What we know so far about the world’s first Ghibli Park – Time Out

The first Ghibli Park in Japan and the world for that matter wont open for another three years. However, lots have been revealed about the attractions that will populate the site, which is set within the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park in Nagakute City near Nagoya (about three hours by train from Tokyo). While we agree it may be a tad too early to get all excited, we can't help but pore over all the artist impressions of the theme park that have been made public so far. So, if you're a big fan like us, here's what you can expect from the world-famous creators of the hit anime My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Princess Mononoke (1997) and the Oscar-winning Spirited Away (2001).

Studio Ghibli has announced that its first theme park will be divided into five areas: Hill of Youth, Ghiblis Large Warehouse, Mononokes Village, Valley of Witches and Dondoko Forest. All these attractions are based on the studios most famous flicks and will blend in perfectly with the locations existing nature.

Photo: Studio Ghibli

Located close to the north entrance of the park, the Hill of Youth is based on Howls Moving Castle (2004). There will be a yellow gate and observationtower featuring fictitious 19th century objects.

Photo: Studio Ghibli

Fans of Whisper of the Heart (1995), which was set in the Tokyo neighbourhood of Seiseki-Sakuragaoka in Western Tokyo, will recognise this red building. With the surrounding greenery, it looks exactly like the antique shop in the movie.

Photo: Studio Ghibli

A former swimming pool which closed down in September 2018 will be transformed into theGhiblis Large Warehouse. This part of the theme park will be shielded from the elements, so you can still enjoy the attraction regardless of the weather.

Photo: Studio Ghibli

The indoor area will house an exhibition room, a small cinema, a childrens playground, shops and restaurants, plus a warehouse to store all the exhibits. The vibrant and eclectic setting will incorporate Japanese and Western architectural designs.

Photo: Studio Ghibli

Mononokes Village sees a real-life recreation of Tatara-ba, the Irontown depicted in the movie Princess Mononoke. Tatara refers to the traditional Japanese furnace thats used for smelting iron and steel while Mononoke means spirit or supernatural monster. As such, youll find figures ofthe powerful god of destruction (otherwise also known as tatari gami in the movie), the boar god Lord Okkoto as well as other mystical creatures within the premises. The scenery takes you back to a rural landscape from the Muromachi period (1336-1573), in which the movie is set.

Photo: Studio Ghibli

The design of the Valley of Witches draws inspiration from Howls Moving Castle and Kiki's Delivery Service (1989) both films feature protagonists who are able to perform magic.

Photo: Studio Ghibli

This aerial-view illustration of a European cityscape features restaurants, amusement facilities and rest areas, along with a real-life Howls Castle and the family home of Kiki.

Photo: Studio Ghibli

Surrounded by lush nature, the Dondoko Forest resembles a rural landscape from the Showa period (19261989) and features Satsuki and Meis house from My Neighbor Totoro. The areas name is derived from the Dondoko Dance, which the two sisters perform together with the spirit Totoro in hopes that the seeds they sowed earlier will sprout.

Looking at these preliminary visuals, we can't wait to venture into the fantasy world of Studio Ghibli. The thing is, not everything will open at the same time. The Hill of Youth, Ghiblis Large Warehouse and the Dondoko Forest are scheduled to open in autumn 2022 while Mononokes Village and the Valley of Witches will not be ready until a yearlater in autumn 2023. Well keep you posted as we get more updates on the Ghibli Park.

In the meantime, visit the official Ghibli Museum in Mitaka to brush up on your Studio Ghibli knowledge.

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What we know so far about the world's first Ghibli Park - Time Out