Hayao Miyazaki has become one of the most influential animation directors of all time, so it makes perfect sense that there is an entire Studio Ghibli theme 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 the first 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.

Japan’s Hidden Gem: s 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 Miyazaki and 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 from Spirited Away aboard 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 as Castle in the Sky and Howl’s Moving Castle, is the perfectly picturesque way to get a birds-eye view of the park. Perhaps one of the park’s shiniest crown jewels is Howl’s Castle in the Valley of Witches, a 20-meter tall, two-story castle identical to the one in Miyazaki’s iconic fantasy romance.

Limited to premium pass holders is Satsuki and Mei’s house from My Neighbor Totoro in 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 Mononoke lovers will 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 of Kiki’s Delivery Service and 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 every Studio Ghibli fan needs this travel spot on their bucket list.