Castle in the Sky-style entrance opens ahead of the rest of the theme park.
For months, fans of the animated works of Studio Ghibli have ben absorbed in the slow drip of concept artwork for the under-construction Ghibli Park theme park. We’re still several months away from the gran opening, but Ghibli itself has just given us one of the biggest previews yet by sharing actual photos of one of the park’s completed structures, plus a surprise invitation for the public to come and see it for themselves.
https://twitter.com/JP_GHIBLI/status/1506481361321820164Pictured above is the Elevator Tower that will serve as one of the entrances to Ghibli Park, which itself is split into five areas throughout the larger Aichi Expo Park in the town of Nagakute, Aichi Prefecture. Elevator Tower will be a gateway to Ghibli Park’s Hill of Youth section, and the design is brimming with signature Ghibli visual charm. The studio says it’s “modeled after the 19th century imaginary scientific world” of Castle in the Sky Laputa, the first official Studio Ghibli anime.
https://twitter.com/JP_GHIBLI/status/1506482116413980678▼ The Ghibli Museum in Tokyo also posted a few photos of it’s “big friend out west,” geographically tipping its hat to Ghibli Park.
西の方で大きな仲間がお披露目になったようです! https://t.co/lAK8m2F8j9 pic.twitter.com/ZrbNDHfvzv
— 三鷹の森ジブリ美術館 (@GhibliML) March 23, 2022
Ghibli was even generous enough to show off an after-sundown picture of the tower, though it says that it’s waiting until Ghibli Park’s grand opening on November 1 to turn on all of the lights.
https://twitter.com/JP_GHIBLI/status/1506481613085020161However, fans won’t have to wait another second to make use of the Elevator Tower. Though the structure itself has been thoroughly renovated, it was actually a preexisting part of Expo Park, and it provides access to non-Ghibli Park sections of the park as well. So even though Ghibli Park won’t be fully ready for visitors until November, people coming to Expo Park can start using the Ghibli Elevator Tower as of today.
Sources: Twitter/@JP_GHIBLI, Tokai TV
Featured image: Twitter/@JP_GHIBLI
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Ghibli Park releases illustrated “Big Stroll” visitor guide, says there are no trash cans in park
Studio Ghibli releases wallpapers for Ghibli Park, introduces us to two new forest characters
Ghibli Park: Opening date, first photos, and a new promo video produced by Studio Ghibli!
Ghibli Park debuts first winter illumination display with Howl’s Moving Castle theme
Ghibli releases free-to-use artwork from Castle in the Sky Laputa, comes with standard disclaimer
Studio Ghibli adds new Jiji’s baby plush toy to its anime merchandise range in Japan
Beautiful off-the-beaten-path spot near samurai castle in rural Japan looks like a Monet painting
Tokyo sweets store has a “350% Pudding Soft Serve”, and people are going wild for it
Japanese figure skating star Yuzuru Hanyu and Winne-the-Pooh announce crossover merch line [Pics]
Wagyu ramen for foreign tourists appears in Kabukicho, with a very high price tag
Shinto shrine in downtown Tokyo announces cosplay ban
This awesome Japanese arcade chain has crane game coaches to help you win prizes
Studio Ghibli releases new Kiki’s Delivery Service Jiji music box for anime fans
McDonald’s Japan’s new Chiikawa Happy Meal figures are here![Photos]
Japan’s new beer glass is designed to force you to drink…water [Video]
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Anime fan in Japan arrested for ordering and cancelling over 4.3 billion yen in anime merch
Starbucks Japan teams up with Traveler’s Company for new stationery and goods collection
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Beautiful Totoro bonsai figure needs no watering, makes soothing rain showers whenever you want
End of a manga era as Weekly Shonen Jump’s circulation drops under one million
Kochia calling: Right now is a great off-season season to visit this beautiful Japanese park
This beautiful rural Japan river is a great alternative to touristy summer retreats [Photos]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Ghibli Park puts up Christmas trees and decorations, invites fans to “come search for Christmas”
A visit to the Studio Ghibli theme park for a secret look at the new areas
Hayao Miyazaki produces animated commercial for Ghibli Park【Video】
Totoro’s Catbus gets a redesign for the Ghibli theme park【Photos】
Studio Ghibli anime theme park’s first official concept art revealed, hints at wonders to come
“Let’s leave it to Goro” – The moment Hayao Miyazaki was truly convinced about Ghibli theme park
Finally! Ridable Catbuses are being added to the Ghibli Park theme park
Opening delay for Ghibli theme park has very Ghibli reason, but free no-ticket area is good news
Ghibli Park raises ticket prices, announces Howl area opening date, carousel with ridable Yakul
Hayao Miyazaki appears at Ghibli Park…or does he?
Ghibli Park planned to open in Fall 2022, Studio Ghibli boss to attend groundbreaking ceremony
Studio Ghibli theme park designs unveiled, five special zones bring anime movie worlds to life
There are so, so many ways the Ghibli theme park could be terrible
Ghibli Park benches spark debate in Japan
Studio Ghibli theme park announces ticket prices and reservation policy
Ghibli Park after dark – anime theme park to stay open at night on special dates this summer