A Little-Known Day Trip from Tokyo: Sayama Hills and Totoro Forest
One of my favorite things to do during the four years I lived in Tokyo was to take day trips to discover lesser-known areas beyond the city’s bustle. Just an hour by train from Tokyo, the Sayama Hills offer an easy escape into a peaceful landscape of lush forests, expansive lakes, farmland, and quiet towns. Located on the western edge of the Tokyo metropolitan area, the area is also said to have inspired the natural setting of My Neighbor Totoro, making it a fun day trip for both nature lovers and Ghibli fans.
How to Get to Sayama Hills Area
From Ikebukuro, take an express train on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line to Nishi-Tokorozawa Station (around 30 minutes), then continue by local train to Seibukyujo-Mae Station (7 min) and walk 15 min to the first stop of this itinerary, Sayama Nature Park.
✨ TRAVELY TIP: If you like visiting Japanese temples, you can add a stop near Seibukyujo-Mae station to the nearby Sayama-fudoji Temple (狭山山不動寺).
A Visit to Sayama Nature Park and Sayama Lake
Sayama Nature Park (狭山自然公園) is an expansive park with large open spaces next to the peaceful waters of Sayama Lake (狭山湖). The area is a lovely place to slow down, enjoy a leisurely stroll or a picnic while appreciating the beautiful scenery. I particularly liked the promenade and the views of Sayama Lake along the dam. You might even be lucky and catch a view of Mt Fuji in the background!
A Walk in Totoro Forest
From the park, continue into the forested landscape known as Totoro Forest. The area is closely associated with the scenery that inspired Hayao Miyazaki's beloved My Neighbor Totoro. This nature reserve is protected by the Foundation of Totoro no Furusato (The Hometown of Totoro). This project, which started in 1990, is part of a bigger movement in Japan called satoyama, a zone where human and nature coexist in a sustainable manner.
It’s the perfect place for a casual nature hike and forest bathing (a Japanese concept called as shinrin-yoku (森林浴)). There are no grand monuments here, so some people might find it a bit underwhelming. But to me, the charm lied in the feeling of discovering a pocket of untouched nature and a quiet corner of countryside just outside Tokyo.
➡️ You can learn more about the Foundation of Totoro no Furusato’s efforts to protect Totoro Forest, and find walking maps to explore the area here (website in Japanese).
As you wander around Totoro forest, I recommend a short stop at a small but atmospheric shrine, Horiguchi Tenman Tenjinsha (堀口天満天神社).
A Pause in Time at Kurosuke’s House
After a leisurely hike in Totoro forest, a mandatory stop for Ghibli fans will be Kurosuke’s House (トトロのふるさと基金 クロスケの家), a preserved traditional-style house (kominka) managed by the Foundation of Totoro no Furusato as a visitor center. Beyond the giant Totoro figure looking out from inside the house, you can take a moment to look around, learn about the conservation efforts protecting the forest, and simply enjoy the particular atmosphere of this place.
IMPORTANT: Online reservation is required to visit Kurosuke’s house and an admission fee of 500 yen per person must be paid in cash onsite.
🗓️ Opening Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday
🕓 Visiting Hours: 10:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 3:00pm
➡️ Apply here to visit Kurosuke’s house (website in Japanese).
After your visit, if you’re ready to go back to central Tokyo, take a local bus to Kotesashi Station (小手指駅), then hop on an express train on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line back to Ikebukuro Station.
To Conclude
Together, Sayama Lake, Totoro Forest, and Kurosuke’s House make for a gentle escape from Tokyo, perfect for travelers or local explorers wanting to reconnect with nature and venture off-the-beaten-path. As a Ghibli fan, I found it to be a meaningful visit to better understand the inspiration behind My Neighbor Totoro.
If you’re looking for more lesser-known day trips from Tokyo, check out more of my guides:
Explore Sarushima: A Unique Day Trip Destination in Tokyo Bay
Autumn Walk in Setagaya, Tokyo: Scenic Route from Todoroki to Futako-Tamagawa
Planning your trip to Tokyo? Don’t miss my Tokyo Hotel Guide and explore my other Tokyo articles for itineraries, local tips, and inspiration on what to do in this amazing city.
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