Studio Ghibli has announced that Ghibli Park, a new theme park in Japan’s Aichi Prefecture, is opening to visitors on November 1, 2022.
The animation house responsible for anime classics My Neighbor Totoro and Princess Mononoke also shared a selection of images of the park’s attractions under construction. These include shops inspired by those in Whisper of the Heart.
Earlier this month, Studio Ghibli revealed that Ghibli Park would open in autumn this year. “Work is progressing on both sites and we look forward to sharing the results on the opening days,” Studio Ghibli wrote on Twitter.
Studio Ghibli’s new attraction
On November 1, visitors to Ghibli Park will experience three of the attraction’s five themed lands – Ghibli’s Giant Warehouse, Dondoko Forest and Springtime of Life Hill. The remaining two areas, Princess Mononoke Village and Witch Valley, will launch in March 2024.
Dondoko Forest is an area based on My Neighbour Totoro, while Springtime of Life Hill will house attractions from Howl’s Moving Castle and Castle in the Sky. Witch Valley is based on Kiki’s Delivery Service and Howl’s Moving Castle.
Last year, the theme park teased a My Neighbour Totoro-themed playground, which includes a replica of Satsuki and Mei’s house, as well as a giant camphor tree and life-size Catbus.
Ghibli Park under construction
The park is being constructed within the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park. The project is a ¥34 billion ($323 million) joint venture between Studio Ghibli and the government of Aichi Prefecture.
During a groundbreaking ceremony in summer 2020, Studio Ghibli chairman Kiyofumi Nakajima said: “The 2005 Expo’s theme of ‘love’ has also been portrayed in Studio Ghibli’s films consistently, so we can inherit that philosophy.”
“We aim to make the facility a world-class park and hope many people will visit here,” he added.
Images: Studio Ghibli
