After a subtle announcement for a Studio Ghibli theme park in 2018, there have finally been some sneak peeks into this new, exciting world opening in Nagoya, Japan. The original announcement started out with just a few concept illustrations, but fantasy has been turned into reality. The park is only three hours away from Tokyo, making it accessible to many.
Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation studio that was founded in 1985 by Miyazaki Hayao and Takahata Isao. The most well-known movie is “Spirited Away” which won an Academy Award in 2003 and the Golden Bear at the International Berlin Film Festival.
In the first year, only three sections of the park will be open: Hill of Youth, Dondoko Forest and the Great Ghibli Warehouse. However, in a year, the other two sections, the Valley of the Witch and Mononoke Village, will open. The park was constructed to work with the environment, not cutting down any trees. The park isn’t a traditional amusement park; there’s a focus on the beauty of nature in the Studio Ghibli universe.
Hill of Youth
This area of the park is mainly based on “Howl’s Moving Castle,” featuring many steampunk designs in a clocktower fashion. This area also includes a replica of the antique shop from “Whisper of the Heart.”
Great Ghibli Warehouse
The area will have what is called the “Giant Warehouse,” featuring many special exhibitions, a theater for screenings (that seats 170 people) and a small recreation of the town shown in the movie “Spirited Away.” There will be an area for kids to play and other areas oriented toward adults. One of the special exhibits featured will showcase “Ghibli food,” which is of interest to many fans.
Dondoko Forest
The Dondoko Forest focuses on the film “My Neighbor Totoro” as its inspiration. Parkgoers are invited to walk through the trails, spotting small pieces from the “My Neighbor Totoro” universe. There’s a recreation of Satsuki and Mei’s house, which guests can explore to their heart’s content.
A review from the Japan Times stated, “Drawers and cabinets can be rifled through, and down to the last nook they’re filled with actual cups, pots, papers, letters and nicknacks that visitors can touch. Nearby is a five-meter-tall open-armed Totoro in a clearing surrounded by trees. Tucked away in nature, the house and sculpture have character and a contained narrative, in contrast to the chaotic playground constructed inside the warehouse.”
Witch Valley
This area takes its basis from “Howl’s Moving Castle” and “Kiki’s Delivery Service.” There will be a five-story castle replica, where parkgoers can explore the intricacies of Howl’s bedroom. There will also be a replica of Kiki’s home from “Kiki’s Delivery Service.”
Princess Mononoke Village
This area will feature many special homages to “Princess Mononoke,” including a replica of Irontown and other creatures from the film. The sculptures include one of the Tatarigami spirit monsters and the boar Lord Okkoto, two of the main beasts from the film. This part of the park is set in 1333-1573.
Although this isn’t a traditional theme park, its popularity is expected to increase drastically, as the Studio Ghibli museum in Japan is already very popular. Tickets are cheap, with the highest ticket cost being $17 on the weekends for adults. When the two additional sections open in 2023, the park will be fully open.
The park is making sure to address that the theme park isn’t one filled with thriller rides, but it’s focused on the peaceful, soothing nature of the Studio Ghibli films, letting the creative world come to life on an 18-acre forest.