Catbus — Attraction in Fukagawa

A visit to the Catbus in Fukagawa City is a delightful journey into the world of Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbor Totoro. Perched in the scenic Totorotoge Parking Area, this whimsical attraction is a favorite among anime fans and travelers alike. The Catbus, lovingly crafted from an old abandoned vehicle, captures the essence of the beloved animated character and serves as a unique photo opportunity.

Beyond the charming bus, the location offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Sorachi Subprefecture, providing a perfect blend of creativity and natural beauty. The story behind the Catbus, maintained and repainted by the Fukagawa Town Revitalization Group for over 20 years, adds a heartwarming touch to the experience.

It’s more than just a photo spot; it’s a place to connect with the magic of Ghibli, enjoy the serenity of the surrounding landscape, and create lasting memories with family...

Another famous spot to check out on our way from Hokuryu Sunflower Village to Asahikawa.

A quick search revealed that the bus was originally a resting place for local farmers and was painted in 1998 to resemble the Catbus from Studio Ghibli’s Totoro film.

It’s well-maintained, with the painting still looking vividly new.

Next to the Catbus is a beautiful (buckwheat?) field, with tidy white flowers that make the field look stunning. We had always seen these fields during our drive in Hokkaido and wanted to check them out up close—here, we finally did.

Worth a visit if you’re nearby. Across the road from the bus is an observatory with a nice panoramic view of...

It’s beautiful up here. You get a good view of the the farms it’s really high up and windy. The bathrooms were open. Was there August 22, 2025. There’s a good size parking lot across the street with...