Tucked away in the scenic Sayama Hills of Tokorozawa in Saitama, Totoro Forest (トトロの森) and Kurosuke’s House offer Studio Ghibli fans a magical escape into the real-life landscape that inspired My Neighbor Totoro. Located just an hour outside of central Tokyo, this hidden gem allows you to wander through pristine nature trails and step inside a traditional Japanese home guarded by a giant Totoro plush. However, because it sits inside a protected conservation area, navigating the train lines, securing mandatory reservations, and finding a place to eat can be tricky. This complete travel guide breaks down exactly how to get to Totoro Forest from Tokyo, how to book your visit to Kurosuke’s House, and where to find the best local vegetarian-friendly food options nearby.
How to Visit Totoro Forest and Kurosuke’s House and What to Do There
| Detail | Totoro Forest (Sayama Hills) | Kurosuke’s House |
| Best For | Hiking, nature, Ghibli atmosphere | Traditional architecture, giant Totoro statue |
| Cost | Free (Public Nature Trails) | 500 Yen (Donation to the Foundation) |
| Reservations | Not required | Required (Must book online in advance) |
| Days Open | 24/7, year-round | Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays only |
About Totoro Forests in Saitama Prefecture
The Sayama Hills (狭山丘陵) spread from Tokorozawa City to Tokyo. The area near Sayama Lake has 59 spots called Totoro Forest. Of course, the naming convention is inspired by the forest where 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 aimed to protect the natural environment in Sayama Hills. Using the donations 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 in Saitama 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.
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 retracing your steps. 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.
What to Wear/Bring to Totoro Forests
- The promenades are not flat. Please wear sneakers or hiking shoes.
- There are no convenience 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 “My Neighbour Totoro House” was named after these balls of soot that could be found in Satsuki’s house. 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 grounds of the Kuroseke’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 for the Totoro House in Saitama, the friendly staff will show you around and answer any questions you have. Remember to check out the second floor of the main house. 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 near the roof on the exterior wall. It is the perfect family crest for the house! With many 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 and Admission Fee
- 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 (cash only).
How to Get to Totoro Forest and Kurosuke’s House from Tokyo
Totoro Forest (Sayama Hills) and Kurosuke’s House are located in Saitama Prefecture, just northwest of Tokyo. While it feels a world away from the city’s neon lights, you can reach it in about 75 minutes.
Because the hiking trails and Kurosuke’s House are in slightly different spots within the hills, your exact route will depend on where you want to start. Here are the two best ways to navigate the journey.
Option A: Going Directly to Totoro Forest First No. 1 and No. 3 (Recommended Route)
If you want to start with a nature hike through the woods (specifically Totoro Forest Spot No. 1 and No. 3), this is the most seamless and scenic route.
Note that a few transfers will be required. Please download one of Japan’s Transportation Apps and search for the best route.
1.Depart from Central Tokyo: approx. 30-40 mins.
- From Shinjuku: Take the Seibu-Shinjuku Line (Express or Semi-Express) from Seibu-Shinjuku Station to Tokorozawa Station, then quickly transfer to the Seibu-Ikebukuro Line down to Nishi-Tokorozawa Station.
- From Ikebukuro: Take the Seibu-Ikebukuro Line directly to Nishi-Tokorozawa Station.
2.Transfer at Nishi-Tokorozawa: approx. 5-10 mins.
From Nishi-Tokorozawa Station, look for the Seibu Sayama Line (usually departing from platform 1 or 2). This short line runs directly toward the baseball stadium.
3.Arrive at Seibu-Kyūjōmae Station (西武球場前駅): Terminal Stop.
Get off at the final stop, Seibu-Kyūjōmae Station (located right outside the Belluna Dome).
Tip: Use the restroom inside the station before leaving, as facilities in the forest are limited!
4.Walk to Totoro Forest No. 1: 20-minute scenic walk.
Exit the station, walk past the stadium on your left, and follow the signs toward Lake Tama (Tama-ko). The paved road gradually transitions into a rustic, unpaved walking path lined with towering trees. Look for the small wooden signboards marking “Totoro no Mori (Totoro Forest) Spot 1.”
Option B: Going Straight to Kurosuke’s House First
If you managed to secure an online reservation for Kurosuke’s House and want to start your day there to see the giant Totoro statue inside the traditional house, take this bus-assisted route instead.
Note that a few transfers will be required. Please download one of Japan’s Transportation Apps and search for the best route.
1.Take the Express Train to Kotesashi: approx. 35 mins from Ikebukuro.
- From Ikebukuro: Take the Seibu-Ikebukuro Line (Rapid or Express) directly to Kotesashi Station (小手指駅). No transfers are required from here!
- From Shinjuku: Take the Seibu-Shinjuku Line from Seibu-Shinjuku Station to Tokorozawa Station, then transfer to the Seibu-Ikebukuro Line heading west to Kotesashi Station.
2.Head to the South Bus Terminal: 5 mins.
Exit through the ticket gates at Kotesashi Station and follow the signs for the South Exit (Minami-guchi) bus loops.
3.Board the Seibu Bus to Dainichidō:15-minute bus ride.
Look for the Seibu Bus departing from Platform 1 bound for Waseda University (早稲田大学), Miyadera-nishi (宮寺西), or Mizaho Mall. Board through the middle door and tap your IC card.
4.Get Off and Walk:3-minute walk.
Listen for the announcements or check the digital screen and press the stop button to get off at Dainichidō (大日堂). From the bus stop, Kurosuke’s House is just a short, flat 3-minute walk down a charming neighborhood street.
Walking Between Kurosuke’s House Totoro Forest
If you want to do both in one day, it takes about 25 to 30 minutes to walk between Kurosuke’s House and Totoro Forest Spot No. 1. The path takes you through lovely, quiet Japanese countryside neighborhoods and tea fields. Download an offline map (like Google Maps) ahead of time, since some residential intersections don’t have English signs!
Klook.comWhere to Eat: Vegetarian & Vegan Options Near Totoro Forest
Because Totoro Forest is a preserved natural area, you won’t find any convenience stores or restaurants directly inside the woods. Exploring the trails and Kurosuke’s House will take a few hours, so you will definitely want to plan your meals ahead of time.
Fortunately, Tokorozawa and the surrounding Sayama Hills area have some incredible, unique plant-based dining options that fit perfectly into your day trip.
Pro-Tip for Hikers: If you plan on spending the entire day deep in the forest trails, stop by a convenience store at Shinjuku or Ikebukuro Station before you board the train. Refer to the Is It Vegan Website for a list of vegan food you can get at convenience stores to keep in your daypack!
Genmai Saishoku Dan (玄米菜食Dan) – 100% Vegan
If you want a fully plant-based meal, head over to this hidden gem near Tokorozawa Station. It is a 100% vegan restaurant specializing in macrobiotic, wholesome dishes. During lunch, they offer a set menu centered around organic vegetables, fermented foods, and perfectly cooked genmai (brown rice). It’s healthy, deeply satisfying, and a great way to fuel up before or after your hike.
- Location: Near Tokorozawa Station
- Best For: A 100% plant-based, relaxing lunch
Miyama Tofu Restaurant (豆腐料理深山) – Vegetarian-Friendly
Nestled right in the greenery between Lake Sayama and Lake Tama, this beautiful traditional house feels like a continuation of the Totoro Forest experience. They specialize in elegant, multi-course tofu cuisine (yuba bean curd sheets, hot tofu broths, and seasonal vegetable dishes).
- Dietary Note: While mostly vegetarian, traditional dashi (fish broth) can sometimes be used in Japanese tofu dipping sauces. If you are strict vegan or vegetarian, make sure to use a Translation App to request kombu (kelp) dashi or skip the dipping sauces to enjoy the tofu’s pure, natural flavor.
- You can also use the phrases in our Essential Japanese Travel Phrases for Vegetarians and Vegans article to order.
- Location: Kamiyamaguchi, Tokorozawa (a 10-minute walk from Seibu-Kyūjōmae Station)
Explore Other Attractions in Tokorozawa
If you are planning to spend more than a half-day in the area, Totoro Forest is just the beginning of what this region has to offer. From the futuristic, pop-culture architecture of Tokorozawa Sakura Town to the serene walking paths of the Aviation Memorial Park, there is plenty more to explore.
For a complete itinerary, check out my Best Guide to Tokorozawa City’s Tourist Attractions to help you plan your next stop after your Ghibli adventure.
