TikTok’s Japanese Section Sensation! Get the Anime-inspired “Spirited Away” Bathhouse Nail Art in 3 Steps

The first time I came across the Spirited Away bathhouse nail art posted by Japanese netizens on TikTok, I was completely mesmerized. On those tiny nails, not only were the signature wooden buildings of the bathhouse and the steaming hot spring pool beautifully recreated, but even the little soot sprites walking on the bridge looked so lifelike, as if Haku might fly out of the picture at any moment. With a spirit of adventure, I dug out my idle Bathhouse nail art tools and, to my delight, managed to replicate the style. My friends were so impressed that they kept asking for the tutorial!

Step 1: Base Coat and Composition – Building the Foundation of the Bathhouse Nail Art

The preparation work is crucial. Besides the basic base coat and top coat, I specifically bought five types of nail polish: dark brown, light brown, off-white, black, and gold, along with an extremely fine lining brush. First, I shaped and buffed my nails and applied two layers of transparent base coat, which not only protects the nails but also makes it easier for the subsequent coloring.

For the base color, I chose off-white to mimic the texture of the bathhouse walls. After the nail polish is completely dry, I used light brown to roughly outline the Bathhouse Nail Art. At this step, there’s no need to be overly precise; it’s just like drawing a simple sketch, outlining the triangular roof and rectangular walls. To add more depth to the image, I layered dark brown on the edge of the roof, giving the wooden building an instant sense of solidity.

At this point, it’s a good idea to keep the screenshots of the bathhouse from the anime on your phone as a reference. When it comes to composition, it’s essential to capture a few key elements: the overlapping triangular eaves, the slender wooden bridge, and the steaming hot spring pool. Use black nail polish to dot the railings of the bridge and gold nail polish to outline the edge of the hot spring pool. The basic shape of a miniature bathhouse starts to take form.

Step 2: Detailing – Infusing the Soul of the Animation

The most patience-consuming part is adding the details. I started with the eaves. Using a deep brown lining brush, I carefully painted the texture of the tiles, following the curve of the roof with each stroke. When painting the hanging lanterns at the eaves, I specially mixed a bit of orange nail polish to create a warm, glowing effect.

The hot spring pool is the highlight of the whole design. Use white nail polish to dot bubbles of various sizes and light gray to paint the swirling steam. To make the steam look more realistic, instead of using lines to outline it, I dipped a sponge in nail polish and gently patted it on the nail, creating a misty, ethereal effect.

I couldn’t help but chuckle while painting the little soot sprites. These cute little creatures may seem simple, but they require a keen eye. Use black nail polish to dot their round bodies, and white nail polish to paint their eyes and teeth. I also made some of them carry coal blocks on their backs and others running around, as if you could almost hear them panting “heave-ho”.

Step 3: Top Coat and Creativity – Making the Nail Art Unique

Once all the patterns are completely dry, apply a thick layer of top coat. This not only protects the patterns but also gives the nail art a shiny finish. I also added some creative touches: sprinkled a little golden glitter above the hot spring pool to mimic the sparkling waves under the sunlight; dotted a few silver stars around the bathhouse to create a nighttime atmosphere.

In fact, there’s a lot of room for creativity with this nail art. Some Japanese netizens have replaced the bathhouse with No-Face, using a combination of purple and white to create a mysterious vibe. Others have painted Chihiro and Haku on their fingertips, evoking a flood of memories. I personally tried pasting golden hollow stickers on the edge of the nails, which added a touch of elegance, making the whole design look even more sophisticated.

On the day I completed this nail art, I deliberately wore a kimono-style jacket when I went out. While waiting for someone at a coffee shop, a girl at the next table took the initiative to strike up a conversation, saying that my nails reminded her of the touching moments when she first watched Spirited Away. It turns out that such a small piece of nail art can truly serve as a medium to convey our love for the anime.

If you also want to have a unique anime-inspired nail art, feel free to follow this tutorial and give it a shot. Maybe the next viral nail art on TikTok could be your creative masterpiece! Don’t forget to take pictures and share your work. I’m already looking forward to giving you a thumbs-up!