Jiburi Park in Aichi

​Visiting Ghibli Park felt like stepping straight into the magical worlds of Studio Ghibli. Unlike a typical theme park with rides, it’s more like walking through living movie sets — places that capture the spirit of films like My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Princess Mononoke. I wandered through Dondoko Forest, where Totoro’s house stood exactly as in the movie, down to the tiniest details, and I couldn’t help but smile at the nostalgia. In the Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, I spent hours exploring exhibits, film memorabilia, and life-sized recreations that made me feel like I was part of the stories I grew up with. What I loved most was how peaceful it felt — instead of rushing to rides, you stroll, explore, and let the magic unfold at its own pace. It’s a place where childhood memories and Japanese artistry come alive, and I left with the same sense of wonder I felt the first time I watched a Ghibli film.