
July 29, 2026

For avid fans of director Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, Ghibli Park in Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture, is truly a quintessential Japanese pilgrimage site (and Instagrammable spot). There are no roller coasters or other thrilling rides here. Instead, famous scenes from films like "My Neighbor Totoro," "Spirited Away," and "Kiki's Delivery Service" are recreated amidst lush natural forests. However, tickets to Ghibli Park are "reserved in advance only," and the park is divided into different areas. Therefore, this time, as the latest 2026 edition of our Ghibli Park guide, we will thoroughly explain everything from how to reserve tickets, the highlights of the five main areas, and even luxurious accommodation experiences near Nagoya! This guide is packed with information perfect for families with children and Ghibli fans alike.
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Ghibli Park operates on a reservation-only basis, and there are no on-site ticket sales on the day of your visit.
There are two types of tickets: "individual tickets for each area" and a "grand pass (commuter ticket)" that allows entry to all areas. However, on busy dates, and for grand passes, it's not uncommon for them to sell out immediately upon release (in seconds).
[General Purchase Process]
1. Register as a member on the official Ghibli Park ticket website.
2. Select the date and time, and the area of Ghibli Park you wish to visit.
3. Specify an entry time slot.
4. Complete the payment and obtain your e-ticket.
Ticket sales usually begin 1-2 months in advance. Decide which area you want to visit most beforehand and prioritize purchasing tickets for that area. If you can't get a Grand Walking Pass, you can combine multiple tickets for single areas and enter on different days. Weekday slots and times slightly later than opening are generally good options.
This indoor area boasts the most photo opportunities, including Yubaba's office from "Spirited Away," the Catbus, and the Sky Garden. Inside, you'll find a grand staircase, exhibits that let you step into famous scenes from Studio Ghibli films, and a limited-time shop. The souvenir candy tins are among the most popular gifts at Ghibli Park.
This area centers around the "Earth Shop" from "Whisper of the Heart" and the "Cat's Office" from "The Cat Returns." The retro Western-style buildings and sloping streets make for great photos. With nostalgic Ghibli goods and gramophones on display, you can feel as if you've wandered into a small European town.
Here you'll find Satsuki and Mei's house from "My Neighbor Totoro." Furthermore, climbing to the Dondoko-do temple at the mountaintop offers a panoramic view of the entire forest. The interior, which recreates life in the Showa era, meticulously reproduces even the smallest details, such as the acorns Totoro hid, creating a wonderfully nostalgic atmosphere!
This area is themed after "Kiki's Delivery Service" and "Howl's Moving Castle," and features "Howl's Castle," "Guchoki Bakery," and playground equipment. "Howl's Castle," built to a near life-size scale, is a must-see spot that every Ghibli fan will want to photograph.
This area is inspired by "Princess Mononoke." The world of the film is recreated, including characters like Okkotonushi and the Tatarigami. Here, you can experience charcoal grilling of the local dish "Goheimochi," and because it is relatively uncrowded, it is perfect for travelers who want to avoid the crowds and take a leisurely stroll.
The closest major city to Ghibli Park is Nagoya. From Nagoya city center, take the subway to Fujigaoka Station, then transfer to the Linimo (Eastern Hills Line) and get off at Aichi Expo Memorial Park Station.
| Time | Schedule |
|---|---|
| 09:00 | Departure from Nagoya (transfer from subway to Linimo) |
| 10:00 | Upon arrival, we first enjoyed the "Ghibli Grand Warehouse" that we had reserved. |
| 12:30 | Lunch inside the park |
| 14:00 | Dondoko Forest / A Stroll Through the Hill of Youth |
| 15:30 | A stroll through the Witch's Valley |
| 17:30 | I am heading back to Nagoya. |
| Ghibli Park Area Name | Related Studio Ghibli works and themes | Must-see Ghibli spots |
|---|---|---|
| Ghibli's Big Warehouse | Spirited Away, Castle in the Sky, Arrietty | Ghibli cosplay exhibition featuring famous scenes, Laputa's giant ship, and a Catbus for children only. |
| Witch's Valley | Howl's Moving Castle, Kiki's Delivery Service, Aya and the Witch | Howl's Castle, Guchoki Bakery, and a merry-go-round, all recreated in 1:1 scale. |
| Hill of Youth | Whisper of the Heart, The Cat Returns | Earth Shop, Cat's Office |
| Dondoko Forest | 『となりのトトロ』 | Satsuki and Mei's house, and the giant Dondoko-do (wooden playground) at the top of the mountain. |
| The village of all things | Princess Mononoke | Tatara (charcoal grilling experience hut), Okkoto-nushi slide, Tatari-gami object |
There are several food and drink spots within the park. From the snack cafe at "Ghibli's Grand Warehouse," to the bakery and hot dog stand at "Witch's Valley," and the charcoal-grilled goheimochi at "Mononoke Village," the themed menus and cute-looking sweets are sure to be Instagram-worthy.
Souvenirs include Ghibli Park exclusive Catbus plush toys, Soot Sprite (Makkuro Kurosuke) related goods, candy tins, and items exclusive to each area. Some items are only sold in specific areas, so if you see something you like, it's best to buy it on the spot. Cash and electronic payments are accepted within the park, but during peak season, shops can get crowded, so be sure to allow plenty of time.
Ghibli Park can be combined with sightseeing in Nagoya city or other tourist destinations in the Chubu and Hokuriku areas (such as the Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri village and Kanazawa) to create a fulfilling 3-5 day "In-Depth Chubu Region Tour."
Regarding the seasons, the cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn foliage are the best times to visit, as the forest scenery is at its most beautiful during these times. Hydrangeas are beautiful in the summer, but the temperature gets quite high.

Walking along the clear stream, you venture deep into the mountains. Nestled in the almost mystical forests of Okumikawa, a tiny settlement of just ten houses stands quietly. Perhaps you might even encounter Totoro.
Located a short distance from Ghibli Park, this is a hidden gem known only to those in the know. Every guest room is equipped with a private cypress sauna that emits white steam.
For dinner, you can enjoy thick slices of beef, just like the one Sheeta ate in "Castle in the Sky." Time seems to slow down here. It's a place that will surely remind you of just how luxurious it is to truly cherish each and every night.
Yes, it is necessary. Ghibli Park operates on a strict advance reservation system, and there are no same-day tickets sold on site. Popular dates and "Grand Stroll Tickets" sell out quickly, so please purchase them early on the official website or authorized platforms.
Photography (including taking Instagrammable photos) is permitted outdoors and at many spots, but photography is prohibited or the use of tripods is restricted in some indoor exhibition areas. Please follow the signs on site. Also, please be careful not to touch the exhibits or enter restricted areas.
That's incorrect. The Ghibli Museum, Mitaka is located in Tokyo, is smaller in scale, and requires separate reservations. Ghibli Park, on the other hand, is located in Aichi Prefecture (near Nagoya) and is much larger in scale.
Ghibli Park is a dream forest that every anime fan should visit at least once in their lifetime. Carefully choose the areas you want to visit and get the ticket that suits you (such as the Grand Walking Pass). Combining it with Nagoya or Shirakawa-go will make for a fascinating trip exploring the Chubu region. Furthermore, if you stay overnight in the luxurious glamping at "SHITARA VILLAGE," your trip will be filled with unforgettable memories, from the world of Ghibli animation to camping under the starry sky.

He is an editor at Resort Glamping.com, a glamping-focused media outlet visited by approximately 100 million people a month. He has written over 150 articles introducing glamping facilities and experience reports, and is involved in a wide range of glamping facility services, from planning and development to operation and customer acquisition consulting.




























































































