Explore the wonders of Ghibli Park in Japan

Get ready to step into a world of magic when you visit Studio Ghibli Park in Japan. As a fan of classics like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro, this park is a place where dreams come true. From the moment you enter, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the enchanting Ghibli universe. The architecture and landscaping are breathtaking, and it’s easy to forget that you’re not actually inside one of the studio’s beloved films!

But is it worth making the detour from Osaka or Tokyo to visit the park? We’ve got you covered with a complete rundown of all the things you can expect. Let’s roll.

What is Studio Ghibli?

Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation studio that many people consider to be one of the best in the world. It’s often compared to Disney, but they have a unique style of their own. The name Ghibli actually comes from an Arabic word that means “a fiercely hot wind.”

What sets Studio Ghibli apart from other animation studios is their dedication to hand-drawn animation techniques, resulting in some truly breathtaking visuals. Some of their most famous movies include Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and Totoro.

What is Ghibli Park?

Ghibli Park brings its famous animated movies to life. In short, Ghibli Park lets you explore the world of Studio Ghibli from the perspective of its beloved main characters.

Imagine walking through the lush forest that inspired the setting for Princess Mononoke or catching fish in the stream that inspired Ponyo’s ocean. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the stunning beauty and magical realism that is synonymous with Studio Ghibli. This park is a perfect adventure for both children and adults alike!

And if you are wondering, will Ghibli Park have rides, the answer is no.

Where will the Studio Ghibli theme park be?

The Ghibli Park is being built right in the middle of the surrounding forest on the grounds of Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park. The park finally opened its doors on November 1, 2022, welcoming visitors from all over the world into a whimsical wonderland that captures the essence of Studio Ghibli’s timeless movies.

What are the opening and closing hours of Ghibli Park?

On weekdays, the Studio Ghibli theme park is open from 10 am to 5 pm. If you’re planning a visit on the weekends, make sure to head over between 9 am and 5 pm.

Now, during public school breaks, the Studio Ghibli theme park extends its weekday hours, opening from 9 am to 5 pm. It’s important to note that when Tuesday is a national holiday, the park will be open on that day and closed on the following weekday.

To be on the safe side and stay updated with any changes, it’s always best to check the park calendar available on the official Ghibli Park website. That way, you’ll have the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the park’s opening and closing hours.

What are the 5 areas of Ghibli Park?

When you visit Ghibli theme park Japan, you’ll find yourself exploring five amazing areas.

Let’s start with the Hill of Youth. This place is full of wonders, like the World Emporium from Whisper of the Heart and even the famous Cat Bureau from The Cat Returns. Oh, and don’t forget about the Elevator Tower – it’s open for everyone to enjoy!

Next up is Mononoke Village, inspired by the stunning landscapes of Princess Mononoke. You can dive into hands-on activities at the learning center, slide down the Lord Okkoto slide, and marvel at the incredible Demon Spirit structure.

If you’re a fan of My Neighbor Totoro, then you’ll love the enchanting Dondoko Forest. Explore Satsuki and Mei’s House and venture inside the magical world of Dondoko-do. But remember, only kids are allowed in!

And let’s not forget about the Valley of Witches, where the Ghibli witches come together. Immerse yourself in the European atmosphere of their realm and check out iconic buildings like the Okino Residence and Guchokipanya Bakery from Kiki’s Delivery Service. And guess what? Howl’s Castle is also part of this area! Take note that this area of Ghibli theme park Japan will only be available from March 2024.

Last but not least, we have Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse. Prepare to be amazed as you step into a world filled with all things Ghibli. From the screening room to the special exhibitions, shops, and cafe – this place is a dream come true for any Ghibli fan.

What to eat in Ghibli Park?

Let’s talk about what delicious treats you can enjoy at Ghibli Park!

First up, we have the Transcontinental Flight Cafe. This cozy cafe offers a mouthwatering lineup of sandwiches and pizza, perfect for grabbing a quick bite with one hand. Prices for sandwiches and a slice of pizza range from 450 yen to 800 yen, while drinks range from 400 yen to 900 yen. So, you can satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank!

If you’re looking for something unique, head over to the milk stand counter. Here, you can indulge in local milk served in charming glass bottles with original designs. And guess what? You can even savour some cake with sweet beans, just like the famous Siberia from The Wind Rises. It’s a delightful blend of flavours that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Now, if you prefer to bring your own food, don’t worry! Outside the main Ghibli Park area, you’ll find park lawns, benches, and various resting spots where you can enjoy the food you bring along. So, feel free to pack a picnic and make the most of the serene surroundings.

What to buy in Ghibli Park?

So, you’re on the hunt for some souvenirs to take home from Ghibli Park? Look no further than the Adventurous Flying Squadron shop located at the warehouse. Trust us, it’s a must-visit for all the Ghibli fans out there!
Whether you’re looking for adorable plush toys, stylish accessories, or even Ghibli-themed stationery, they’ve got you covered.

So, make sure to swing by the Adventurous Flying Squadron shop during your visit to Ghibli Park. You won’t be disappointed with the fantastic selection of souvenirs waiting for you there!

How much will Ghibli Park tickets cost?

Is the Ghibli Park free? Only if you are a child under the age of 3. As for the rest of us, the average cost you’ll need to shell out is around 4,500 yen for the whole park experience.

You can easily purchase them in advance through the ticketing website. One thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need a separate ticket for each attraction, so plan accordingly.

Do you need to enter Ghibli Park at a specific time? Unfortunately, this is not an open ticket. Your ticket will only be valid for a specific visiting time and date, so choose wisely! Here is the price breakdown and entry timing:

Are foreigners allowed in Ghibli Park?

You might be curious about why this question came up. Well, it turns out that due to the pandemic, foreigners weren’t able to visit the park for a while. But here’s some good news! Starting from January 10, 2023, the park has started selling tickets again, and this time, visitors from overseas are welcome to join in the fun!

How to buy Ghibli Park tickets?

1. First things first, head over to the Ghibli Studio website. You’ll find all the information you need there.
2. Once you’re on the website, look for the Lawson booking link. That’s where the tickets are sold. Just click on it, and you’re on your way!
3. Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritties. Select the month you want to visit at the bottom of the page. This will help you narrow down the available dates.
4. After you’ve chosen the month, it’s time to pick the specific date, entry time, and the number of tickets you need. Keep in mind that reservations are tied to entry times, and there are no set exit times.
5. Next up, you’ll need to provide some customer information. Fill in your name, email address, telephone number, country of residence, passport number, and address while you’re in Japan. Make sure to double-check everything for accuracy.
6. Almost there! Once you’ve entered all the necessary details, it’s time to make the payment. You’ll need a credit card for this step. After successfully completing the payment, your booking will be confirmed.

Each person is allowed to book up to 6 tickets. But here’s the important part: the person whose name is on the tickets must actually be present. If they’re not there, the tickets won’t be valid, so make sure they come along!

Oh, and another thing to keep in mind: the person whose name is on the tickets might need to show some ID when entering. So it’s a good idea to bring valid identification like a driver’s license, insurance card, passport, or My Number Card.

And don’t forget, all members of the group should enter together with the person whose name is on the tickets.

How to get to Ghibli Park?

If you’re wondering how to get to Ghibli theme park Japan, here’s the lowdown. First things first, let’s clear up a common misconception: Ghibli Park isn’t actually located in Tokyo or Osaka. So if you’re coming from either of these cities, you’ll need to hop on a train to Nagakute City, near Nagoya.

Now, let’s talk about travel times. If you’re starting your journey from Tokyo, it takes approximately three hours by train to reach Ghibli Park. On the other hand, if you’re coming from Osaka, it’s a breeze – less than an hour by train and you’re there!

Once you arrive in Nagakute City, there are a couple of options to get to the park. You can take the Linimo (Aichi Rapid Transit Co., Ltd Tobu Kyuryo Line) from the city to Ai-Chikyuhaku Kinen Koen station. The park is conveniently located just outside Exit 2, so you won’t have to wander far.

Alternatively, you can opt for the Shuttle Bus service from Nagoya Station. There are multiple shuttles available each day, with some non-stop options as well. From Nagoya Station to Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park, you’ll find weekday and weekend/holiday schedules.

One thing to note is that there isn’t a designated parking lot specifically for Ghibli Park, so keep that in mind if you’re planning on driving.

How long do people spend in Ghibli Park?

So, how much time do people usually spend at Ghibli Park? Well, according to the official website, they suggest allocating around 2-3 hours to explore the amazing Grand Warehouse. But hey, some folks online mentioned that you might want to set aside about 5 hours for your visit.

Sure, Ghibli theme park Japan isn’t actually super big, but with that amount of time, you can check out all the exhibits not just once but even twice! This also includes the time to wait in line for lunch and the souvenir shop.

Imagine exploring everything thoroughly, enjoying a nice meal at the restaurant, grabbing some tasty snacks at the cafe, catching a short film at the theatre, going on a shopping spree at the gift shop, and even chilling out in the rooftop garden.

Take your time, soak in the magic, and make the most of your visit to Ghibli Park!

Which is better: Studio Ghibli Park or museum?

When it comes to visiting the world of Studio Ghibli, the decision between their park and museum is a tough one. On one hand, getting tickets to the Studio Ghibli theme park is a much easier process – a relief for anyone who’s had to fight for sold-out museum tickets in the past.

However, it’s important to note that the park has a heavy focus on Instagram-worthy photo spots, whereas the museum delves deeper into the behind-the-scenes world of animation. While some may find the props and lines at the park underwhelming, others may relish the opportunity to snap a picture with their favourite Ghibli character.

It’s also worth noting that the park is divided into 3 separate sections, each requiring its ticket – making it a bit of a challenge to experience everything in one visit.

If you’re a documentary-lover and general information enthusiast, the museum might be the way to go. But if you’re hoping to capture some magical memories with Totoro and company, the park might be just the spot.

Is Ghibli Park worth it?

Well, the answer isn’t as simple as a yes or no. It depends on your expectations and what you’re looking for. If you’ve bought tickets solely for the warehouse, some visitors have commented that it might be a bit underwhelming. Comparing it to the museum, you might not feel the same level of Ghibli spirit in the warehouse.

However, if you’re exploring Ghibli Theme Park Japan, outside of the warehouse, for most, it’s a big yes. The park offers a beautiful environment to experience, with plenty of scenic walking trails and outdoor activities. Ultimately, it’s all about what you want to get out of your visit.

Before you go…

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**Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. All details are accurate at the time of publishing. Instarem has no affiliation or relationship with products or vendors mentioned.