Here's Everything You Need To Know About The Studio Ghibli Theme Park Finally Opening In November 2022

It's every Studio Ghibli fan's dream come true!

Sophia

• Published in Interesting
• October 4, 2022

Every Ghibli fan’s dream is coming to life! Legendary Japanese animated film company, Studio Ghibili, is finally getting a theme park at Aichi Commemorative Park in Nagakute city set to open to the public on November 1, 2022.

Just to give you a little background, Studio Ghibli was founded by the trio Suzuki Toshio, Miyazaki Hayao, and Takahata Isao who were also the producer, animator, and director of the first few films.

The movie studio has created 22 movies with themes related to coming-of-age, fantasy, fairy tales, and classic literature some of them even took home significant international recognition.

The worlds in the magical places of Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke, and more, will merge into one whole theme park for fans to experience. It won’t be just a 2D experience this time for sure.

In the coming opening of the Ghibli Park, the establishment name, three areas will be open under the first phase of construction, namely, Ghibli's Grand Warehouse, Hill of Youth, and Dondoko Forest. And in the near future, fans will be able to visit Mononoke Village and the Valley of Witches.

This 500-acre wide park was used in the World’s Fair way back in 2005, which was an international exhibition designed to recognize the achievements of nations. Studio Ghibli shares some illustrations of what the areas will look like in the park.

Hill of Youth

The first area, Hill of Youth, is the entrance to this Ghibli experience. This area is mostly based on four films: Whisper of the Heart, The Cat Returns, Castle in the Sky, and Howl's Moving Castle.

A familiar orange building from the Whisper of the Heart will surely make fans’ heart turn their whispers into screams! Other features included in this area are displays of references from the The Cat Returns.

Ghibli Large Warehouse Area

Like how nature is represented in the films, the theme park will also incorporate a foresty vibe for fans to enjoy. It was intended by the regional government representatives to lessen the construction of this area to make it as natural as possible.

The indoor attractions are set in this area. Inside you will have the children’s play area, shops, restaurants, a museum, a small cinema, exhibition rooms, and souvenir shops.

You’ll find a sleeping Totoro, a giant Catbus, Laputian Robot, and the grand witch Yubaba in one place - the Ghibli Museum.

This area is themed with European-style brick areas for fans to really walk as if they’re in a Ghibli world.

This area is based from the films Kiki’s Delivery Service and Howl’s Moving Castle.

You will be able to visit and explore Kiki’s room, home, in the bakery where she lives and works, you can even buy the bread!

Fans are also welcome to enter the Howl’s famous moving castle, you’ll find the very cozy and woody kitchen where Sophie worked.

Mononoke Village

Spiders, boars, and remember the little white ghosts called Kodama? All these you’ll find in Princess Mononoke’s village. 

Most features of this area will be based on the Princess Mononoke film. It includes the magical and supernatural areas in the film such as the Irontown, forest, and the Muromachi rural landscapes.

And of course, last but not least, the experience wouldn’t be complete without visiting the big and cuddly Totoro’s home. Fans will be able to visit Satsuki and Mei’s house in this area.

Again, the theme park is set to open on November 1. Each Ghibli park entrances have separate fees ranging from ¥500 to ¥2,500, depending on the age group and days.

Though the park is on a lottery-based booking system where visitors have to schedule their visit. Comment down your thoughts, or share this article for all your family and friends to see!

Sophia