Experience the magical world of Hayao Miyazaki’s famed Studio Ghibli films in real life at the new Ghibli Park in Nagoya!
The world of Studio Ghibli has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions worldwide. Hayao Miyazaki’s fantastical mind and imagination have dazzled us for decades. Now, his creations have been transported from the big screen to real life! Ghibli Fans can visit the new Studio Ghibli theme park, which opened in November 2022.
From the magical world of Spirited Away to everyone’s favorite My Neighbor Totoro, Studio Ghibli fans can get up close to all of their beloved characters, relive their favorite moments, and indulge in some Ghibli treats.
So, let’s explore the new Studio Ghibli Park!
How to get to Ghibli Park
Ghibli Park is located in Nagakute City in Aichi Prefecture, close to Nagoya, making it easily accessible by train. From Nagoya Station, take the Higashiyama Subway Line to Fujigaoka Station. Change to the overground Linimo Line to Aichikyuhaku Kinenkoen Station, located just in front of the north entrance of the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park (also known as Moricoro Park), where Ghibli Park is situated. A one-way trip will cost 670 yen and take approximately 55 minutes.
You can also take a direct bus from Meitetsu Bus Center to the Park’s entrance. While it is more convenient than the train, there are fewer buses available, and it costs 1,000 yen, taking approximately 40 minutes (prices in 2024).
Aside from the Ghibli Park, the Aichi Commemorative Park has several other attractions, including a Japanese-style garden, an ice-skating rink, and a Ferris wheel.
Tips Before Visiting Ghibli Park
Visiting Ghibli Park may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for some. To make the most of the day, I want to share a few tips based on my experience.
Booking in Advance
The Ghibli Park website has a dedicated international section, all in English, explaining the types of tickets available and what they give you access to.
First, the park is divided into five sections:
- Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse
- Hill of Youth
- Dondoko Forest
- Valley of Witches
- Mononoke Village.
The day pass grants access to all five areas and costs 3,500 yen for adults and 1,750 yen for children on weekdays. On weekends, it rises to 4,000 yen and 2,000 yen, respectively. For infants aged 0-3 years old, entry is free.
There is a premium day pass, which I highly recommend for the full experience! The premium pass grants access to the same five areas and five special buildings inside each area: World Emporium, Satsuki and Mei’s House, The Okino Residence, Howl’s Castle, and The House of Witches.
While pictures and videos are forbidden in each building, the experience is well worth it, as each one masterfully replicates scenes from the movies.
The premium pass costs 7,300 yen for adults and 3,650 yen for children on weekdays. On weekends, it rises to 7,800 yen and 3,900 yen, respectively. Entry is free for infants aged 0-3 years old.
Tickets go on sale two months in advance and sell out quickly, so be prepared and schedule the day and time they are available to purchase. You can check more details on the website.
Furthermore, the Grand Warehouse has a specific entry time that you can choose upon purchasing your ticket, so plan accordingly.
Get There Early
On weekdays, Ghibli Park is open from 10 am to 5 pm, while on weekends, it is open from 9 am to 5 pm. I strongly recommend getting there as early as possible, as many people are queuing. I went on a weekday and arrived at 10 am, but there was already a 30-minute wait to enter the Grand Warehouse.
As it is the main attraction, each spot inside will likely have a queue. There was a line to take a picture with No Face from Spirited Away, which was two hours long! That’s over a quarter of the time at the park to take just one photo. Of course, you do not have to go there but be prepared if you are.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
Each attraction is spread across the Expo Park, so wear suitable footwear for walking. While free shuttle buses run throughout, they are almost always crowded (imagine those busy Tokyo trains), so it may be best to walk. There are also spots where you must climb many stairs, so comfortable sneakers are recommended. A bus is available from Mononoke Village to Dondoko Forest. You can purchase tickets at each bus stop, which cost 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children.
Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse
Recommended Time: 2-3 hours
The Grand Warehouse is the main attraction, with a specific entry time of your choice. You must enter within one hour of your designated time, and you cannot re-enter upon leaving.
From the north entrance, you will be greeted by an elevator tower inspired by Laputa: Castle in the Sky and Howl’s Moving Castle. You can use this or the path to the side. Upon descending, the Grand Warehouse will be on your right.
The inside is filled with spectacular displays of all the popular Ghibli movies. The central courtyard is decorated in colorful mosaic tiles with the Giant Flying Ship from Laputa: Castle in the Sky floating above.
Featured Movie Scenes Inside the Warehouse
Throughout the warehouse, there are 14 scenes from 13 films. Popular spots include the train scene with No Face, a true-to-scale Laputian Robot (only available at Tokyo’s Ghibli Museum in Mitaka until now), and a small recreation of the world of Arrietty.
You can take pictures with your favorite characters and scenes, but there will likely be queues for each spot.
Each spot is full of small details from the films, so take your time exploring each one and try to spot all the references.
As I briefly mentioned, the queue for No Face was 2 hours long! I overheard some people wondering what they were actually lining up for, only to discover it was just for one picture! If you want to enjoy every attraction in the park at a leisurely pace, I don’t recommend lining up for this.
Climbing up the stairs from the central courtyard, you’ll find a small theater playing two exclusive Studio Ghibli movies: Mr. Dough and the Egg Princess and Koro’s Big Day Out. I highly recommend this, as you won’t be able to see them anywhere else! On the other side is a small playroom for kids, including a cat bus!
On the far side, you can stroll through Minami-machi, a nostalgic-looking shopping street lined with shops selling exclusive goods such as cards and models.
At the back, there is a gift shop with every Ghibli-themed souvenir you could imagine. From puzzles and magnets to snacks and keyrings, take your Ghibli Park memories home.
Just next to the gift shop is a milk stand offering Siberia Spong Cake from The Wind Rises and a glass bottle of milk.
Transcontinental Flight Café
In the southern section of the warehouse, there is a separate cafe offering various sandwiches, drinks, and snacks. While there is a lot to choose from, everything we had was nothing too special about the standard you would expect at a theme park.
Hill of Youth
Recommended Time: 30 minutes
To the left of the elevator tower, you’ll find the Hill of the Youth area, showcasing the world of Whisper of the Heart. You will first enter from the back and into The Rotary, straight out of the film.
Inside, you will find the Cat Bureau from The Cat Returns. Other characters include Muta and Baro.
The World Emporium is a meticulous replica of Nishi’s antique shop from Whisper of the Heart. Step inside, and you’ll find a variety of antiques, just like those in the film.
Don’t miss the clock that chimes and plays music every so often. You can even purchase and write a postcard, then send it in the postbox just outside, adding a personal touch to your visit.
Downstairs is the violin workshop, which is just as impressive and makes it feel like everyone is about to burst out with “Country Road” in unison.
Dondoko Forest
Recommended Time: 1 hour
On the eastern side of the park, amongst the forests, is Dondoko Park, where you can enter the world of My Neighbour Totoro. Along the way, you can take a pit stop by Dondoko-dokoro for a snack or drink.
At the entrance, you’ll find a set of stairs leading to Dondoko-do. At the top, a giant 5-metre Totoro awaits you! Children under 12 years old can climb inside, making it a nice photo spot.
Next to Totoro is a small souvenir shop selling Totoro-themed goods such as figures and omamori.
Premium pass holders can enter Satsuki and Mei’s House. You can take pictures from the outside, but it is prohibited inside.
This was one of my favorite attractions (mainly because My Neighbour Totoro is one of my favorite Ghibli films), as the house is so immersive. You can play with the ornaments and equipment from the water pumps and inside the cupboards and wardrobes.
The father’s office was the most impressive room in the house, with the sheer amount of books, papers, and stationery meticulously placed to replicate the film.
Outside, cross the bridge onto a small island, where you can see the spot where Satsuki and Mei planted their acorn given by Totoro!
Valley of Witches
Recommended Time: 1-2 hours
Valley of the Witches recently opened on March 16th, 2024, and is based on Kiki’s Delivery Service and Howl’s Moving Castle. It is the park’s most extensive, curated, and impressive area.
As soon as you enter the grounds, you are whisked away into a fantastical world. Enter through the Mouth of the Witch and into the old-fashioned brick village. Next to the entrance is a brick building that houses a restaurant and a shop with exclusive gifts and treats.
The first main attraction is The Okino Residence, where Kiki lived before leaving to train to be a witch. Outside, you can take a picture with the brooms as if you were a witch! Inside, you can find the witch’s shop covered in hanging flowers, as well as Kiki’s room on the second floor.
The next main attraction is Howl’s Castle, which is only available for premium pass holders. This is a must-visit! The attention to detail is incredible! From the living room and Calcifer’s furnace to Howl’s bedroom, adorned with countless ornaments, it feels like you are living in his castle.
You can explore the two-story building and get panoramic views over the area from the various balconies.
Outside the castle, you can line up and take a picture with The Prince cursed as a scarecrow!
If you have the time, you can head over to the Guchokipanya Bakery from Kiki’s Delivery Service. You can purchase original breads and sets, some of which were sold out during our visit. There was also an hour-long queue, so be prepared to wait.
You can also ride the carousel, which is decorated with some popular characters while classic Ghibli movie songs echo throughout the area. Children aged 3-12 cost 500 yen and adults 1000 yen.
Mononoke Village
Recommended Time: 30 minutes
Mononoke Village was the smallest and, in all honesty, the most lackluster area of the park. The area portrays the world of Princess Mononoke as a rural landscape from the Muromachi period (1336-1573). However, there was a lack of display and immersion like the other areas.
You can find a slide sculpted as Lord Okkoto and a Demon Spirit statue.
There is also a small souvenir shop selling some exclusive treats and drinks. At the back, there is a mochi-making experience for an extra fee. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the time to visit.
So that was our guide to the new Ghibli Park! Whether you are a Ghibli fan or just a casual visitor, there is so much to do, see, and indulge in that it makes for a fun day out! Make sure to get the premium pass and immerse yourself in the world of Studio Ghibli!
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