The Ultimate Ghibli park guide: How to visit, what to do, tips & more

July 27, 2026

Where is Ghibli Park, how to get there, and what is there to see and experience? Ghibli movie fans, follow us on a trip to this exciting park! Now, let’s check out The Ultimate Ghibli park guide: How to visit, what to do, tips & more in this article!

Ghibli Park (Ghibli Theme Park) | ghibli park guide

Have you ever wished to meet Totoro in real life or step into the magical world of Spirited Away? For me, a trip to Ghibli Park is the way to make that dream come true. Located in Nagoya, the park opened in 2022 and quickly became a dream destination for all Japanese animation fans. Every little corner here vividly recreates scenes, making me feel like I’ve wandered into another world.

In this article, we will explore travel tips and must-see photo spots at Ghibli Park.

Ghibli Park – The Gateway to the Ghibli Film World

Ghibli Park is located in Nagoya City and officially opened in November 2022. The park is divided into five separate zones within the vast grounds of Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park. Each zone has its own theme, from the house of Satsuki and Mei in My Neighbor Totoro to the village inspired by Princess Mononoke.

My first time entering Ghibli Park felt like stepping through a door into a completely different world. There are no roller coasters or thrill rides; instead, it offers a gentle yet enchanting experience. You can stroll through scenes recreated from classic Studio Ghibli films, take photos with a giant Totoro, or visit the World Emporium antique shop from Whisper of the Heart.

Ghibli Park Ticket & Bullet Train Package from Tokyo or Osaka

If you’re exploring the Ghibli world for the first time, be prepared to spend a whole day here. Tickets need to be booked in advance because the number of visitors each day is quite limited, allowing visitors to enjoy a peaceful and uncrowded atmosphere. For me, Ghibli Park is not just a tourist destination but also a journey to relive childhood memories with scenes that seem to exist only in movies.

Grand Warehouse – Ghibli’s Underground Treasure

Of the five areas in Ghibli Park, the Grand Warehouse is the one that impressed me the most. From the outside, it looks like an ordinary building in a lush green park. But when you descend the stairs, you’ll realize you’re entering a true treasure trove of the Ghibli world. The underground space is cool and has a magical feel, as if you’ve just wandered into a movie scene.

Inside is a huge area with many exhibitions, a cinema, a play area, a cafe, and souvenir shops. I especially liked the “Becoming Characters in Memorable Ghibli Scenes” exhibition. Here, visitors can transform themselves into characters from 14 famous scenes. I tried riding the train with Chihiro and No-Face in Spirited Away, and it was a truly special experience.

Another area that piqued my curiosity was Delicious! Animating Memorable Meals. This area reveals the secret behind why food in Ghibli films always looks so incredibly appealing. From the kitchen in From Up on Poppy Hill to the meal in Spirited Away, everything is meticulously and vividly recreated.

If you’re with family, especially with young children, don’t miss Children’s Town or the Cat Bus room in My Neighbor Totoro. Children can run, jump, and explore in a space that simulates old Tokyo. After strolling around, I stopped at the Transcontinental Flight Café to rest and have a snack.

Ghibli Park 1-Day Bus Tour from Nagoya

Before leaving, you should visit the Adventurous Flying Squadron store to buy some cute souvenirs. I recommend allocating at least three to four hours to this area. Tickets are divided by time slots, so remember to arrive about 20-30 minutes early to queue!

Hill of Youth – A Glimpse of Youthful Memories from “Whisper of the Heart”

Hill of Youth is a small, nostalgic corner of youth located near the station, only about 300 meters away. I walked there and immediately felt the gentle atmosphere, like stepping into the world of Whisper of the Heart. The area is highlighted by the World Emporium, the antique shop in the film where Shizuku discovers her passion. I arrived in the morning, so the wait time to enter was quite short.

Inside the World Emporium, every detail is meticulously recreated. The classic interior, the ticking clock, and the small decorative items made me feel like I was right in the movie. The first floor houses Seiji’s instrument workshop, reminiscent of the melodies that played in Whisper of the Heart. The Cat Bureau from The Cat Returns is also realistically recreated with characters like Baron and Muta. The small house and furniture, all in the size of cats, are both interesting and familiar.

The Rotary is designed like a plaza in the movie, with a Himalayan cedar tree in the center and a mailbox for sending postcards. It creates a truly youthful experience, allowing you to both admire and interact with every detail. Don’t forget to bring your camera or phone to take pictures here!

Dondoko Forest – Totoro’s Home in the Green Forest

If you’re a fan of My Neighbor Totoro, Dondoko Forest will surely bring a smile to your face from the very first step. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to walk there from the Grand Warehouse. The small path winds through the green forest, passing through a wooden gate resembling an ancient temple, giving you the feeling of stepping into Totoro’s real world.

The highlight of this area is the house of the two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, recreated exactly as in the movie. Although visitors are no longer allowed inside, just looking at it from the outside is enough to evoke nostalgia. Every detail is meticulously crafted, from the water pump and the old wooden cabinet to the father’s work desk. The atmosphere here is peaceful, and I could almost hear Satsuki and Mei’s laughter echoing somewhere.

After exploring the house, I continued to the top of the hill, where there’s a giant Totoro statue nearly five meters tall. Children under twelve are allowed inside the statue, making it an incredibly cute stop for families with young children. Nearby is the Dondoko Shop selling lovely souvenirs like keychains and small charms.

Before leaving Dondoko Forest, I stopped at Dondoko-dokoro to rest, had a refreshing drink, and then leisurely walked back to the park center. For me, Dondoko Forest perfectly recreates the rustic, warm spirit of Totoro – a must-see stop when visiting Ghibli Park.

Mononoke Village – The Ancient Mountain Region of “Princess Mononoke”

After leaving Dondoko Forest, I continued my journey to Mononoke Village, the newest themed area in Ghibli Park. The path leading there is about a 15-minute walk, lined with lush greenery, and the breeze carries a pleasant scent of wildflowers. For me, this place felt like stepping into the ancient mountains of “Princess Mononoke,” where nature and people blend seamlessly.

My first stop was Tatara-ba, a replica of the blacksmith’s forge from the movie. Here, you can experience making Gohei-mochi – a traditional dish from the mountainous Aichi region. Each person gets to choose their favorite sauce, from walnut miso and soy sauce to ketchup-flavored Napolitan, then spread it themselves and grill it over hot coals. The feeling of grilling it yourself and smelling the aroma wafting through the cool air was truly delightful.

Tatarra-ba also offers seasonal workshops such as grinding soybean flour with a stone mortar or making fresh warabi-mochi. I think this is a perfect activity for couples or families with young children, allowing them to learn about local cuisine while having fun together.

Outside, I saw a giant statue of Lord Okkoto made from mosaic tiles and colorful stones. Children under 12 can slide down from the old man’s back, which looks very cute. Next to it is the Demon Spirit recreation area along with the watchtower of Emishi village, where everyone takes photos because every angle is picture-perfect. Before leaving, I stopped at the small Mononoke Village Rest Stop to rest and buy some souvenirs.

Valley of Witches – The Magical World of Kiki & Howl

The Valley of Witches truly surprised me from the very first moment. From afar, I could see European-style roofs nestled among the greenery, and the atmosphere felt like a blend of reality and a fairytale world. Stepping through the Bella Yaga witch’s mouth, I felt like I was passing through a gateway to another world – where everything has a touch of magic.

I chose to start my journey at Okino Residence, Kiki’s family home in Kiki’s Delivery Service. The house is small but cozy, with a green garden and the scent of herbs wafting from the kitchen where Kiki’s mother prepares her potions. From the second-floor window, you can see a whole corner of the valley, so peaceful and romantic.

Nagoya, Japan｜Hida Takayama/Shirakawa-go Customized Private Day Tour

Nearby is the Guchokipanya bakery. I have to admit, it’s one of the cutest places in the area. The shop has a classic brown wood style, and the aroma of freshly baked bread wafts through the air, making everyone passing by stop. I bought a small loaf of bread, sat on a stone bench on the patio, and felt like I was living in the scene from the movie.

The destination I was most excited about was Howl’s Castle. When smoke rose from the chimney and the metal doors on the castle moved, everyone around gasped in unison. Inside, each room was meticulously recreated, from Calcifer’s fireplace to Howl’s colorful room.

Before ending the tour, I spent some time at the fountain in the middle of the square. The cool breeze, the sound of flowing water, and the chiming of the clock made the entire Valley of Witches come alive. That was the moment I realized that Ghibli’s magical world isn’t just for children – it’s for adults who still believe in magic.

Ghibli park guide: How to Get to Ghibli Park

If you’re visiting Japan for the first time and want to explore Ghibli Park, I’ll share some easy-to-understand and convenient ways to get there. Ghibli Park is located on the outskirts of Nagoya, closer to Kyoto and Osaka, but still between Tokyo and the western cities. It’s an ideal destination for those who want to experience Ghibli’s world in a single day.

I started from Nagoya, as it’s a central station and easily accessible by Shinkansen from major cities. From Nagoya Station, I followed the signs to the Higashiyama line and got off at Fujigaoka Station, which took about 30 minutes. At Fujigaoka, I transferred to the Linimo train, a modern Mag-Lev train, and after another 15 minutes, I arrived at Aichikyūhaku-kinen-kōen Station. Exiting at Exit 2, you’ll find the entrance to the park along with amenities like a Lawson department store, a cafe, and restrooms – extremely convenient.

Suica IC Card

If traveling from Kyoto, I chose the 8:45 AM Shinkansen Nozomi, which takes about 30 minutes to reach Nagoya. Then, following the directions above, I got to Ghibli Park, with a total travel time of about 1.5 hours. I recommend leaving early to catch the 10 AM or 9 AM opening time on weekends.
From Osaka, the journey is similar but takes about 2 hours. From Tokyo, I don’t recommend a day trip as it’s quite long. Instead, stop in Nagoya or stay overnight to comfortably explore the park.

I used a Suica card booked through Klook for convenient travel, avoiding the need to buy individual tickets for each leg of the journey. Just prepare a map and schedule beforehand, and the trip will be much smoother and easier, especially for groups of friends or families visiting Ghibli Park for the first time.

What are the Ghibli Park Ticket Prices?

I want to share some information about Ghibli Park ticket prices so you can get an idea and prepare accordingly. Tickets must be purchased online for specific dates and times; they are not sold directly at the gate. You should book tickets through the official website or reputable partners like Klook. I usually use my phone to display the QR code at the gate and remember to bring the passport of the person who booked the ticket for staff verification.

Ghibli Park Ticket in Aichi

Ghibli Park has two popular ticket types: O-Sanpo Day Pass Premium and Standard. Premium tickets allow you to explore all areas, including the Grand Warehouse, Hill of Youth, Dondoko Forest, Mononoke Village, and Valley of Witches. Standard tickets will give you access to the Grand Warehouse, Mononoke Village, and Valley of Witches, still offering access to all the highlights without being overly complicated.

Ticket type	Effective date	Adults (13+)	Children (4-12)
Standard O-Sanpo Day Pass	Weekdays	¥3,630 (~635,000 VND)	¥1,980 (~346,000 VND)
Standard O-Sanpo Day Pass	Weekend/Holiday	¥4,130 (~722,000 VND)	¥2,230 (~390,000 VND)

What to Prepare Before Visiting Ghibli Park in Nagoya?

You can start your adventure at Ghibli Park in Nagoya more smoothly if you prepare a few small but important things beforehand. Here are some tips for a complete park experience:

If you purchased a Premium ticket, get a wristband at the first area you enter before 12 noon. The wristband makes it easier to enter other areas without having to present your ticket multiple times.
Prepare a smartphone to present your e-ticket, and bring the passport of the person who booked the ticket for verification at the gate.
The Grand Warehouse is usually quite crowded; you have one hour to enter according to your pre-booked time. Other areas don’t have fixed hours, but Dondoko Forest and Hill of Youth are usually crowded after 3 PM, so visiting earlier is more reasonable.
No outside food is allowed in the main areas, but you can enjoy food at the Mos Burger truck, Transcontinental Flight Café, Flying Oven, or snack stalls in the park.
When visiting Dondoko Forest, you need to remove your shoes to enter, so choose shoes that are easy to take off.
Plan your visit in advance, prioritizing areas so you don’t miss your favorite experiences, especially if you’re visiting Ghibli Park for the first time with family, friends, or as a couple.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ghibli Park

1. Do I need to book tickets in advance to visit Ghibli Park?

Yes, Ghibli Park tickets need to be purchased online in advance for specific dates and times as tickets are limited.

2. Which areas in Ghibli Park are suitable for children?

The Dondoko Forest (Totoro) and Grand Warehouse areas are very suitable for children thanks to their fun activities and safe exploration spaces.

3. Is photography allowed in Ghibli Park?

Photography is permitted in most outdoor areas. However, in some specific areas, photography or filming may be restricted.

4. Does Ghibli Park serve food and drinks?

Yes, the park offers many food and beverage options such as the Mos Burger truck, Flying Oven, Transcontinental Flight Café, and several snack stands in the main areas.

5. Are wheelchair or stroller accessible in Ghibli Park?

Yes, the park has convenient walkways and several elevators to facilitate movement between floors, making it easier to get around with wheelchairs or strollers.

6. Are there time limits for each area?

Only the Grand Warehouse has specific entry times; other areas like Dondoko Forest or Valley of Witches don’t have fixed hours but can get crowded in the afternoon.

Ghibli Park is truly a captivating destination, with every detail meticulously crafted to recreate the world of Japanese animation in the most vivid way. From the charming little houses in Dondoko Forest to Howl’s fantastical castle, each area offers a unique experience and amazing photo opportunities. Your experience here will surely make you want to return many times and explore more interesting details.

Ghibli fans, what are you waiting for? Head to Ghibli Park now!

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