About half a year ago, I visited Ghibli Park for the first time. As I walked through the forest, I felt as if I had stepped straight into a Ghibli film.

For Japanese people, nature is something to live alongside and cherish. This way of thinking can be seen in Shinto beliefs that spirits dwell in mountains, rivers, and forests, as well as in a culture that values the changing seasons. Nature has a power beyond human control, and this deep respect for it is beautifully expressed in the works of Studio Ghibli.

The place where you can truly experience the “Ghibli world” is Ghibli Park, which opened in Aichi Prefecture in 2022. Rather than clearing the forest, the park was designed to make use of the existing trees and natural landscape, creating a theme park that lives in harmony with nature.

The park is divided into five areas. These include Dondoko Forest, inspired by My Neighbor Totoro, and Hill of Youth, which recreates the setting of Whisper of the Heart. Each area reflects the distinct natural scenery and everyday life portrayed in the films.

In Valley of Witches, lined with European-style buildings, I actually bought bread at Kiki’s bakery from Kiki’s Delivery Service. I also walked through giant flowers as if I were a character in The Secret World of Arrietty, and was impressed by the detailed recreation of Yubaba’s room from Spirited Away. There are immersive exhibition rooms where you can step into iconic scenes and feel like one of the characters. In particular, the photo spot featuring No-Face from Spirited Away had a very long line.

At Satsuki and Mei’s House, even the insides of drawers and wardrobes faithfully recreate daily life from the era. I was especially moved by the attention to detail—even the smell of the wooden chest felt authentic. Behind the house, there is a Totoro-themed wooden playground where children can climb inside and play.

The park is larger than you might expect, and free shuttle buses run around the grounds. One attraction that is especially popular with children is the electric cart designed after the Catbus from My Neighbor Totoro. It runs through the park as well, though unfortunately it isn’t free.

Ghibli Park doesn’t rely on flashy rides or excessive services. Instead, it offers a quiet experience—walking through nature, feeling the changes of the seasons, and spending time peacefully.

The best times to visit are April to May, when the fresh greenery is at its peak, and around November, when the autumn leaves are at their most beautiful. It is a place where you can truly experience the way of life that Ghibli films have always conveyed: living in harmony with nature.