Studio Ghibli Films That Inspire Travel

Many travelers draw inspiration from films, TV and books. Some love traveling to the same settings that were used or to hang out where their favorite actors were filming. Those who are fans of animated films, most of the time cannot visit the exact destinations from the movie, but can either visit the places that inspired the film or use the film as encouragement to travel.

Studio Ghibli is Japan’s answer to Disney. They produce fantastic productions beloved around the world. Many of the films involve characters going to places they’ve never been before. Watching these films can inspire folks to travel.

For example, in Studio Ghibli’s most popular film, Spirited Away, a young girl is moving to a new home with her family and stops at a market along the way. This market turns out to be a magical place that turns people into pigs to be used by a mystical Japanese bathhouse. The young girl must navigate her way around the bathhouse in secret trying to figure out how to save her parents. Travelers can relate to this story and might feel encouraged to travel to Japan to experience their bathhouses.

In another film, Kiki’s Delivery Service, the main setting is inspired by Europe. It’s a town by the sea with many winding alleyways and small streets. The main character, Kiki, is new to this town and must learn her away around. Throughout the movie she travels a lot and makes friends along the way. Fans of this film may follow in her footsteps and visit a foreign city.