Get Spirited Away To Japan in 2022

Words by
Lee Cassanell

2nd February 2022

If you know your Princess Mononoke from your Porco Rosso, this is the news you’ve been waiting for.

If visiting Japan is on your personal wish-list, Studio Ghibli's announcement that their brand new theme park is due to open near Nagoya on 1 November might sway you to book those plane tickets without delay.  Designed to blend in with the natural landscape, the park will feature five themed areas based around the studio’s celebrated  animated films such as Howl’s Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, Kiki’s Delivery Service, My Neighbour Totoro and the Oscar-winning Spirited  Away.

Only two areas will be open to the public at launch, with all five expected to be complete by 2024. The park will feature rides and attractions but those looking for a white knuckle ride on a giant rollercoaster will have to get their high-octane kicks elsewhere. In keeping with Miyazaki’s philosophy, the park will focus on nature and the environment - with the great animator going as far as to insist that no trees were cut down during construction. To get the full experience, it might be worth holding back on booking those flights for a couple of years until the park is fully open, but if you’re a hardcore Ghibli fan, we’re sure you’ll be reserving your place on Kiki’s magic broom to fly over to Japan in November.

https://www.aichi-now.jp/kaze/