Studio Ghibli Theme Park: Best Attractions!

The Studio Ghibli theme park has attracted worldwide audiences. Inspired by the studio of the same name, these attractions showcase enchanting stories, breathtaking animation, and memorable characters. For fans who want to experience the magic of these films in real life, several locations worldwide are associated with Studio Ghibli!

From the Ghibli Park in Aichi to the Totoro Forest in Saitama, these locations offer a glimpse into the world of Studio Ghibli! All in all, they are a must-visit for any fan of these beloved films! Here are some places that are perfect for Studio Ghibli theme park fans!

Ghibli Park (Aichi)

Ghibli Park is a super cool theme park in Aichi Prefecture based on famous Studio Ghibli films. Aichi Prefecture and Studio Ghibli collaborated to create the park and started constructing it in July 2017. It recently opened in 2022 and has tons of fun stuff to do! You can explore different zones inspired by movies like My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Princess Mononoke.

In the park, you can visit a replica of Satsuki and Mei’s house, ride a cat bus, and even see a witch’s house! If you get hungry, there’s a restaurant with food inspired by Ghibli films. Visitors can also enjoy nature walks through the park’s forests and visit a Ghibli-themed restaurant. In addition, you can also shop for souvenirs at various stores.

One of the most incredible things about Ghibli Park is that its planners made it with the environment in mind. They use renewable energy and have many green spaces like gardens and forests. You can also learn about environmental conservation and sustainability in some of their workshops.

Ghibli Clock (Shiodome, Tokyo)

Officially called the Niettele Oodokei, the Ghibli Clock is a large, intricate clock located in the Shiodome district of Tokyo. Hayao Miyazaki, the co-founder of Studio Ghibli, designed the sculpture that sculptor Shachimaru Kunio built. Nippon Television and Studio Ghibli collaborated to build the sculpture at the Nippon Television building.

The clock is 10 meters high and features several animated scenes from Studio Ghibli films that play out every hour. The scenes include characters such as Totoro from My Neighbor Totoro, the robot soldier from Castle in the Sky, and the witch Kiki from Kiki’s Delivery Service. The clock also features music from various Ghibli films and sound effects.

A glass pyramid-shaped structure houses the clock, and a small garden surrounds it. The founders installed the clock in 2006, and since then, it has been attracting visitors worldwide, becoming a popular tourist attraction.

The Ghibli Clock is a unique and fascinating piece of art that showcases the creativity and imagination of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. If you’re ever in Tokyo, the Ghibli Clock is worth a visit!

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Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory (Setagaya, Tokyo)

Hayao Miyazaki’s sister-in-law manages Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory, a pastry shop in the Setagaya district of Tokyo, Japan. The shop is entirely Ghibli-themed, both inside and outside. Miyazaki’s sketches and an assortment of Ghibli figurines decorate the café.

The shop specializes in cream puffs shaped like Totoro. These treats usually have delicious sweet fillings such as vanilla, chocolate, and green tea. The puffs are made with high-quality ingredients and are known for their fluffy texture and rich taste.

It also offers a variety of other desserts, including cakes, cookies, and macarons. The shop is decorated with cute and whimsical Totoro-themed art and merchandise. This makes it a fun and magical destination for Studio Ghibli fans.

Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory is a must-visit for anyone who loves Totoro and delicious desserts. The cream puffs are adorable and taste amazing, making them a perfect treat to enjoy while exploring the streets of Tokyo.

Totoro’s Forest (Sayama Hills) (Saitama)

They established Totoro Forest as a nature reserve in the Sayama Hills, located in Saitama Prefecture, to preserve the forest that inspired the setting of the Studio Ghibli film “My Neighbor Totoro.” Afterward, they named it Totoro’s Forest.

This nature reserve comprises a variety of trees and vegetation, including a giant camphor tree over 1,000 years old. The forest also features a small pond and a stream that runs through it. The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and insects.

The Totoro Foundation was established and headquartered in Sayama Hills in 1990 by residents who wanted to protect the forest from development. The group was encouraged by film director Hayao Miyazaki, who used the forest as inspiration while creating My Neighbor Totoro. Miyazaki later contributed to the inauguration of the foundation.

Today, Totoro Forest is a popular destination for Studio Ghibli fans and nature enthusiasts. The forest is open to the public and features several walking trails that allow visitors to explore the area and appreciate its natural beauty. There is also an attraction, “Kurosuke’s House”! Here, visitors can take a break and enjoy the company of a large Totoro in the center of the abode.

Donguri Republic

If you’re a fan of Studio Ghibli films, then Donguri Republic is a must-visit chain of stores in Japan that specializes in all kinds of Ghibli merchandise. The name “donguri” means “acorn” in Japanese, which is fitting because the store is bursting with items that are as delightful as acorns! 

From plush toys to figurines, clothing, and accessories, you’ll find everything related to Studio Ghibli here. The best part? The items are of top-notch quality and are accurate to the original films’ designs. As such, you’ll feel like you’re stepping into the world of your favorite Ghibli movie!

This store chain is also known for its unique and creative display. They often feature scenes and characters from Studio Ghibli films. It has a magical and immersive atmosphere that transports visitors into the world of their favorite films.

In addition to merchandise, Donguri Republic stores also feature unique displays and decor! It perfectly captures the whimsical and magical atmosphere of Studio Ghibli films. The stores are a popular destination for Studio Ghibli fans worldwide and are famous for their friendly and welcoming atmosphere. 

Donguri Republic has become a beloved destination for Studio Ghibli fans worldwide, with stores in Japan and other countries such as South Korea and Taiwan.

Bonus: Kiki’s Bakery (Yufuin, Oita)

Kiki’s Bakery is charming in Yufuin, Oita Prefecture, inspired by the Studio Ghibli film Kiki’s Delivery Service. The bakery’s name and decor are a tribute to the film’s main character, Kiki, a young witch who runs a delivery service on her broomstick.

The bakery offers a variety of baked goods, including bread, pastries, cakes, and cookies, all made with high-quality ingredients and baked fresh daily. The menu also features several items inspired by the film, such as the “Jiji Roll Cake,” named after Kiki’s black cat companion.

Kiki’s Delivery Service also inspired the bakery’s decor, which has whimsical touches such as broomsticks, black cats, and flying keys adorning the walls and shelves. Visitors can even sit in a small dining area resembling Kiki’s room from the film. Have you ever been to any of these locations? Which one did you like the best? Let us know in the comments below!