Kamikakushi Saga Maps

Almost every location I mention is real.  I have either been there in person or I've researched it in detail.  In case you're curious I've created a Google Map for the Kamikakushi Saga. 

Below you'll find some information about two of the main locations of the saga.  You can use the embedded maps to zoom in and out.  I hope you enjoy exploring.

Kumomi

It's actually a real fishing village, located in Shizuoka Prefecture on the east coast of the Izu Peninsula.  I had the honor of visiting during the winter of 2010-11.  Honestly, it was like coming home.  It did not disappoint in any way and was eerily similar to what I'd described in my story prior to visiting in person.

Ueno Park

Ueno Park is the Central Park of the Tokyo metropolis.  It's a fascinating place full of history and culture.  Once the site of a Buddhist temple built to ward off evil spirits said to come from the north east.  The temple was destroyed during the Boshin War, where Imperial forces defeated the Shogun to return direct rule to the Emperor.

Tochinoki Development

Wait...  The housing development in Spirited Away is real!?  It might be based on an actual place.   As seen in the beginning of the movie, Highway 21 actually exists.  It's in the town of Toki, which is incorporated by Mizunami City in Gifu Prefecture.  See the housing development to the left of the bends in the road? See the blog posting for more information.

Oniiwa
The Demon Rocks

The name Oni-iwa (Ogre’s Rock) derives from the legend that once upon a time there lived an ogre named Seki no Taro. In the park is the cave, which is believed to have been his dwelling.

Oniiwa Park is a scenic spot in Hida-Kisogawa Quasi-National Park. It is located along the mountain stream flowing into Lake Matsuno, which is near the headstream of the Kako River. There are a lot of strange-shaped granite rocks towering along the gorge.