If you’re planning a Japan trip with kids, this article will show you how even families with young children can fully enjoy the Ghibli Park Narikiri Studio inside the Grand Warehouse. The Ghibli Park Narikiri Studio is also one of the most popular spots in the park, and a highlight for families, and with the right plan you can make the most of your time. In this guide, we share 3 best tips plus extra insights to help you enjoy the Ghibli Park family guide experience, including the Warehouse and Witch Valley.
1. Go Early – Arrive Before Opening
The Ghibli Park Narikiri Studio is the most popular attraction in the Ghibli Park Warehouse. When we visited, we arrived at the parking lot one hour before opening, joined the entry line, and headed straight to Narikiri Studio after entering. This early-bird strategy allowed us to enter within minutes and enjoy almost every scene without waiting.
🎟️ How to Get Morning Tickets
Morning entry tickets for the Ghibli Park Narikiri Studio can be purchased through the official Ghibli Park app. Since weekends are highly competitive, aim for a weekday visit if possible.
👉 Check Ghibli Park official ticket app here
2. Plan 40 Minutes for Narikiri Studio
If you go directly to the Ghibli Park Narikiri Studio, plan about 40 minutes to enjoy all the photo spots. It’s one of the highlights in any Ghibli Park Japan travel itinerary.
What We Experienced
During our visit, we posed in almost every scene. Here are some of the highlights families can enjoy at the Ghibli Park Narikiri Studio:
Spirited Away (Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi): Sit beside No-Face on the mysterious ocean train.
Kiki’s Delivery Service (Majo no Takkyubin): Strike a pose flying next to Kiki on her broomstick.
Pom Poko (Heisei Tanuki Gassen Ponpoko): Join the tanuki strategy meeting and sit among the raccoon dogs.
Porco Rosso (Kurenai no Buta): Reenact the hilarious boxing match scene with Porco.
Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea (Gake no Ue no Ponyo): Run across the rolling ocean waves with Ponyo.
Castle in the Sky (Tenkuu no Shiro Laputa): Stand tall before the giant Laputa robot soldier.
Each photo felt like stepping right into the movie, and our kids loved striking funny poses. It made the 40 minutes fly by!
3. Explore the Warehouse After Narikiri Studio
Once finished, take your time exploring the Ghibli Park Warehouse itself:
Retro Snacks & Ramune Soda: Stop at the old-style candy shop for Ramune, a bubbly Japanese soda that kids love.
Spirited Away Exhibit: Spot the contract signed by Chihiro—a highlight for fans.
Arrietty’s World: Walk through the miniature zone where everything is larger than life. We even saw children wearing Arrietty’s clip-style hairpins sold at the shop.
More to Explore: Witch Valley & Personal Touches
The Ghibli Park Witch Valley is close to the Warehouse, so even with young kids, visiting both in half a day is realistic. Highlights include Howl’s Moving Castle, Kiki’s House and Bakery, and the European-style town streets. This makes it an essential part of the Ghibli Park family guide experience.
For an extra memory, consider bringing something special for your photos! We carried along a handmade Totoro plush we had crafted in Izu. Taking photos with our “My Totoro” at the park felt like a heartwarming homecoming.
Final Thoughts
The Ghibli Park Narikiri Studio is truly a must-experience for any family visiting Ghibli Park. By going early, planning 40 minutes for the studio, and exploring the Warehouse afterward, you can enjoy a magical half-day adventure without the stress of long lines. Add Witch Valley to your plan for a fuller Ghibli Park Japan travel experience.
More Ways to Enjoy Ghibli Park
In this article, I shared how we focused on the Ghibli Park Narikiri Studio and explored the Warehouse and Witch Valley in just half a day with kids. But if you have more time, spending a full day to visit each unique area of the park is equally magical.
👉 Read our 1-Day Ghibli Park Itinerary here
My Totoro’s Homecoming
We also brought along a handmade Totoro plush, crafted at the Izu Teddy Bear Museum during a past trip. Taking photos with it at Ghibli Park felt like Totoro was returning home!
👉 See our Izu Teddy Bear Museum experience here
Extend Your Trip: Nagoya & Gifu Onsen
Since Ghibli Park is located in the Nagoya area, it’s easy to combine your visit with nearby Gifu—famous for its relaxing hot spring towns. This makes for a perfect family travel plan.
👉 Check our 7-Day Nagoya & Gifu Itinerary here
