Walking event takes you around Totoro forest loved by Hayao Miyazaki

While the well-known Ghibli Museum in Tokyo might be at the top of the bucket list for any fan of legendary animated film director Hayao Miyazaki, there’s actually an even better place to get in touch with the semi-retired maestro himself.

It’s a beautiful stretch of nature just northwest of Tokyo. called Sayama Hills. Situated in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, and nicknamed “Totoro’s Forest”, this area was the actual inspiration for the animated feature "My Neighbour Totoro." Miyazaki has been known to take daily walks through the area, and is so enamoured by the place that he actively participates in regular volunteer events and has made generous donations towards its conservation.

Now, the foundation that protects the forest is inviting the general public in for a special guided walking tour to take place on Dec 5. The full-day event takes visitors around some very special areas and includes lots of background information for fans.

This is only the second walking event arranged by the Totoro no Furusato Foundation this year. Earlier this year, a spring walking event was held, which included a visit to the House of Kurosuke, a 100-year-old house where little black dust bunnies ("Makkuro Kurosuke") from "My Neighbour Totoro" are likely to be living.

The December walking event will cover hills and wetlands, taking in some of the most beautiful areas and highlighting the importance of conservation amidst today’s ever-encroaching urban sprawl; a message often at the heart of a number of Studio Ghibli films.

If you’d like to take part in the walking event, simply send an email with your address, name, age and phone number to office@totoro.or.jp. The tour will be held in Japanese and lunch and drinks are not provided. Participation costs 300 yen and there are only 30 places available so if you’re unable to take part, don’t worry—you can always visit Kurosuke House and Totoro Forest at your own leisure throughout the year.

Location details: House of Kurosuke Address: 3-1169-1 Mikajima, Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture 359-1164, Japan Phone: 04-2947-6047 Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Source: ジブリのせかい

Read more stories from RocketNews24. -- Keeping Totoro’s Forest safe: Anime legend Hayao Miyazaki volunteers in conservation event -- Bring Totoro home from the forest with these adorable acorns! -- Celebrate May with a visit to Mei and Satsuki’s house from Ghibli’s My Neighbor Totoro

© Japan Today