After it opened in November last year, Ghibli Park is now preparing to expand with two areas that are each inspired by Princess Mononoke and Kiki’s Delivery Service.
These new areas won’t open at the same time though. Instead, the Mononoke-themed area will first open in November – one year after the parks’ official opening. Meanwhile, the next one will launch in early 2024.
Though the park has already attracted tons of Japanese and international visitors, these new themed areas will no doubt attract even more Ghibli fans from all over the world.
Mononoke Village to Open in Ghibli Park This November
The first new area to open is Mononoke Village. As its name implies, this themed area will be based on Hayao Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke, which continues to be one of Miyazaki’s most popular works.
From the looks of it, this area will be inspired by the locations featured in the film.
Specifically, it will combine the Emishi Village where the protagonist, Prince Ashitaka, is found, as well as Iron Town.
As for what to expect in the area, visitors will be able to try out a hands-on learning facility, though it’s not clear what exactly visitors can get a hands-on experience of.
What is clear is that visitors will also be able to try out Gohei-mochi, a delicacy of Aichi Prefecture, the place where the park is located.
While the village will only open on November 1, 2023, initial plans for the park already had this area in mind. But because of the scale, the other areas were prioritized first.
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Valley of Witches to Open in Ghibli Park in Early 2024
After the Mononoke Village opens, fans will need to wait a few months before the next area opens.
Specifically, the next area is called the Valley of Witches, and it is inspired by Kiki’s Delivery Service and Howl’s Moving Castle. This will be seen in the area’s European-inspired houses.
Though there are not a lot of details about what activities will be there, what’s confirmed is that the area will feature a replica of Howl’s castle.
The Valley of Witches will open on March 16, 2024. Ahead of its opening, Studio Ghibli will likely share more details about what to expect.
Ghibli Park is located in Aichi Prefecture at the Aichi Commemorative Park, with the nearest major city being Nagoya.
Though the park is open to international visitors, tickets can only be purchased on the park's website.
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Source: Comic Natalie
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