Catbus and Totoro Pass - Hokkaido
Catbus and Totoro Pass (戸外炉(ととろ)峠の猫バス) is a not-so-hidden tourist spot named after the character in the Ghibli film My Neighbor Totoro. It is located on the southeastern outskirts of Fukagawa City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
The Catbus is one of the most famous photo spots in the area. It's a scrap car that has been painted to look like the Catbus from "My Neighbor Totoro". It's not a functioning bus, but it makes for a great photo opportunity. Visitors can take pictures both inside and outside the bus.
The Catbus was originally an abandoned bus that was used as a resting place for locals. It was painted by the Fukagawa Town Revitalization Group 'Outdoor Furnace' in the image of 'My Neighbor Totoro'. Since then, it has been repainted every two years and has become a symbol of Totoro Pass for over 20 years.
Totoro Pass is named after the character Totoro from "My Neighbor Totoro". It's a popular spot for its panoramic view of Fukagawa City. From Totorotoge Parking Area, you can see the streets of Fukagawa and the Sorachi Plain. It's especially beautiful when you can enjoy the night view at night.
My family and I visited Catbus and Totoro Pass for the first time last September 10, 2022, as part of our September 9-11 Road Trip. It was my 313th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. Being big fans of the film My Neighbor Totoro, we didn’t miss the chance to visit the Catbus while exploring the Sorachi Subprefecture. Aside from taking hundreds of photos of the Catbus, we also enjoyed the panoramic view from the Totorotoge Parking Area. Given the chance, we’d head back there again in the future.
 |
| Catbus and Totoro Pass |
Catbus and Totoro Pass details
If you're a fan of "My Neighbor Totoro", then the Catbus and Totoro Pass in Fukagawa City, Hokkaido are a must-visit. Here's everything you need to know before you go.The Catbus
 |
| The Catbus - Fukagawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture |
Pictures of the Catbus
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| This is what's inside the Catbus |
The Totoro Pass
 |
| Totoro Pass - Fukagawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture |
Pictures of Totoro Pass
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| There is a public toilet in Totoro Pass |
 |
| Neko Bus - Totoro Pass |
Bus timetable by Neko Bus
The bus stop at Totoro Pass has a timetable that's a reproduction of the name of the place "Shichikokuyama" that appears in "My Neighbor Totoro". However, there are no regular buses that run here.
Team Nicerio visits the Catbus and Totoro Pass
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Catbus and Totoro Pass Fees
It’s FREE to visit and take photos of the Catbus. It’s also FREE to park in the Totorotoge Parking Area.Catbus and Totoro Pass Operating Hours
You can take a photo with the Catbus any time of the day. However, since the area is not well-lit, it is highly recommended that you visit in the morning. The parking area is also open 24/7.Why visit the Catbus and Totoro Pass?
If you're visiting Hokkaido, the Catbus and Totoro Pass are unique and fun attractions. Whether you're a fan of "My Neighbor Totoro" or just looking for a beautiful spot to take pictures, this is one place you won't want to miss.Getting to the Catbus and Totoro Pass
Fukagawa City is located in Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island. The easiest way to get there is to fly into Sapporo City or Asahikawa City and take a train or bus to Fukagawa. Once in the city, you can take a taxi or rental car to Totoro Pass from there. It's about a 20-minute drive from Fukagawa City.
Ratings
 |
| Crowd |
 |
| Cleanliness |
 |
| Overall rating |
 |
cute~
ReplyDeletePlease visit the Catbus when you are in Hokkaido.
DeleteImagine how they were able to make that "retired" bus into a tourist destination.
ReplyDeleteTrue! Now, this unknown place is a stopover destination of tourists. Amazing.
Delete