Studio Ghibli Films Come to Life and More at Ghibli Park—Here’s How to Visit

Studio Ghibli is one of the most popular animation studios in Japan, and even around the world! The chances that you’ve heard of at least one of their many successful films is high even if they’d been released years ago. They currently have five of the highest-grossing anime films in Japan, so maybe you’ve heard of Spirited Away (2001), Princess Mononoke (1997), or Howl’s Moving Castle (2004).

Either way, for fans of the films or even casual viewers, the newly opened — on November 1, 2022, to be exact — Studio Ghibli theme park is a dream come true and is definitely a must-include in your bucket list!

There are five planned areas all themed on their respective Studio Ghibli movies. The three areas that have been developed so far are:

The main area of Ghibli Park is Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, which was inspired by the 1986 film, Castle in the Sky. Prepare to be in awe at the life-sized replica of the Air Destroyer Goliath and the ruined gardens, which were only available at the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo until now.

Fans are also in for a treat at Cinema Orion where you’ll be able to catch an exclusive viewing of Studio Ghibli short films—you can’t watch them anywhere else! There’s also a children’s playground, shops, restaurants, and three exhibition rooms, which include character exhibitions of Robot Soldier and Cat Bus!

If Howl’s Moving Castle is your favorite among the Studio Ghibli movies, then you’ll love the vibes at Hill of Youth where there’s an observation tower styled in the same time period as the movie! Inside are different props and pieces that fans will recognize from the movie.

A recreation of the World Emporium from Whisper of the Heart (1995) and the Cat Bureau from The Cat Returns (2002) can also be visited! 

At the Dondoko Forest, visitors will be transported to the 1920s to the 1980s, thanks to the rural landscape of the area. The area’s name is inspired by “Dondoko Odori,” which is the dance performed by Satsuki, Mei, and Totoro in My Neighbor Totoro (1988).

Fans will also never want to leave Kusakabe’s house from the same film, which can also be visited at the area! And, in the childlike spirit of the film, there’s a playground at the top of the hill of the area where only children are allowed to play inside.

For those curious about the two themed areas that are still in development, here are the details we have so far:

From its name, it’s obvious that this area will be inspired by Princess Mononoke. The film’s settings of Irontown and Emishi Village will be replicated, featuring models of the film’s mystical creatures. The area will transport visitors to rural life from the Muromachi period, just like in the film!

The Valley of Witches will be based on another Studio Ghibli classic, Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989). There will be a replica of Kiki and her parents’ home, along with Gütiokipänjä, the bakery she works at in the film. There will also be bits of Howl’s Moving Castle in this area as the setting of the wastelands will be recreated, as well as a life-sized model of the moving castle, which is set to be four or five storeys high, and the hat shop the Sophie works at. 

Guests are only permitted to enter the park at the designated time. You can’t enter earlier or once the window has passed. Re-entry is not allowed. 

At the park, live-streaming and long-form videos are prohibited. Guests can take photos and videos at some areas for personal use, but any commercial use is not permitted.

Outside food or beverages are not allowed inside Ghibli Park. Pets are also not permitted to enter the park.