Has a Studio Ghibli film ever left you feeling empty and wistful you don’t live in a world with forest gods, magical dragons, friendly witches, and soot sprites? Fantastic news for all Ghibli fans out there, the Studio Ghibli theme park in Japan will soon open this fall!
Relive your childlike wonder as the actual park features beloved Studio Ghibli films, including “My Neighbor Totoro”, “Spirited Away”, “Howl’s Moving Castle”, and so much more. We’ve been gushing over concept visuals of the park (we’ve included some of them below!) for weeks now and definitely can’t wait until we can set foot inside. No need to pack a lot—your creative mind and adventurous soul are enough!
If you’re a huge fan just like us, we’re sure you’re eager to meet your favourite Studio Ghibli characters. While we wait, read on for everything we know so far about Ghibli Park:
- When will it open?
- Where is Ghibli Park?
- How much are the tickets?
- What’s in Studio Ghibli Park? Which films will be featured?
When will the Studio Ghibli theme park open?
Here is Totoro’s teaser post from Studio Ghibli’s official Twitter account! Credits: @JP_GHIBLI
ICYMI: Totoro teased the opening of the much-awaited Ghibli Park via Studio Ghibli’s official Twitter! According to the tweet, the Studio Ghibli-themed park will open its doors on November 1, 2022. Just a couple more months until we can finally enter the whimsical worlds of Studio Ghibli films!
Where is the Studio Ghibli theme park located?
Satsuki and Mei’s House has been around since 2005! Credits: ghibli-park.jp
If you've been to Japan before, you're probably already familiar with the replica of Satsuki and Mei's House from Expo 2005. The Studio Ghibli theme park is within this area called Aichi Earth Expo Memorial Park (Moricoro Park) and will include the house as part of its attractions. The whole park is about 17.5 hectares when complete and is surrounded by green landscapes, similar to Studio Ghibli films' nature settings.
Learn more about Aichi Prefecture and get a sneak peek of the Totoro home in this Ghibli-esque video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NygxxFKWTtU
How much are the Studio Ghibli theme park tickets?
There is no news yet on entry ticket prices. We suggest you check out Ghibli Park’s official website from time to time!
What’s in the Studio Ghibli theme park? Which films will be featured?
From what we know, five planned areas will feature scenes and replicas from different Studio Ghibli films. Expecting a Kiki roller coaster or an interactive Spirited Away experience? We hate to break it to you, but there won’t be big rides on the Studio Ghibli theme park.
Enter the whimsical world of Studio Ghibli films! Credits: @JP_GHIBLI
Rather than having amusement rides, the Studio Ghibli theme park will showcase attractions and replicas that give visitors a completely immersive experience so you can feel like you’re a Studio Ghibli character yourself. In fact, we’re encouraged to take a "take a stroll, feel the wind, and discover the wonders"—a fitting nod to Studio Ghibli films' trademark magical realism.
Three of these are set to open this fall, while the other two are set to open their doors next year. This November, prepare to visit the Ghibli Grand Warehouse, the Hill of Youth, and Dondoko Forest!
Watch out for No Name or Yubaba at the Ghibli Grand Warehouse! Credits: ghibli-park.jp
If you love Spirited Away and Laputa: Castle in the Sky, your first stop should be at the Ghibli Grand Warehouse. It's an indoor facility that will house numerous artefacts and secrets from several Studio Ghibli films! Want a sneak peek? Catch the Robot Soldier, the iconic tunnel Chihiro passed through, and the eccentric Cat Bus from Totoro, and watch out for No Name or Yubaba!
Shop for antiques and belt out your own rendition of Take Me Home, Country Roads at the World Emporium. Credits: ghibli-park.jp
Fans of Howl's Moving Castle should head straight to the Hill of Youth, complete with a giant elevator with steampunk aesthetics! It also features the World Emporium, the red antique shop from Whisper of the Heart and recreation from The Cat Returns.
Dondoko Forest centres around Satsuki and Mei's House and even comes with a Totoro-themed playground surrounded by a lush rural landscape.
Befriend the Forest Spirit at Mononoke Village. Credits: ghibli-park.jp
Wanna wait for the remaining two areas? Mononoke Village and the Valley of Witches will debut in autumn 2023! The Mononoke Village lets you play with recreated forest gods. On the other hand, the Valley of Witches will feature life-sized versions of Howl's Moving Castle and Kiki's bakery and family home.
Enjoy strolling around green pastures like a Ghibli hero or heroine! Credits: ghibli-park.jp
What will the Studio Ghibli theme park look like?
Here's a sneak peek of the three main areas inside the Studio Ghibli theme park:
Hills of Youth
Ghibli's Grand Warehouse
Dondoko Forest
While we wait…
While we wait for Ghibli Park’s opening, make sure to visit Ghibli Museum in Mitaka or rewatch your favourite Studio Ghibli films.
If you’re visiting Japan anytime soon, you can also visit Universal Studios Japan and other travel destinations!
