Ghibli Park Has Opened In Japan, Brings Iconic Animations To Life
Studio Ghibli’s animations are rightfully famous throughout the world and now fans can experience them in person in Japan. A new theme park has opened, but visitors mustn’t expect any rides. They will rather see Ghibli’s animations brought to life. Located less than an hour from Kyoto by train, the long-awaited Ghibli Park has finally opened in Nagoya City.
Ghibli Park opens in Japan
Japan has many attractions and visits to Tokyo and Kyoto are always a huge draw. However, now, fans of Studio Ghibli’s animations now have another reason to visit the country. The new theme park, dedicated to the animation company’s productions, has finally opened in Aichi prefecture.
Ghibli Park opened on November 1 in Aichi Earth Expo Memorial Park, the former home of Expo 2005. The theme park brings Studio Ghibli’s animations to life, making it an incredible place to visit. The opening of the park was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but now it is ready to visit three of the five areas.
CNN Travel quotes Koji Hosinho, Chairman and President of Studio Ghibli Co. giving a statement at an event prior to the official opening of the park:
In the past three years, we have been in a very difficult situation due to Covid-19, but there was a great joy even in the midst of it… I feel that the opening of this exhibition at this time, when we are firmly facing and overcoming Covid 19, has a heavy meaning.
Construction began on the park in 2020 and now it’s open, fans of Ghibli’s animations can finally see some of their favorite characters. One is Yubaba, a powerful witch, with the green “heads” from the movie, Spirited Away, in the Grand Warehouse area (pictured below). This Academy Award-winning animation told the story of a brave girl named Chihiro who goes on a magical adventure to save her parents and her friends.
Meanwhile, fans can also look out for soot spirits at Satsuki and Mei’s home from the movie My Neighbor Totoro. This 1988 animation told the story of two young sisters, who befriend whimsical creatures living around their countryside home.
Ghibli Park is not your typical theme park
Visitors are warned that Ghibli Park is not a typical theme park. In fact, its official website warns visitors there are “no big attractions or rides in Ghibli Park.” In fact, visitors are encouraged to stroll around the park, feeling the wind, while discovering the wonders.
Director Goro Miyazaki is the son of Studio Ghibli co-founder, Hayao Miyazaki. He said the park was designed with locals in mind. For this reason, he is a little worried about whether people will really visit the park and enjoy it. Speaking at an event prior to the opening, he said:
People think of it as a theme park, but I’ve always wanted it to be a park. I think that parks are first and foremost for the local people, so I want them to be loved by the people of Aichi more than anyone else. Even if people can’t come right away, I would be happy if they could take a peek at the entrance and visit the exhibition.
Layout of the park
Eventually, the park will have five different areas, but currently, only three are open to the public. One is a large indoor “town” with streets and exhibits as well as famous scenes from the studio’s films. One scene is the Robot Soldier from Castle in the Sky. Another is the real-size Catbus from Totoro.
Meanwhile, a cinema in the park plays shorts, only exclusively available in Ghibli Park and Ghibli Museum in Tokyo. Another area is the Hill of Youth, where visitors can see the antique shop from the romantic musical, Whisper of the Heart. Meanwhile, this is the ideal spot to enjoy a panoramic view over the park.
Another region is Dondoko Forest, dedicated to My Neighbor Totoro. It features the house from the animated movie, along with a Totoro-themed playground.
Under construction at Ghibli Park
Other areas as yet to open, including Mononoke Village, which features Princess Mononoke and her adventures with the forest animal gods and Valley of Witches. This area will include some parts from Howl’s Moving Castle, the story of a young milliner who gets caught up in a war. It will also feature Kiki’s Delivery Service, about a hardworking young witch.
According to Ghibli Park officials, Mononoke Village and the Valley of Witches are set to open in March 2024.
How to visit the Ghibli Park
Ghibli Park is located in Aichi Earth Expo Memorial Park, located east of Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture. The location is less than two hours from Tokyo or around 50 minutes from Osaka and Kyoto by train.
The park opens from 10 am – 5 pm on weekdays and from 9 am – 5 pm on public holidays and weekends. Meanwhile, the park is closed on Tuesdays, unless a holiday falls on that day.
Tickets must be booked in advance for each individual area here. Readers can see more images and videos on Ghibli Park’s official Instagram page here. Also, take a brief tour in the video included below.