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Grandparents Build Life-Size Totoro Bus Stop for Their Grandkids in Japan

January 19, 2025
By Vidar

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In the small town of Takaharu in Japan, two grandparents in their 70s made a dream come true for their grandkids.

They built a life-size Totoro sculpture with a bus stop just like in the movie My Neighbor Totoro. This sweet surprise brings the magic of Studio Ghibli to life. Here it is on Google Maps!

How They Built Totoro

The grandparents worked hard to create this amazing Totoro. First, they built a barrel-shaped frame. Then, they used plastering techniques they’ve practiced for years. They carefully added concrete to make Totoro’s big belly, cute whiskers, and expressive eyes. To make sure Totoro looked round and perfect, they used bricks inside the frame before finishing it with more concrete. Finally, they painted it and set it up on a nice brick-and-gravel path with the famous bus stop sign from the movie.

A life-size Totoro sculpture from Studio Ghibli's My Neighbor Totoro stands next to a smiling visitor holding a clear umbrella. The Totoro is gray with a round belly, surrounded by a neat brick and gravel path. Next to it is a red and blue bus stop sign, labeled "Guest House Nagata," located in Takaharu, Japan. The background shows a foggy rural landscape with fields and trees.

A Fun Place to Visit

This Totoro bus stop has become super popular. Fans from all over come to Takaharu to see it. Visitors love to take pictures with Totoro, and the grandparents even provide a red umbrella just like in the movie for photos.

A Special Tribute to Studio Ghibli

This Totoro isn’t just a gift for the family—it’s also a way to celebrate the magic of Studio Ghibli movies. The sculpture has turned into a local landmark, spreading joy and showing how creativity and love can bring people together.

If you’re a Studio Ghibli fan or just enjoy cool, creative spots, this Totoro bus stop in Japan is a place you won’t want to miss!

Two young children interact with a life-size Totoro sculpture from Studio Ghibli's My Neighbor Totoro in Takaharu, Japan. The Totoro stands tall with its round belly and signature features next to a red and blue bus stop sign. The backdrop features a hazy mountain and rural fields, creating a peaceful and whimsical atmosphere. The children appear to be playing and exploring near Totoro, adding a heartwarming touch to the scene.

More from Japan: Giant Straw Animals Invade Japanese Fields: Inside the Wara Art Festival (12 Sculptures!)

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4 Comments

  1. You Grew Up With This (46 Photos) - STREET ART UTOPIA
    May 5, 2026

    […] More: Grandparents Build Life-Size Totoro Bus Stop for Their Grandkids in Japan […]

    Reply
  2. Made You Go On A Summer Road Trip (12 Photos) - STREET ART UTOPIA
    May 5, 2026

    […] More: Grandparents Build Life-Size Totoro Bus Stop for Their Grandkids in Japan […]

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  3. When Waiting (14 Stops) - STREET ART UTOPIA
    May 4, 2026

    […] the life-size Totoro sculpture for their grandchildren, and we later shared more images in our Totoro bus stop feature. Waiting for the bus becomes a photo, a hug, and a […]

    Reply
  4. You Grew Up With This (40 photos) - STREET ART UTOPIA
    April 4, 2026

    […] More: Grandparents Build Life-Size Totoro Bus Stop for Their Grandkids in Japan […]

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