How to Make the Most of Ghibli Park Japan

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Advisor - Varvara Sinichkina
Curated By

Varvara Sinichkina

  • Arts & Culture

  • Japan

  • Entertainment

The interior of the Ghibli Park Japan, with fake colorful buildings and a stone staircase.
Curator’s statement

Ghibli Park Japan is an iconic, must-see side of Japan. Opened in 2022 within the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park in Nagakute (a three hour train from Tokyo), Ghibli Park Japan transports you the world of Studio Ghibli. Though the park does not offer any rides, the attractions are immersive, blending seamlessly with the surroundings, and will undoubtedly be unforgettable.

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Where to stay at Ghibli Park

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Things to do at Ghibli Park

Ghibli's Grand Warehouse: As the name states, this area of Japan's Ghibli Park is just that — a warehouse. Considered the main allure of the park, you can find all sorts of items and artifacts from Studio Ghibli's productions. The photography section of this park allows visitors to appear as though they are in the films, a truly unique experience. Other highlights include a true-to-original recreation of Yubaba's office from Spirited Away and a beautiful jungle where you will feel like Arrietty.

Hill of Youth: Hosting an elevator tower created after the Castle in the Sky movie, and the antique shop from the Whisper of the Heart movie, this area is beautiful and also features a complete recreation of the violin workshop area in the basement.

Dondoko Forest: Featuring Satsuki and Mei's house from My Neighbor Totoro, this area is the reason for Ghibli Park being built in this location, as the home was part of the 2005 World Expo. The house is a beautiful sight to behold, adorned with real items from Japan in the 1950s like newspaper articles. To discover this place with time and care will open up a world of exquisite, thought-through details. This area is also home to the Dondoko-do statue, standing over 17 feet tall.

Mononoke Village: This area is central to the Princess Mononoke movie. The Tatara-ba greets guests, with many different arts and crafts workshops located inside for children to indulge in, such as cooking classes. You can also enjoy the Demon Spirit reproduction and Lord Okkoto slide.

Valley of Witches: The newest, and maybe most impressive, addition to the park. Within this area, Studio Ghibli's witch-themed movies are homed. This area leaves you with a feeling of wanting to soar through the skies and fly. An insider tip: look out for the smoke that comes out of Howl's Castle to see it truly be a moving castle.

Places to eat & drink at Ghibli Park

the restaurant outside sitting table and chairs
  • Flying OVEN is a full-service restaurant located in the Valley of Witches.

  • Hot Tin Roof is a hot dog stand, also in the Valley of Witches.

  • Guchokipanya Bakery has bread for purchase, and is an incredible replica of the bakery in Kiki's Delivery Service.

  • Cafe Transcontinental Flight, located within the Grand Warehouse outdoor area, is reminiscent of the movie Porco Rosso due to its interior design.

  • Milk Stand Siberi-An, also inside the Grand Warehouse, is where you can try the iconic sweet jelly-filled sandwich.

Need to know

There are several ticket options which vary according to one's individual needs within Ghibli Park Japan. Tickets go on sale two months in advance, on the 10th of each month at 2 pm.

Advisor - Varvara Sinichkina

Travel Advisor

Varvara Sinichkina

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Japan. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Jarrett Corr's trip report, What to Visit in Japan: A Comprehensive Travel Guide.