Did Hayao Miyazaki find inspiration in this historic bakery in a small Tasmanian town?
Some people think that the Ross Village Bakery in Ross, Tasmania, is the real-life inspiration for the fictional Gütiokipänja Bakery featured in Kiki’s Delivery Service, (named the Good Cooking Pan Bakery in the English dubbed version).
This claim is neither confirmed nor denied by the Ross Bakery (right on the front door), but a brochure available inside the bakery asks the question, “can thousands of Japanese tourists each year be wrong?”
The adjoining Ross Bakery Inn (first built in 1832) even has a room (with three single beds) they call Kiki’s Room, where for $85, fans of the movie can sleep in a small attic room directly over the bakery. They advertise a TV and a mysterious device called a VCR guests can use “to watch Kiki videos.” Unfortunately, we weren’t able to stay there (sorry, no kids under 8).
After visiting, I can’t be sure the claim is fact or just a fun legend. But if you happen to be in Tasmania, I recommend a stop in at the Ross Village Bakery. Even if you’re not a Miyazaki fan, the bakery’s famous vanilla slice alone is with the trip. The coffee is pretty good, too.
