Ghibli Park Ultimate Guide: Attractions, Opening Hours, Tickets, Travel, and Review

Ghibli Park Ultimate Guide: Attractions, Opening Hours, Tickets, Travel, and Review

Calling out all the Ghibli fans! If you’re curious about Ghibli Park, I’ve got you covered. You’ll find all the details: opening hours, awesome attraction photo spots, and most importantly, how to snag those precious tickets. Oh, and don’t forget the tips and hacks! So, are you ready to dive into the enchanting world of Ghibli? Let’s go!

Table of contents: Ghibli Park

What is Ghibli Park?

For those who might not know, Ghibli Park is a theme park located in Nagoya, Japan. With 17 acres out of the almost 200 hectares that make up the wooded hills of Moricoro Park, it is built based on the magical world of Studio Ghibli, where you can find your favourite characters and scenes in the movies. (From Totoro, Kiki, Howl’s bedroom, and more!) The park opened on November 1, 2022.

Ghibli Park’s 5 magical areas: Immerse yourself in the movies

Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse

Reconstructed from a swimming pool, the warehouse has the spotlight of the park. As the name suggests, this is the warehouse for countless Studio Ghibli wonders, with numerous models, items, and other artifacts that have been kept after special exhibitions or events. Luckily, you can now find them in Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse.

Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse is 3 times bigger than Tokyo’s Ghibli Museum, offering different districts where Ghibli fans can find a place of their own:

Central Stairs

The first and second floors are connected by a colorful mosaic tile staircase.
A capture of the central stairs from the Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse in Nagoya.

The first and second floors are connected by a mosaic tile staircase. Look for character shapes in the designs. Under the skylight, the Giant Flying Ship slowly flies with its propeller on.

Open Warehouse

Here, you can see the warehouse with production artifacts and sculptures from past exhibits in Japan and other countries.

Cinema Orion

A movie poster showing "The Day I Bought a Planet" in Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse.
The screening room is showcasing the original movie “The Day I Bought a Planet.”

The Screening Room Cinema Orion can accommodate around 170 people. It will show 10 original Studio Ghibli animated shorts, which were previously only available at Ghibli Museum, Mitaka, one at a time.

Cat Bus Room

In the play area that recreates the world of My Neighbor Totoro, you will find a unique Cat Bus, where the kids can unleash their energy in the world of Totoro.

Minami Machi

Sign from Minami Machi, showing the way to the children’s playground.
Sign from Minami Machi, showing the way to the children’s playground.

The small shopping street brings you nostalgia. Here you will find Neppu Bookstore for books, Open Sky Models for scale model kits, and Penny Candy Shop Cat Princess.

Garden in the sky

A flying wooden boat figure from the "Castle in the Sky".
A flying wooden boat figure from the “Castle in the Sky”.

The Robot Soldiers from Castle in the Sky are waiting in the garden ruins for their master’s return. The royal coat of arms might be on the ivy- and moss-covered wall.

Milk Stand Siberi❆An

The milk stand counter offers locally sourced milk in a unique glass bottle. They also serve cake with sweet beans, reminiscent of the “Siberia” dessert from The Wind Rises.

Shop “Adventurous Flying Squadron”

The shop sells Studio Ghibli merchandise and Ghibli Park souvenirs, allowing you to bring your Ghibli Park memories home. Just a reminder: this place is dangerous. Just have a budget in mind before you go in!

Philosophy Club Room

The philosophy club room in ghibli park.
Perfect place to contemplate!

Experience the passion of students in The Philosophy Club Room, nestled in a corner of the Latin Quarter in From Up on Poppy Hill. Packed with books and collectibles, this small space embodies their enthusiasm.

Director’s Room

Don’t get too close; otherwise, you might forget your name…

Explore Yubaba’s office in the iconic movie Spirited Away. Step inside and discover its secrets…

Hill of Youth

This area includes the World Emporium, which is inspired by “Whisper of the Heart”, the Cat Bureau from “The Cat Returns”, and the Elevator Tower, which is accessible to the general public.

The section known as Youth Hill is partially based on Howl’s Moving Castle. It is located at the park’s north entrance and features a yellow gate and an observation tower. The observation tower is adorned with nineteenth-century objects from the movie Howl’s Moving Castle.

Dondoko Forest

Experience the enchanting world of My Neighbour Totoro at “Satsuki and Mei’s House”. Located at the top of the hill behind their house, you will find “Dondoko-do”, a special area exclusively for kids.

Mononoke Village

Capture of the Lord Okkoto Slide.
Capture of the Lord Okkoto Slide.

Mononoke Village opens on November 1, 2023. Here you will find the Lord Okkoto Slide, Demon Spirit Structure, Mononoke Village Rest Stop, and Tatara-ba.

In Tatara-ba, you can have the hands-on experience held at Tatara-ba, you can try making a local specialty called Gohei-mochi (rice cakes) on a charcoal grill. You can choose your favourite: Walnut Miso, Soy Sauce, or Napolitan (ketchup base). The experience was fun, and the cost was not expensive—only 1,200 yen per person for a 20-minute experience.

You can make your own Gohei-mochi (rice cakes) on a charcoal grill at Tatara-ba.
You can make your own Gohei-mochi (rice cakes) on a charcoal grill at Tatara-ba.

Valley of Witches

Valley of Witches will be open to the public on March 16th, 2024.

Ghibli Park opening hours

The park is open from 10am to 5pm on weekdays and from 9am to 5pm on weekends and holidays.

For more details, you can check the Ghibli Park calendar.

Ghibli Park opening hours
 Date Opening Hours
Weekdays 10am – 5pm
Weekends and holidays 9am – 5pm

Where is / how to get to Ghibli Park?

Nestled in the countryside east of Nagoya, Ghibli Park is located in the Expo 2005 Aichi Earth Memorial Park, also known as Moricoro Park.

Google Map showing the route from Nagoya Station to Moricoro Park.
Where is / how to get to Ghibli Park?
From Transportation Duration
Nagoya City Centre Higashiyama Subway line to Fujigaoka, then transfer to Linimo line to Aichikyūhaku-kinen-kōen Station 47 minutes
Tokyo Take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagoya, then switch to the subway. Around 3 hours
Osaka/Kyoto Take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Osaka/Kyoto to Nagoya, then switch to the subway. Around 2 hours

Don’t forget, if you are taking the Shinkansen, check out the JR Pass guide for more details!

Follow the signs at Fujigaoka station, and you will find your way to Ghibli Park.

How to get Ghibli Park tickets?

If you’re looking to get tickets, the official websites are your best bet. Just a heads up, they’re selling out pretty quickly! If they’re all gone, you might want to check with travel agents. It might cost a bit more, but here’s a tip: use a specific credit card for the purchase to get a 5% discount. Learn more the tips below!

Official Website (Lawson Ticket)

If you get the tickets from the official website (Lawson Ticket), you will get the ticket at the lowest cost. However, the tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. So prepare for your ticket purchase on the 10th of each month at 2pm.

Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse Ticket price overview
Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse Admission Time Slot 12pm/2pm
Ticket types Admission Fee: Weekdays Admission Fee: Weekends and Holidays
Adults 2,500 yen 3,000 yen
Children (age 4 – 12) 1,250 yen 1,500 yen
(D) Adults (adults with disabilities) 1,250 yen 1,500 yen
(D) Children (children with disabilities/age 4 – 12) 625 yen 750 yen

Entry tips: Enter Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse within 1 hour of your reservation time, but there is no specific entry time for Mononoke Village; all members of your party must enter by 4:00 p.m. on the day of your package reservation. If you have a ticket for the 2:00 p.m. entry to Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, it is recommended to visit Mononoke Village first.

Hill of Youth Ticket price overview
Hill of Youth Admission Time Slot: 11am/3pm
Ticket types Admission Fee
Adults 1,000 yen
Children (age 4 – 12) 500 yen
(D) Adults (adults with disabilities) 500 yen
(D) Children (children with disabilities/age 4 – 12) 250 yen

Entry tips: Enter Hill of Youth within 30 minutes of your reservation.

Dondoko Forest Ticket Price Overview
Dondoko Forest Admission Time Slot: 11am/3pm
Ticket types Admission Fee
Adults 1,000 yen
Children (age 4 – 12) 500 yen
(D) Adults (adults with disabilities) 500 yen
(D) Children (children with disabilities/age 4 – 12) 250 yen

How to book the Ghibli Park tickets from Lawson?

  1. Select the entry month at the bottom of the page.
  2. Select the date, entry time, and number of tickets. (Reservations are specific to entry times, with no set exit times.)
  3. Enter your customer information (name, email address, telephone number, country of residence, passport number, and address while in Japan).
  4. After credit card payment, your booking is complete.

Reminder for Booking Ghibli Park Tickets from Lawson

  • You can reserve up to 6 tickets per person.
  • During entry, present the QR codes for each individual.
  • For the ticket applicant, don’t forget to bring your passport to verify your identity.
  • Tickets for February 2024 (Feb 1-14) will go on sale on Nov 10, 2023 at 2pm (Japan standard time)
  • You may only enter the park at your assigned entry time, but you may stay as long as you wish until it closes.
  • Re-entry is not permitted.
  • If you have further questions, please call +81 50 3626 2455 (During Ghibli Park operating hours). English, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai, and Vietnamese are available.

Klook: Ghibli Park package

You can get the ticket from Klook if you couldn’t get the official tickets. The Ghibi Park package would also include entry to the Aichi Museum of Flight and Ghibli Park.

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First-hand experience review

Ghibli Park is often called a theme park, but let’s not compare it to the popular Universal Studios or DisneyLand. With no roller coasters, Ferris wheels, or VR attractions either, Ghibli Park creates the world of your beloved Ghibli movies, but in a more sustainable way.

The whole concept of this park is about blending with the surrounding forest and embracing its natural beauty. Interestingly, Miyazaki himself insisted that no trees be cut down when creating the park, celebrating the very nature that inspired Ghibli’s lush animation. 

When you arrive at the park, you will feel like you’re a part of your favourite Ghibli movies, surrounded by calm, peace, and love. For the fans of Studio Ghibli, it’s a must-visit place for you!

Frequently asked questions: Ghibli Park

What is Ghibli Park?

Ghibli Park is a theme park located in Nagoya, Japan, based on the magical world of Studio Ghibli movies.

What are the opening hours of Ghibli Park?

Ghibli Park is open from 10am to 5pm on weekdays and from 9am to 5pm on weekends and holidays.

Where is Ghibli Park located? How can I get there?

Ghibli Park is located in the Expo 2005 Aichi Earth Memorial Park, also known as Moricoro Park. You can reach it by taking the Higashiyama Subway line to Fujigaoka, then transferring to the Linimo line to Aichikyūhaku-kinen-kōen Station.

How can I get Ghibli Park tickets?

You can get tickets from the official website (Lawson Ticket) on the 10th of each month at 2pm (Japan standard time). Alternatively, you can book a Ghibli Park package through Klook.

What are the ticket prices for Ghibli Park?

Ticket prices vary depending on the area and admission time slot. For example, the admission fee for Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse ranges from 2,500 yen to 3,000 yen for adults and from 1,250 yen to 1,500 yen for children.

What are the different areas within Ghibli Park?

Ghibli Park consists of five magical areas: Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Hill of Youth, Dondoko Forest, Mononoke Village, and Valley of Witches.

What attractions can I find in Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse?

Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse features different districts, including Central Stairs, Open Warehouse, Cinema Orion, Cat Bus Room, Minami Machi, Garden in the sky, Milk Stand Siberi❆An, Shop “Adventurous Flying Squadron,” Philosophy Club Room, and Director’s Room.

Can I make my own Gohei-mochi at Ghibli Park?

Yes, at Tatara-ba in Mononoke Village, you can try making Gohei-mochi (rice cakes) on a charcoal grill. The experience costs 1,200 yen per person for a 20-minute session.

When will the Valley of Witches in Ghibli Park be open to the public?

The Valley of Witches is scheduled to open on March 16th, 2024.

How is Ghibli Park different from other theme parks?

Ghibli Park focuses on creating a sustainable and immersive experience, blending with the surrounding forest and celebrating nature. It offers a unique opportunity to step into the world of beloved Studio Ghibli movies.

Is Ghibli Park worth visiting?

Yes, whether you are a Ghibli fan or not, you can still enjoy the visit of the park. You will not only find the familiar figures from the Studio Ghibli movies, but also the natural beauty of the park. Definitely a nice place to be with your family, friends, and loved ones!

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