I’d be surprised to meet someone in Japan who has never heard of Studio Ghibli. For many of us, the films have been around for as long as we can remember. I watched My Neighbor Totoro over and over as a child, and its magic hasn’t faded. Even in 2026, it’s still loved by children and adults alike.
That’s why Ghibli Park feels like such a lovely place to recommend. If you have a favourite film, or a character who still makes you smile, I think you’ll enjoy stepping into a place built around those familiar worlds. Before you go, though, there are a few things I’d plan carefully.
Book your ticket before you plan the day
You need an advance reservation to enter Ghibli Park. Tickets aren’t sold at the entrances to its areas, so I’d make this the first thing you organise—before transport or anything else.
The park currently offers two main day passes. The Standard Pass covers Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Mononoke Village and Valley of Witches. The Premium Pass covers all five areas and includes entry to buildings such as Satsuki and Mei’s House and Howl’s Castle. If seeing the house from Totoro is high on your wish list, check the Premium Pass details before booking. Some Valley of Witches buildings have limited same-day entry tickets for Standard Pass holders, but I wouldn’t build a whole trip around getting one.
For overseas bookings, start at the official Ghibli Park ticket page and follow its links to Lawson Ticket or Klook. Tickets normally go on sale two months ahead, on the 10th at 2 p.m. Japan time. Choose your date, pass and timed entry slot for Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse when you book. Bring your passport too: the person named on the booking may be asked for ID. Check the park calendar before choosing a date, as opening days and hours vary. Ghibli Park ticket information.
Getting there from Nagoya
Ghibli Park is in Nagakute, Aichi, within Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park. It’s outside central Nagoya, so give yourself time for the journey.
From Nagoya Station, you can take a direct Meitetsu bus from the Meitetsu Bus Center to the park. I’d check the bus timetable in advance because departures are limited. If you prefer the train, take the subway to Fujigaoka, then transfer to the Linimo and get off at Ai-Chikyuhaku Kinen Koen. The park is just outside Exit 2. From Fujigaoka, it’s the Linimo you want—not a shuttle bus. Official directions.
Wear the shoes you actually like walking in
Leave time to wander—and bring shoes you’ll be happy to walk in all day
The park has five areas spread through a large public park, and the walking is part of the visit. I’d wear comfortable shoes, check the weather and decide which areas matter most to me before arriving. Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse has a timed entry slot, so use that as the anchor for the rest of your day. The park itself recommends planning a route because of its size. Ghibli Park ticket and area guide.
And give yourself room to slow down. I know how tempting it is to try to fit every corner into one day, especially after securing a ticket. But I’d want time to look around, take a few photos and enjoy recognising the little details along the way.
Food breaks and something for the kids
You don’t need to get through the day on snacks alone. Transcontinental Flight Café in Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse serves sandwiches and pizza, while Flying OVEN in Valley of Witches has dishes including pies and quiches. There’s also Rotunda Kazegaoka near the park’s north entrance. Check which area your ticket covers before settling on a place to eat, since some cafés are inside ticketed areas. Official food guide.
A food break is part of the plan, especially when you’re visiting with children.
If you’re going with children, Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse also has indoor play spaces: Cat Bus Room and Children’s Town. They’re for children aged 12 and under, which is useful to know when you’re planning a family day. Ghibli Park visitor information.
I first knew Ghibli through Totoro on a screen at home. I love the idea of taking that old affection somewhere I can walk around and explore. If you feel the same way about one of the films, I’d say: book ahead, make a loose plan, wear your comfortable shoes—and enjoy seeing which part makes you feel like a child again.
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