Totoro and Princess Mononoke to Your Name and Demon Slayer, Japan’s anime culture has become a major gateway for international travelers to connect with the country’s landscapes, towns, and traditions.
Many visitors first fall in love with Japan not through textbooks or travel guides, but through scenes from Studio Ghibli films and other animated worlds that portray peaceful countryside villages, lantern-lit streets, and places that feel half real and half magical.
Among these beloved works, Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away (千と千尋の神隠し) stands out as a film that deeply influences how travelers imagine Japan.
The warm glow of traditional bathhouses, mysterious bridges, narrow alleys, and peaceful riversides—these images have led countless visitors to search for the “real-world Spirited Away onsen.”
While Studio Ghibli has officially stated that the film has no single model location, fans continue to find pieces of its atmosphere throughout the country.
One of the places where this feeling is especially strong is Shima Onsen, a quiet hot spring town tucked deep in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture.
Only a few hours from Tokyo but far removed from the pace of city life, Shima Onsen offers that gentle, nostalgic mood that many anime fans associate with Miyazaki’s worlds.
Whether it’s the soft sound of the river, the silhouette of old wooden ryokan, or the way lanterns glow in the evening mist, the town has a natural ability to spark the imagination.
The Connection: Shima Onsen and the Spirited Away Atmosphere
Within Shima Onsen stands one of the area’s most historically significant inns: Sekizenkan.
With more than 300 years of history and charming wooden architecture, it is often mentioned online as a place that “looks like the bathhouse from Spirited Away.”
Many travelers are drawn in by its red bridge, classic timber construction, and nostalgic ambience.
However, it is essential to clarify—just as Studio Ghibli has—
Sekizenkan is not an official model for Spirited Away.
There is no single certified location for the film.
Even so, the connection people feel is understandable. Shima Onsen as a whole carries a timeless atmosphere that resonates with fans: quiet streets, old ryokan, natural hot springs with steam rising into the mountain air, and the peaceful rhythm of rural Japan. Visitors often describe the experience as stepping into a softer, older world—something that feels spiritually close to, but not identical with, Miyazaki’s work.
Because of this, searches such as “Spirited Away onsen,” “Spirited Away model,” “Spirited Away hot spring Japan,” and similar keywords frequently lead curious travelers to Shima Onsen.
It is a place where reality subtly overlaps with the aesthetic of the film – not as an official setting, but as a genuine village with its own long history and charm.
Why Stay at Kashiwaya Ryokan When Visiting Shima Onsen?
While many visitors come to see the historic exterior of Sekizenkan, the question of where to stay is equally important – especially for international travelers who value comfort, hospitality, English support, and accessibility.
For this reason, Shima Onsen Kashiwaya Ryokan has become one of the most recommended places to stay in Shima Onsen.
Here are several reasons why travelers from around the world choose Kashiwaya Ryokan:
Highly Rated by International Guests
Kashiwaya Ryokan has welcomed a large number of overseas visitors over the years.
Its guest experience is consistently recognized with awards on platforms such as TripAdvisor, and many travelers praise the warm hospitality, the relaxed countryside atmosphere, and the balance of traditional style with modern comfort.
This makes it an excellent base for visitors exploring Shima Onsen for the first time.
English-Friendly Staff
For many guests, communication can greatly influence the quality of a stay.
Kashiwaya Ryokan has several staff members who can communicate comfortably in English, making check-in, travel planning, and daily interactions smooth and reassuring.
The team is experienced in guiding international travelers who may not be familiar with Japanese customs, bath etiquette, or ryokan culture.
Tattoo-Friendly Onsen
In Japan, tattoos are still restricted at many public baths.
Kashiwaya Ryokan, however, is tattoo-friendly, welcoming guests without hesitation regardless of body art. This makes it a popular choice among travelers from regions where tattoos are common and cultural attitudes differ.
Private Onsen Baths
One of the most appreciated features is the three private open-air baths, available at no extra charge and without reservation. Whether visiting as a couple, a family, or a solo traveler who prefers privacy, guests can enjoy a quiet soak in their own space—day or night, under the stars or surrounded by winter snow.
Vegan-Friendly Options
Food is a highlight of any ryokan stay. Kashiwaya Ryokan offers vegan and vegetarian-friendly meals upon request, embracing the dietary needs of a wide range of guests.
This hospitality ensures that everyone can enjoy seasonal ingredients and the sense of care woven into traditional Japanese cuisine.
Together, these qualities make Kashiwaya Ryokan not only a comfortable lodging option, but a welcoming base for exploring Shima Onsen’s tranquil beauty – especially for those drawn by the “Spirited Away” mood of the town.
Experiencing the Town: What Makes Shima Onsen Special
Strolling through Shima Onsen feels almost like stepping into a quieter, more spacious version of the world you see in Spirited Away. The gentle river bends, retro wooden bridges, small family-run shops, and soft mountain light create a sense of “breathing room” that is increasingly rare in modern travel. This calm, lived-in landscape is what gives Shima its timeless charm.
If you’d like to understand the town on a deeper level – not just see it, but feel how people have lived with the hot springs for centuries – consider joining Shima Spa Guide with Pro.
This locally run walking tour and bike tour offers an intimate look at Shima’s culture, hidden spots, and nature. Guests often say that after the tour, the town feels completely different, as if its quiet stories suddenly become visible.
A Real Place, a Subtle Magic – Not an Official Film Set
The charm of Shima Onsen lies in its authenticity. It is not a theme park or a recreated movie setting.
Its sense of magic comes from everyday life in a mountain village that has preserved its traditions for centuries.
Visitors who come looking for Spirited Away will not find exact replicas of scenes from the film. Instead, they discover something quieter, more personal, and often more memorable: a peaceful hot spring town that naturally evokes the feelings and atmosphere that so many people love about Miyazaki’s work.
For travelers inspired by animation, for those seeking the gentle rhythm of rural Japan, or simply for people wanting to relax and unwind, Shima Onsen offers a deep sense of calm.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re exploring Japan’s anime heritage, searching for a “Spirited Away-like” onsen town, or simply craving a quiet retreat in the mountains, Shima Onsen invites you to slow down and enjoy its soothing charm.
And with its award-winning hospitality, multilingual staff, tattoo-friendly baths, and private open-air onsen, Kashiwaya Ryokan is ready to welcome you with the warmth and care that defines Japanese ryokan culture.
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