Three of the five most visited theme parks in the world are located in Japan (Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan, and Tokyo Disney Sea), so it seems only appropriate that Studio Ghibli would join the club by opening its own theme park devoted to the fantasy worlds of its films.

The Ghibli Park is planned to open in the Aichi Prefecture’s Moricoro Park, near Nagoya, Japan, sometime in 2022. A preliminary map depicts five lands that will contain elements from (mostly Hayao Miyazaki) films like Princess Mononoke, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Whisper of the Heart.

Ghibli Park. Image: Studio Ghibli.

A replica of the main characters’ house from My Neighbor Totoro was already built in the same park back in 2005, and will be incorporated into the new theme park.

Ghibli Park. Image: Studio Ghibli.

The park’s operating company is being funded by both Studio Ghibli and the prefecture, according to a report in Anime News Network. Additionally, the park will be constructed in an eco-friendy manner, limiting impact to the trees and natural environment of the park.

Ghibli Park. Image: Studio Ghibli.
Ghibli Park. Image: Studio Ghibli.
Ghibli Park. Image: Studio Ghibli.

Amid Amidi

Amid Amidi is Cartoon Brew's Publisher and Editor-at-large.

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