Ghibli Park
Step into the enchanting worlds of Studio Ghibli at Ghibli Park, a place where beloved animations come to life with breathtaking detail.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Ghibli Park
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into the enchanting worlds of Studio Ghibli at Ghibli Park, a place where beloved animations come to life with breathtaking detail.
"It's hard to find the words to adequately express how amazing Ghibli park was! The details were absolutely mind blowing and heartwarming."
🎯 Book Tickets 2 Months Ahead!
Tickets sell out FAST! Book exactly 2 months in advance on the 10th at 2 PM JST. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The park is spread out with lots of walking between areas. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ghibli's Grand Warehouse
Ghibli's Grand Warehouse
Immerse yourself in a treasure trove of Ghibli magic, featuring iconic scenes and exclusive exhibits. A must-see for any fan!
Howl's Moving Castle
Valley of Witches
Step into the whimsical world of Howl's Moving Castle, complete with its iconic moving structure and charming details.
My Neighbor Totoro's Dondoko Forest
Hill of Youth
Visit Satsuki and Mei's house and explore the enchanting Dondoko Forest, a serene escape for Totoro fans.
The Secret World of Arrietty
Ghibli's Grand Warehouse
Experience the miniature world of Arrietty, where everyday objects become giant wonders. A truly unique perspective.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ticket Triumph: Booking Your Ghibli Park Adventure
Navigating the Magic: Getting to Ghibli Park
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets 2 Months Ahead!
Tickets sell out FAST! Book exactly 2 months in advance on the 10th at 2 PM JST. +1 :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The park is spread out with lots of walking between areas. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Amazing photo opportunities everywhere! Be prepared for lines, especially at popular spots. :camerawithflash:
🗺️ Plan Your Route
The park has multiple areas. Research which ones you want to see most and plan your route.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets 2 Months Ahead!
Tickets sell out FAST! Book exactly 2 months in advance on the 10th at 2 PM JST. +1 :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The park is spread out with lots of walking between areas. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Amazing photo opportunities everywhere! Be prepared for lines, especially at popular spots. :camerawithflash:
🗺️ Plan Your Route
The park has multiple areas. Research which ones you want to see most and plan your route.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially in summer, bring water or be prepared to buy it. Some outdoor areas can be hot.
💰 Extra Tickets Needed
Some popular attractions like Howl's Castle and Dondoko Forest require separate tickets.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ghibli Park offers an incredibly immersive and detailed experience for Studio Ghibli fans, bringing beloved animated worlds to life. Visitors rave about the stunning aesthetics and photo opportunities, making them feel like they've stepped into a movie. However, the challenging ticket booking system and the need for separate admissions to key attractions are common frustrations, alongside long queues.
"I really enjoyed the warehouse and the overall aesthetic of the Ghibli park! The photo ops are amazing but the lines feel just like six flags but without the thrill. If you are not only here to pose for photos you can see the entire grounds pretty quickly outside of the lines for the separate houses. There are food trucks with carnival foods. It is very hard to get to this location so when you get here make sure to make the most of it!! I had a lot of fun! We also lost our physical tickets and they were able to let us in with a screenshot and passport!"
Shun Powell
"Overly complicated and restrictive ticket allocations presumably for crowd control/ designed to make you return due to missing out on some sights. I tried to buy the All-access premium tickets online as soon as it went on sale but it sold out within 5mins. The park had limited attractions, good ones (like Howl's moving castle) require more tickets or special passes, and once inside those special buildings you're not allowed to take photos either, unnecessarily putting a damper on the experience or making it disappointing for fans travelling a long way to see those special features. Missed opportunities like playing Joe Hisaishi music in some areas would have really improve the vibe for a more immersive experience. And why does dondoko forest need a separate ticket?!!!! It was a long hike there only to be told at the bottom of the stairs leading up to the forest and giant totoro sculpture to head back another 100m to get another ticket! Why can't it be part of the main ticket? ALSO, why can't day tickets be sold to enter to satsuki and mei's house like howl's castle? Another gripe is super long queues and lots of time wasted just waiting to take a photo with the No Face installation at the warehouse and this was on a weekday. Lines could be significantly improved by having two of the same sculptures, thus enabling people to get through that bottleneck quickly leaving more time to visit other parts of the massively sprawled site (10-15min walk between different themed areas). Should consider having a Spirited Away designated area (e.g replica bath house and attractions instead of just bits and bobs in the warehouse) as that is hands down SG's biggest hit overseas. Overall it was for me underwhelming for the reasons above but could have been made so so so much better, hope the suggestions will be taken on board."
Laura L
"This place isn’t the easiest to reach, but it’s truly a paradise for Ghibli fans! The attention to detail is amazing and really brings the animations to life—you feel as if you’re walking inside the films themselves. That said, some outdoor areas are hard to enjoy in the summer heat, and several indoor spots require separate tickets. Without doing your homework in advance, you might miss out on those. Since the outdoor attractions are somewhat limited, I’d definitely recommend visiting when the weather is cooler."
シュウシュンケツ
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Take the Higashiyama Subway Line from Nagoya Station to Fujigaoka Station, then transfer to the Linimo (Maglev Line) to Geidai-dori Station. Ghibli Park is a short walk from there.
Yes, but it requires a few transfers. The Linimo line is key. Plan your journey in advance as it can take about an hour from Nagoya Station.
Yes, driving is an option, and there is parking available at the Expo Memorial Park. However, public transport is often recommended due to potential traffic.
The park is quite spread out, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. There are also walking paths connecting the different themed areas.
While there are walking paths, dedicated shuttle buses within the park are limited. The focus is on exploring on foot to appreciate the details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets must be booked online in advance, typically 2 months ahead on the 10th of the month at 2 PM JST via Lawson Ticket for international visitors. +1
Yes, some popular attractions like Howl's Moving Castle and Dondoko Forest require separate tickets or are part of premium access packages.
Opening hours vary by area and season, but generally range from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM. It is closed on Tuesdays.
It is highly unlikely. Tickets are released in advance and sell out very quickly. It's crucial to book well ahead of time.
Some visitors have reported being allowed entry with a screenshot of their ticket and passport, but it's best to keep your physical ticket safe.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
Highlights include Ghibli's Grand Warehouse, Howl's Moving Castle, Arrietty's Garden, and Satsuki and Mei's house in Dondoko Forest.
Absolutely! The park is designed for incredible photo opportunities, though popular spots can have long queues.
Photography is generally not allowed inside some of the indoor attractions, particularly in areas like Howl's Moving Castle, to preserve the atmosphere.
Yes, it's a dream for Ghibli fans of all ages, with many areas designed to spark imagination and wonder.
Take your time, explore each area thoroughly, and be prepared for walking. Consider visiting during off-peak times if possible.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are food trucks offering carnival-style food and some cafes within the park. Options can be limited, so some visitors bring snacks.
Outside food and drinks are generally permitted in designated areas, but check the park's specific rules upon arrival.
While there are cafes, dedicated themed restaurants are not a primary feature. The focus is more on the immersive environments.
Expect typical theme park fare like hot dogs, popcorn, and other snacks from food trucks.
Food prices are comparable to other theme parks in Japan. Bringing your own snacks can help manage costs.
📸 📸 Photography
Everywhere! But especially the exterior of Howl's Moving Castle, Arrietty's Garden, Satsuki and Mei's house, and various installations in the Grand Warehouse.
No, drone usage is strictly prohibited within Ghibli Park and the surrounding Expo Memorial Park.
Yes, photography is not permitted inside certain indoor attractions to maintain the immersive experience.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both wide shots and details. A fast prime lens can be useful in lower light.
Visit on weekdays, go early in the morning, or stay until closing. Patience is key for those perfect, crowd-free shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for a lot of walking, and consider bringing snacks and drinks, as food options can be limited and pricey. The park's layout means you'll be moving between different areas, so comfortable shoes for everyone are a must. Booking tickets well in advance is crucial, especially for families planning their trip around school holidays.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be aware that photography is restricted in some indoor areas. To get those coveted shots without crowds, aim for weekdays or the very beginning/end of the day. Patience is key, as popular spots like the No-Face installation can have long queues. Consider a versatile lens to capture both grand vistas and intricate details.
✈️ International Travelers
Getting to the park involves public transport from Nagoya, so familiarize yourself with the train and bus routes. While the park is magical, be prepared for potential language barriers and the need for separate tickets for certain attractions. Researching the park's layout and your must-see areas beforehand will greatly enhance your experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Ghibli Park: Immersive Design
This dedication to detail means that even seemingly small elements are carefully crafted. For instance, the Ghibli's Grand Warehouse is not just a building but a sprawling collection of exhibits, shops, and even a mini-cinema showing exclusive short films. Visitors often remark on how they feel like they're discovering hidden corners and secrets, much like in the movies themselves.
However, this immersive approach also means that some of the most iconic structures, like Howl's Moving Castle, require separate tickets or are part of premium access. This can be a point of contention for some visitors who feel it fragments the experience, but it also helps manage crowd flow and maintain the integrity of each themed zone.
Navigating the Ticket Maze: A Ghibli Park Challenge
For international visitors, the process can be even more daunting. While Lawson Ticket is the official channel, some travelers have found success through third-party resellers or by enlisting the help of friends or hotels in Japan. The key takeaway is advance planning and persistence. Setting alarms and being ready the moment tickets drop is crucial.
Furthermore, the park's ticketing structure, with separate admissions for key areas like Dondoko Forest and Howl's Moving Castle, adds another layer of complexity. While this is intended for crowd control and to enhance the experience within each zone, it means visitors need to budget for multiple tickets and plan their itinerary accordingly to avoid missing out.
Beyond the Park: Ghibli-esque Destinations
Another option is the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo. While smaller and more focused on the animation process, it offers a deep dive into Ghibli's creative world and is a must-visit for dedicated fans.
For those who love the aesthetic of Howl's Moving Castle, the town of Otaru in Hokkaido has been mentioned for its charming canals and historic buildings that can evoke a similar vibe. Ultimately, the spirit of Ghibli can be found in many picturesque corners of Japan. From serene forests to charming old towns, these locations offer a chance to experience the wonder and beauty that Studio Ghibli films are known for, even if they aren't official Ghibli attractions.
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