Summary
Hayao Miyazakihas become one of the most influential animation directors of all time, so it makes perfect sense that there is an entireStudio Ghiblitheme park dedicated to his work. At 83 years old, Miyazaki was placed in TIME’s 100 Most Influential People for 2024 List. Furthermore, his latest movie,The Boy and the Heron,earned him his second Academy Award. This Oscar made him the most decorated director in the Animated Features Category, alongside Pete Docter, CEO of Pixar Animation Studios.
Born to an airplane manufacturer and his wife in 1940s Japan, Hayao Miyazaki would soon become one of the most beloved children’s media directors of all time. From thefirst unofficial Studio Ghibli film,Horus: Prince of the Sun (1968),to his recent Oscar-winning project,The Boy and the Heron (2023),Miyazaki’s contributions to animation and storytelling are nothing short of astonishing.
Ghibli Park opened on November 1st, 2022. Not only does the park feature interactive exhibits, but the cutest cafés, and endless shopping.Every Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli fan, whether new or old, needs to add Ghibli Park to their bucket list.
Hayao Miyazaki’s Ranking Among TIME’s Most Influential People of 2024 Proves He’s More Relevant Than Ever
Hayao Miyazaki is awarded a position on TIME Magazine’s list of 100 Most Influential People of 2024, proving that he is more relevant than ever.
Japan’s Hidden Gem: a Studio Ghibli-Inspired Theme Park
Ghibli Park Is the Dream Vacation Spot for Any Animation Fan
Hidden away in the forests of the Aichi prefecture of Japan, is Ghibli Park.Fans of Miyazakiand the rest of the Studio Ghibli creators will be pleased to discover a new world filled with Easter eggs, character cameos, themed restaurants, and unique shopping experiences. The park features five distinct areas, each inspired by Ghibli’s most iconic films:Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Hill of Youth, Dondoko Forest, Mononoke Village, and Valley of Witches.
“Take a stroll, feel the wind, and discover the wonders.” - Ghibli Park’s Official Website
Must-See Spots in Ghibli Park
Ghibli Park is Full of Breathtaking Attractions, but Five Stand Out
In Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, dedicated to the making of Ghibli films, fans can sit alongside No Face fromSpirited Awayaboard the mysterious sea railway train and other interactive exhibits for an immersive photoshoot. The Elevator Tower in Hill of Youth, influenced by the late 19th-century sci-fi architecture that appears in films such asCastle in the SkyandHowl’s Moving Castle, is the perfectly picturesque way to get a birds-eye view of the park. Perhaps one ofthe park’s shiniest crown jewels is Howl’s Castlein the Valley of Witches, a 20-meter tall, two-story castle identical to the one inMiyazaki’s iconic fantasy romance.
Limited to premium pass holders is Satsuki and Mei’s house fromMy Neighbor Totoroin Dondoko Forest. The Japanese-Western-style house features a kitchen, bathroom, sitting room, bedroom, study, and more, transporting fans into the world of one of Ghibli’s most beloved tales.Princess Mononokeloverswill be pleased to discover that this film has its very own section of the park: Mononoke Village.Here, park-goers can visit the Tatara-ba, a hands-on learning center inspired by the movie, and learn to make Gohei-mochi,a local specialty in the hillside towns of Aichi and surrounding prefectures.
Aside from the “must-see” attractions, Ghibli Park is full of special surprises suited to every fan’s needs, both young and old. Dive into the world ofKiki’s Delivery Serviceand try the freshly baked bread from her bakery, or find all the Studio Ghibli merchandise one could ever want in Minami-machi, Ghibli Park’s very own shopping street. While relatively new, Ghibli Park has already proven that it is a perfect tribute to Studio Ghibli’s creative excellence, which is why everyStudio Ghiblifan needs this travel spot on their bucket list.
