A Day of Magic: Our Visit to Ghibli Park with Spring School
On March 30th we had the joy of accompanying our students from Spring School on an unforgettable trip to Ghibli Park, located inside the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park in Nagakute (Aichi Prefecture).
O Ghibli Park It's not a regular amusement park, there are no roller coasters or extreme rides.
Instead, it offers a poetic and sensory immersion into the enchanted universe of Studio Ghibli, with settings faithful to the films, interactive spaces and heart-warming exhibitions.
We arrived early, full of anticipation and with cell phones ready to capture every detail.
We started at Ghibli's Grand Warehouse, where students were able to explore recreated scenes from “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Howl's Moving Castle,” and “Spirited Away.”
The section with miniatures and models was one of the highlights — the attention to detail is impressive!
We ended the day with a peaceful walk through Dondoko Mori, where the replica of Satsuki and Mei's house is located. Many students were moved, some even commented that “they felt like they were in a dream”.
「ジブリの世界に入ったみたい！」(It was like entering the world of Ghibli!)
「教科書よりも、ここで日本語を学びたい！」(I prefer to learn Japanese here than in the book!)
「メイの家が本当にあったんだ…感動した！」(Mei’s house really exists… I was thrilled!)
More than just a tour, this visit to Ghibli Park was an educational, cultural and emotional experience.
Students were able to experience aspects of traditional and contemporary Japan up close while practicing the language in a fun environment rich in references.
It's become clear that the worlds created by Hayao Miyazaki and his team don't just resonate with the Japanese — they speak directly to the heart of anyone who believes in magic, friendship, and adventure.
Visit the Ghibli Park It was a reminder that we don't need to go far to experience something magical.
Getting to know new places within our own country makes us rediscover the culture, charm and beauty that exists right here, within our reach.
Sonoda Bijuh-sensei.