Ghibli Gardens

By DashHaber

(Walkthrough)

Step into this gorgeous garden and take in the beauty of nature, as inspired by the luscious greenery in Studio Ghibli’s films. You can discover plenty of secrets as you explore, like hidden sights from Ghibli films and a forested home of the cuddly spirit Totoro.

Attraction Description

Situated in a corner of the lower level of Toho Town on the right-hand side, guests can witness a large garden space that resembles a visually striking forest. There are two primary entrances into the Ghibli Gardens: a main gate that is flanked by two pillars topped with Totoro’s smaller spirit companions, and a secondary gate near some seating areas by a snack stand. Both ways lead into the garden, which evoke the look of a lovely pastoral forest. Peonies and chrysanthemums blossom in ornate patterns along the stone walking paths, while cherry blossoms bring a touch of pink to the trees all around. A gentle stream flows through the greenery, with worn arched bridges allowing guests to pass over. The scenery is lovely, but it is not all that there is to see.

Hidden throughout the Ghibli Gardens are miniature dioramas depicting familiar settings and scenes from Studio Ghibli films. It offers a wonder of discovery, as guests take in the beautiful scenery only to look closer and discover the worlds that Studio Ghibli have brought to the big screen. For example, peering through a particular angle in a rock garden gives a view of a mountain range where Howl’s moving castle is at rest. Following the stream can lead guests to a cluster of small islands home to the Hotel Adriano from Porco Rosso, complete with Porco’s signature red plane parked out front. Follow the stream all the way, and guests can see a lovely Koi pond, while a neighboring pond has Fujimoto’s submarine from Ponyo emerging from the water. There is even one tree in the denser forest area where, when a guest peers through its knothole, they can see the Forest Spirit from Princess Mononoke looking back from its secluded home.

(Howl's moving castle)

(Hotel Adriano)

(Fujimoto's submarine)

(Forest Spirit)

There is one more surprise waiting in the Ghibli Gardens, however. As guests venture deeper in, they can find themselves exploring a denser forest region. However, it is nothing to be scared of. In fact, this densely forested alcove is home to Totoro! Yes, the iconic spirit has a Meet and Greet for guests, giving them a chance to meet the cuddly creature face to face among all this lovely greenery. It all adds up to one more touch of magic among all this natural beauty.