✨ This article is perfect for first-time visitors, Studio Ghibli fans, and those who want to make the most of their time at the park.
Located in Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture, Ghibli Park is a dreamlike destination for lovers of Studio Ghibli films. Whether you’re searching for a unique Ghibli amusement park experience or planning your Ghibli park itinerary, this guide will help you explore efficiently and capture magical memories in one day.
🏭 Start Your Day at Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse
🎟️ Personal Tip: The warehouse is quietest right after opening, and gradually gets more crowded. When purchasing your Ghibli park tickets, be sure to select the earliest time slot. This time slot is also the most popular, so it’s essential to book on the official reservation start date.
🖼️ Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse is full of highlights. The cosplay photo zone (“Narikiri Photo”) is especially popular, allowing you to feel like a Ghibli protagonist in beautifully staged photo spots. However, each photo scene usually has a queue, and the experience can take time.
🕐 If you want to do the cosplay photo experience, line up immediately upon entering. This strategy minimizes your wait time.
🧭 On our first visit, we skipped the cosplay photo area entirely and explored other exhibits instead. We returned on another day just for the photo experience and joined the queue first thing in the morning — it worked perfectly!
🧡 One bonus of skipping the photo area? You get more time to enjoy other popular spots like the Giant God Warrior with fewer crowds.
The most popular area, Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, is packed with exhibits and photogenic spots. Arrive at least 30 minutes before opening to enter smoothly and head straight to the main attractions.
🖼️ Every corner feels like a Ghibli scene brought to life. (Stay tuned for a separate article dedicated to the cosplay studio experience!)
🕰️ Climb the Hill of Youth
🎶 With a valid ticket, you can go inside the antique shop from Whisper of the Heart. As a huge fan of this film, I was thrilled to see it recreated so faithfully!
Next stop: Hill of Youth — a must-see attraction in any Ghibli park itinerary. A charming area featuring a retro-style clock tower, evoking scenes from Whisper of the Heart.
📸 Perfect for photos, and if you have extra time, step inside the buildings to explore more.
🌿 Feel the Spirit of Nature in Mononoke Village
😲 I was amazed by the scale and realism of the creatures here. One of the large Mononoke statues even has a hidden surprise — the back side is a slide for kids! It was such a fun and unexpected feature that brought the scene to life.
You can also participate in a hands-on experience at the Tatara workshop, where we grilled local-style gohei mochi over charcoal — it cost 1,200 yen per person and was well worth it!
🌲 It’s an immersive spot filled with rustic charm and the spirit of Princess Mononoke — a great contrast to the busier zones of the park.
🧹 Fly High in the Valley of Witches
✨ This area is packed with things to see. With a valid ticket, you can step inside places like Howl’s Moving Castle and Kiki’s house from Kiki’s Delivery Service. Seeing the characters’ wardrobes and everyday items up close really makes you feel like you’re stepping behind the scenes of the films.
Ever dreamed of flying like Kiki? At Valley of Witches, you can pose on her broom and feel like you’re taking off!
🏰 The architecture is rich with whimsical detail—perfect for both kids and grown-up fans.
🌳 End at Dondoko Forest
📸 At the garden of Satsuki and Mei’s house, I snapped a photo peeking into a bucket with a hole — just like the scene from the movie. A perfect way to recreate that iconic Totoro moment!
Wrap up your Ghibli Park visit at Dondoko Forest, home to Satsuki and Mei’s house from My Neighbor Totoro.
This time, we skipped the indoor tour (which we’d done years before) and explored the peaceful garden instead. We just made it in time to catch the final entry queue—so plan ahead if you want to go inside!
🏡 The house nestled in nature brings a wave of nostalgia and calm.
🚉 How to Get to Ghibli Park
Ghibli Park is located inside Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park (Moricoro Park) in Nagakute.
- ✈️ From Chubu Centrair International Airport: Take the Meitetsu Line to Kanayama Station (~30 mins), transfer to subway and Linimo line (~1.5 hours total).
- 🚄 From Nagoya Station: Take the Higashiyama Subway Line to Fujigaoka (~30 mins), then transfer to Linimo (~15 mins).
🚈 The park entrance is right outside the Linimo station, making it easily accessible by public transport.
🏷️ Ticket Tips
🎫 Tickets are available on the official website. Decide which areas you want to visit before booking. The “Ghibli Grand Walk Premium Ticket” gives you access to all areas, but it sells out quickly.
⏰ To secure your spot, purchase your Ghibli park tickets as soon as they go on sale.
🧳 For an easier option, consider joining a package tour with tickets included. Klook offers convenient options for:
✅ Direct ticket-only purchases for Ghibli Park
✅ 1-day Ghibli Park tours with transportation and guide
🌟 Final Thoughts
With this one-day model course, you can immerse yourself in the enchanting world of the Studio Ghibli amusement park. Each zone offers something unique for both longtime fans and newcomers.
✨ Coming soon: A full report on the Ghibli Grand Warehouse Cosplay Studio Experience — don’t miss it!
