New Studio Ghibli Theme Park Opens This November – Here’s What We Know

Besides having moving stories and memorable characters, Studio Ghibli films are also known for their stunningly beautiful locales. If you have watched Howl’s Moving Castle or My Neighbor Totoro and thought about how amazing it would be to actually visit the places depicted onscreen, your dreams will soon be realized. Ghibli Park, the first theme park based on the many worlds of Studio Ghibli, is opening in Japan’s Aichi Prefecture on November 1, 2022.

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The Aichi Tourism Bureau created this video that showcases various landmarks and tourist spots. You’ll spot footage of Ghibli Park at the 2:45 mark.

Exploring Ghibli Park

Unlike most theme parks, Ghibli Park will not have traditional rides. Instead, the emphasis is put more on the exploration of the detailed settings as well as hands-on activities. Much like Japan’s Ghibli Museum, the park transports visitors into a world that is not unlike those found within Studio Ghibli films. The entire park was designed and created under the supervision of Studio Ghibli with Goro Miyazaki, the studio’s director, serving as the director of Ghibli Park.

When Ghibli Park opens, there will be three different areas for visitors to explore: Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Hill of Youth, and Dondoko Forest. Each one has its own charm and style. 

Hill of Youth

Hill of Youth is located at the front of the Park. It takes some steampunk design elements seen in Howl’s Moving Castle but also adds in nods to Whisper of the Heart. One of the key elements of this area is an observation tower (with an elevator).

Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse

Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse will feature a children’s playground, a theater, an exhibit space, and a small village-like area. This will also be where visitors can visit a café that will offer a variety of dishes all themed to different Studio Ghibli films.

Dondoko Forest

Dondoko Forest is made to resemble the setting of the classic movie, My Neighbor Totoro. This is where you will find (among other things) Satsuki and Mei’s House, which was shown in the trailer at the beginning of this article.

More to Come!

In addition to the places we just detailed, Valley of Witches (inspired by Howl’s Moving Castle and Kiki’s Delivery Service) and Mononoke Village (themed to Princess Mononoke) is also planned to open at a later date.

Here’s the newly-released concept art for Valley of Witches. It is still unknown whether the teacups seen in the rendering will be a ride or playground equipment.

Mononoke Village’s concept art was revealed along with the Valley of Witches’. It looks the pastoral look of Prince Ashitaka’s village will be incorporated into this area’s design.

Things to Know

• Japan currently has travel restrictions for non-residents. Whether that policy will change by the time the Park opens in November, remains to be seen. 
• While no promotions or special events to celebrate Ghibli Park’s opening have been announced, they are still under consideration.
• For merchandise collectors, special items to be sold at the theme park are currently in development.
• It is recommended that those visiting plan on devoting more than one day to explore the property.

Let’s Hear from You

Are you a fan of Studio Ghibli? Would you be interested in visiting Ghibli Park? Is there something in particular you’d like to see realized in an explorable form from Studio Ghibli? Let us know in the comments below!

Updated on 2/4/2022 to include concept art and additional information on Valley of Witches and Mononoke Village.

Originally published on 1/28/2022.