Ghibli Park, located in Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture, is a remarkable destination where visitors can experience the world of Studio Ghibli films. The park consists of five areas themed after movies such as “Whisper of the Heart,” “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Princess Mononoke,” and “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” each recreating movie settings, buildings, and character objects. Just strolling through the park makes you feel like you’ve become the protagonist of these beloved stories.This article provides detailed explanations about the park’s facilities and attractions to help first-time visitors enjoy Ghibli Park with confidence.
1. What is Ghibli Park
昨日、今日と「魔女の谷」のメディア向け内覧会が開催されました。魔女の谷は3月16日(土)にいよいよ開園します。 pic.twitter.com/pswOx0xIVo
— ジブリパーク GHIBLI PARK (@ghibliparkjp) February 29, 2024
Ghibli Park is a park-type facility located within the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park (Moricoro Park) in Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture, that recreates the world of Studio Ghibli films. The park consists of five areas: “Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse,” “Hill of Youth,” “Dondoko Forest,” “Mononoke Village,” and “Valley of Witches,” where visitors can enjoy movie settings, buildings, and character objects from each area.
The first phase opened in 2022 with “Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse,” “Hill of Youth,” and “Dondoko Forest,” followed by “Mononoke Village” in 2023, and “Valley of Witches” in 2024.With indoor exhibitions, interactive facilities, playground equipment, and shops, the park offers enjoyment for visitors of all ages. It’s a must-see destination for Ghibli fans where you can experience the movie worlds while strolling through the lush natural forest.
2. The Five Areas of Ghibli Park
Ghibli Park consists of five areas where visitors can experience Studio Ghibli masterpieces. The spaces recreate the worlds of various films including “Whisper of the Heart,” “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Princess Mononoke,” and “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” inviting visitors into the heart of these stories.
Below, we’ll introduce the features and attractions of each area.
2-1. Hill of Youth
“Hill of Youth” is located near the entrance of Ghibli Park and serves as the symbolic area that first welcomes visitors. Here you’ll find the World Emporium from “Whisper of the Heart” and The Rotary, where you can experience the movie’s atmosphere firsthand.
The second floor of the World Emporium features antique furniture and mechanical clocks, while the first floor recreates a violin workshop. Additionally, The Cat Bureau from “The Cat Returns” is built as a small wooden structure where you can see Baron and Muta. The Elevator Tower, incorporating late 19th-century fantastical scientific design, is also a must-see landmark that delights park visitors.
2-2. Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse
“Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse” is Ghibli Park’s largest indoor facility, truly a “treasure box” space that concentrates the charm of Studio Ghibli. The facility houses the Central Staircase and the Open Warehouse containing sculptures and exhibits, where visitors can enjoy precious materials and displays up close.
Additionally, special exhibitions such as “Ghibli Role-Playing Famous Scenes Exhibition,” “Drawing Food: Expanded and Revised Edition,” and “Ghibli Everywhere Exhibition” offer immersive movie experiences.
Cinema Orion, with 170 seats, screens all 10 short animation films previously shown at the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka, which is one of its major attractions. The weather-proof facility also includes cafes and shops, making it an enjoyable spot for all generations.
2-3. Dondoko Forest
“Dondoko Forest” recreates the world of “My Neighbor Totoro,” where visitors can experience the warmth of Ghibli films alongside the rich natural environment. The centerpiece, Satsuki and Mei’s House, is a Japanese-Western hybrid house set in 1950s Japan, faithfully recreating everything from the kitchen and bathroom to the living room, bringing the lifestyle of that era to vivid life.
Climbing up the back hill, you’ll find Dondoko-do, wooden playground equipment shaped like Totoro standing about 5 meters tall, where elementary school children and younger can enter and play. At the mountaintop, there’s the Dondoko Shop selling charms and ornaments, and along the way, the Dondoko Rest Area for refreshments and shopping welcomes visitors warmly.
The Dondoko-go, connecting the foot of the mountain to the summit, is a slope car modeled after Nagoya city trams with barrier-free accessibility. This area where nature and the film world unite offers enjoyment across generations.
2-4. Mononoke Village
“Mononoke Village” is an area where visitors can experience the world of “Princess Mononoke,” featuring buildings and characters symbolic of the story within a Japanese satoyama landscape. The central Tatara-ba is an experiential learning facility with an impressive thatched roof, offering programs to experience regional culture such as “kinako (soybean flour) making using stone mortars” and “making Gohei-mochi grilled over charcoal.”
The Okkotonushi Slide, recreating the giant white boar god, is popular with children, with its fur expressed in colorful tiles. Curse-symbolizing Tatarigami Objects and “watchtowers” create a powerful atmosphere.
A Rest Area for refreshments and original goods is also provided for breaks during exploration. In this area that fuses nature with cultural experiences, visitors can physically feel the movie’s message of coexistence between humans and nature.
2-5. Valley of Witches
“Valley of Witches” recreates the worlds of witch and magic-themed films including “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” “Howl’s Moving Castle,” and “Earwig and the Witch.” European-style streets spread throughout, leading visitors into a mysterious and fantastical world.
At the center stands Howl’s Castle, impressive as it moves while emitting smoke. The area also features many shops from the films, including the Hatter’s Hat Shop, Witch’s Bookshelf, Guchokipanya bakery, and Witch’s House. Some shops sell food, goods, and books.
Children’s playground equipment includes a Merry-go-round and Flying Machine that let you experience the dream of flying through magical worlds.Additionally, dining facilities are well-equipped, including the brick-built restaurant Flying Oven and hot dog stands. The goods shop 13 Witches features unique items with witch motifs. Simply walking through the magical world embedded throughout the town makes you feel like you’ve become the story’s protagonist.
3. Shops and Food at Ghibli Park
明日5月10日(土)から、魔女の谷のレストラン「空飛ぶオーブン」にて、朝食の新メニュー「クロックムッシュ」を提供いたします。
— ジブリパーク GHIBLI PARK (@ghibliparkjp) May 9, 2025
朝食は土・日・休日の限定です（朝食は9:30提供開始、10:30ラストオーダー）。
新緑の美しい魔女の谷で、素敵なモーニングをお楽しみください🍽️ pic.twitter.com/ntphvfeebt
Ghibli Park offers abundant shops where you can acquire memorable goods and food menus that let you enjoy the world of the films. Through limited items and original menus, you can further savor Ghibli’s charm during your visit.
Below, we’ll introduce the shops and food options within Ghibli Park.
3-1. Shops at Ghibli Park
Ghibli Park features diverse shops where you can purchase original goods and souvenirs that capture the essence of the films. Each area offers uniquely characteristic stores, with new discoveries awaiting every visit.
■Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse
・Adventure Flying Team
“Adventure Flying Team” is Ghibli Park’s largest main shop. It offers a wide range from items related to past Ghibli films to original goods only available here. It’s perfect for those wanting to preserve film memories in tangible form.
・Minami-machi
“Minami-machi” recreates a nostalgic shopping street atmosphere, featuring “Neppu Bookstore,” “Ōzora Model Shop,” and “Candy Store Neko Kaburi Hime.” You can purchase products hands-on while experiencing the Showa era atmosphere.
■Dondoko Forest
・Dondoko Shop
The mountaintop “Dondoko Shop” sells ornaments and charm bags.
・Dondoko Rest Area
The mid-route “Dondoko Rest Area” handles beverages and seasonal limited products, serving as a rest stop.
■Mononoke Village
・Mononoke Village Rest Area
This stone-roof building blending with the “Princess Mononoke” world offers beverages and original products. It’s an easily accessible facility during area exploration.
■Valley of Witches
・13 Witches
Features original goods from the Valley of Witches, inspired by buildings and items in the area. Besides goods, it also sells products inspired by the films.
・Hatter’s Hat Shop
Sells original candy tins and hats.
・Witch’s Bookshelf
Features books about witches and magic.
■Rotunda Kazegaoka
A complex facility at the park’s north entrance plaza. The cafeteria offers rice balls, sweets, and Aichi Prefecture products, with limited-time menus also appearing. A convenience store is also attached for high convenience.
With Ghibli film-themed items and many products only available here, it’s perfect for taking home memories of your exploration.
3-2. Food at Ghibli Park
Ghibli Park features unique dining spots where you can taste the atmosphere of the films directly, offering even more special experiences during exploration breaks. Each area offers distinctively different food experiences.
■Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse
・Café Transcontinental Flight
“Café Transcontinental Flight” is a cafe inspired by meals that long-distance flight pilots would eat with one hand. With easy-to-eat menu items like sandwiches and pizza, it creates moments of resting one’s wings during adventures.
・Milk Stand Siberi❆an
A stand providing local milk. Enjoying it with Siberia (a confection of sponge cake with sweet bean paste filling) and bread rolls from “The Wind Rises” creates special moments reminiscent of film scenes.
■Valley of Witches
・Flying Oven
A full-service restaurant with an impressive brick exterior. It offers voluminous oven dishes like pies and quiche, along with menus that create a fantastical atmosphere. Food stalls sell unique “frog-shaped pastries,” and the rooftop garden is recommended for post-meal relaxation.
・Hot Dog Stand Hot Tin Roof
A stand with eye-catching neon signs where the specialty is “Cat’s Paw Dogs” served in cat paw-shaped bread. Light meal options including french fries and craft beer are available for casual enjoyment.
■Rotunda Kazegaoka
Located at the park’s north entrance plaza complex facility. The cafeteria offers rice balls, sweets, and products using Aichi Prefecture ingredients. Limited-time special menus also appear, offering different flavors with each visit. The attached convenience store provides excellent convenience.
Film-inspired menus and dishes incorporating local ingredients add even more enjoyment to park exploration. Experiencing Ghibli’s worldview more intimately through food is a major attraction.
4. Access to Ghibli Park
Ghibli Park is located in Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture, with convenient access via public transportation.The nearest station is Ai-Chikyuhaku Kinen Koen Station on the Aichi Rapid Transit Tobu Kyuryo Line (Linimo), allowing immediate park entry from the station.
From Tokyo, the typical route involves taking the shinkansen to Nagoya Station, then transferring via the Higashiyama Subway Line to Linimo. Direct buses also operate from Nagoya Station via Meitetsu Bus for comfortable access. From Chubu Centrair International Airport, it’s possible to go via bus through Fujigaoka.
Private car visits are generally not recommended as there’s no dedicated parking. When necessary, use surrounding park parking or temporary parking areas.
| Departure Point | Access Method | Travel Time (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Station | Shinkansen to Nagoya Station (about 1 hour 40 minutes) → Higashiyama Subway Line to “Fujigaoka” (about 30 minutes) → Linimo to “Ai-Chikyuhaku Kinen Koen” Station (about 15 minutes) | About 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Nagoya Station | Higashiyama Subway Line to “Fujigaoka” (about 30 minutes) → Linimo to “Ai-Chikyuhaku Kinen Koen” Station (about 15 minutes) | About 45 minutes |
| Nagoya Station | Meitetsu Bus Center direct bus to “Ai-Chikyuhaku Kinen Koen (Ghibli Park)” | About 1 hour |
| Chubu Centrair International Airport | Meitetsu Bus via “Fujigaoka” to “Ai-Chikyuhaku Kinen Koen (Ghibli Park)” | About 1 hour 30 minutes |
4-1. Operating Hours of Ghibli Park
Ghibli Park operates from 10:00-17:00 on weekdays and 9:00-17:00 on weekends and holidays, with Tuesdays as regular closing days. When Tuesday is a holiday, the following weekday becomes the closing day. There are also year-end/New Year closures and maintenance closures, so always confirm the schedule when planning a visit.
| Category/Facility | Weekdays | Weekends/Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse “Adventure Flying Team” | 10:30～17:00 | 9:30～17:00 |
| Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse “Minami-machi” | 10:00～17:00 | 9:00～17:00 |
| Dondoko Forest “Dondoko Shop” | 10:00～17:00 | 9:00～17:00 |
| Dondoko Forest “Dondoko Rest Area” | 10:00～17:00 | 9:00～17:00 |
| Mononoke Village “Mononoke Village Rest Area” | 10:00～17:00 | 9:00～17:00 |
| Valley of Witches “13 Witches” | 10:30～17:00 | 9:30～17:00 |
| Valley of Witches “Hatter’s Hat Shop” | 10:00～17:00 | 9:00～17:00 |
| Valley of Witches “Witch’s Bookshelf” | 10:00～17:00 | 9:00～17:00 |
| Rotunda Kazegaoka | 10:00～18:00 | 10:00～18:00 |
Operating hours for individual shops and facilities may change during busy periods and events, so checking the official website for the latest information ensures peace of mind.
5. How to Purchase Ghibli Park Tickets
Ghibli Park offers multiple ticket types.
| Type | Adult Price | Child Price (4 years old – elementary school) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| O-Sanpo Day Pass Premium | Weekdays ¥7,300, Weekends/Holidays ¥7,800 | Weekdays ¥3,650, Weekends/Holidays ¥3,900 | Access to all areas (Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Hill of Youth, Dondoko Forest, Mononoke Village, Valley of Witches). Includes “World Emporium,” “Satsuki and Mei’s House,” “Okino Residence,” “Howl’s Castle,” and “Witch’s House.”。 |
| O-Sanpo Day Pass Standard | Weekdays ¥3,300, Weekends/Holidays ¥3,800 | Weekdays ¥1,650, Weekends/Holidays ¥1,900 | Access to Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Mononoke Village, and Valley of Witches. Same-day tickets required for building interior visits. |
| All days ¥2,000 | All days ¥2,000 | All days ¥1,000 | Access to Valley of Witches and Mononoke Village. Same-day tickets required for Okino Residence, Howl’s Castle, and Witch’s House. |
| Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse Ticket | All days ¥2,000 | All days ¥1,000 | Access to “Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse” only. Designated time slots apply. |
| Hill of Youth Ticket | 全日1,000円 | All days ¥500 | Access to the Hill of Youth area including “World Emporium.” |
| Dondoko Forest Ticket | 全日1,000円 | All days ¥500 | Access to “Satsuki and Mei’s House” and Dondoko-do (elementary school age and under only). |
All tickets require advance reservation with designated dates and times, with sales beginning at 2:00 PM on the 10th of each month, two months prior to entry. Purchases are available through Lawson Ticket (Loppi terminals, official website) with a ¥110 system usage fee per ticket. “Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse” and “Valley of Witches” have designated entry time slots requiring all members to enter together within the specified time. Children 3 years and under enter free, and disability certificate holders and one companion receive a 50% discount.
6. Frequently Asked Questions About Ghibli Park
We’ve compiled common questions that many people have before visiting Ghibli Park. This covers ticket same-day purchase availability, stroller and wheelchair accessibility, area-specific entry time designations, and photography rules – important points to know before your visit.
6-1. Can same-day tickets be purchased?
Ghibli Park entry is primarily advance reservation only, requiring pre-purchase of tickets. However, some “Valley of Witches” facilities (Okino Residence/Howl’s Castle/Witch’s House) sell same-day entry tickets on-site, excluding Premium ticket holders. Using a numbered ticket system, distribution begins at 10:00 on weekdays and 9:00 on weekends/holidays, with limited quantities making early arrival recommended.
6-2. Can visitors enter with strollers or wheelchairs?
All areas accommodate their use. Stroller and wheelchair rentals (limited quantities) are available at the North and West entrance information centers. Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse and Valley of Witches feature nursing rooms and baby rooms, with diaper changing stations and ostomy-compatible restrooms throughout. Check on-site displays for step-free routes and elevator guidance. However, some areas like Dondoko Forest “Satsuki and Mei’s House” have structural usage limitations.
6-3. Are there designated entry times?
Requirements vary by ticket type.“O-Sanpo Day Pass Premium/Standard” requires all members to enter “Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse” together within one hour of the designated time. Other areas have no time restrictions but require entry by 4:30 PM. Individual area tickets operate on morning/afternoon time slot designations, with “Valley of Witches & Mononoke Village” tickets specifically designating “Valley of Witches” while “Mononoke Village” allows free entry.
6-4. Are there photography rules?
Most facility interiors prohibit photography, and flash photography is banned in areas where photography is permitted. Commercial purposes, live streaming, and photography/SNS posting of restricted areas are prohibited. For safety, tripods and selfie sticks are banned, with only palm-sized cameras allowed for one-handed photography below head height.
Conclusion
Ghibli Park is a park-type facility within the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park in Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture, that recreates the world of Studio Ghibli films. Divided into five areas – “Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse,” “Hill of Youth,” “Dondoko Forest,” “Mononoke Village,” and “Valley of Witches” – visitors can experience movie settings and buildings.
The abundant shops and food options, featuring limited goods and film-inspired menus, add to the attraction. With stroller and wheelchair accessibility, the park is designed for safe visits across all generations. All tickets require reservations, with different area access and time designations by type. Photography rules are established, so advance confirmation ensures comfortable enjoyment.
※This article is based on information from September 2025.
