What is Ghibli Park?

Ghibli Park is a theme park dedicated to the magical world of Studio Ghibli, located within Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park near Nagoya. Unlike traditional amusement parks, there are no roller coasters or loud attractions—instead, the park invites you to step into the everyday beauty, wonder, and imagination that define Ghibli films.

Created in close collaboration with Studio Ghibli, the park brings scenes from beloved movies to life through carefully designed buildings, interactive exhibits, and immersive landscapes. Visitors can explore recreated sets, ride a Cat Bus, walk through Satsuki and Mei’s house, or peek into the worlds of Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, and more.

Ghibli Park isn’t about thrill rides—it’s about atmosphere. It’s a place for fans of all ages to feel the quiet magic and emotional depth that Ghibli stories are known for.

Main Park Areas & Attractions

Ghibli Park is divided into several themed areas, each based on a specific Studio Ghibli film or world. As of 2026, here are the five main sections:

Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse (ジブリの大倉庫)

The heart of the park, this massive indoor facility is filled with exhibits, interactive displays, photo spots, and mini-theaters.

You can see real-life recreations from Spirited Away, Castle in the Sky, My Neighbor Totoro, and more.

Highlights: The Cat Bus Room (for kids), No-Face’s train car, and food courts themed after Ghibli films.

Dondoko Forest (どんどこ森)

Based on My Neighbor Totoro, this area features a full-scale replica of Satsuki and Mei’s house from the movie, nestled in a quiet forest.

Tip: This area involves a bit of walking and feels like you’re exploring the countryside.

Hill of Youth (青春の丘)

This zone includes elements from Whisper of the Heart and The Cat Returns, including the antique shop and the Earth Shop.

It’s a nostalgic walk through 1990s Tokyo with touches of fantasy.

Mononoke Village (もののけの里)

Step into the wild and spiritual world of Princess Mononoke. You’ll find life-size Tatarigami (demon spirits), huts from Irontown, and hands-on crafts.

This section emphasizes environmental themes and ancient Japanese culture.

Valley of Witches (魔女の谷)

The newest and most elaborate zone, opened in 2024, it combines Howl’s Moving Castle and Kiki’s Delivery Service.

Studio Ghibli Films You’ll Recognize

Each area in Ghibli Park draws inspiration from iconic Studio Ghibli movies. Here’s a quick overview of the films you’ll encounter throughout the park:

Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse

• Spirited Away (千と千尋の神隠し) Walk through Yubaba’s bathhouse, peek into Chihiro’s world, and spot No-Face waiting on a red bench.
• My Neighbor Totoro (となりのトトロ) See life-sized Totoro photo spots and explore Satsuki and Mei’s house.
• Castle in the Sky (天空の城ラピュタ) Wander through Laputa’s ruins and spot robots hidden among greenery.
• Arrietty (借りぐらしのアリエッティ) Step into a miniature world where everyday items become giant structures.

Hill of Youth

• Whisper of the Heart (耳をすませば) Visit the antique shop from the film and see the Baron figurine in real life.
• The Cat Returns (猫の恩返し) Some references and character designs appear in shared exhibition spaces.

Dondoko Forest

• My Neighbor Totoro The main highlight here is a forest walk that recreates the lush environment of Totoro’s world, complete with the “Dondoko-do” wooden playground.

Mononoke Village

• Princess Mononoke (もののけ姫) Step into Ashitaka’s world, complete with giant boar and wolf statues, and learn about ancient Japanese forest culture.

Valley of Witches

• Kiki’s Delivery Service (魔女の宅急便) Explore Kiki’s home and bakery, and even spot Jiji hiding among the props.
• Howl’s Moving Castle (ハウルの動く城) Discover a full-size replica of Howl’s castle and themed interiors.
• Earwig and the Witch (アーヤと魔女) Featured through minor references and newer interactive elements.

How to Get There

Ghibli Park is located in Aichi Expo Memorial Park (愛・地球博記念公園) in Nagakute, about 40 minutes from central Nagoya. Here’s how to get there:

From Nagoya Station

1. Take the Higashiyama Subway Line to Fujigaoka Station (approx. 30 min).
2. Transfer to the Linimo (maglev train) and get off at Aichi Expo Memorial Park Station (approx. 15 min).
3. Ghibli Park is a short walk from the station.
Total travel time: ~45 minutes
Tip: Use an IC card (e.g., Suica or Manaca) for smooth transfers.

By Car

Ghibli Park is about a 45-minute drive from Nagoya Station via the Nagoya-Seto Expressway. Paid parking is available inside Aichi Expo Park.
Parking tip: The closest lot is North Parking (北駐車場), but it can fill up early on weekends.

Guest Experience & Recommended Tours

“I visited Ghibli Park with my daughter, and we both had tears in our eyes when we walked into the life-sized Catbus. It was like stepping into my childhood—and hers. Everything felt so real, from the recreated streets of Spirited Away to the cozy corners from Whisper of the Heart.”
— Family traveler from Singapore

“I traveled solo and spent the entire afternoon inside Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse. The Howl’s Moving Castle room was my favorite—it had moving parts, lighting effects, and even real props. You don’t need to speak Japanese to enjoy it. It’s a dream for any Ghibli fan.”
— Solo visitor from France

Recommended Tours

・10-Day Great Japan Private Tour Package | Cherry Blossoms, Anime & Theme Park Tour
・10-Day Best of Japan Small Group Tour Package | Anime & Theme Park Wonderland

Q&A – Ghibli Park Travel Tips

Visitor Info – Ghibli Park

Location

Ghibli Park is located inside Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park (also known as Moricoro Park) in Nagakute City, just east of Nagoya.

Opening Hours

• 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Weekdays)
• 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Weekends & Holidays)
• Closed: Tuesdays (or the next weekday if Tuesday is a holiday)

Admission

• Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse: ¥2,000–¥3,500 (adult) / ¥1,000–¥1,750 (child)
• Other areas: ¥1,000–¥2,500 (per area)
• Full-access ticket (all 5 areas): ¥3,500–¥7,300

Prices vary by date and availability. Children under 3 enter free.

Official Website

https://ghibli-park.jp/en

Facilities

• Restrooms, lockers, cafes, and gift shops available
• Nursing rooms and stroller rental also provided

Accessibility

• Wheelchair-accessible paths throughout
• Some indoor exhibits may have limited space