Japan: Anime Studio Ghibli Opens Its First Own Theme Park

The Japanese Studio Ghibli film studio, which produced world-famous anime classics such as „My Neighbor Totoro“ and the Oscar-winning film „Spirited Away“, has now opened its first theme park in Japan. Since 1st November, Ghibli fans have been able to immerse themselves in the worlds of the studio productions. Built on the site of the Expo 2005 in Moricoro Park, Ghibli Park is less than an hour‘s train ride away from Kyoto and about 300 kilometers from Tokyo. Unlike theme parks such as those of Disney or Universal, Ghibli Park does not consist of large attractions or exciting rides, but rather reflects the calm and harmonious atmosphere of the Ghibli films. The theme park is therefore not a classic amusement park, but rather a theme park in harmony with nature equipped with artifacts, sculptures and buildings from the Ghibli films.

Mitgründer der Ghibli-Studios und Regisseur vieler Filme: Hayao Miyazaki © ©GETTY IMAGES

The park consists of five themed areas, of which two will open next year. The park‘s only indoor area is “Ghibli‘s Great Department Store“, with its own movie theater showing short films from the studio that so far are shown exclusively at the park. It also features three exhibitions that take visitors into Ghibli‘s cinematic worlds. Among them are re-enactments of famous movie scenes from thirteen different films. Among other things, anime fans can board the train from “Spirited Away“ and take a seat next to “Noface“, or visit the exhibition “Delicious! Animating Memorable Meals Expanded Edition“, enjoy a glimpse into the cuisines of the films. There is also a collection where Ghibli lovers can marvel at movie posters and merchandise from around the world. In addition to the curated exhibitions, the covered area also features playgrounds for younger guests, such as one styled after the world from the film “My Neighbor Totoro“, including a playable “cat bus“. Gastronomic offers and merchandising stores with products related to the films and the park can also be found in this area.

Der Katzenbus aus "Mein Nachbar Totoro" wird im Park als Spielgerät umgesetzt © © 1988 STUDIO GHIBLI The other themed areas are all embedded in the park‘s natural surroundings and are each based on the studio‘s films. In the “Hill of Youth“ area, the “World Emporium“ from the 1995 Ghibli classic “Whisper of the Heart“ can be found on a hill in the park, and visitors can enjoy a view of the park from the porch of the antique store. Those who have always dreamed of immersing themselves in the world of My Neighbor Totoro, one of the studio‘s most popular films, can do so at “Dondoko Forest“, where the entire home of the main characters Satsuki and Mei can be visited. Themed areas slated to open next year include “Mononoke Village“ as well as “Valley of Witches.“ These are likely to be dedicated to the well-known films “Princess Mononoke“, “Kiki‘s Delivery Service“ and “Howl’s Moving Castle“, among others. (eap)