The Japanese landscapes that inspired Studio Ghibli films

As Studio Ghibli turns 40, we visit the forests, springs and villages that inspired its most beloved films, and meet those preserving their magic. From moss-draped cedar forests to steamy bathhouses and suburban woodlands, the animated worlds of Studio Ghibli often feel fantastical yet familiar. Across 23 feature films, the Japanese studio's vividly drawn landscapes – where kurosuke (soot sprites) scuttle and giant cat-buses roam – have transported generations of viewers into realms where nature and fantasy blur. But many of these beloved settings weren't born from pure imagination. They were inspired by real places across Japan – some sacred, others endangered but all profoundly cherished. As Studio Ghibli celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, we're exploring the real-world places behind some of its most iconic films.