If you are a fan of Ghibli’s movie My Neighbor Totoro and the beauty of Japanese nature, the Totoro Forest (トトロの森) in Tokorozawa City in Saitama Prefecture is a destination that you don’t want to miss! Just one hour from Shinjuku by train, you will be immersed in Mother Nature’s generosity. A deep forest with beautiful lakes, a vast sky, and thousands of amazing living creatures await you.
Table of Contents
- About Totoro Forests in Saitama Prefecture
- The Most Recommended Totoro Forests to Visit
- How to Get to Totoro Forest No. 1 and No. 3
- What to Wear/Bring to Totoro Forests
- Kurosuke’s House (クロスケの家)
About Totoro Forests in Saitama Prefecture
The Sayama Hills (狭山丘陵) spread from Tokorozawa City to Tokyo. The area close to Sayama Lake has 59 spots named Totoro Forest. Of course, the naming convention is because the forests resonate with the one that Totoro lives in Ghibli’s famous film, My Neighbor Totoro.
These forests were not named Totoro Forest until the Totoro no Furusato Foundation (トトロのふるさと基金) was established in 1990. The Foundation’s aim was to protect nature in Sayama Hills. Using the donation received, the Foundation was able to purchase the forest little by little. Each forest the Foundation purchased was then named Totoro Forest, followed by a number.
The Most Recommended Totoro Forests to Visit
The Totoro Forests are great hiking spots, especially Totoro Forest No. 1 and No. 3. Like most forests in Japan, Totoro Forests are dyed in vivid colors in autumn. While these forests are not cherry blossom spots, the fresh green color is refreshing. When the weather becomes warmer, visit Totoro Forests to escape the summer heat. The lush greenery will block out the strong sunlight for you.
The promenade of Totoro Forest No. 1 is circular. Thus, if you follow the route, you won’t get lost and will return to the starting point without having to walk on the same route twice. It is mainly a forest with large cedars and sawtooth oaks. Surprisingly, tea trees are also planted on the slope!
If you understand Japanese, Totoro Forest’s official website has a couple of Walking Maps that you can refer to.
Important: To protect nature and your safety, please only walk on the promenade and avoid entering the forest.
How to Get to Totoro Forest No. 1 and No. 3
From Shinjuku, take Seibu’s train and get off at Seibu Kyūjōmae Station (西武球場前駅). Totoro Forest No. 1 and No. 3 are then around a 20-minute walk.
Note that a few transfers will be required. Please download one of Japan’s Transportation Apps and search for the best route.
What to Wear/Bring to Totoro Forests
- The promenades are not flat. Please wear sneakers or hiking shoes.
- There are no convenient stores or vending machines in Totoro Forests. Ensure that you bring enough water and snacks to keep you going.
- Insect repellent is highly recommended.
Kurosuke’s House (クロスケの家)
Kurosuke’s House is the base of the Totoro no Furusato Foundation. If you are a Ghibli fan and know the Japanese of the black Sootballs, you probably would have already guessed it. The house was named after these balls of soot that could be found in Satsuki’s house. Kurosuke’s House resembles the house that Satsuki and her family moved into in the movie. You will see a gigantic Totoro the moment you step into the house’s garden. The figure is around 2-meter-tall and occupies almost the entire room!
The complex is over 100 years old and consists of the main house, a storehouse, and a tea workshop. All of them are registered as national tangible cultural property. The house is well-maintained too. With the traditional verandah, hearth, hand water pump, and painted sliding doors, you can enjoy the vibe of an old farmhouse inside Kurosuke’s House!
You might wonder what the tea workshop is for. Beyond the vast ground of Kurosuke’s House is a tea plantation. Sayama is particularly famous for its Sayama Tea! To try the tea, head to the tea store across the house. The tea sold there is delicious!
What to Expect on the Day of Visiting Kurosuke’s House
Once you have paid the admission fee, the friendly staff will show you around and answer your questions. Remember to check out the main house’s second floor. Although all in Japanese, the exhibits placed there paint a good picture of Totoro’s Hometown Fund’s activities and contributions. Mini-games are also available here and there to make your visit more enjoyable!
If you are a Totoro fan, visit Kurosuke’s House’s Storehouse. The building has a Totoro mark close to the roof on the side of the external wall. It is the perfect family crest for the house! With many figures of characters from the film My Neighbor Totoro, the storehouse is like a small Totoro world!
Tip: Original goods are sold at Kurosuke’s House’s main house!
Important: A reservation is required to visit Kurosuke’s House. Please refer to Kurosuke’s Hourse’s Opening Calendar to reserve your spot.
Kurosuke’s House’s Opening Hours, Admission Fee, and Access Information
- Kurosuke’s House opens on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from:
- 10 am to 12 pm (last admission 11:30 am)
- 1 pm to 3 pm (last admission 2:30 pm)
- The admission fee is 500 yen.
- To get to Kurosuke’s House, take a train to Seibu’s Kotesashi Station (小手指駅). From there, take a bus bound for Waseda University (早稲田大学) or Miyadera-nishi (宮寺西) and get off at Dainichidō (大日堂).
Explore Other Attractions in Tokorozawa
Tokorozawa City, next to Kawagoe, has a good mix of nature and urban elements. In particular, you will be amazed by the magnificence and uniqueness of the Kadokawa Musashino Museum’s building. The Bookshelf Theater inside the museum resembles the world of Harry Potter! In addition, you can enjoy fruit picking in Tokorozawa!
For more information, refer to our article on Tokorozawa!
