Ghibli Museum, Mitaka

For many, the animated films of Hayao Miyazaki are a gateway to a lifelong fascination with Japanese culture. From the emerald rice paddies of My Neighbor Totoro to the steamy bathhouse of Spirited Away, the images of Miyazaki’s films, produced by his company Studio Ghibli, leave a lasting impression on viewers young and old. The Ghibli Museum is the whimsical counterpart to the Studio Ghibli production arm. Here, visitors are immersed in the world created by Miyazaki and his talented team. Spiraling iron staircases, a soaring entrance hall and stained glass emblazoned with familiar movie characters mark the visitor’s transition from the outside environment to the fantastical one inside. While perhaps the most significant, it is one of many places in Japan inspired by Studio Ghibli and its anime heritage.