Is Ghibli Park Worth Visiting in Japan? | Warehouse Tour, Food, Merchandise, & Tickets

[@tdrexplorer]

You can watch my second video on Ghibli Park where I show more that I missed in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKCXlYmQZpmmoZI

[@loldart]

How much time should one put for this park? would be traveling from tokyo and then leaving the park for osaka. So viewing this as a stop over for a few hours.

[@omarm-510]

I noticed that most Japanese theme "Amusement Parks" are not in the western sense the same. They are experiences without rides or very limited rides. It's not a bad thing you just have to change your expectations. I did not grow up watching Ghibli but I do remember Spirited Away was such an amazing movie and it broke records. First Animated movie to go mainstream outside of Japan. Anime is a big more niche but Ghibli is like a Disney in my opinion but I could be wrong. I do hope to visit this place even though I would be completely out of place not knowing many of the films. Thank you for sharing

[@cafezo87934]

Maybe because asia is so small especially Japan and taiwan

[@BirdsandGhibliFan]

I’d say yes and no to the question of Ghibli being the anime equivalent of Disney. Yes, in the sense that Ghibli shares some similarities with Disney by way of magical, whimsical stories for family audiences (with a few exceptions) that reach widespread acclaim. But, I would also say no, because their movies are more wholesome than most Disney films, in my opinion. Although I don’t buy the notion that “animation is just for kids”, I think adults can find as much enjoyment from Ghibli as kids better than some of Western animation.

[@annamariamazzola7486]

Not to be a nerd but what about Akira? Sorrry

[@EricMontreal22]

@@BirdsandGhibliFan And Ghibli of course has films that aren't aimed at families--Grave of the Fireflies being the obvious one (even if it was initially a double feature with Totoro!) but also the underrated Only Yesterday, Miyazaki's most recent film The Wind Rises, and some others. Where they maybe have a similarity with Disney is I've been repeatedly told that even non anime fans (even with anime being mainstream in Japan) will go to Ghibli films.

[@EricMontreal22]

"I noticed that most Japanese theme "Amusement Parks" are not in the western sense the same. " I wouldn't say "most." Japan has a LOT of theme and amusement parks in the Western sense--from the big guns like Tokyo Disney and Universal to a lot of more traditional ones. But they do have more of these types of parks than we might be used to.

[@bobcheapek4334]

The details in Ghibli films are one of a kind, so of course a whole lot of detail would go into Ghibli Park too. Studio Ghibli knows the right amount of heartstrings to pull. They prove how powerful music can be, and that's on top of the beauty of Ghibli's animation. A perfect balance

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

The fact the Ghibli theming begins right when you get off at the train station with the Whisper of the Heart elevator tower...what a touch. Makes sense to build a Ghibli Park in Nagakute, Aichi. The site already had a Ghibli look as the mascots of Expo 2005 that you mentioned were Moricoro (Morizo and Kiccoro), who were these fluffy green creatures who represent the Seto forest and look like Ghibli characters! The park is definitely unique in the way it's set up, makes sense why there's separate tickets for the different areas. Even the buses that take you around are unique! This expo park is the Japanese equivalent of Flushing Meadows Corona Park in NYC which is another big park that hosted a world expo both in 1939 and 1964. The 1964 one is where It's a Small World, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, and the Carousel of Progress all originated.

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you for watching! I loved the all the little touches as you approached the park.

[@RetroMario]

I'm almost crying watching this. I hold Ghibli films near and dear to my heart and this park is quickly becoming a thing I need to do before I die. As always, excellent work! 🥰

[@dragonfye1]

I LOVE how they literally included EVERY movie, even the ‘lesser’ ones you really don’t hear about as much like ‘Porco’, ‘Earwig’, and ‘Earthsea’. I was a little concerned it would be all ‘Totoro’ and ‘Spirited Away’ with a dash of ‘Kiki’ and ‘Howl’ for good measure. I love that they treat all of their films with respect, even the ones that weren’t quite up to par.

[@cap1368]

There’s nothing about my neighbors the yamadas, nausicaa or the princess Kaguya sadly

[@dragonfye1]

@@cap1368 was there REALLY nothing from Nausicaa? That IS odd! Many consider that movie Miyazaki’s Magnum Opus…tho personally i feel ‘Spirited Away’ earns that honor…with so many GREAT stories its CERTAINLY a debatable topic. Lol

[@cap1368]

@@dragonfye1 there is a few plushes of teto / squirrel fox from castle in the sky. And ofc some tiny figurines. But other than that there is nothing else honestly. Good for me on one side bc I am obsessed with her and the merch so I am saving money…. But I wish there was more

[@octogonSmuggler]

I reallly liked Earthsea as a kid. But mostly because I'd read the books.

[@kayel4487]

There is something very true to Ghibli to have it be in a park. I'm excited for the upcoming Howl's castle and Mononke village!

[@psychotophatcat]

I was wondering why I didn't see anything from HMC! Phew haha, I'm glad they are incorporating it. I love other movies, but that's the one I would throw most of my money and time towards.

[@kailine3008]

i have watched videos of KZbinrs who visited Ghibli Park but so far, yours is the one that i enjoy the most! despite not being able to visit at all the spots at the park and having little time to spare, you were able to share a lot! from how to get to the park, ticketing infos for both locals and overseas tourists, strategy on how to maximize one's visit to the park, the cafe and what they offer and even suggested side trips to Nagoya! you really gave a detailed information on this video! i truly appreciate you and thank you for your hard work 😊

[@behindthemaestrosdesk]

Studio Ghibli has made the most beautiful.. films in existence, their truly masterpieces. And by which this park truly reflects on that! It reflects on the magic and adventure, and this park truly is a amazing idea! It’s like you step into the Ghibli films in real life! And it just looks AMAZING! I can’t wait to go! This place is just wonderful for children and adults alike. Truly a place for everyone to get lost together! 😊💖

[@DebrisDiver]

I don't know if I'll ever get a chance to visit Japan once before I die, but this park and the Ghibli museum are the top of my list with visiting Hokkaido. Your channel is as per usual the best to learn about those amazing themed placed so far away. Thank you for sharing so many informations and details! You're amazing.

[@witchcrvfts]

I always see your videos on Instagram and am always amazed with Japan. It’s one of my bucket list places. And all of these parks in Japan are amazing, the detail and everything is crazy. I’m so obsessed.

[@where_is_my_money_now]

I think my mom is right when she said that once you visit japan, it'll be hard to go to a different destination. Japan is a small country but majority of the things I love is there! Will be visiting soon, Tokyo first for the 2 disney parks. I got 12 days in Tokyo but I don't think it'll be enough. 7 days in Disney, 5 outside. We were supposed to go to Universal first coz of the Wizarding World and there's so much to see in Osaka! But since it's really for the kids then Disney first. Then I have to add this!

[@daveotuwa5596]

Ghibli Park's displays are beautiful to see! I adore them! And they would make me exclaim "Arigato!"

[@Ejs2129]

I love the yubaba room with those flying papers .

[@disneyfan9134]

18:19 If I ever want to shut myself out from frustrating people and escape from the crazy and stressful life without having to deal with hell that is reality and just need a space to help me recenter myself, this is the bedroom I would definitely retreat to. I can see this bedroom being like my own personal sanctuary that’ll make me feel safer and calmer. Seriously, I would loved to sleep in this room, it looks so cozy and tranquil. I love it! 😊

[@littlemimi8145]

The details man! It's beautiful, messy and it gives live to the park! It really take into those story and make you feel it ❤️

[@Blue-dy2mr]

This stuff is so cool. I don't have the money or mobility to really be able to do this kind of stuff, so it's neat to be able to see it. What's been your favorite place you've visited? Do you think you'll go back to the Pokemon cafe again? Are you planning on going to the how to train your dragon park in universal when it opens?

[@tdrexplorer]

Thank you for watching, Blue! It's hard to choose a favourite but I do enjoy the Pokemon Cafe! I have a video coming, so keep an eye out for that!

[@Theravingranter]

This whole video had me bawling like a baby because of how much Ghibli means to me. Everything was so meticulously planned and gorgeous

[@tdrexplorer]

Is Ghibli Park on your list of places to visit in Japan? Tickets for international visitors are finally going on sale -> tdrexplorer.com/studio-ghibli-theme-park/

[@star-tingwithmyintuition3463]

i tried to get tickets from the UK 22,000 people in the queue in front of me on line, even though i went online 20 mins before they went on sale waiting to get in the queue, there was no way i was going to get any, even saying that i still waited just in case by some fluke i got some, 2.15am front of queue all sold out, every single one, my first time visiting japan next month not sure when i will have the chance to go back again, so your vid will be the only ghibli musuem i see right now so thanks for that

[@lupindraws]

Hey Chris! I discovered your videos this year and they have really helped me out. Your videos are so comforting and soothing. I watch them when I’m feeling anxious and just before bedtime to relax. Thanks so much for being such a kind and lovely man who is such a joy and comfort to watch ❤️

[@tdrexplorer]

Hi Lupin! Thank you for the kind words and for always watching. It means so much! Makes me happy to know you find comfort in the videos we produce.

[@raynacarraway440]

I thought I was the only one who listened to these videos when going to sleep! Hearing people talk makes it easier for me somehow, and Chris' voice is so calming that this channel has been one of my go-tos at night for months now

[@alliekuma4234]

Love all the details and architecture. The scenery is beautiful in those films. Spirited Away is my fave. ❤️

[@darkraven2116]

You and the photographer understood the photo op assignment!! But I actually get so much anxiety watching this seeing how busy it is and knowing it will probably never slow down!

[@Artractive_]

Yay it’s here!! Been anticipating this video for ages! So excited to watch! Thankyou for sharing your adventure at Ghibli park with us! Hopefully more Ghibli Park videos to come! ✨☺️

[@tdrexplorer]

Yay! Thank you!

[@4-kathryn]

Agreed; I thought the park would've had more themed food inspired off the films however sandwiches are pretty quick to make, I understand why did what they did. I'm suprised they're aren't selling the candy drops in tins from Grave of the Fireflies though... heard that company is going to go out of business but at least try to get product out so the visitors can enjoy it before it's done for good. Lovely video. Hope to go eventually but as an U.S.A. citizen it's take awhile for me to aside funds and wait for a more streamlined ticket-buying method.

[@VisoDatsun710]

Thank you for another honest, clear, no-hype review! I will schedule this one for 2025, after the Valley of Witches and Mononoke Village areas have been completed. Until then, I'll be scheduling trips to other parts of Japan. The next news I'm waiting for is when I can pre-order your updated 2023 guide books.

[@misstuxbrandi]

Watching my 2nd video by you and all I can say is the best part is your laughter and hearing your pure joy. You have me smiling ear to ear, curled up cozy on my couch with a hot chocolate in my hand all the way in NC. Love it.

[@ahtnamys]

You had to return the milk bottle?! I'd want it as a souvenir :D

[@sailordjeeonthemoon4371]

Oh wow! I loved that video! Kaonashi photo op! The Ubaba scene is soooo worth it! I want to get my hand on that Ubaba plush hair!?! I screamed!

[@noMashedPotato]

Thank you for making this video!!! I'm a huge fan of studio ghibli, and I can't wait for the oversea ticket to be available!!! definitely going to visit and spend a whole day there !!😍😍😍😍

[@saoerased1076]

Oh Thank you so much! It looks so wonderful. I wish I could go. I would just go slowly and let the ambiance and scenery flow over me. I would fall into one film to another. So beautiful. Thank you

[@tulipiscute]

i have been so excited and waiting for this video and i refresh my homepage and its posted one min ago!! now time to watch :)

[@tdrexplorer]

Yay! Thank you!

[@TimeKeeperBris]

I would never leave this place!! I would buy all the mononoke stuff I could! Can’t wait to see what the irontown village when it’s done

[@Jeshpii]

Thanks for sharing your balanced opinion and some of the drawbacks for us to be aware of, really helps with not having too much FOMO haha

[@christikulczyk1439]

Bucket list for sure!!! Thanks for sharing, looks like an amazing experience

[@anneyen17]

Thank you for showing us around! Surprised to find out there are restricted entry times and tickets sold so close to the closing time too.

[@sanashi27]

That place looks amazing! It looks like fun and relaxing at the same time cause you're walking around but looking at everything. I'm curious about what the other parts of the place looks like.

[@JellyJerryy]

Have been waiting for this video since the Park opened :) so excited!

[@tdrexplorer]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@gothicxromantic]

I’ve been avoiding everything about Ghibli Park waiting for you to go! These movies are probably as nostalgic to me as Disney movies and there’s no way I can afford a flight to Japan rn so thank you for sharing this experience with us!!! ❤

[@tdrexplorer]

Aww, thank you!

[@katesommerville7217]

Why is it that Japan does such cute parks, merch etc. maybe in a year or so I’ll make the trip 🤞

[@nickles8495]

You take us where i cannot go right now. You are our friend

[@sneakyprawn131]

Friendly and welcoming vibes. AND you covered my dream day out, thank you so much for this content. I don't know if I'll ever make it here - but at least I saw it, thanks to you ☺ subscribed ✌

[@lenanana8]

The Ghibl Park is to Ghibli fans what Hobbiton in Matamata is to Tolkien fans. As an avid Ghibli and Tolkien fan, I would be in heaven if I went to these places.

[@ThemeParkNut]

Way to write the headline title that everyone is asking! I’m gonna enjoy this!

[@tdrexplorer]

Haha, I try! Hope you all enjoyed the video.

[@ThemeParkNut]

@@tdrexplorer Great Video Chris! It's interesting, I'm still not convinced that we'll go to this, even though it looks great. I think we are going to try for the Ghibli Museum, so I don't think both would make sense. But we will be going to Legoland so it's not like we are that far away. We've got a bit of time to decide. Love the Nagoya tips at the end!

[@LadySwan333]

What a beautiful place!! I wish we had this in the US ugh I need to visit Japan!! Thanks for posting this ❤

[@leggetteimi8538]

Hey Chris! I really love your videos, as a Japanese person living abroad it takes me back to those places by watching your videos. ( or plan my next home coming!) I'd love you to visit Edo mura/Edo wonderland in Nikko, I highly recommend it and not many people has reviewed. thanks again for sharing your experiences!

[@johnsouthern6089]

So basically a themed shopping spot for Ghibli. Got it.

[@andrzejszpak688]

Raffle for a chance to pay 3000 yen to shop in a mall 🤣

[@maddieb.4282]

Thank god someone else feels the same. Walk through a hallway lined with posters straight to the gift shop.

[@el898]

Thank you so much for uploading this, looks amazing!! I would have been an emotional mess crying

[@k1amc3]

I have been WAITING for you to go here! My best friend and I are planning a trip in 2025 and we've been like, using your channel to plan a route of places to go haha

[@benrobinson375]

I went to Ghibli world a couple months ago and I must say I agree with you on all points. It's an awesome place to visit if you're a Ghibli fan (like me), but if you're not fussed about Ghibli then there isn't much in it for you. Try to get there early so as to give yourself time to do things. I thought the cafe was average too, and I had to wait a while. I'd skip the cafe and have a late breakfast or brunch before going in.

[@guLaLi56]

It's definitely look worth visiting! The detail is incredible! I'm a solo traveler, is monopod/selfie stick allowed in here? Many theme parks & and museums in Japan usually not allowed to use it.

[@raineeholmes566]

13:35 in the background you can hear neglected garden from "The secret life of arrietty" ❤️

[@Salamanderx25]

This looks so awesome thanks for sharing your experience

[@LorettaCorona]

hi Chris as always love the merch I would by the post cards for sure and my favorite movies are zen to Chihiro and howls castle 🍁

[@devincristopher3]

so cute🤩🤩🤩 love the giant stuff😍😍😍

[@Ash454]

Excellent video looks like I am definitely going to spend one of my days here!

[@StrayKidsDaesang]

can't wait to go hereeeeeeeee

[@MonsterKidCory]

I might have to hit it on a morning shinkansen out from Tokyo and an evening one out to Kyoto, but the Ghibli Park is definitely on my must-do list. It feels like my entire return trip to Japan is shaping up to visiting Ghibli and Godzilla stuff XD

[@jackilam]

Thanks for making this heartfelt coverage of the Ghibli Park. I'm planning to take my family to go this summer. They only offered two options for entering into the park on the international website: 12pm and 2pm. Do you think there is enough time to just go through the Grand Warehouse from 12pm until closing time? They aren't offering tickets to international visitors for the other areas, sadly.

[@cap1368]

I got in at 1pm and I didn’t get enough time due to always queuing for pictures and the amount of people, I never saw the whole no face, marnie, arietty… area they estimated the queue to be 2h long. It closes at 4 or 5 I think

[@daniellejade4805]

just tried buying tickets (as an international buyer who doesn't speak japanese) and I got in, tried buying multiple tickets on multiple different days to different areas, and it just kept kicking me out. the ticket sales are so tough 😤 so sad I probably won't be able to go during my next Japan trip early next year

[@inezsmaheswari]

I also plan to visit japan next feb/march and it saddens me that they're not selling ticket to foreigners yet

[@stephanieok5365]

I hear it kicks you out if you don't have a Japanese phone number? I don't know anyone who can buy a ticket internationally. It feels like the services that used to help with this process dried up in 2020 and have not come back?

[@inezsmaheswari]

@@stephanieok5365 yes they need a local phone number and I've read somewhere that they ask your kanji name as well. The only way to get it is to find a japanese friend, or those who live in japan 😅.

[@wallissimpson5414]

Maybe using a vpn would work

[@emilytran7433]

hi! if i could only go to one, should I visit the ghibli museum or this ghibli park? i'm torn between the two especially bc I'm not sure what's inside the museum even though it sounds cool!

[@JonathanMWick]

omg so cool! thanks for sharing, this is so amazing wow!

[@maxaroni39]

This is so cool!! Will you return for Witch Valley and Princess Mononoke Village when they are made, or Dondoko Forest and The Hill of Youth?

[@TheGreekGoddess369]

Hello I'm from Australia I love the Ghibli movies my Favorite Howls Moving Castle & spirited away I would love to go to Ghibli Park & the warehouse 2. the tour inside Ghibli's Grand Warehouse is wow love it I love yubaba & the green heads lol. oh the merchandise the little foods r cute & the magnets & the key chains I love the post cards wow the puzzles nice love the cushion Totoro is so cute OMG I want the cat bus pillow thing the cat shoulder bag is cute 2. I love the cat hat the shirts are nice 2 the pins are cool & the stickers. yummy I love sweets. That little, tiny bedroom is so cute I want lol. The Arrietty Exhibition tour was nice to see. Why can't u keep the milk glass bottle That's Awesome photo opps that's cool well thank u so much for sharing & I just Subscribed to your channel hope u had a good xmas & new years

[@chomphunuthsutthiphiset5506]

Hi, love your video! Thank you for taking us through the warehouse. How long can you stay in one zone?

[@tdrexplorer]

Until the park closes.

[@theresaingham3678]

Hi Chris, have been a subscriber for many years, love love love your vlogs. My daughter and me are coming to Japan at the end of November until 12th Dec, we are wanting to book an earlier time than shown on current Ghibly website, understand there’s no bookings as yet for when we go but why is it only showing later times for visiting the park? My thought was the earlier times for for non tourists to get the chance to visit?

[@tdrdash]

One day for a theme park outside Tokyo, Ghibli park or USJ(SNW etc)? I guess it depends how much of a Ghibli fan you are

[@lizm3999]

Been waiting for this video!! So excited!

[@paolaoropeza9257]

Please can you let me know where can I get the tickets for the park and also which city is the park located at? Thank you!

[@plasticman2k]

Did you see if they had the special beers like those in Ghibli Museum? I think they're labeled Kaze no Tani.

[@verymerry610berry]

The way this "park" is set up reminds me a lot of Sylvania Park, just inside.

[@Cyan1996]

I was crying watching this. Every 10th of the month, I attempt to reserve the premium tickets, but they consistently sell out. My only hope now is to book it next month when the 10th is the weekend, and I can wait until 2 p.m. to do so. Now that the Star Festival is approaching, my Tanabata wish is to meet Totoro in October.

[@Makkoiurufu]

Did they have “The Cat Returns” merch?

[@swordhunter12]

Honestly, I couldn't think of a better location for a Studio Ghibli park. The rolling hills and lush forest look like something right out of their films. It is a shame that most of the stuff is indoors right now, but it looks like they'll be adding outdoor attractions over the next couple years. Really looking forward to that.

[@stacyscooby8488]

I Love studio Ghibli films i Love the Movies my favorite one is Spitted Away .

[@chrisota]

Thanks for the video! I could feel your excitement. I was curious to know (and if you can recall), does the gift shop sell reproduction animation CELs, similar to Ghibli Museum? Thanks again!

[@tdrexplorer]

Hmmm, there was so much stuff I'm not sure tbh. I want to say yes, but I really don't recall.

[@chrisota]

@@tdrexplorer Thank you and thanks again for the great rundown. I am very excited to visit myself!

[@jonnajankala2451]

@TDREXPLORER is it handicap access for like wheelchairs ??

[@nikolee1452]

his excited giggles were my favorite part of video hahahaha

[@PhonicsisFunwithMsCassy]

thanks for the video:) Love it!! You're the best, chris:)

[@gir360]

I have a recommend if you'd want to try it (if you haven't already), the KIrby cafe!

[@insolv1niac86]

Thank you for your video and recommendations

[@Scarl3tPanda]

So I'm planning a trip in March 2024 and I'm just trying to understand the time slots with entry to the different park areas. It says arrive 30 minutes prior to your reservation time but how long do you suggest for each area? As an example could I book the warehouse for say 10am and then another area for 11am or is that not enough time? The website doesn't give an approx time to get around.

[@bigbanglover2000]

Since we can’t buy tickets online yet, if I get to Japan on January 3rd, would it be possible to buy the Lawson tickets for the 12th? Or how do the Lawson tickets work?

[@memeranglaut]

This feels like an expanded version of the museum in Mitaka. Did you feel the vibe was similar?

[@tamiresdeoliveirasantos2301]

Really nice video! 😁

[@oliverrea3924]

Hi Chris I am looking at tickets and was wondering as I live in the UK is there anyway of buying tickets for Hill of Youth and Dondoko Forest? The warehouse is on the international site and the Japan site has all the tickets but unfortunately it blocks me because I don’t have a Japanese address and for some reason also stops me on date of birth and basically just doesn’t work for me and having massive difficulties. Is there anyway of getting tickets for these areas or will I have to miss them?

[@star-tingwithmyintuition3463]

can you still go to the shop if you havnt got a ticket to any of the places?

[@CEO_FADeD]

Is it going to be fleshed out into actual areas outside, or just props and photo areas in the warehouse?

[@tdrexplorer]

This is one part of Ghibli Park. There are outside areas that are a separate ticket (I talk about it in the video briefly).

[@larasemerad2605]

Ghibli has a coloring book Eby called Ghibli studio

[@ciensoo807]

its my dreammmmm to go

[@rasputinafreak]

I’ve been waiting so long for this video! THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!! Awesome job!!!!

[@Tedibear]

Is there any way to book tickets for the dondoko forest if you're an international tourist? Their website only has tickets for the warehouse...

[@tdrexplorer]

Sadly not in English, you'll need someone to help you book it through the Japanese website.

[@me4vampires]

Is this the museum? Or a whole different attraction?

[@Totchi85]

It looks super nice, but I'm just a bit bummed that there doesn't seem to be all that much of Howl's Moving Castle :( Would have expected a nice photo-op for that as well (maybe the inside of Howl's Castle). Any idea as to why it's been left out?

[@ullakarikko3996]

I was wondering the same thing… the same seems to be true when you go to Ghibli stores in Japan, not a lot of Howl’s Moving Castle merch or anything.

[@fruiitypeebles]

Actually they're planning to build a life-size Howl's Castle in the Valley of Witches area (the constructed area Chris showed in the beginning)! It's due to open next year :D

[@dannielz6]

It's not left out. The Park will continue to add more exhibits later.

[@potattto7558]

9:42 gosh!!!😩💕💕💕

[@brclyn]

The merch is amazing. It's a pity you can't film in some places though. The details are so accurate. It looks like you could spend the whole day in the area, doing something.

[@Mark-OutWest]

Nice. Don't forget to go to the one in Mitaka.

[@MrLegatoblue]

I wish I could guarantee tickets, but I don’t think they sell international tickets. So I’m gonna have to try to get when I land in Japan. :(

[@IkePaz]

im waiting for the rest of it to opens....

[@jordanm1638]

Woooow i'm so glad you had an opportunity for a photo op! good photo ops are few and far between. I love a good photo op when it arises. can't wait to see more photo ops photo ops photo ops photo ops photo ops

[@elana604]

This looks soo cool, same i cant afford to travel there😢