Studio Ghibli Park, nestled in Aichi Prefecture near Nagoya, has become one of Japan’s most sought-after destinations. With all five themed areas now fully open — including the spectacular Valley of Witches inaugurated in March 2024 — the park offers a complete immersive experience into Hayao Miyazaki’s magical worlds in 2026. This guide walks you through everything you need to plan your visit from Tokyo: tickets, transport, accommodation and practical tips.
- 5 themed areas all fully open and operational in 2026
- Daily capacity limited to approximately 5,000 visitors — advance booking mandatory
- Life-size Howl’s Moving Castle: 20 metres tall, centrepiece of the Valley of Witches
- Tokyo–Nagoya distance: 366 km · 1h40 by Nozomi Shinkansen
- Tickets available on the 10th of each month at 2pm JST for the next 2 months
Studio Ghibli Park in 2026: A Total Immersion into Ghibli’s Universe
Located within the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park (Moricoro Park) in Nagakute, Studio Ghibli Park is not a conventional theme park. There are no roller coasters or thrill rides. The concept is radically different: you physically step into the settings from the films that have captivated generations. From the creaking floors of Satsuki and Mei’s house to the life-size Howl’s Moving Castle, every detail has been crafted to recreate Studio Ghibli’s magic.
The park sets itself apart from the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka (Tokyo), which focuses on the animation process. In Nagakute, the experience is physical and sensory: you walk through Totoro’s forests, explore cobbled lanes of a European witch village, and discover Princess Mononoke’s ironworks. The ticket itself — the « O-Sanpo Pass », literally « leisurely stroll pass » — perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the place.
Valley of Witches — The Park’s Crown Jewel
Valley of Witches — The fifth area, opened March 2024
Inaugurated on 16 March 2024, the Valley of Witches is the fifth and final area to open. Inspired by Studio Ghibli’s witch-themed films — Kiki’s Delivery Service, Howl’s Moving Castle and Earwig and the Witch — this area transports visitors to a medieval European village with cobbled streets and a fairy-tale atmosphere.
The centrepiece is the life-size reproduction of Howl’s Moving Castle, an impressive 20-metre-tall structure dominating the area. You’ll also find the Okino Residence (Kiki’s home) and the House of Witches from Earwig and the Witch. The area also features Ghibli Park’s first true amusement rides: a flying carousel (¥500) and a merry-go-round.
For dining, the Soratobu Oven serves oven-baked pies and quiches, while Hot Tin Roof offers sausages in cat-paw-shaped buns. The Witch Coven 13 shop stocks exclusive merchandise.
Must-see highlights
- Photo in front of the life-size Howl’s Moving Castle (20 metres!)
- Inside the Okino Residence — ¥400 supplement required
- The flying carousel inspired by witch flight (¥500)
- Cat-paw sausage buns at Hot Tin Roof
- Exclusive souvenirs at Witch Coven 13 shop
The Other Four Areas of the Park
Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse — The Park’s Central Hub
The largest area is a vast climate-controlled indoor space in a converted exhibition hall. It features 14 interactive installations recreating iconic scenes, a vintage-style indoor street, a small cinema screening exclusive short films, shops and a café. The ideal starting point, accessible whatever the weather.
2025–2026 update: Hayao Miyazaki’s personal Citroën 2CV is now on display. Note the « Delicious! Animating Memorable Meals » exhibition ends 8 June 2026, and « Everything Ghibli! » closes 24 June to 7 July for renovation.
Hill of Youth — For the true Miyazaki fans
This compact outdoor area features the elevator building from The Cat Returns and the European-inspired clock tower from Whisper of the Heart. Often less crowded, it delights fans of these two films. Interior access to the World Emporium requires the Premium Pass.
- 14 interactive installations at the Grand Warehouse
- Exclusive Ghibli short films at the cinema
- Hayao Miyazaki’s personal Citroën 2CV (2026 exhibition)
- Clock tower from Whisper of the Heart at Hill of Youth
- World Emporium interior (Premium Pass required)
Dondoko Forest & Mononoke Village — Nature and Craft
Dondoko Forest houses a faithful reproduction of Satsuki and Mei’s house from My Neighbour Totoro. An acorn trail leads to the Dondoko-do, a five-metre wooden structure where children can play in a magical natural setting.
Mononoke Village (opened November 2023) recreates the mountain village from Princess Mononoke. At Tatara-ba, you can make traditional Gohei-mochi rice cakes. The Cat Bus APM connects Mononoke Village to Dondoko Forest in 10 minutes (¥1,000 one way) — passengers receive an exclusive illustrated card drawn by Miyazaki himself.
- Satsuki and Mei’s house — faithful replica from My Neighbour Totoro
- The acorn trail and Dondoko-do climbing structure
- Gohei-mochi rice cake making at Tatara-ba
- Cat Bus APM ride with exclusive Miyazaki collector card
Tickets and Booking: Essential System for 2026
Unlike most theme parks, it is impossible to buy tickets on the day at Ghibli Park. Advance booking is mandatory, with a specific date and time slot. Tickets go on sale on the 10th of each month at 2pm Japan time for the following two months.
- O-Sanpo Pass Premium: ¥7,300 weekdays / ¥7,800 weekends (~€45–48) — all 5 areas + all building interiors
- O-Sanpo Pass Standard: ¥3,300 weekdays / ¥3,800 weekends (~€20–23) — 3 areas only (Grand Warehouse, Mononoke Village, Valley of Witches)
- Valley of Witches interiors: ¥400–¥1,000 per building (available on-site in limited numbers)
- Guaranteed alternative: Klook and KKday offer packages with included tickets if the official site is sold out
Getting to Ghibli Park from Tokyo
Tokyo → Nagoya → Ghibli Park: The Complete Journey
Step 1 — Tokyo → Nagoya: take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station. The Nozomi (fastest) takes 1h40. The Hikari, covered by Japan Rail Pass, takes just over 2 hours. Cost: approximately ¥11,300 one way (~€70).
Step 2 — Nagoya → Ghibli Park: take the Higashiyama metro line to Fujigaoka terminus (30 min, ¥290), then the Linimo elevated train to Aichikyuhaku Kinenkoen station (15 min, ¥340). The park’s north gate is right across from the station. Total: 46 minutes, ¥670.
Alternative — Meitetsu direct bus: buses run from Meitetsu Bus Center (next to Nagoya Station) to the Expo Park. Allow 40 minutes, ¥1,200 each way. 9 services weekdays, 10 on weekends.
- Book your Shinkansen in advance via JR website or travel agent
- Choose Nozomi for fastest journey (not covered by JR Pass)
- The Linimo offers great elevated views of the area
- Arrive in Nagoya the night before to be at the park for opening
Where to Stay in Nagoya for Ghibli Park
Accommodation in Nagoya — Best Areas and Hotels
There are few accommodation options in Nagakute itself. The best strategy is to stay near Nagoya Station, well-served by transport to the park. Most affordable months: January, March and June.
- Luxury: Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel (above the station, panoramic views from 52nd floor)
- Luxury: TIAD Autograph Collection (Hisaya Odori park, floor-to-ceiling windows)
- Mid-range: Nagoya JR Gate Tower Hotel (steps from JR station)
- With onsen: Dormy Inn Premium Nagoya Sakae, Nagoya Crown Hotel
- Budget: Hotel Route-Inn Nagoya Imaike Ekimae (150m from metro station)
Best Time to Visit Ghibli Park
When to Visit Ghibli Park — Seasons and Advice
Best periods
- October–November: stunning autumn foliage, mild temperatures, fewer crowds
- Late March–April: cherry blossoms in the Expo Park — a truly magical atmosphere
- Weekdays (Mon, Wed–Fri): noticeably fewer visitors than weekends
Periods to absolutely avoid
- Golden Week (late April – early May) — maximum crowds
- Obon (mid-August) — Japanese summer holidays
- Japanese school summer holidays in July–August
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions about Studio Ghibli Park 2026
Can you visit Ghibli Park as a day trip from Tokyo?
Technically possible but strongly discouraged. The total journey takes about 3 hours each way (1h40 Shinkansen + 46 min metro/Linimo). It is far more enjoyable to arrive in Nagoya the evening before and devote a full day to the park from opening time.
How do you book tickets for Ghibli Park in 2026?
Tickets go on sale on the 10th of each month at 2pm Japan time for the following two months, on the official Ghibli Park international page. You join a virtual queue. Use multiple devices to maximise your chances. If the official site is sold out, Klook and KKday offer packages with guaranteed tickets.
Can you buy tickets on the day at Ghibli Park?
No, no entry tickets are sold on-site. Advance booking is mandatory. The only tickets available at the gate are supplements for the interiors of certain Valley of Witches buildings (¥400–¥1,000 per building, limited numbers).
What is the difference between the Standard Pass and Premium Pass?
The Premium Pass (¥7,300–7,800, ~€45–48) gives access to all five areas and all building interiors. The Standard Pass (¥3,300–3,800, ~€20–23) covers only three areas since April 2025: Grand Warehouse, Mononoke Village and Valley of Witches, without access to main building interiors. For a first visit, the Premium Pass is strongly recommended.
What is the best time of year to visit Ghibli Park?
The best periods are October–November (autumn foliage, mild temperatures) and late March–April (cherry blossoms). Opt for weekdays to avoid crowds. Absolutely avoid Golden Week (late April – early May), Obon (mid-August) and the July–August school summer holidays.