Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN)– Fans of My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service and other films from legendary studio Ghibli will have a new destination to add to their travel bucket list later this year.
Opening November 1st in Japan, Ghibli Park is a dream come true for those who have seen the studio’s beautiful and surreal animated films and have always wanted to visit these worlds.
The studio is known for its depiction of themes centered on nature, friendship, strong female characters, flying machines, destiny and courage.
His aesthetic combines naturalism and steampunk with his own magical realism.
Until recently, news about the famed “Ghibli” garden had been trickling out little by little in Japanese publications.
It’s not clear what impact the pandemic will have on the date it opens or what viewers will find when it opens.
This is what we know
Ghibli Theme Park is located in the Aichi Earth Expo Memorial Park, less than two hours by train from Kyoto, and will cover approximately 17.5 acres when completed.
When it opens in November, 3 out of the five planned zones will be ready.
Chief among these is the Great Warehouse, an indoor facility that houses antiques and exhibits from the studio’s films, including the robot soldier from Castle in the Sky and the cat bus from Totoro.
The second area, Hill of Youth, features the Whisper of the Heart antique shop.
The third area, Tontogo Forest, recreated Satsuki and Mi’s house from My Neighbor Totoro, as well as a Totoro-themed playground.
According to the park’s press office, two areas slated to open after 2023 include “Princess Mononoke” and “Mononoke Village” from “Valley of the Witches,” which will feature features from the movie Howl’s Moving Castle.
Instead of embracing scary games, a visit to the park is a wonderful experience that boosts imagination.
How you can view
Tickets are available online from August 10 for dates starting November 1 and reservations are essential.
You have to buy separate tickets for each landmark you want to visit.
The warehouse is the most expensive attraction in the park, with tickets costing $15 for adults and about $8 for children on weekdays.
On weekends and holidays, the fare increases to $19 for adults and $9 for children.
The park is open on weekdays from 10am to 5pm (except major school holidays), and on public holidays and weekends from 9am to 5pm.
The park is closed every Tuesday unless that day is a holiday.
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