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Totoro Forest in Sayama Hills Explore, Half day Tour

Signboard, Totoro Forest Nr.20 and 21

View, Sayama Hill

Signboard, Totoro Forest Nr.13,18,49

Totoro on the roof of the signboard

View, Sayama Hill

University campus

Signboard, Totoro Forest Nr.10

Cat bus + Totoro

Cat bus+ May, Satsuki

picnic under the tree

Hello from Hira Hill

bread store

Hira Hill, Tokorozawa

Totoro Forest area, Tokorozawa

Totoro Forest in Sayama Hills Explore, Half day Tour

Unique Experience

Joined 2025

Hitomi K.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Saitama

English, Japanese (Native)

4 hrs 20 mins

Private tour (only you and Hitomi K.)

Up to 4 people

The Sayama Hills have been considered a model for the setting of My Neighbor Totoro. To preserve this forest from development, the land has been purchased and designated as Totoro Forest. There are over 50 locations, and wooden Totoro signboards have been erected on the designated land.

Visiting these signboard spots is fun like a stamp rally of trains.

First, meet Big Totoro at Kurosuke's House (office of the Totoro Foundation) and then stroll through the forest in search of the signboards!

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

09:30 AM

Meeting Point

Tokorozawa station, Seibu Ikebukuro Line or Seibu Shinjuku Line

- Tokorozawa Station, ticket exit of Central. I will hold a board with your name. Visit the statue of Cat Bus, Totoro, May, and Satsuki of My Neighbor Totoro, at the Tokorozawa Station area

10:10 AM

Heading for Kurosuke's House from Kotesashi station

Using a bus, we will visit Kurosuke's House. Bus riding time is about 20 minutes

10:30 AM

Visit Kurosuke's House (office of The Totoro Foundation )

This main house was built around 1902. It was used to use by silkworm and tea farmer. Now, National Registered Tangible Cultural Property and also the office of the Totoro forest Foundation. You can get inside the tatami mat room where large Totoro sitting there. You can also see the traditional Japanese house's architecture.

Kurosuke's House opens: Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday

Public holidays, year-end and new year holidays are closed.

11:30 AM

①Visit the place where Totoro wooden signboard is erected

This signboard is located in the off the beaten path, but near Waseda University and walking distance from Kurosuke's House.

You can also see the large-scale university's ground and buildings.

12:30 AM

②Visit the place where Totoro wooden signboard is erected

This forest is located near Kinsenji Temple and Hira Hill. The landscape from this area is so beautiful. If you have some readily edible snack, you can take a rest at a bench under the tree.

01:20 PM

Heading for Kotesashi Station by bus

Using a bus, we will go to the ending place (station)

Bus riding time is about 25 minutes

Ending Point

Around 2:00 PM, Kotesashi Station (Seibu Ikebukuro Line )

Want to personalize this tour?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

・Guide fee

What‘s not included

・Public transportation (train, bus)

・Taxifare (if applicable)

・Entrance Ticket for Kurosuke's House (per person 500 Yen + guide)

・Personal expense

Tour Important Information

*This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

*Not suitable for people who are not physically fit or confident in their legs, because there is also a hiking element.

*This tour includes a tatami mat room at Kurosuke's House, so please wear socks.

*Guiding by the guide inside Kurosuke's House is restricted due to

a tangible cultural asset, I will explain somewhere outside the building.

Please refrain from posting pictures of Kurosuke's House on social media or other internet platforms.

*If the weather is bad on the day, it is negotiable. For example, I can also take you to a Totoro souvenir shop in Kawagoe or a bread store (use the same line as the meeting place)

morning: 10~12 open (last checked in 11:30 AM)

afternoon: 1~3 open (last checked in 2:30 PM)

public holidays, year-end and new year holidays are closed

Important message from the supplier

I can guide you Omote Sando, Harajuku, Meijj

Gingu, Imperial Palace, Yanaka, Kappabashi area if you pay my transportation fee.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time

Joined 2025

Hitomi K.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Hitomi K.

Hi, I’m Hitomi.

I was born and raised on a small, beautiful island in Japan. Growing up there has instilled in me a deep appreciation for beautiful places and an insatiable curiosity about the world.

After working in the private sector in Tokyo for many years, I transitioned into a national government tour guide in 2017. Volunteering at the golf course during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics was an absolute blast!

I’ve had the privilege of leading a wide range of tours, from visits to shrines and temples to immersive experiences in anime, pop culture, food tasting, geisha experiences, and Japanese calligraphy. These tours have taken place at some incredible locations within and around Tokyo. I’m particularly passionate about showcasing the hidden gems of the Kanto region, including Tokyo, Saitama, and Nikko.

In addition to my tour guiding, I’m also a Japanese Calligraphy master, having honed my skills since kindergarten. It brings me immense joy to share this rich Japanese culture with international guests, and I’m thrilled to continue sharing my passion for Japan with even more people!