Studio Ghibli fans will be happy to know that the settings of their favourite animated movies will be in the real world soon.
On Wednesday (5 Feb), Japanese news site Soranews24 released details about the long-awaited Ghibli theme park slated to open by 2022. The official illustrations show that the park will have 5 zones covering the 200ha area in Aichi’s Expo Park.
Long-time fans can look forward to the following destinations.
Irontown, from Studio Ghibli’s film Princess Mononoke, is one of the park’s themed zones. The settlement is ruled by Lady Eboshi and surrounded by lush greenery, and high walls.
Those who want unique experiences can check out the charcoal burner’s cottage, while tired travelers may also relax in the areas.
Dondoko Forest is inspired by Mei and Satsuki in My Neighbor Totoro. The vast thicket will have a walking path that leads to the film’s countryside shrine.
The Ghibli no Daisōko, otherwise known as Ghibli’s Giant Warehouse, will preserve the company’s animated works.
Film buffs can learn more about Studio Ghibli films by hanging out at the 170-seat mini theatre for permanent and seasonal exhibitions. While the building seems like a small venue for feature-length films, fans hope that they can view the Totoro follow-up which is currently only available at Tokyo’s Ghibli museum.
The streets will be inspired by the bustling food district in Spirited Away. At first glance, it seems similar to the traditional night market, the only difference is that it may have ghostly food stalls instead.
Valley of the Witches will feature the houses of Kiki from Kiki’s Delivery Service and Howl’s Castle. We still can’t confirm whether Howl’s Moving Castle will be a moving fortress, but the waterfront mimics the setting of the movie.
Guests can go back in time at the Hill of Youth—a building inspired from the 18th-century. The structure features an elevator that provides a bird’s eye view of the entire park.
The cat office from The Cat Returns and antique shop from Whisper of the Heart can also be found in this enchanted wonderland.
The Ghibli Theme Park is scheduled to open in 2022.
Hill of Youth, Dondoko Forest, and Ghibli’s Giant Warehouse will open in 2022. Meanwhile, the Village of Mononoke and Valley of the Witches will open in 2023.
The Aichi prefectural government expects that a million visitors once the first three areas are opened. Once all five areas are completed, they expect an astounding 1.8 million visitors.
Are you excited to visit Studio Ghibli’s theme park? Let us know in the comments below.
Featured image from SeekPNG and Pinterest.
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