Studio Ghibli Theme Park is now open!

The highly anticipated Ghibli park, inspired by the works of the renowned Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli, is now open to the public. The park officially opened its doors on November 1, 2022, after several years of planning and construction. Located in the Aichi Prefecture in central Japan, the park covers an area of about 494 acres and is set to be a major attraction for visitors from all around the world.

Features and main attractions

The park covers an area of about 494 acres and is divided into five themed areas, each featuring attractions and experiences based on the films of Studio Ghibli. Here's a brief overview of each area:

- Dondoko Forest: Inspired by the film "My Neighbor Totoro," this area features a replica of the iconic Totoro house, as well as a life-sized Catbus that visitors can explore. There are also various nature trails and a playground for children.

- Youth Hill: This area is inspired by the film "Whisper of the Heart" and features a replica of the antique shop featured in the film. Visitors can also enjoy a panoramic view of the park from the top of the hill.

- Mononoke Village: This area is based on the film "Princess Mononoke" and features a replica of the Tatara Ironworks and the Sanpo-Ya market. Visitors can also explore the Ironworks Forest, which features a suspension bridge and a replica of the Spirit Tree.

Witch Valley: Inspired by the film "Kiki's Delivery Service," this area features a replica of Kiki's house, as well as a bakery and a garden where visitors can fly on a broomstick. There are also various shops and cafes offering Ghibli-themed food and merchandise.

- Ghibli Large Warehouse: This area features various exhibits and attractions related to Studio Ghibli's films, including a replica of the Cat's Office from "The Cat Returns" and a life-sized replica of the airship from "Castle in the Sky." There is also a museum dedicated to the work of Hayao Miyazaki, the co-founder of Studio Ghibli.

In addition to these themed areas, the park also features various restaurants, cafes, and shops where visitors can enjoy Ghibli-inspired food and merchandise. The park aims to create an immersive experience that allows visitors to step into the magical world of Studio Ghibli and its beloved films.

Location and transportation

The Studio Ghibli theme park, officially known as "Ghibli Park," is located in the Aichi Prefecture in central Japan, near Nagoya. Here are some ways to get to the park:

1. By train: Take the JR Chuo Line from Tokyo Station to Nagoya Station, which takes about 100 minutes. Then, transfer to the Aonami Line at Nagoya Station and take it to Kinjo-Futo Station. From Kinjo-Futo Station, take the shuttle bus to the park. The shuttle bus runs every 20-30 minutes and takes about 10-15 minutes to get to the park.

2. By car: The park is located near the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway, and there is a parking lot available for visitors. However, due to the popularity of the park, parking spaces may be limited, so it's recommended to use public transportation if possible.

3. By bus: There are also direct buses available from major cities such as Nagoya and Osaka to the park. These buses are operated by Meitetsu Bus and can be booked in advance.

Opening hours and how to purchase tickets

It's important to note that tickets for the park must be purchased in advance, as they are not available for purchase at the park itself. Tickets can be purchased through the park's official website or at Lawson convenience stores in Japan.