Ghibli Park Announces First Ever Extended Opening Hours in August 2025

For the first time since its grand opening, Ghibli Park is extending its opening hours, offering fans and visitors a rare chance to enjoy the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli after dusk. This limited-time extension promises a whole new way to experience the park’s charm and magic.

Also read: A Guide to Locations in Japan that Inspired Studio Ghibli films 

Evening visits at Ghibli Park: A new experience

On August 2nd, 9th, and 16th 2025, Ghibli Park will remain open until 8pm, allowing guests to explore key areas under the evening sky. 

Traditionally, the park closes at 5pm, but for these select dates, visitors will be able to enjoy an extended visit that brings a fresh perspective to the park’s already captivating atmosphere.

Which areas will be open in the evening?

The extended opening hours will cover three special zones of the park: Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Mononoke Village and The Valley of Witches.

Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse

This indoor wonderland is the beating heart of the park, packed with immersive exhibits, film set recreations, play zones and mini cinemas. Wander through life-size scenes from Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro and other Studio Ghibli classics. 

Mononoke Village

Inspired by the mythical forests of Princess Mononoke, this area invites visitors into a rustic, ancient world. The large-scale sculptures of forest spirits and guardian beasts take on an even more mysterious aura at dusk. The surrounding trees and earthy paths create an atmosphere that feels both sacred and cinematic, especially under fading daylight.

Also, from 25th June to 29th September 2025, visitors can join the time-limited Stone-milled Kinako Grinding Experience at Tatara-ba. Learn to make kinako (roasted soybean flour) the traditional way using a stone mill, then enjoy it sprinkled over warabi mochi, a jelly-like Japanese dessert made from bracken starch. Take note that slots for this are only until 4.30pm and do not continue into the extended hours!

The Valley of Witches

This zone combines elements from Studio Ghibli’s witch-related films like Howl’s Moving Castle and Kiki’s Delivery Service, featuring whimsical architecture and a European village vibe. 

As night falls, the flickering lamps and intricate details of the buildings come to life, turning the area into a fairytale scene. Expect cobbled paths, enchanting storefronts, and plenty of Ghibli-style charm with a magical twilight twist.

Also read: 5 Abandoned Theme Parks in Asia That You Can Visit (If You Dare)

Regular areas close at the usual time

Please note that other sections, such as the Hill of Youth and Dondoko Forest, will close at their regular time of 5pm, with the last entry at 4.30pm, on these extended dates. This means the evening exploration will be focused only on the three zones highlighted above.

Booking tickets

Tickets for August visits, including those with extended opening hours, will be available from 2pm JST on Tuesday, 10 June 2025, via the official Ghibli Park ticketing website. 

As with most Ghibli Park tickets, advance purchase is essential. Availability is limited, and extended-hour entries are expected to be especially popular, so early booking is strongly recommended.

The first extension since opening

This extension marks a milestone for Ghibli Park. Since its debut, the park has adhered to a daytime schedule, making this the first time fans can experience the world of Ghibli after dark. It’s a small but meaningful shift that opens up new storytelling possibilities.

From the soft glow of lights in the Grand Warehouse to the atmospheric quiet of Mononoke Village, this evening visit promises a different kind of magic.

Also read: Okinawa’s New Nature Adventure Theme Park Set to Open This July

Don’t miss the magic

If you’re planning a visit to Ghibli Park in 2025, these extended opening hours are an unmissable opportunity. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering Ghibli for the first time, seeing the park under the evening sky offers a new kind of enchantment that’s every bit as special as the films themselves.