Visit the Real-life Location of Princess Mononoke Forest in Japan

Tags: Anime Tourism, princess mononoke

Visiting the Real life Location Princess Mononoke settings in Japan

Lolita Rogers

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Princess Mononoke is a Japanese animated fantasy film directed by Hayao Miyazaki. It was released in 1997 and went on to win many awards, including an Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film.
Princess Mononoke is set in medieval Japan during the Muromachi period (1336-1573). In this article, you will learn more about one iconic real-life location of Princess Mononoke on Yakushima Island. But before that, have a short resume about the iconic Ghibli movie.

Princess Mononoke Plot

The story follows Ashitaka, a young warrior who becomes cursed after killing a demon boar god known as Nago/Nyago. He then travels westward with San(a), a human girl raised by wolves who also have been infected with the same disease as him but has managed to keep it under control through her own powers of healing herself through touch alone!

As they travel together they meet various characters including Lady Eboshi who runs an ironworks factory near Mount Fuji; Jigo (who’s actually a wolf); Moro – the forest guardian spirit residing within Princess Mononoke herself; Lady Eboshi’s right-hand man Shishigami – another wolf who reveals himself later on…

Where to Go

If you’re looking to travel to the real-life location of Princess Mononoke, there are several places you can visit. This article focuses on Yakushima Island. This real-life location of Princess Mononoke features tall old trees known as Jomon Sugi.

Note that Yakushima is part of Japan’s first World Heritage site so tourists are free to hike throughout this site. While coming you can prepare a list of things to do there and don’t forget to take a camera along that will capture this unique experience.

Yakushima is located in the interior of Yaku Island and is home to rich flora with about 1900 species.

Visiting the Real life Location Princess Mononoke settings in Japan, yakushima forest

Visiting the Real life Location Princess Mononoke settings in Japan, enchanted forest — source: learnjapanese

Yakushima Island Location: Yakushima, Kumage District, Kagoshima, Japan

What to do in Yakushima

There are a variety of activities you could do while in this real-life location of Princess Mononoke. Below you will find a list of most-do activities to add to your to-do list.

Try Local food. Since the island is surrounded by sea, you could try their seafood and fruits like tankan and ponkan orangs.
Go to Umigame-kan. It is known for conserving and displaying turtles that can serve educational purposes.
If you like diving then you should surely go diving. But if you don’t you could equally try to have a new experience. The beaches in Yashima are known for their pristine sands
Bath in Local Osen
Visit the Yakusugi Museum
Yakushima is also very well known for Jomon-suji. They are trees with thousands of years of existence and are the most impressive sights.
Spend some time on the beach
Check out the beautiful natural waterfall on the island.

Tips for Visiting

While planning to visit the real-life location of Princess Monosuke, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time or Neon Genesis attractions, there are a couple of information you need to first assemble.

It’s important to research the area and make sure you have all the information you need. You should also consider using a travel guide or reading up on your destination online before leaving home. If possible, ask someone who’s been there before for tips or advice about what to pack and how best to prepare yourself for the trip.

For example, if you are planning to visit the real-life location of Princess Mononoke with children, be sure that they are prepared for any unexpected situations that might arise while away from home–whether it be an injury or illness or even just getting lost in translation!

It’s always good practice to have everything packed into one bag so that nothing gets left behind (or worse yet stolen). It may seem like common sense but remember: don’t forget anything important like passports/IDs/medical records etc., either keep them close by at all times or keep copies stored somewhere safe at home where they won’t get lost during transit between destinations!

Planning Your Itinerary

Create a budget. If you’re not sure how much money to set aside for your trip, use this handy calculator to find out!
Research accommodation. There are many options when it comes to where to stay in Japan, but if you want something more unique than the usual hotel or hostel then check out Airbnb!
Make a list of must-see locations. This can be as simple as writing down “Nagano” on paper and taping it up on your wall–it’ll give you something tangible (and beautiful) to look at while planning out all the places that need visiting during your stay here in Japan.

Making the Most of Your Trip

Find authentic experiences.
Be open to new experiences.
Document your trip!

Conclusion

Yakushima in the Kagoshima Prefecture was one of the inspired settings of Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke movie. It’s definitely worth visiting this area, especially the waterfall, the tall trees and the museum.

If you like touring real-life anime locations then you could equally check the real-life locations of Kamisama Kiss, Bunny Girl Senpai, Zombie Land Saga and Lucky Star. Don’t forget to follow simple tips and tricks in order to have the best experience.

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