Summary
The latest section of theStudio Ghiblitheme park in Aichi, Japan, is set to open next week. This newest area of the park is themed after one ofStudio Ghibli’s oldest and most iconic movies,Princess Mononoke. With the new area set to open next week, some of the major highlights and attractions have finally been revealed to the public to build hype and draw crowds to the new area.
When the Studio Ghibli theme parkfirst opened on November 1st, 2022, it only had a few themed areas. Over the past year, new areas of the park have continued to open themed after more and more Ghibli movies. Now, the park boasts areas themed afterMy Neighbor TotoroandWhisper of the Heart. And from next week, that list will also includePrincess Mononoke!
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The Studio Ghibli theme park is not like most other “amusement” parks, because it does not have rides or other typical attractions. The English website states, “There are no big attractions or rides in Ghibli Park. Take a stroll, feel the wind, and discover the wonders.” Instead, the park is meant to be more atmospheric, allowing you to feel like you areentering each Ghibli movie’s unique worldand becoming a part of it.
The newPrincess Mononokesection, called Mononoke Village, is themed after Irontown from the movie. Again, this new area does not have any rides, but that doesn’t mean it has nothing to see. Instead of typical theme park attractions, Mononoke Village has nine-meter (29.5-foot) long Tataragami, the monster from the opening battle of the movie, and a 3.4-meter-tall (11.3-foot) Okkoto-nushi, the infamous god of the boars. The idea is to feel like you areentering into the worldof the movie.
Elementary school aged children are able to ride on a slide down Okkoto-nushi’s back, and everyone can take photos with Tataragami. In addition to these giant statues, there is also a stand sellingtraditional rice cakesfrom Aichi prefecture called goheimochi. you may also make them yourself, including choosing what flavor glaze you would like to enjoy! There will also be specialPrincess Mononokemerchandise for sale, including plush toys of Tataragami and Okkoto-nushi to remember you trip by.
While the Studio Ghibli theme park is not for thrill seekers, for fans of the studio it is a great place to explore and lose yourself in. New attractions and areas continue to pop up every few months at the moment, including Studio Ghibli founderHayao Miyazaki’s personal car! Plus, the next new section, the Valley of Witches, will open in March 2024 themed after bothKiki’s Delivery ServiceandHowl’s Moving Castle. Whether you head there now or wait for more attractions to continue to open, theStudio Ghiblipark is becoming more and more of a must-see place for fans.
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ThePrincess Mononoke-themed area of the Studio Ghibli Park, Mononoke Village, will open August 05, 2025.
