Ghibli Park Will Finally Open to International Visitors in 2023

International fans of Studio Ghibli will finally get the chance to step inside Ghibli Park for the first time since it opened on November 1. On January 10, 2023, international visitors will be able to reserve tickets to visit the park between March 15 and April 30. But don’t expect it to be easy.

Since the launch of Ghibli Park, which is located inside Moricoro Park in Aichi prefecture, fans have been gnawing at the bit to explore Studio Ghibli’s first theme park. However, tickets are hard to come by, even in Japan. Ghibli Park tickets are sold only on certain days via the Lawson ticket website. Walk-ins are strictly not allowed.

Tickets only go on sale on the 10th of every month, and their admission is only for the following month. For example, tickets for the month of January will only go on sale on December 10. Visitors also need to pick the day and time of their visit.

The good news is tickets are Y1,000 at most, and these strict ticket reservation measures are to ensure the park is never overcrowded as Japan is still implementing coronavirus safety protocols. Considering how complicated the admission process is, it might be best to approach a travel agency to make sure you don’t make any mistakes.

Ghibli Park is located inside another park, the famed Moricoro Park or Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park. Moricoro Park is completely free and full of relaxing tea houses, forest walks, and Japanese gardens. However, you’ll need tickets to enter Ghibli Park’s gated attractions, which are scattered inside Moricoro Park.

These attractions include Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Hill of Youth, and Dondoko Park. Mononoke Village and Valley of Witches are set to open in 2023 and 2024.