Ghibli Park Reveals Its Final Valley of Witches Area for Howl and Kiki Fans
Studio Ghibli's expansive theme park, Ghibli Park, is finally rounding off construction with the announcement of the opening of its final area, Valley of Witches.
Per PR Times, Ghibli Park's latest locale promises new attractions and dining experiences themed around the film studio's most magical titles. Set on 7.1 hectares in the city of Nagakute, Ghibli Park features five distinct districts based around the studio's prolific catalog of anime movies. The Valley of Witches attraction area follows on from such areas as Mononoke Village, Dondoko Forest, Hill of Youth and Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse. In particular, the new area focuses on two beloved Ghibli classics -- Howl’s Moving Castle and Kiki’s Delivery Service -- evoking their distinctly European flair and mystical playfulness.
Valley of Witch visitors can expect recreations of the abodes of Howl and Kiki as well as fair rides and a bakery. One of the main highlights is a fully modeled reproduction of Howl’s castle. The entrance features the iconic kitchen, home to the castle’s powerhouse, the flame spirit Calcifer. Upstairs, visitors can find a stunning recreation of Howl’s bedroom, replete with all the assorted bits and bobs featured in the movie and, of course, a faithful depiction of his bathroom. When taking in the castle from the outside, visitors can expect to see smoke puffing out of its chimneys.
Kiki’s Delivery Service’s representation fittingly doubles as a bakery. Gütiokipänjä, Kiki’s place of work, features everything a real pâtisserie would need to fuction, as well as a fully modeled interior, including the sparsely decorated attic that Kiki inhabits in the film. The Okino family has also been recreated, set on two floors. The first floor is a splendid floral room in which Kiki’s mother created her potions; upstairs, visitors will find a cozy recreation of Kiki’s childhood bedroom. Dotted throughout the area, people can find traditional fairground rides such as the "Flying Machine" inspired by the 1986 film Laputa: Castle in the Sky and a merry-go-round decorated with characters from a multitude of Ghibli works.
There are also numerous opportunities to purchase keepsakes. The Hatter Hat Store replicates Sophie’s workspace from Howl’s Moving Castle, with hats and tinned candy for sale. A location from a lesser-known Studio Ghibli work, Earwig and the Witch, has a bookstore designed as a library. Aside from Gütiokipänjä, visitors will be treated to eateries like the Flying Oven and Hot Tin Roof. Rounding off the shopping experience will be a store dubbed Witch Coven 13.
However, perhaps most exciting for many is the announcement that the rideable Catbus featured in My Neighbour Totoro will finally be rolling out. The low-speed electric buses come complete with the iconic grinning feline at the fore, illuminated eyes and furry seat upholstery. Tickets will cost 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children, and riders will receive a Hayao Miyazaki commemorative card once they reach their destination.
Valley of Witches will be opening on March 16 and can be accessed via the O-Sanpo Pass. In the meantime, fans can get their hands on the array of merchandise collaborations that Studio Ghibli has been releasing in recent weeks, featuring everything from Hot Topic collections to limited-edition towels.
Published on CBR
