After an hour train ride from Ikebukuro : Ikebukuro Line to Nishi-Tokorozawa Station and Sayama Line to Seibukyujo-Mae Station (380 yen). The station is located next to the Saitama Lions Stadium, the baseball team of Saitama Prefecture, and an impressive Buddhist temple (山口観音金乗院) that’s worth visiting for its multiple buildings and beautiful pagoda. Then, you want to join the dam of Sayama Lake where the hike starts. From the dam, you can enjoy the view of this giant reservoir and the city below. Good to know, there is a bush cut in the shape of Totoro in an orange house’s garden that is fun to see !
After crossing the dam, Totoro’s forest is located on the right. Start your hike at Horiguchi Tenman Tenjinsha, a Shinto Sanctuary, by taking one of the numerous paths that explore the forest ! I remember walking an hour in the forest before heading to the next spot : Totoro’s house !