Ghibli Park Announces Opening of New Themed Areas

(eap) Last year, the Ghibli Park in Japan opened its doors for the first time. Now fans of the Studio Ghibli animation studio can look forward to the opening of two new areas. Already in November this year, the “Mononoke Village” is scheduled to open. The area will be inspired by the popular 1997 Ghibli classic “Princess Mononoke” and will include “Tatara-ba”, a hands-on center in the form of a building from the film, where guests can learn to make the local culinary specialty “Gohei-mochi” (rice cakes). In addition, young visitors – up to 12 years old – can enjoy a “Lord Okkoto” themed slide (a character from the film).

Mononoke Village © Studio Ghibli

Next spring, on March 16, 2024, the “Valley of Witches” themed area will follow, dedicated to the various Ghibli witches. Here, visitors will find the home of “Kiki” and the bakery from the film “Kiki’s Delivery Service” (1989) as well as the “House of Witches” from the more recent film “Earwing and the Witch” (2020). The highlight of the area is said to be the replica of “Howl’s Castle” from “Howl’s Moving Castle”. In addition to the new buildings, guests will find a restaurant and a family entertainment area in the Valley of Witches. ■