Is Ghibli Park Wheelchair Accessible? A Comprehensive Guide to Enjoyment and Precautions!

Ghibli Park is a park facility where you can enjoy the world of Studio Ghibli works.

To ensure wheelchair users can also enjoy the park, all areas are wheelchair accessible, and there are plenty of barrier-free facilities such as accessible restrooms and elevators.

This article provides a comprehensive guide on the best routes for wheelchair users to enjoy Ghibli Park, important points to note, and access methods.

Enjoy the world of Ghibli Park and have a special day!

1. Can you enjoy Ghibli Park in a wheelchair?

Ghibli Park is a park facility that opened in November 2022 within the "Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park (Moricoro Park)" located in Nagakute City, adjacent to Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture.

It consists of five areas: "Ghibli's Grand Warehouse," "Hill of Youth," and "Dondoko Forest" opened in November 2022, "Mononoke Village" in November 2023, and "Valley of Witches" in March 2024.

Throughout the park, there are barrier-free slopes, elevators, and wheelchair-exclusive viewing areas, ensuring everyone can enjoy the park with peace of mind.

2. How wheelchair users can enjoy Ghibli Park

2-1. "Ghibli's Grand Warehouse"

"Ghibli's Grand Warehouse" is an area with video exhibits, a café, and a shop.

It is a completely indoor area with few steps and slopes, and it is the newest area compared to others. It applies the latest barrier-free standards and is the most equipped area for accessibility.

As you enter "Ghibli's Grand Warehouse," you'll find the "Central Staircase" connecting the first and second floors, decorated with tiles, and above it floats a 6-meter-long "flying giant ship" from 'Castle in the Sky'.

Elevators and slopes are installed inside, allowing smooth movement for wheelchair users.

Access to the second floor is also possible without any steps.

Among the colorful tiles, you can find the soot sprites from 'My Neighbor Totoro', so be sure to look for them.

"Ghibli's Grand Warehouse" hosts three special exhibitions (all limited-time): "Ghibli's Famous Scenes Exhibition," "Drawing Eating: Revised Edition," and "Ghibli's Full Exhibition." In the "Ghibli's Famous Scenes Exhibition," you can sit next to No-Face from 'Spirited Away' for a photo opportunity.

In the "Orion Theater," 10 short animated films produced by Studio Ghibli are screened monthly, and wheelchair access is available.

There is a dedicated wheelchair seating area at the back of the theater, accommodating up to four wheelchairs.

Other attractions include "Children's Town," inspired by the old streets of Koganei City, Tokyo, where Studio Ghibli is located, and the "Cat Bus Room," inspired by 'My Neighbor Totoro', which are play areas for children.

The shop "Adventure Flying Corps" and the café "Transcontinental Flight," offering light meals like sandwiches and pizza, are also located in Ghibli's Grand Warehouse.

Barrier-free facilities in Ghibli's Grand Warehouse

• Accessible restrooms (with ostomate facilities, assistance beds, and diaper changing stations)
• Baby room/nursing room (with diaper changing space and hot water for milk)
• Two elevators
• Dedicated wheelchair viewing space (up to four in Orion Theater)
• The entire facility is flat with wide pathways
  

2-2. "Hill of Youth"

Hill of Youth features attractions like the "Elevator Tower," designed with a late 19th-century steampunk aesthetic inspired by 'Castle in the Sky' and 'Howl's Moving Castle', "Chikyuuya" and "Rotary Plaza" from 'Whisper of the Heart', and "Cat Office" from 'The Cat Returns'.

The "Elevator Tower" also serves as a 30-meter-high observation deck offering a panoramic view of the park and is accessible to everyone via barrier-free pathways.

It can be used by anyone without a ticket, making it a convenient stop during a park stroll.

Descending from the "Elevator Tower," you'll see "Chikyuuya" from 'Whisper of the Heart'.

In front of the building, there's a "Rotary Plaza" that circles a roadway, just like in the film, with a Himalayan cedar planted in the center. Wheelchair users can enter "Chikyuuya" via a ramp in front of the building, avoiding any steps to enter the interior.

The first floor represents the workshop where Seiji Amasawa learned violin making, while the second floor is an antique shop selling and repairing items like antique furniture and clockwork.

The "Cat Office" from 'The Cat Returns' is a single-story wooden building where everything from the building to the furniture and small items is made to cat size. You can see Baron and Muta by peeking through the windows.

• Barrier-free facilities in Hill of Youth
• Accessible restrooms (with ostomate facilities and diaper changing stations)
• Ramps installed at building entrances
• Routes throughout the area have step-free paths
• The Elevator Tower is accessible without a ticket
  

2-3. "Dondoko Forest"

"Dondoko Forest" is an area that expresses the world of 'My Neighbor Totoro', one of the most popular Ghibli works.

"Dondoko Place" sells seasonal drinks and souvenirs and can also be used as a rest area with accessible restrooms.

"Satsuki and Mei's House," which was one of the pavilions at the Expo 2005 Aichi, looks just like the house from the film.

It features the father's study, the family dining room, and the kitchen, making it feel like you've stepped right into the movie.

Unfortunately, due to its structure, it's not possible to enter the house in a wheelchair, but you can enjoy the view from around the house.

Peering through the windows allows you to fully appreciate the film's world!

After viewing Satsuki and Mei's House, head towards "Dondoko Hall" at the mountain's summit.

To reach the top of "Dondoko Forest" in a wheelchair, use the slope car "Dondoko-go".

This slope car is prioritized for wheelchair users, strollers, and the elderly.

You can ride "Dondoko-go" if you have a ticket for Dondoko Forest.

The interior is spacious, and the gap with the platform is minimal, ensuring safety for wheelchair users.

At the summit, there's a 5-meter-tall wooden playground modeled after Totoro called "Dondoko Hall," where children up to elementary school age can play inside.

The playground uses locally sourced cypress and cedar from Aichi Prefecture.

Near "Dondoko Hall," there's a "Dondoko Shop" selling items like charms and bags that are exclusive to this location, so be sure to check them out.

2-4. "Mononoke Village" and "Valley of Witches"

"Mononoke Village" is an area inspired by 'Princess Mononoke'.

It features a hands-on learning facility "Tatara-ba" modeled after buildings in the film, and character-inspired attractions like "Okkoto-nushi" (playground equipment) and "Tatarigami" (object).

Barrier-free facilities in Mononoke Village
・Accessible restrooms (with ostomate facilities and diaper changing stations)
・Flat paths are the main focus
※ Some paths may be closed during inclement weather

"Valley of Witches" is an area inspired by works featuring witches.

It includes "Guchokipanya" and "Okino Residence" from 'Kiki's Delivery Service', "Hatter's Hat Shop" and "Howl's Castle" from 'Howl's Moving Castle', and "Witch's House" from 'Earwig and the Witch'.

In the Valley of Witches, which opened in March 2024, special attention has been paid to accessibility.

The "Witch's Elevator" is installed, allowing step-free access to the second floors of Hatter's Hat Shop and Guchokipanya.

It is prioritized for wheelchair users, strollers, and those with disabilities, allowing visitors to enjoy the exhibits inside the buildings while in a wheelchair.

Barrier-free facilities in Valley of Witches
・Accessible restrooms (with ostomate facilities and diaper changing stations)
・Baby room/nursing room (with diaper changing space and hot water for milk)
・"Witch's Elevator" (step-free access to the second floor)
・"Barrier-free course" with few steps or slopes
※ Merry-go-round and flying machine may be unavailable during inclement weather

2-5. How to move around Ghibli Park, and which route to take?

The Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park, where Ghibli Park is located, is a vast site of approximately 200 hectares, and the distances from the Linimo Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park Station to each area are as follows.

Station ⇔ "Ghibli's Grand Warehouse" about 400m
Station ⇔ "Hill of Youth" about 300m
"Dondoko Forest" (West Gate Route) about 1300m
"Dondoko Forest" (Forest Floor Garden Route) about 1000m
Station ⇔ "Mononoke Village" about 800m
Station ⇔ "Valley of Witches" about 800m

Source: Access and Distance to Each Area｜Ghibli Park

While it is possible to move to each area by wheelchair, for those who find it challenging to visit all areas, the free bus operated within the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park is recommended.

There are two types of free buses: the East Route and the West Route, but to tour Ghibli Park, take the "East Route" bus. The nearest bus stops for each area are as follows.

・"Hill of Youth": Global Citizen Exchange Center
・"Mononoke Village": Mononoke Village (Aichi Satolab)
・"Valley of Witches": Valley of Witches (Great Lawn)
・"Ghibli's Grand Warehouse": Ghibli's Grand Warehouse (Ice Skating Rink)
・"Dondoko Forest": Dondoko Forest

For detailed operating times, please refer to the following timetable.

Reference: Park Bus Timetable｜Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park Management Office

The buses running within the park are universally designed, and ramps are provided for boarding and alighting, ensuring safe access for wheelchair users.

Additionally, according to the official Ghibli Park website, "Hill of Youth" and "Dondoko Forest" tend to be very crowded after 4 PM and close to closing time (5 PM), with admission ending at 4:30 PM for both areas. It is recommended to visit in the morning or early afternoon while checking the crowd levels.

Reference: Visitor Information｜Ghibli Park

3. Access Information to Ghibli Park

3-1. Considering using public transportation

Access to Ghibli Park via public transportation involves trains and buses.

For trains, take the Subway Higashiyama Line from Nagoya Station, get off at Fujigaoka Station, and transfer to the Linimo to get off at "Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park Station".

For buses, there are two routes: departing from Nagoya Station and the airport.

Nagoya Station / Meitetsu Bus Center: 4th floor, platform 24, bound for "Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park (Ghibli Park)"
Chubu Centrair International Airport Terminal 1: via "Fujigaoka" bound for "Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park (Ghibli Park)"

For detailed timetables and fares, you can search on the official Meitetsu Bus website.

Reference: Meitetsu Bus｜Meitetsu Bus Co., Ltd.
Reference: Access｜Ghibli Park

3-2. Considering using a car

Ghibli Park does not have a dedicated parking lot, so public transportation is recommended.

However, if you must drive, use the parking lots at Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park.

There are six parking lots in total, and the "Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park North Entrance Parking Lot" near the entrance to Ghibli Park has covered parking spaces for wheelchairs.

For detailed information on the location and congestion status of the parking lots, please refer to the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park website.

Reference: Access & Parking｜Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park

4. Are there discounts available with a disability certificate or Mirairo ID?

Ghibli Park offers four types of tickets, including limited sales, and prices vary depending on weekdays or weekends. Ticket prices and disability discounts are as follows.

*As of November 2024
*Prices include tax.
*Admission is free for children under 3.
*The disability certificates specified by Ghibli Park are "Physical Disability Certificate," "Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate," "Rehabilitation Certificate," and for patients with intractable diseases, "Specified Medical Expenses Recipient Certificate," "Atomic Bomb Survivor's Health Certificate," and "War Injury and Sickness Certificate".

Tickets are sold online or at convenience stores, and for disability discounts, select "Disability Adult" or "Disability Child" when purchasing. Upon entry, you must present the original or a copy of the certificate, or a Mirairo ID.

Additionally, a system usage fee of 110 yen (tax included) per ticket is required when purchasing.

For detailed information on ticket types, areas accessible, and reservation/purchase methods, please refer to the official website.

Reference: Types and Prices of Tickets｜Ghibli Park

5. Can you enter Ghibli Park with a buggy or stroller?

In some areas of Ghibli Park, strollers are prohibited. The reason for this prohibition is the lack of sufficient space within the area and safety considerations. It is recommended to use a baby carrier or sling instead of a stroller.

However, buggies with medical equipment or similar are treated the same as wheelchairs, so they are allowed in all areas. Additionally, because regular strollers and children's wheelchairs look similar, parents of children with disabilities often face misunderstandings.

We hope that readers of this article will become aware of children's wheelchairs.

Reference:

If you have a child with a disability, explain the situation to nearby staff to ensure you can enter with a stroller or buggy.

6. Summary of services by facility within Ghibli Park

Ghibli Park has accessible restrooms and elevators installed in each facility.

Reference: User Guide｜Ghibli Park

Accessible restrooms are available in all areas and are equipped with ostomate facilities.

Additionally, the presence of diaper changing stations is a welcome point for those with children.

If you want to store your belongings, use the coin lockers or cloakroom within Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park. Wheelchair and stroller rentals are available at the following locations.

Reference: Facilities & Services within Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park｜Ghibli Park

Coin lockers are available for 300 to 600 yen depending on size.

The cloakroom at the North Entrance Information Center can store items up to 180 cm in total dimensions and 20 kg in weight for 600 yen per item. (Valuables like wallets and smartphones are not accepted.)

Also, note that entry restrictions may apply to the following areas during inclement weather.

• "Dondoko Forest": Dondoko Forest's back mountain trail
• "Mononoke Village": Okkoto-nushi
• "Valley of Witches": Merry-go-round, Flying Machine

Reference: Facilities & Services within Ghibli Park｜Ghibli Park

7. Conclusion

This article has explained how to enjoy Ghibli Park in a wheelchair, area by area.

Ghibli Park, boasting an area equivalent to 42 Tokyo Domes, is filled with attractions and charm that can't be fully explored in a single day.

For moving around the vast park, it's recommended to make good use of the free East Route bus.

Ghibli Park has implemented many measures to ensure that people using wheelchairs can enjoy the park comfortably.

Not only is it easy to access and equipped with barrier-free facilities, but the environment is also set up to allow visitors to immerse themselves in the world of Ghibli at a leisurely pace, making it a space where everyone can be captivated.

Based on the information in this article, why not fully enjoy Ghibli Park in a wheelchair?

Our media "Flat." regularly provides barrier-free information on theme parks, focusing on outing information, so please check out our other articles as well.

Reference: Travel/Sightseeing