Ghibli Fans Flock To New Theme Park In Central Japan
A theme park featuring the world of Studio Ghibli's animated films opened in central Japan on Tuesday.
Three areas of Ghibli Park, "Ghibli's Grand Warehouse," "Hill of Youth" and "Dondoko Forest," opened to fans at 10 a.m. on the site of the 2005 Expo in Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture.
The opening countdown was attended by Miyazaki Goro, a director at Studio Ghibli, who also supervised the production of the park.
"Ghibli's Grand Warehouse," the main attraction at the park, is an indoor facility with a screening room, exhibitions and areas that will take visitors to the world of classic movies, including "Spirited Away" and "My Neighbor Totoro."
To avoid congestion, tickets for each area must be reserved in advance for designated time slots.
Crowds formed outside the park from early morning.
A man in his 40s who came from Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, waited with his family from around 6 a.m. to be first in line. He said they were looking forward to seeing scenes from the movies reenacted in real life.
Another man in his 30s from Okazaki City in Aichi Prefecture was visiting with his wife and 5-year-old daughter. He said they love Ghibli, so have been looking forward to the trip. He said they used to go to Tokyo Disneyland or other theme parks, so are happy that the new Ghibli Park is nearby.