
Three different patterns featuring the staff and customers of the Studio Ghibli bathhouse of the gods.
The scene in Spirited Away in which protagonist Chihiro looks across the bridge to the spirit realm, with the Aburaya bathhouse towering in the middle distance and No-Face by the railing, is one of the most memorable shots in anime. The mix of grandiose and low-key imagery, the sense of being both otherworldly unsettling but also curiosity-piquing inviting, is a quick crystallization of much of the mood during the Hayao Miyazaki-directed classic, and if you’re looking to add that vibe to your home, here’s a way to do it.
Though one could call it a tapestry, Ghibli specialty shop Donguri Kyowakoku actually classifies this as a noren, the cloth hung in the open doorway of Japanese shops that are accepting visitors, and also sometimes found in old-school Japanese home interiors. The friendly-looking rendition of No-Face quickly catches the eye…
…and you could spend quite a lot of time getting lost in all the fine details of the bathhouse’s architecture, especially if you’re imagining how you’d make your escape if you’d gotten on the proprietress witch’s bad side.
There’s even another No-Face hiding on the tag on the reverse side of the cloth.
Ordinarily, noren have a single vertical slice in the center, so that you can push the cloth to the side like curtains as you walk though. Dnoguri Kyowakoku realizes, though, that some people might prefer to hang this against a wall, like shown in the promotional photos. Because of that, this noren, which measures 150 centimeters (59 inches) in length and 85 centimeters across, is sold uncut. There’s a seemingly imperceptible stitch in the middle, though, so that if you do want to use it like a traditional noren, you can cut it with scissors to make the slit whatever length you desire without the edges curling.
In addition to the No-Face on the bridge design, Donguri Kyowakoku also has a pattern featuring the divine customers of the bathhouse, plus the hiragana character “yu” (ゆ), meaning hot bathwater…
…and another with the bathhouse staff and No-Face, as well as the kanji character for “Abura” (油).
The patterned noren are identical in size to the No-Face bridge one, and they also all share a price of 3,278 yen (US$22). All three can be ordered through the Donguri Kyowakoku here following a recent restock.
Source: Donguri Kyowakoku
Top image: Studio Ghibli
Insert images: Donguri Kyowakoku (1, 2, 3)
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!








Beautiful 3-D puzzle kit lets you build Ghibli’s Spirited Away bathhouse with no tools, glue【Pics】
Elegant ghostly Ghibli curtain captures the ungraspable form of No Face【Photos】
Spirited Away’s No Face appears on new ramen bowls and tableware by Studio Ghibli
Special Totoro good-luck noren tapestries usher good fortune and cuteness into your home【Pics】
This Osaka laundromat wants to clean more than your clothes; it also wants to clean you
Nintendo releases Metroid-shaped ice cube/cooking tray and Samus arm cannon pillow【Pics】
Chinese government’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning has heartwarming non-effect on Yokohama Chinatown
Foreign driver’s license conversion test passes plummet from over 90% to 33% in Japan
Star of Studio Ghibli’s Kiki’s Delivery Service now comes as a doll with four cute accessories
Starbucks Japan now offers close-to-closing discounted items through its mobile order app
Japan’s EF English Proficiency Index rank drops for 11th straight year, hits lowest ever
A whole slew of Totoro Christmas cakes are on their way to make the season extra merry【Photos】
After 21 years, Harajuku’s famous Lolita fashion and cosplay shop is permanently closing
Marionette Miku brought to life on Niconico Douga 【Video】
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Yoshinoya adds first-ever chain-wide ramen with new beef and pork-broth noodle hot pot meals
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowd sizes in Nara?
Studio Ghibli stamps lift your spirits with motivational phrases from Totoro
New fish discovered and named “Vanderhorstia supersaiyan” for obvious reasons
Japanese town suing resident for being a jerk
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Spirited Away classy cloth coasters will keep your table dry and your heart happy【Photos】
Studio Ghibli releases new Spirited Away kami collection
Beautiful Studio Ghibli tenugui can add summer anime style to your home and hand-washing【Photos】
Spirited Away bathhouse spirits steal the spotlight in new Studio Ghibli finger puppet collection
Mugyutto No-Face figure lets Spirited Away satisfy their mugyutto urges whenever they need to
Spirited Away’s radish spirit dances as new Bubblebody figure from Studio Ghibli
Spirited Away bathhouse spirits become self-righting dolls in new Studio Ghibli collection
Studio Ghibli adds a Spirited Away jewellery box to its merchandise range in Japan
Totoro tapestry noren are ready to welcome you to winter (or whichever other season you like)
Spirited Away No Face lamp is back, senses when you’re near, welcomes you with lantern light【Pics】
Spirited Away No Face piggy bank is back to talk, burp and play music as it munches coins 【Video】
Studio Ghibli merch store debuts new, fantastical Spirited Away accessories【Pics】
Studio Ghibli’s Hopping Lantern from Spirited Away can now be yours to own!
Yubaba and Zeniba pen stands from Studio Ghibli capture the magic of Spirited Away
Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke plushies show a softer side of formidable Ghibli characters
Dining with Totoro — 400-year-old ceramics company makes Studio Ghibli chopstick rests【Photos】
Leave a Reply