The shape resembling a giant cat is seen in a cave in Shinshiro, Aichi Prefecture, April 16, 2025. The size of the cave can be seen in contrast to a person walking up the stairs. (Mainichi/Yuko Machida)
SHINSHIRO, Aichi — When people think of places to experience the world of Studio Ghibli animation, Ghibli Park in Aichi Prefecture probably comes to mind. But about 55 kilometers east of the popular theme park, there is also a location that could be called a “Ghibli forest,” with a cave whose mouth resembles a giant sitting cat.
Like a guardian spirit
This forest spreads around the hidden gem of Chiiwa Valley in northeast Shinshiro in the same prefecture. If you listen closely, you can hear the wind rustling through the trees. The forest sounds used in the Ghibli film “Princess Mononoke” were in fact recorded near this area.
A trail map is seen at the Chiiwa Valley trailhead in Shinshiro, Aichi Prefecture, April 16, 2025. (Mainichi/Yuko Machida)
About an hour’s hike from the Chiiwa Valley trailhead, a massive rock formation emerges as you proceed alongside the emerald green stream. After ascending the steps of a cave on the southern face of the rock, you turn around to find a “giant cat” sitting with its back arched right in front of you. Its solemn presence makes one imagine a guardian spirit of the forest. It is almost as if it’s looking at you, asking, “Who are you?”
The remote mountain, quiet forest and giant cat together create an atmosphere reminiscent of the Ghibli world.
Warning for those with fear of heights
A clear emerald green stream runs through Chiiwa Valley in Shinshiro, Aichi Prefecture, as seen on April 16, 2025. (Mainichi/Yuko Machida)
The giant cat is actually a large hole in the cave on the southern side of Mount Chiiwa. The shape of the hole and the lighting create the illusion of a cat, and the spot became a hit on social media. However, the journey to the giant cat is quite challenging.
There is a loop trail around the cave, about a 20-minute walk, but at a place called Tsutendo that appears early in the hike, you must climb multiple steep ladder steps through gaps between huge rocks. It is more than just thrilling. For those not confident due to a fear of heights, it is recommended to walk in from the opposite direction, while remaining wary of oncoming hiker traffic.
In addition to the giant cat, there are many other highlights, such as a natural stone gate approximately 23 meters tall. A representative at the Shinshiro Municipal Government’s tourism division remarked, “It’s a wonderful place where the world of Ghibli expands.”
Numerous “Kannon” bodhisattva statues are enshrined inside a cave at Chiiwa Valley, measuring 12 meters high, 18 meters wide and 18 meters deep, in Shinshiro, Aichi Prefecture, as seen on April 16, 2025. (Mainichi/Yuko Machida)
The Chiiwa Valley trailhead is a 30-minute walk from JR Mikawa-kawai Station. The journey from the trailhead to the cave takes about an hour. Due to uneven footing, proper gear such as hiking boots is essential. There is no parking nearby, and the city encourages the use of public transportation.
(Japanese original by Yuko Machida, Handa Resident Bureau)