Manga Backdrop River

Ochi Town in Kōchi Prefecture serves as the real-world backdrop for Mamoru Hosoda’s anime film BELLE. The town's scenic Niyodo River and the Aso Chinkabashi bridge inspired key settings in the movie, reflecting the protagonist Suzu's rural life. To commemorate this connection, a life-sized statue of the Dragon character was installed at the Yokogurayama Natural Forest Museum in Ochi, offering fans a tangible link to the film's world. Visitors can explore these locations and experience the natural beauty that influenced the anime's creation. 10 min by bus from Sakawa station.