The bus stop is located in the Totoro district of Saiki, an area that predates the 1988 film's release.
The original bus stop sign at the location is functional and serves a local rural bus route.
The wooden Totoro figures were crafted and maintained by local volunteers to preserve the site's appeal.
Visitors frequently leave small Totoro-themed offerings and trinkets at the site, which are collected by local caretakers.
The site gained international popularity through social media as a pilgrimage location for anime enthusiasts.
The Totoro Bus Stop in Saiki, Oita, is a tribute to the iconic Studio Ghibli film My Neighbor Totoro, despite having no official affiliation with the production studio. The site features life-sized wooden statues of the film's titular character and his companions placed near an authentic bus stop sign. Local residents created the display to celebrate the location's name, which phonetically matches the famous anime character. The site is situated in a rural, forested setting that mirrors the aesthetic of the film's pastoral environment. It serves as a popular photography destination for fans of Hayao Miyazaki's work.
Directly in front of the bus stop sign, standing next to the wooden Totoro statue.
Bring your own umbrella or Totoro-themed props to enhance your photos at the bus stop.
Check the weather before visiting, as the site is entirely outdoors and located in a remote, wooded area.
Be mindful that this is a functioning rural road; pull your vehicle well off the path to avoid blocking traffic.
Do not leave trash or litter at the site; it is a community-maintained space in a small, quiet village.
Respect private property nearby, as the bus stop is located in a residential rural neighborhood.
