Ahead of the imminent opening of Japan’s new Studio Ghibli theme park on 1 November, Ghibli Park is teasing its themed lands and attractions.
The first three themed areas, Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Dondoko Forest and Hill of Youth, are preparing to open to the public. Mononoke Village and Valley of Witches will launch later in fall 2023 and March 2024.
The $323 million attraction is located in the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park. Aichi expects to welcome around 1.8 million visitors each year once all five areas are open.
Ghibli Park launches on 1 November
Speaking at a press event on 12 October, Aichi governor Hideaki Omura said Ghibli Park has taken “five years and five months” to complete (via Lifestyle Asia).
Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki‘s son Goro Miyazaki said the destination was originally designed ahead of his father’s retirement.
“We didn’t want people to forget Ghibli’s works,” he said. “But we were betrayed again. He’s making a feature film now!”
Last month, Ghibli Park unveiled some of the exhibits and experiences on offer in Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, an indoor area described as “a large warehouse full of Ghibli secrets”.
Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse is home to a cinema, playgrounds, shops, cafés and immersive exhibits. Highlights include the train from Spirited Away, featuring No-Face.
Also available is an expanded version of the Ghibli Museum’s ‘Drawing Eating’ exhibition, and a redesigned Catbus from My Neighbor Totoro.
Ghibli Park is based on anime films including My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Spirited Away, Castle in the Sky, and Princess Mononoke.
Images: Studio Ghibli
