Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli theme park inspires excitement and awe

It’s finally here: an extraordinary visual theme park from the legendary Japanese animation house Ghibli. The studio announced its plans for the attraction five years ago, and legions of Ghibli fans around the world have been eagerly awaiting its opening. November 1st will be when Japan welcomes international tourists again.

We were able to visit Park Ghibli, which is several hours southwest of Tokyo. Here’s what you need to know.

Don’t expect rides or human-sized characters posing for photos. The view of the 494-acre park is visually exclusive Hayao Miyazaki, the 81-year-old co-founder of the studio, and a tribute to his legacy as an innovative creator and animator. (This idea came in 2017 Miyazaki He announced his definitive retirement, even though he was already working again).

The result is believed to be Japan’s first “hybrid park”, built around an existing public space to minimize environmental damage. Conscious of sustainability, its creators sourced all possible materials locally. The main attraction is the Ghibli department store, which has been converted into an indoor pool with an indoor skating rink.

Just like the Ghibli movies, you can’t help but appreciate the nature around you. It is designed to make you feel like you are living in a real Ghibli world rather than visiting a fantasy. The result: an emotional overload, at the same time, calm.

The park will eventually have five areas, three of which will be ready next month. The Ghibli Department Store is an indoor showcase that recreates sets of 14 Ghibli classics. In the Tontogo Forest, visitors will find Satsuki and Mei’s home Totoro is my neighbor. The Hill of Youth houses Nishi’s antique shop Whisper of the heart And the cat office Return of the cat.

Next fall, Mononoke Village, basically Princess Mononoke. And the Valley of the Enchanted will be introduced in spring 2024 Screaming is a moving castle Y Kiki: Home delivery.

The meticulous attention to detail is remarkable. At every turn, you’ll be surprised by little gems, especially the Great Ghibli Warehouse.

Groups of soot sprites or Makuro Kurosuke lurking in the corners. Before Chihiro entered the spirit world, the names of those stolen by Yubaba or Patty were signed personal contracts Spirit away. A sleeping Totoro was hidden in a corner of the children’s play area. Realistic expressions of raccoon dogs Let’s go. Acorns are stacked along the Tontogo forest path. A fully functional gas stove at Nishi’s antique shop. Water droplets the size of your hand as you see the world through Ariti’s eyes.

Again and again, they make you think: Did they really mean it?

Fans know that the kitchen acts as its own character in Ghibli movies.

An exhibit at the Ghibli department store celebrates iconic Ghibli dishes: Kiki’s Fish Cake, Kiki’s Bacon and Egg Breakfast. Screaming is a moving castleFood store Spirit away Where Chihiro’s parents eat, Chihiro’s Spaghetti Bolognese Borgo Rosso And many more.

It takes you inside the painstaking animation process required to create food and cooking scenes, along with life-size replicas of some of those scenes. (This is a temporary exhibit, though we hope park organizers will consider making it a permanent installation.)

Prepare to leave hungry.

The park has a unique aesthetic of simplicity and nostalgia that feels very Ghibli. An old-fashioned candy shop sells sweets that are now hard to find in Tokyo. Old-school “raw-raw” vending machines contain toys in capsules. A dessert stand offers bottled milk with a cupcake.

All these are very relevant in terms of hate Miyazaki Use computers, smartphones or computer generated animation.

While you definitely want to capture it on your phone, take some time to experience life as you imagined it. Miyazaki.

How to plan a trip

Ghibli Park is located within the Aichi Expo 2005 Memorial Park in Aichi Prefecture. It is accessible by public transport from Tokyo, and is a day trip from the city.

The park, suitable for all age groups, will allow around 5,000 visitors per day. Tickets are sold on their website through a draw on 10th of every month for all three zones. Prices range from $3.50 to $9 for children and $7 to $17 for adults.

Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to cover a lot of ground. A bus can take you to Tontogo Forest, but the ride there is scenic and relaxing. Bring water and something to snack on; Currently there is only one small restaurant and vending machines are in short supply.

Posters, exhibit descriptions and directions are almost entirely in Japanese, which can be a challenge for non-Japanese.

Source: Washington Post

Continue reading: