A stroll through the stages of "Musashino Udon" and "Spirited Away," which director Miyazaki Hayao also ate

Did you know? In the animated film ``Spirited Away'' directed by Hayao Miyazaki, the world that Chihiro wanders into is located in the ``Edo-Tokyo Architectural Garden'' in Koganei City, Tokyo. We will introduce the five spots that served as models and the Musashino udon that director Miyazaki also ate.

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Let's take a walk around the 5 spots where Chihiro was.

Who did Chihiro's parents become pigs? ~Locksmith (Izakaya) East Zone E3~

The restaurant was the model for the scene at the beginning of the story where parents eat a large plate and turn into pigs. "Locksmith" is an izakaya that originally operated in Kotohime Dori in Shimoya, Taito Ward, Tokyo since the end of the Edo period.

Chihiro's parents were turned into pigs after eating a large plate on the counter without their permission. This is where Chihiro's story begins.

Who did Chihiro work under the name "Sen"? ~Chihoyu Toshi East Zone E4~

Chihiro loses his original name Chihiro as Haku asks Yubaba to her and ends up working at a "Ayuya" under the new name Sen. One of the models for this "Ayuya" is "Kohoyu".

The scene at "Ayuya," where eight million gods gather, is modeled after the bathtub and the washing area of ​​"Kohoyu". The official Studio Ghibli website also states that it is "inspired."

Where is Kamaji's workplace? Takei Sanseido (stationery store) East Zone E6 ~

This shelf is the model for the scene of Kamaji in the ``Aburaya'' shop, where he moves his long spider-like hands and pulls out medicinal herbs. This is the inside of Takei Sanseido, a stationery store founded in the early Meiji era in Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. The shelves were stocked with calligraphy supplies.

Who was Haku hurt and jumping in? - Takahashi Korekiyorei Center Zone E3 -

The scene where Haku jumps into the window where Chihiro is, battered and bruised, is modeled after the window on the second floor of the Takahashi Korekiyo residence. It is easily recognized by the unique design of the window frame. This building is also the place where Korekiyo Takahashi lost his life in the ``2.26 Incident'', a coup d'etat launched by young officers of the former Japanese Army in 1936.

What train did you ride with no stomp? ~Toden 7500 series East Zone 28~

This is a model of the Kaibara Railway train that Chihiro rode on to meet Zeniba. Manufactured in 1962 (Showa 37), this is a streetcar that actually ran from Shibuya Station to Shinbashi and Kanda, and is a Toden train that was once operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The scene where Kaonashi and Chihiro are sitting was born from this.

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``Musashino Udon'' that director Miyazaki also ate

For lunch, we recommend "Tabemono Store" located in the "East Zone" of "Edo Tokyo Tatonoen." It seems that director Miyazaki Hayao also received "Musashino Udon" here.

The store also features illustrations and signatures by director Miyazaki on the frame.

Musashino Udon uses buckwheat flour for flour. The appeal of Musashino Udon is that you can enjoy both udon and soba noodles. As a topping, we will place the udon noodles with sashed radish, slacks of radish, wakame, and green onions, divided into separate plates. The soup is so delicious that you'll want to drink it all.

When you visit the Edo-Tokyo Architectural Garden, you can experience the animated world of Spirited Away. Be sure to try the ``Musashino Udon'' that director Miyazaki also tasted.

Edo Tokyo Tatomo no Yoyori <Information>

• Name: Edo Tokyo Tatonoen
• Address: Tokyo Metropolitan Koganei Park, 3-7-1 Sakuramachi, Koganei City, Tokyo 184-0005
• Phone number: 042-388-3300
• Official URL: https://www.tatemonoen.jp/

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