Leading up to its opening on 1 November 2022, Ghibli Park has released first look images of the theme park that'll bring world of Studio Ghibli to life.
In line with Studio Ghibli's environmentally centred narratives, the attraction will be located in a park in Nagakute city, Aichi Prefecture, and will retain much of its natural features. Director Hayao Miyazaki had insisted that no trees be cut down in the park's construction! And rather than rollercoasters, there will be walking trails where visitors can bask in the serene environment, Ghibli-style.
Seamlessly integrated into the green space are five themed sections inspired by the studio's most well-loved films.
Ghibli's Large Warehouse
Photo from Studio Ghibli
Start the journey at this indoor area that stores all of the studio's secrets from artefacts to exhibits such as the Robot Soldier from Laputa and the iconic Cat Bus.
Photo from Studio Ghibli
Photo from Studio Ghibli
Visitors can step into scenes from films and pretend to be their favourite characters! Channel main character energy as you take Chihiro's place from Spirited Away and sit beside No-Face on the train, or muster the courage to approach Yubaba.
Photo from Studio Ghibli
Photo from Studio Ghibli
Photo from Studio Ghibli
Possibly in response to how everyone goes gaga for the delicious-looking food in Ghibli films, a special exhibition from the Ghibli Museum will be coming to Ghibli Park featuring realistic-looking models of food from the films.
P.S. Check out the Japanese home chef who recreated Ghibli food in real life!
Photo from Studio Ghibli
Dondoko Forest
Photo from Studio Ghibli
This section is for Totoro fans! A Dondoko-do statue awaits visitors at the top of the forest hill that sits behind Satsuki and Mei's House.
Photo from Studio Ghibli
Hill of Youth
Here, visitors can visit the World Emporium, the antique shop from Whisper of the Heart.
Photo from Studio Ghibli
There will also be two more areas - Valley of Witches and Mononoke Village - that is set to open in 2023/2024.
At the Valley of Witches section is a giant replica of Howl's moving castle. Alas, it won't walk on two legs like in the animated film, but there will be some moving elements like the cannons. Get a peek inside Howl's bedroom, explore the castle gardens and dine at the restaurants.
Photo from Studio Ghibli
Visitors will step into the past at Mononoke's Village, which will be a recreation of Tataraba, the Irontown in Princess Mononoke in the late Muromachi period (1336 to 1573).
Getting To Ghibli Park
Ghibli Park will be located in Aichi Expo Memorial Park in Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture, which is about an hour by train from Nagoya, two hours from Kyoto and three hours from Tokyo.
Ghibli Park Ticket Prices
All tickets must be reserved for a specific date and time with separate reservations for each area. While the entrance time is specified, there is no limit on how long visitors spend at each area. Admission is free for children under 3 years old.
Ghibli's Grand Warehouse (weekdays)
Adults: 2,000 yen (~SGD 19.89)
Children: 1,000 yen (~SGD 9.95)
Ghibli's Grand Warehouse (weekends & P.H.)
Adults: 2,500 yen (~SGD 24.87)
Children: 1,250 yen (~SGD 12.43)
Dondoko Forest
Adults: 1,000 yen (~SGD 9.95)
Children: 500 yen (~SGD 4.97)
Hill of Youth
Adults: 1,000 yen (~SGD 9.95)
Children: 500 yen (~SGD 4.97)
How To Buy Tickets
The ticketing system is a little tricky as it's done by lottery and we'll have to rely on Google translate to navigate the Japanese site.
Enter the ticket lottery through the official Ghibli Park website. Tickets for each month will go on sale on the 10th of the month before, and the winners will be announced on the 4th of the month. For example, February tickets will go on sale on 10 January, and results will be out on 4 February.
Tickets will also be sold at Lawson and Mini Stop convenience stores throughout Japan on the 10th of every month.
Ghibli Park
Phase 1 Opening: 1 November 2022 (Ghibli Warehouse, Youth Hill and Dondoko Forest)
Address: Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park, 1533 Ibaragabasama, Nagakute, Aichi
Opening hours: Weekdays: 10am - 9pm, Weekends & P.H.: 9am - 9pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
Website: ghibli-park.jp
Love Studio Ghibli films and want it on your desktop screen? Check out the 700 free desktop wallpapers they released featuring artworks from 14 films including Spirited Away & Ponyo.
