Kurosuke’s House is a preserved kominka (traditional farm house) located on the edge of the Sayama Hills area that spans Saitama and Tokyo.

The house and the area are said to be the inspiration for scenes in Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki’s film “My Neighbor Totoro”. The house and some of the surrounding forest is owned and operated by a trust dedicated to preserving the places in the area associated with the film. The house features a giant Totoro figure looking out from inside.

The house has very limited opening hours—Tuesday, Wednesdays and Saturdays only—from 10am to 3pm.

Suggested Activity
Sumo Morning Practice Tour at Stable in Tokyo
Try this insider’s experience at a sumo wrestler morning practice session. Enjoy exclusive access to a sumo stable, watching as these massive athletes put themselves through their daily training regimen and go head-to-head.

Getting there

Take the Seibu Ikebukuro Line from Ikebukuro Station (or Tokorozawa Station if you are already in the area) to Kotesashi Station (about 30 to 36 minutes), then take a bus for Waseda University or Miyaderanishi, get off at the Dainichido bus stop and then walk for 5 minutes following the signs. Buses leave from Kotesashi Station about 3 to 4 times an hour.

The facilities don’t have a parking lot, so going by public trasnport is recommended.