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Valley of Witches – Ghibli Park’s magical European-style townscape

Inspired by Kiki’s Delivery Service and Howl’s Moving Castle, Valley of Witches is one of Ghibli Park’s five themed areas. This immersive zone recreates a whimsical European town filled with iconic buildings, interactive interiors, and cinematic details that make Studio Ghibli worlds feel vividly real.

Where is it located?

Valley of Witches is located within Ghibli Park, inside Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park (Moricoro Park), Nagoya.

How to access?

Access requires a Ghibli Park ticket that includes Valley of Witches. It is not included in the basic park entry ticket.

Quick facts about Valley of Witches

  • What: An outdoor area inspired by Kiki's Delivery Service and Howl's Moving Castle, featuring European-style architecture and whimsical witch-themed landscapes.
  • Location: Western section of Ghibli Park within Moricoro Park (Aichi Expo 2005 Memorial Park).
  • Year opened: 2024 (newest addition to Ghibli Park)
  • Tickets: Requires a separate timed-entry ticket or is included in O-Sanpo Pass Premium/Standard.
  • Timings: Entry is time-slotted; typically 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (varies seasonally).
  • Highlights: Okino Residence (Kiki's house), Guchokipanya bakery replica, Howl's Castle structure, European medieval-style village streets, witch-themed gardens, and photo spots.
  • Photography: Generally allowed throughout the outdoor area.
  • Accessibility: Outdoor terrain with some slopes and steps; accessibility may be limited in certain areas due to authentic architectural features.
  • Best for: Fans of Kiki's Delivery Service and Howl's Moving Castle, those who enjoy charming European-inspired architecture and storybook settings.

Things to know before booking your Valley of Witches tickets

  • Separate tickets are required. Valley of Witches operates independently from other Ghibli Park areas and requires its own timed-entry reservation. It's included in both the O-Sanpo Pass Standard and O-Sanpo Pass Premium tickets, or can be purchased as an individual area ticket.
  • Newest area with high demand. As the most recently opened Ghibli Park area (2024), Valley of Witches attracts significant interest, and tickets sell out extremely quickly.
  • Time slots are strictly enforced. Your ticket is valid for a specific entry window only. Arrive on time, as late arrivals may be refused entry. Once inside, you can explore at your own pace, with most visitors spending 1 to 2 hours wandering the charming streets and buildings.
  • Outdoor experience, weather-dependent. Valley of Witches is an outdoor attraction with European-style architecture and gardens. Weather conditions—rain, heat, cold—will affect your comfort. Check forecasts and dress appropriately for outdoor exploration, bringing umbrellas or sun protection as needed.
  • Multi-level terrain. The valley features sloped pathways, stone steps, and multi-story buildings that recreate the authentic layouts of medieval European villages. While charming, this terrain can be challenging for visitors with mobility limitations. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for navigating uneven surfaces.
  • Two beloved films in one area. Unlike other zones focused on Kiki's Delivery Service and Howl's Moving Castlethe details and references.
  • Photography encouraged. The picturesque European streets, colorful buildings, and whimsical details make the Valley of Witches highly photogenic. Photography is allowed throughout, so bring your camera to capture the storybook atmosphere.
  • Seasonal operating hours. Valley of Witches hours may vary seasonally and could differ from other park areas. Always verify specific opening times and your entry slot when booking.

Why visit Valley of Witches?

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Dual-film immersion

Valley of Witches uniquely celebrates both Kiki's Delivery Service and Howl's Moving Castle in one cohesive area, featuring authentic recreations of Kiki's Okino Residence, the charming Guchokipanya bakery, and Howl's fantastical moving castle, allowing fans to experience two beloved witch stories simultaneously.

Storybook European atmosphere

The village captures the romantic medieval European aesthetic central to both films, with cobblestone pathways, colorful half-timbered buildings, flower-filled gardens, and architectural details inspired by northern European coastal towns that feel transported directly from the screen.

Interactive exploration

Unlike passive viewing experiences, Valley of Witches invites visitors to step inside iconic locations- climb stairs to Kiki's attic bedroom, browse the bakery displays, and wander through Howl's multi-level castle. The attention to detail in furnishings, props, and room layouts creates an immersive "step into the film" experience.

Latest innovation and craftsmanship

As Ghibli Park's newest area (2024), Valley of Witches showcases the most advanced design and construction techniques, incorporating lessons learned from earlier park areas. The result is the most detailed and interactive recreation yet, setting a new standard for how Studio Ghibli's animated worlds can be brought into physical reality.

What’s to see inside Valley of Witches?

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Howl’s Castle

Explore multiple rooms of the moving castle, revealing Howl’s flamboyant personality and magical mechanics.

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Know before you go

Entry is strictly time-slotted with specific windows assigned during booking (typically between 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM). Arrive punctually as late arrivals may be denied entry. Once inside, you can explore at your own pace, with most visitors spending 1 to 2 hours. Operating hours vary seasonally, so verify schedules before your visit.

Valley of Witches is located in the western section of Ghibli Park within Moricoro Park (Aichi Expo 2005 Memorial Park) in Nagakute, Aichi Prefecture. Access the park via the Linimo magnetic levitation train to Ghibli Park station or Ai-Chikyuhaku Kinen Koen station, then follow park signage to the valley area.

The outdoor terrain includes sloped pathways, stone steps, and multi-level buildings designed to replicate authentic European medieval village architecture. While charming, these features can be challenging for wheelchairs and visitors with mobility limitations. Some buildings have narrow staircases and doorways. Accessible routes may be limited in certain areas.

Casual, comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor walking and exploring multi-level buildings is recommended. Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes for navigating cobblestone paths, stairs, and uneven surfaces. Avoid heels or slippery footwear. There's no formal dress code, but practical attire works best for this active, exploratory experience.

As a fully outdoor attraction, your experience depends heavily on weather conditions. The European-style village offers some covered areas, but most exploration is outdoors. Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen) in summer, warm layers in winter, and rain gear during wet seasons. The colorful buildings and gardens are beautiful in all weather, but dress appropriately for comfort and safety.

FAQs

Re-entry policies vary by ticket type. For standard area tickets, re-entry is not allowed once you exit, except for Valley of Witches which permits re-entry. For O-Sanpo Pass Premium holders, re-entry is permitted to all areas except Ghibli's Grand Warehouse.