Studio Ghibli, the Japanese animation studio that gave us “Princess Mononoke” and “My Neighbor Totoro,” holds a special place in the hearts of its fans. There is an experiential component to the films of studio co-founder Hayao Miyazaki that cannot be found anywhere else. Thanks to the efforts of a few Utah businesses—and my own nerdy sensibilities—a true Studio Ghibli experience is just a few reservations away.
This date night experience leans heavily into “Spirited Away” territory—the whole point of the evening is to feel like you have stepped out of the real world and into something akin to Chihiro’s adventure—minus the sludgy stink spirit. This multi-stop, walkable jaunt through Salt Lake City’s downtown streets is perfect for those after an evening of Japanese-inspired food and entertainment. Here’s where to start:
Drinks at Sayonara
Even if you’re not shooting for a specifically “Spirited Away” vibe for your evening, Sayonara is one of the coolest bars operating in Downtown SLC. From the neon signage on its patio to its collection of anime-inspired booths, Sayonara is a love letter to Japanese pop culture.
The drink menu has a nice selection of sake and Japanese whisky, and the bar’s signature cocktails are great. The wasabi mule kicks a bit harder than your traditional mule thanks to the pungent wasabi, and lychee ume highball balances the delicate flavors of plum, yuzu, and lychee.
Depending on when you visit, Sayonara has plenty of events and promotions throughout the week. The live DJ sets have become popular on weekends, and “Super Smash Bros.” tournaments have become common weeknight fixtures. After you’ve had a few signature cocktails, it’s time to head two blocks west on Broadway until you get to the Peery Hotel on West Temple. That’s where you’ll find the next step of your journey, which is:
A tour of Himitsu Station
The entrance to Himitsu Station is on the West Temple side of the Peery building—you’ll see a small neon sign and a staircase that descends below street level. Once you enter the immaculately designed subway terminal/lounge, you’ll forget all about the real world up top.
Even before the experience begins, simply hanging out in the lounge while munching on Japanese snacks is an excellent backdrop to chatting with your date. Occasionally, the ambient music will be interrupted by the sound of subway trains rattling through adjacent tunnels on their way to who knows where.
Himitsu Station has been billed as an escape room, but I feel like that’s not the most accurate term for this attraction. While guests are tasked with solving spatial puzzles and decoding cryptic messages in order to progress, the experience itself is much more than the sum of its parts.
Animatronic spirits host each room and provide guidance when guests get stuck. Golden coins called “spirit coins” are hidden everywhere, and the more you can find, the more points you get at the end of the experience. It’s an experience that encourages curiosity and exploration, much like a living, breathing video game. After you’ve counted up your coins and snapped a few photos in the subway terminal, it’s time to head topside for:
Dinner at Sushi by Bou
Once you enter the lobby to the Peery Hotel, you may be perplexed by the lack of restaurant signage. That’s because Sushi by Bou is hidden behind a bookcase, speakeasy style. The front desk staff can help you find the entrance, and once inside it’s easy for the world of Salt Lake City to disappear at the door.
Sushi by Bou is a national concept from David Bouhadana, a Florida chef who spent years honing his craft in Japan’s Kansai Region. Sushi by Bou first opened in New York and has since expanded to other Eastern states—the Utah location is the brand’s first foray into the West.
The restaurant is exclusively omakase, which means the chef is in charge of your order. The signature omakase is a 12-course meal of curated sushi rolls made with the chef’s selection of seasonal ingredients. If you really want to impress your date, go with the Bou Reserve Omakase which includes a caviar bump, foie gras, and bone marrow.
A few tips before you go
Like most epic journeys, a bit of planning is necessary to make this date night a reality. First of all, make sure to book tickets for Himitsu Station and reservations for Sushi by Bou beforehand. Himitsu Station sessions accommodate up to seven people, so there is a chance your session will have a few other guests.
If you’d like to have the same experience but are on a budget—Sushi by Bou is admittedly on the pricey side—consider heading back up Broadway to Itto Sushi. It’s a local establishment where you can get a la carte sushi rolls instead of the full omakase experience, and offers plenty of bang for your buck.
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