Category: Travel

A Ghibli Welcome at Fujigaoka Station

Before even reaching the park, the magic begins at Fujigaoka Station. This station is important because most people traveling from Nagoya Station will first take the Higashiyama Subway Line to Fujigaoka, then transfer to the Linimo line that goes directly to Ghibli Park. While Fujigaoka isn’t the park’s station, it’s the main transfer point — and it already sets the mood for the visit. The station is decorated with Ghibli media, instantly letting us know we were on the right track. It felt so cute and welcoming — almost like stepping into a storybook before the adventure even began.

The actual station for Ghibli Park is Aichikyūhaku-Kinen-Kōen Station on the Linimo line, just a short walk from the entrance.

Ticketing System – Plan Ahead!

A key thing to note: tickets are released exactly two months in advance. You can’t book too early, and waiting too long means they might sell out. Not every attraction requires a ticket though — so even if you don’t manage to secure one for the main facilities, you can still enjoy the public areas and free attractions.

A Lawson Like No Other

Upon entering Ghibli Park, the first thing that caught our eye was the special Lawson convenience store. Unlike regular Lawson stores across Japan, this one sells unique Ghibli-themed items — making it an attraction of its own!

It’s also a great chance to stock up on snacks and drinks before exploring, since the park is spread out and you’ll be doing quite a bit of walking. Having a drink or light snack on hand makes the long strolls between attractions much more enjoyable.

Spacious Grounds and Themed Areas

One of the best things about Ghibli Park is how spacious it feels. Unlike many packed theme parks, the attractions are spread across a wide area, making it enjoyable to stroll, explore, and take in the scenery. Each zone captures the heart of different Ghibli classics.

Attractions to Explore

Ghibli Park is divided into several themed areas, each inspired by the films:

• Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse – indoor exhibitions, film sets, and character displays.
• Hill of Youth – featuring the World Emporium from Whisper of the Heart.
• Dondoko Forest – Totoro-themed with the life-sized Satsuki and Mei’s House.
• Mononoke Village – inspired by Princess Mononoke (with statues of creatures and rustic settings).
• Valley of Witches – the newest area, bringing Howl’s Moving Castle and Kiki’s Delivery Service to life.

Even if you don’t enter every zone, just walking through them feels like living in a Ghibli film.

The Adorable Catbus Transport

Inside the park, the transport design is another highlight — the Catbus from My Neighbor Totoro! Seeing the Catbus turned into a practical yet whimsical mode of transport was an absolute delight.

Food and Rest Areas

There are designated food stalls and rest areas throughout the park, perfect for recharging in between exploring. Whether it’s grabbing themed snacks or simply sitting down to enjoy the atmosphere, it felt well thought out for visitors.

Ending with Souvenirs

Like any true Ghibli experience, the journey wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the souvenir store. From plushies and postcards to beautifully designed collectibles, it was the perfect way to wrap up our day and take a piece of Ghibli magic home.

A Day of Ghibli Magic

Ghibli Park isn’t about flashy rides — it’s about immersion into the Ghibli universe. From Fujigaoka Station to the Catbus rides and the charming souvenir store, everything felt thoughtfully designed. If you’re a Ghibli fan planning a trip to Japan, Nagakute’s Ghibli Park is an absolute must-visit.

Nakamise Street – The Pathway to Sensō-ji

One of the highlights of visiting Sensō-ji is walking through Nakamise Shopping Street, the bustling approach that leads directly to the temple grounds. It’s filled with a wide variety of shops:

• Street food stalls offering Japanese snacks like ningyo-yaki (small red bean cakes) and freshly grilled senbei (rice crackers).
• Souvenir stores selling yukata, folding fans, and traditional trinkets.
• Local specialty shops that give you a taste of old Tokyo charm.

The lively atmosphere makes it more than just a walk — it feels like a journey that builds anticipation as you get closer to the temple.

The Beauty of Sensō-ji’s Architecture

Sensō-ji itself is breathtaking. The grand entrance gates, the main hall, and the towering five-story pagoda create a picture-perfect view of traditional Japanese architecture. Seeing the pagoda standing alongside the temple adds a sense of harmony and balance that makes the whole site visually striking.

Temple Activities – More Than Just Sightseeing

What makes Sensō-ji more engaging is that it’s not just a place to look at — there are many activities you can participate in:

• Drawing an omikuji fortune slip (with a fun ritual if you get a bad fortune).
• Purchasing an omamori (charm) for good luck, love, health, or studies.
• Lighting incense sticks at the large burner in front of the temple and offering prayers.

Each of these experiences allows you to connect with the temple beyond its historical significance.here was always something fun around every corner.

Inside the Main Hall

The interior of the temple is just as impressive as the exterior. With intricate wooden carvings, golden details, and traditional artwork, the main hall has a warm yet majestic atmosphere. Even though it can get crowded, it’s worth taking a moment to slow down and admire the craftsmanship.

Goshuin – A Beautiful Memory

For those who enjoy collecting temple stamps, Sensō-ji also offers goshuin (temple calligraphy). Watching the monks carefully brush the elegant characters into the goshuin book feels like witnessing living art. It’s not only a spiritual keepsake but also a beautiful way to remember your visit.

The Heart of Asakusa

Sensō-ji isn’t just Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple — it’s the heart of Asakusa. From the shopping streets to the temple grounds, from the towering pagoda to the quiet rituals inside, the entire experience feels both lively and deeply cultural. Whether you’re there for the history, the atmosphere, or the activities, Sensō-ji captures the essence of old Tokyo in the middle of a modern city.

A Glimpse into History

Asakusa Hanayashiki first opened its doors in 1853, the same year Japan ended its long isolation and reconnected with the world. What began as a flower park gradually evolved into a full-fledged amusement park. Today, it proudly carries more than 170 years of history, preserving a nostalgic charm that feels worlds apart from Tokyo’s modern mega-attractions.

Nostalgic Japanese Aesthetics

One of the things I loved most about Hanayashiki is its retro design. The park feels like stepping back in time, with vintage-style signboards, classic rides, and a layout that reflects an earlier era of Japan. The aesthetics give it a cozy and almost nostalgic atmosphere – a stark contrast to the futuristic vibe of Tokyo Disneyland or teamLab exhibitions.

Entertainment Packed in a Compact Space

Despite being relatively small, Hanayashiki makes the most out of its limited space. You’ll find a wide variety of entertainment here:

• Rides ranging from a mini roller coaster to a small Ferris wheel.
• Carnival-style games that bring out your inner child.
• Food stalls and snack counters serving both Japanese treats and amusement park classics.

What impressed me most was how everything felt so well integrated – no area felt wasted, and there was always something fun around every corner.

Tickets with a Souvenir Twist

Instead of digital passes or wristbands, Hanayashiki still uses ride and meal tickets. They have a charming retro feel, and honestly, I thought they would make great souvenirs. Unfortunately, you do need to hand them over to the staff when using them – so unless you buy extras, you won’t get to keep them.

One thing to note: the ride tickets aren’t exactly cheap, so costs can add up if you’re planning to try multiple attractions.

Also, there is an entrance fee to enter the amusement park before these costs.

A Little Extra Memory – Custom Coin Making

Another highlight of the park is the custom coin machine, where you can engrave a personalized coin to commemorate your visit. It’s a simple but delightful way to bring home a piece of Hanayashiki. I still think it’s one of the more unique keepsakes compared to the usual keychains and magnets.

Final Thoughts

Asakusa Hanayashiki may not be the biggest or most modern theme park in Tokyo, but that’s exactly its charm. It blends history, nostalgia, and fun entertainment into a compact yet memorable experience. If you’re already visiting Sensoji Temple, it’s well worth taking a short stroll over to step into a different side of Tokyo’s cultural past.