Eleven-year-old Satsuki and her sassy little sister Mei are overjoyed about moving into a historic country house with their dad--but the girls don't realize what a delightful adventure awaits them there. While exploring their sprawling home and the beautiful rural area that surrounds it, Satsuki and Mei meet Granny, a sweet old woman, and her timid grandson Kanta. They also experience firsthand the magic of the Soot Sprites, mysterious creatures that live in the walls, and discover a huge camphor tree that just might be enchanted...

Spunky sisters Satsuki and Mei are adjusting to their fascinating new country home--and to life without their mother, who is recovering in a nearby hospital. Satsuki makes plenty of friends at her new school, but Mei, who is too young for school, has to stay behind. One afternoon, she follows a funny-looking creature to the trunk of an ancient camphor tree and enters the whimsical world of Totoro, a magical forest creature. Will Dad and Satsuki believe her story?

Mei and Satsuki continue to adjust to their new country home, as they begin to make friends with shy neighbor boy Kanta. But life without their mother is hard, especially on the nights that Dad can't come home from work until late! It's a good thing the girls have the kindly Granny to watch over them. They soon find out that there is another kindly spirit watching over them--Totoro! Totoro shows Mei and Satsuki a strange and mysterious Cat Bus, helps them with their fledgling garden, and then takes them on a wondrous forest adventure!

Mei and Satsuki are having a wonderful time working in Granny's vegetable garden while their dad is away at work. But one afternoon there's bad news from the hospital where the girls' mother is recovering. Mei decides to go visit her mother alone...on foot! When Satsuki realizes her little sister has disappeared, she takes action. But is it too late? Satsuki scours the forest and the countryside, but the search for Mei doesn't look hopeful--until Totoro steps in. With a little help from the forest spirits, including a wild ride in the Cat Bus, the sisters learn the importance of trusting in one another and hoping for the best.