Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN)–Fans of My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service and other films from the legendary studio Ghibli will have a new destination to add to their travel bucket list later this year.
Ghibli Park, which will open on November 1 in Japan, will be a dream come true for people who have watched the studio’s beautiful and surreal animated films, and who have always wanted to visit these worlds.
The studio is known for its embodiment of themes centered around nature, friendship, strong female characters, flying machines, destiny and courage.
His aesthetics combine naturalism and steampunk with his own combination of magical realism.
Until recently, news about the legendary “Ghibli” garden was leaking little by little, in Japanese publications.
It was not clear the impact of the pandemic on the date of its launch, or what visitors will find when it opens.
This is what we know
The Ghibli theme park is located in the Aichi Earth Expo Memorial Park, less than two hours from Kyoto by train, and will be approximately 17.5 acres when completed.
When it opens in November, 3 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 a Whisper of the Heart antiques shop.
The third area, Dondoko Forest, recreated the home of Satsuki and Mi from My Neighbor Totoro, as well as a Totoro-themed playground.
According to the park’s press office, two areas that will open later after 2023 include “Mononoke Village” from “Princess Mononoke” and “Valley of the Witches,” which will feature features from the movie Howl’s Moving Castle.
A visit to the park is an immersive experience that enhances the imagination rather than embracing scary games.
How can you visit
Tickets will be available online from 10 August for dates beginning 1 November, and reservations are required.
You must purchase separate tickets for each landmark you wish to visit.
The warehouse is the most expensive attraction in the park, tickets cost $15 for adults, and about $8 for children on weekdays.
On weekends and holidays, the cost increases to $19 for adults and $9 for children.
The park will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays (excluding major school holidays), and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on public holidays and weekends.
The park will be closed every Tuesday unless that day is a holiday.