Ghibli Park

Like the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo, Ghibli Park in Aichi Prefecture is a must-visit destination for any fan of the superlative Studio Ghibli. Located just outside of central Nagoya, the park celebrates the creations of director Hayao Miyazaki and other legendary Ghibli animators. There are five themed areas to explore, spread out across the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park. Each area of the park—and even the spaces in between—is packed with hidden details and whimsical nods to Ghibli films. 

Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse

Photo by: Rachel Crane

At the heart of Ghibli Park is a sprawling exhibition space dubbed Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse. Inside, three themed displays showcase the craft and creativity behind Ghibli animations. While photography is largely forbidden, the exhibition Becoming Characters in Memorable Ghibli Scenes actively encourages it! This is your chance to pose for pics with Ponyo, No Face and a host of other Ghibli characters. 

The Grand Warehouse is also home to Cinema Orion, one of only two places in the world (along with the Ghibli Museum) where you can watch enchanting Ghibli short films. Elsewhere, kids will have a blast exploring Children’s Town and riding the one-of-a-kind patchwork Cat Bus. The Adventurous Flying Squadron shop is a treasure trove of Ghibli merchandise, and an aviation-themed café serves food and drinks. 

Ghibli Sorcery

Photo by: Rachel Crane

As soon as you enter Ghibli Park, you’ll spot the steampunk-amphibian face of Howl’s Moving Castle on the hillside. The castle sits in the Valley of Witches, an area inspired by all things Ghibli sorcery. Here, Kiki’s bakery stands side by side with Sophie’s hat shop, a quirky witches’ bookstore hidden away above. There’s even a whole separate gift shop dedicated entirely to Ghibli’s occult creations.

The real magic, though, comes when you step inside the characters’ homes. Kiki’s house and lodgings, Earwig’s cottage and Howl’s Castle have been lovingly brought to life with incredible attention to detail. Once inside, hands-on displays invite you to turn the pages of Howl’s spell books and dig through Kiki’s handbag. This area also features two paid-for rides, including a carousel that moves to the familiar tune of Merry-Go-Round of Life. 

Nostalgia and Play

Photo by: Rachel Crane

Three smaller areas around the park showcase displays from other Ghibli classics. Mononoke Village features sculptures of the spirits from Princess Mononoke and seasonal interactive workshops. A short bus ride—or a longer walk—through the trees lies Dondoko Forest, a Totoro-themed area geared towards younger visitors.

The Hill of Youth, meanwhile, brings to life the lesser-known Ghibli masterpiece, Whisper of the Heart. Guests become customers of the World Emporium antiques shop, complete with the iconic cuckoo clock and Baron cat statue. Below is the violin workshop, where you can try recreating the film’s poignant rendition of Take Me Home, Country Roads.