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

Every Ghibli fan’s dream is coming to life! The legendary Japanese animated film company, Studio Ghibli, 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 films with themes related to coming-of-age, fantasy, fairy tales, and classic literature; some of them even received significant international recognition.

The worlds of the magical places in 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 upcoming opening of Ghibli Park, three areas will be open under the first phase of construction, namely Ghibli's Grand Warehouse, Hill of Youth, and Dondoko Forest. In the near future, fans will also be able to visit Mononoke Village and the Valley of Witches.

This 500-acre park was used in the World’s Fair 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.

Studio Ghibli

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

Studio Ghibli

Ghibli Large Warehouse Area

Like how nature is represented in the films, the theme park will also incorporate a forest 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.

Studio Ghibli

The indoor attractions are set in this area. Inside, you will find a 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, a Laputian Robot, and the grand witch Yubaba all in one place—the Ghibli Museum.

This area is themed with European-style brick pathways for fans to truly feel as if they’re in a Ghibli world.

Studio Ghibli

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

Studio Ghibli

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

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

Studio Ghibli

Mononoke Village

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

Studio Ghibli

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 Irontown, the forest, and the Muromachi rural landscapes.

Studio Ghibli

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.

Studio Ghibli

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

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