Image Source: AichiNow Social Media
Ghibli Park, a theme park like no other, is the brainchild of Japan’s animation masters, including Miyazaki Hayao and Takahata Isao. Over the past 30 years, the Ghibli Studio has created a world of fantasy and dreams for children around the globe. As one grows older, one realizes that behind these animations lies the real humanity and experiences of Mr. Miyazaki, making it easier to understand the life philosophy conveyed by Ghibli’s animations.
Located in Aichi Prefecture’s Aichi Commemorative Park, Ghibli Park embodies the world of Ghibli’s animations in five main areas, including scenes from six classic animations, such as My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and Laputa: Castle in the Sky. Some of the buildings and environmental concept maps have already been unveiled!
Phase One Opening: November 1st, 2022
Phase Two Opening: Fall 2023
Phase Three Opening: March 2024
The 7.1-hectare Ghibli Park’s first phase includes three main areas: Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Hill of Youth, and Dondoko Forest. However, there are no major attractions or amusement facilities in Ghibli Park, as stated on their website. In other words, it is a park that draws people into the forest through the charm of Ghibli itself.
Dondoko Forest
The first phase features Dondoko Totoro Forest Park, which showcases Satsuki and Mei’s house from the movie My Neighbor Totoro, with the “Showa-era scenery” that reproduces the rural landscape depicted in the film. The park will preserve the existing forest in the area, where visitors can stroll along the trails and look for Totoro’s appearance! Near the “Satsuki and Mei’s House” in Ghibli Park, visitors can also see if there are any Totoros hiding in the hole, just like Mei did. Miyazaki Goro once said, “Once you want to bring Totoro into reality, you can only use dolls, robots, or people pretending to make it happen. This will only lose its authenticity. What is more important is to let everyone feel that Totoro may appear here, whether you are sitting in a tatami room or looking down the stairs, you will only feel that they are hiding.”
Image Source: Visit Japan International Social Media
Youth Hill Park
The original elevator building in Youth Hill Park has been renovated to perfectly replicate the lifting devices in “Howl’s Moving Castle”, using the sci-fi universe views of “Howl’s Moving Castle” and “Castle in the Sky” as blueprints, creating a fantasy world of late 19th century science!
In addition to “Howl’s Moving Castle”, visitors to Youth Hill Park can also enjoy the scenery of the early Heisei residential area, as well as a replica of the antique shop from “Whisper of the Heart”, allowing them to experience the taste of first love!
The first floor is a workshop where the male protagonist learns to make violins as an apprentice. On the second floor, in addition to furniture, every corner of the room is filled with clocks, dolls, and wooden horses. From the balcony, you can even see the “Love・Earth Expo Memorial Park”!
Ghibli's Grand Warehouse
The most theme park-like area in Ghibli Park is the “Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse” section, where one of the highlights is the “Exhibition: Becoming Characters in Memorable Ghibli Scenes”, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in animated scenes. At the end of the endless queues, you can run with Porco, fight with the Red Pig, save Sheeta with Granny, and even take a photo with No-Face!
Address: Ibaraki-kasugaoka-cho, Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture 〒480-1103 Japan (Aichi Commemorative Park)
Official website: Click here
Ticket purchase website: Click here
