If you’ve ever wanted to walk through the magical worlds of My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, or Howl’s Moving Castle, Ghibli Park in Japan is the place to be. This immersive, thoughtfully designed park is unlike any typical theme park. Instead of thrilling rides, it offers serene, interactive experiences inspired by the art and storytelling of Studio Ghibli.
Whether you’re a Ghibli superfan or simply curious about Japanese culture and animation, this guide gives you everything you need to know about Ghibli Park Japan.
Where is Ghibli Park?
Ghibli Park is located inside the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park, also known as Moricoro Park, in Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture, near Nagoya, Japan. It’s not your typical amusement park; instead, it’s an exploration-style destination where each corner invites you into the beloved Ghibli universe.
- Address: 1533-1 Ibaragabasama, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1342, Japan
- Closest Station: Aichikyuhaku-kinen-koen Station (Linimo Line)
How to Get to Ghibli Park from Tokyo
If you’re coming from Tokyo, here’s how to reach Ghibli Park:
- Take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagoya Station (about 1.5 to 2 hours).
- From Nagoya, take the Higashiyama Subway Line to Fujigaoka Station.
- Then, board the Linimo Line and get off at Aichikyuhaku-kinen-koen Station, which is right next to the park.
Expect a total travel time of around 2.5 hours each way.
What to Expect Inside: The Five Themed Areas
Ghibli Park consists of five main areas, each carefully designed to reflect scenes and settings from specific Studio Ghibli films. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect:
1. Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse
This is the heart of the park – an enormous indoor complex filled with exhibitions, props, and immersive spaces from across the Ghibli universe. It’s also the best place to visit year-round, regardless of the weather.
- Explore a life-sized Catbus from My Neighbor Totoro (adults can finally climb inside).
- Enter Yubaba’s office and the bathhouse hallway from Spirited Away.
- Wander through miniature towns and alleyways based on various Ghibli scenes.
- Watch short films exclusive to the park at the “Cinema Orion.”
- Play in a children’s adventure zone called the “Children’s Town.”
- Visit themed cafés and gift shops offering exclusive Studio Ghibli Park Japan merchandise.
This area is a must for fans wanting to see iconic film scenes brought to life in meticulous detail.
2. Hill of Youth
This zone recreates the nostalgic setting of ‘Whisper of the Heart and The Cat Returns’, two fan-favorite Ghibli films that explore coming-of-age and fantasy.
- Visit the antique store “World Emporium,” faithfully recreated from the film down to the vintage furnishings.
- Step into the whimsical “Cat Bureau,” the magical office of Baron Humbert von Gikkingen.
- Climb the observatory and take in the scenic views, just like Shizuku did in the movie.
- This area feels like walking through a quiet Tokyo suburb in the 1990s, brimming with soft charm.
Perfect for fans who appreciate Ghibli’s slice-of-life stories grounded in quiet realism and gentle romance.
3. Dondoko Forest
Dedicated to ‘My Neighbor Totoro’, Dondoko Forest immerses visitors in the lush countryside that inspired the film’s peaceful setting.
- Visit the full-scale replica of Satsuki and Mei’s house, complete with the kitchen, bathroom, and the iconic wooden bath.
- Explore the “Dondoko-do,” a wooden Totoro-shaped observation platform that children can climb.
- Stroll along nature trails designed to mirror the forest where the children met Totoro.
- This area encourages slower exploration and is especially magical during autumn and spring.
It captures the simplicity and wonder of rural life in postwar Japan, just like the film.
4. Mononoke Village
Inspired by the darker and more mythological world of Princess Mononoke, this section of the park showcases traditional Japanese crafts within a more rugged atmosphere.
- Walk through Irontown (Tatara-ba), complete with workshops, smithy tools, and kilns.
- Climb atop giant replicas of mystical beasts like Lord Okkoto and Yakul.
- Learn about ancient Japanese charcoal-making techniques.
- Participate in hands-on cultural experiences and food tastings based on traditional recipes.
This area offers a deeper, cultural dive into Ghibli’s fascination with industrialization, nature, and spirituality.
5. Valley of Witches
The newest and perhaps most spectacular zone, Valley of Witches, draws from ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ and ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’.
- Marvel at a full-scale Howl’s Moving Castle, complete with turning gears and whimsical architecture.
- Visit Kiki’s bakery, where you can see her iconic bread loaves and flying broom.
- Walk through cobblestone streets inspired by European towns, filled with shops, cafés, and colorful buildings.
- Enjoy panoramic views of the park from the tower observatory.
This area is ideal for those drawn to Ghibli’s more magical, European-inspired fantasies.
Tickets and Booking Info
Studio Ghibli Park Japan requires advance reservations—walk-in tickets are not available.
- Booking: Via the official website or platforms like Lawson Tickets and Klook.
- Sales Window: Tickets typically go on sale two months in advance on the 10th of each month.
- Ticket Types:
- Entry to individual areas
- Combo or full-day passes (e.g., O-Sanpo Day Pass)
- Prices vary depending on which zones you want to explore, averaging ¥1,000 to ¥3,500 per area (approximately $8–$24 or ₹670–₹2,350).
Tickets for Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse and Valley of Witches sell out quickly, so it’s best to plan well in advance.
Ghibli Park vs Ghibli Museum: What’s the Difference?
|
Feature |
Ghibli Park | Ghibli Museum |
|
Location |
Nagakute (near Nagoya) | Mitaka (Tokyo) |
| Size | Large outdoor and indoor park |
Compact indoor facility |
| Focus | Immersive themed environments |
Behind-the-scenes look at animation |
| Parking | Available nearby |
Limited – not recommended (does Ghibli Museum have parking? Yes, but minimal) |
The Ghibli Museum focuses on the art of animation and houses original storyboards and art, while Ghibli Park brings actual locations from the films to life.
Ghibli Park Map and On-Site Facilities
A Ghibli Park map is provided upon entry or downloadable online. The park offers:
- Designated rest areas and shaded seating
- On-site cafés and restaurants with themed menus
- Souvenir shops with exclusive merchandise
- Restrooms and nursing rooms
- Wheelchair-accessible paths and facilities
Expect a lot of walking—comfortable footwear is highly recommended.
Is Ghibli Park Worth It?
If you’re a fan of Studio Ghibli, the answer is a resounding yes. Unlike a typical Ghibli amusement park, this park is more about immersion than adrenaline.
Reasons it’s worth visiting:
- Each area is handcrafted with film-accurate details
- It’s a cultural and artistic experience, not just a tourist attraction
- Ideal for photographers, families, and animation lovers
- Offers interactive and educational experiences across all ages
It’s less about thrill rides and more about thoughtful discovery—true to Ghibli’s essence.
Summing Up
If you’re wondering where is the Studio Ghibli theme park—it’s in Nagakute, near Nagoya, and it’s a place where fantasy seamlessly blends with reality. From rural forests and bustling towns to flying castles and magical creatures, Ghibli Park Japan turns the charm of Ghibli films into a real-world adventure.
Whether you’re making a special trip from Tokyo or adding this to your Nagoya itinerary, Studio Ghibli Park Japan is a destination you won’t forget.
