Real Japanese Hot Spring Hotels That Inspired The SpiritedAway Story

Hayao Miyazaki's iconic film "Spirited Away" has captivated audiences worldwide with its enchanting depiction of a mystical bathhouse. The inspiration behind this magical setting lies in several real Japanese hot spring hotels, each offering a unique and immersive experience that fans of the film will love.

Dogo Onsen Honkan: The Prototype of the Bathhouse

Located in the town of Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, Dogo Onsen Honkan is a Japanese bathhouse that is widely believed to be the prototype for the bathhouse in "Spirited Away." This historic building features an early-modern Japanese-style exterior with a complex wooden structure that closely resembles the bathhouse depicted in the film. The building's design is so influential that it is included in the sketches of the animation crew.

Unique Features and Traditions

• Traditional Drumming: Every morning at 6 am, a drum called "Tokidaiko" is struck to signal that the baths are open. This tradition is repeated at noon and in the evening to mark the time of day.
• Labyrinthine Layout: Inside Dogo Onsen Honkan, you'll find a labyrinth of hallways, rooms, and staircases that evoke a sense of being transported back in time. The tatami and wooden designs add to the nostalgic ambiance.
• Therapeutic Waters: The baths mix water from 18 different springs to achieve the perfect temperature, making it ideal for even the most sensitive skin. The water is slightly alkaline, providing numerous health benefits.

Sekizenkan Honkan: The Oldest Onsen Hotel

In the mountains of Nakanojo machi, Gunma Prefecture, lies Sekizenkan Honkan, the oldest existing onsen hotel in Japan. Built in 1691, this traditional Japanese-style inn is part of the Shima Onsen area, known for its over 40 different hot spring sources.

Architectural and Cultural Significance

• Historic Buildings: The main building, or honkan, is connected to the secondary Sanso Building via an eerie tunnel, which inspired the connection between the human and spirit worlds in "Spirited Away." The third building, Kashotei, stands on a forested hilltop.
• Roman-Style Baths: The primary Genroku no Yu bath house, built in 1930, features a Roman design with high white ceilings, tiled floors, and large arched windows, contrasting with the traditional Japanese architecture.
• Cultural Tours: The staff offers a "Spirited Away" walk-through tour, as well as a historical tour highlighting traditional architecture and Edo Period travel documents.

Ginzan Onsen: A Secluded Hot Spring Town

Ginzan Onsen, located in Yamagata Prefecture, is a secluded hot spring town that shares a similar atmosphere with the film. The town's name, meaning "silver mine hot spring," reflects its history of silver mining, which eventually transitioned into tourism.

Scenic and Cultural Highlights

• Winter Wonderland: In the winter, the town is covered in heavy snow, enhancing its scenic beauty. The central river and traditional ryokans are adorned with snow, creating a picturesque landscape.
• Gaslit Streets: The town center is a pedestrian-only district lit by gaslights at night, giving it a nostalgic feel. This lighting adds to the town's charm, especially during the winter months.
• Architectural Time Capsule: The town's architecture, primarily from the Taisho era, features bare timber framing and white plaster. New ryokans have been built in a style consistent with the era, maintaining the town's historical ambiance.

Tsurumaki Onsen Jinya: A Childhood Inspiration

Although not directly confirmed as an inspiration for "Spirited Away," Tsurumaki Onsen Jinya in Kanagawa Prefecture has a significant connection to Hayao Miyazaki. A relative of Miyazaki once worked here, and the animator spent part of his childhood in this area, which influenced his work on other films like "My Neighbor Totoro" and "Howl’s Moving Castle".

Unique Features and Inspirations

• Totoro Tree: The spacious garden of Jinya features a "Totoro tree," believed to be the tree Miyazaki climbed and played on as a child, serving as a source of inspiration for his animations.
• Calcium-Rich Waters: The hot spring water here is rich in calcium, beneficial for the stomach and skin. The fountainhead near the Totoro tree was the first to obtain authorization as a source of drinking water in Kanagawa Prefecture.

Each of these hot spring hotels offers a unique glimpse into the world that inspired "Spirited Away," allowing fans to experience the magic and tranquility of these real-life settings. Whether you're drawn to the historic architecture, therapeutic waters, or the nostalgic ambiance, these destinations are must-visits for anyone enchanted by Miyazaki's masterpiece.