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I can’t get tickets for Ghibli Park!
This phrase was heard on another page called “I can’t get tickets to Ghibli Park!
At that time, it was still very difficult to get any tickets to Ghibli Park, so we created a page for Ghibli Park Expo instead.
However, the fact that it is still difficult to get tickets for Ghibli Park is still the same today. No, it’s not true, I could buy a ticket for the Ghibli Grand Warehouse! I could buy tickets to the Grand Warehouse of Ghibli,” you may say, but it is true.
It is not the ticket for the “Grand Warehouse of Ghibli” that is difficult to get, but the ticket for the “Dondokoro Forest” area.
Strictly speaking, tickets for the “Hill of Youth” and the new “Mononoke village” are also hard to get, but we haven’t been able to get them yet either (^_^; ).
This article is for those who were not able to get tickets for the “Dondokoro Forest” area, but would like to see Satsuki and May’s house! This article is for those who could not get the ticket for “Dondokoro forest” area but want to see Satsuki and May’s house.
Tickets for Ghibli Park “Dondoko Mori” area are hard to get
As those of you who have taken the challenge know, tickets for “Dondokoro Mori” are difficult to acquire.
As is the case on the International Tickets purchase screen, tickets for the Japanese domestic market are also quite difficult.
There have been requests to increase the number of visitors, but it seems that it is not easy for the management of Ghibli Park, but let’s hope for improvement (as of the end of October, 2023).
Tickets to Dondokoro Forest and other inexpensive areas are popular
Single tickets to Dondoko Forest and other inexpensive areas are inexpensive and seem to be easy to get into, which is another reason for their high popularity.
It seems that many people in Japan, if they are going from far away, would like to visit the “Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse” as their main attraction and other areas in one day.
There must be some repeat visitors (i.e., including us).
In fact, the number of tickets is not that large, and among these tickets, the quota for overseas is about 20% of each area (unconfirmed but highly accurate information), so International tickets are more difficult to get.
International tickets, as well as domestic tickets, seem to be difficult to obtain.
For those who want to see “Satsuki and Mei’s House” without entering the “Dondoko Forest” area
Still, since I have come all the way to Japan, I would at least like to see “Satsuki and Mei’s House”…
I am sure there are many people who would like to see “Satsuki and Mei’s House” since they have come all the way to Japan.
In fact, we have received a number of inquiries from people who would like to see “Satsuki and Mei’s House” at least.
This time, we wrote this article in response to those requests.
What is “Dondoko Forest” in Ghibli Park?
The following is a brief introduction to the ” Dondoko Forest,” which has existed in Ghibli Park since its opening.
It is an area that strongly reflects the world of “My Neighbor Totoro” and is built around the original “Satsuki and Mei’s House”.
It existed long before the opening of Ghibli Park, and in particular, “Satsuki and Mei’s House,” the first one to be introduced, was one of the most popular facilities in the Expo 2005 Aichi Prefecture Commemorative Park.
The other two zones, and the park as a whole, were set up in completely new forests.
Satsuki and Mei’s House
The main destination in this article is “Satsuki and Mei’s House.
The house is a faithful reproduction of the house that was the main stage for the lives of the two sisters and their father in “My Neighbor Totoro”
Once inside, visitors can enjoy the traces of “Makkuro Krosuke” and the atmosphere of a Japanese Showa-era home, which is the motif of Studio Ghibli’s works.
次の日はどんどこ森🌳
サツキとメイの家は昔行ったことあるんやけど、その時は外観しか写真撮れへんかったし、小物も増えて、引き出しとかも全部開けて良くて楽しかった🙌🌼 pic.twitter.com/J1nEdwcY1t— リョコ (@coro_ghib2) November 1, 2023
Dondoko Do
This facility is also based on the motif of “My Neighbor Totoro,” and everything from the entrance to the inside is based on the world of the film.
It is located at the top of the mountain from “Satsuki and Mei’s House,” and can be reached on foot or by the “Dondoko-go” slope car (see below).
As you can see in the tweet below, the Totoro sculpture is famous, but unfortunately, adults are not allowed to enter this space as it is for children only.
どんどこ森🌳
階段きつかったー💦 pic.twitter.com/lB3mrg8Og0— ねぎ3104🎺🕊️ (@negi_3104) November 1, 2023
Dondoko Go
Dondoko Go is a slope car located in Ghibli Park.
It connects the top and the bottom of Dondoko Forest and takes visitors from “Satsuki and Mei’s House” to “Dondoko Do”.
The Dondoko Go is not a playground, and the boarding area can be found by following the information board to the left.
The boat has a capacity for eight passengers and travels a distance of about 80 meters. The ride is short, about 2 minutes, but should be fun for young children.
本日3回目のジブリパーク！
今日はどんどこ森に行くぞー！天気よくて良かった☀️
どんどこ号に乗って上行けるー🥹
腰痛あるから助かるー
#ジブリパーク pic.twitter.com/i8bddGpy6W— あこ (@kohrmk) November 5, 2023
My purpose is not to comfort those who were unable to obtain tickets to “Dondoko Forest” when they came to Japan, but I think that in the Dondoko Forest” area, the highlight, or rather, the one worth seeing for adults, is “Satsuki and Mei’s House”.
For groups with children, the Totoro objects and the slope car are just fun, but for adults who really want to be in the space of the artwork, “Satsuki and Mei’s House” is enough, in our opinion.
Guidance to the observatory with a view of Satsuki and Mei’s house from Ghibli’s Grandware House
Now. We would like to give some guidance to the observatory from which you can view “Satsuki and Mei’s House”.
The distance from the “Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse” to “Satsuki and Maei’s House” is less than 1 km.
It takes about 9 to 10 minutes on foot.
First, we will show you how to get from the “Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse” to the “Dondoko dokoro” which is the intermediate point.
As mentioned later, Google Maps are also useful in the park, so we will also include links to the map coordinates for each point.
Directions from “Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse” to “Dondokoro-dokoro”
Now. I would like to give some guidance to the observatory from which you can view “Satsuki and Mei’s House”.
The distance from the “Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse” to “Satsuki and Mei’s House” is less than 1 km.
It takes about 9 to 10 minutes on foot.
First, I will show you how to get from the “Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse” to the “Dondoko Dokoro” which is the intermediate point.
As mentioned later, Google Maps are also useful in the park, so we will also include links to the map coordinates for each point.
from “Dondoko Dokoro” to “Satsuki and Mei’s House” Pict01 Toromon Gate
Beyond the gate, an eerily shaped stone statue also from “Spirited Away” can be seen.
from “Dondoko Dokoro” to “Satsuki and Mei’s House” Pict02 Toromon Gate Statue
With this stone statue on your left, follow the path you see on the right.
from “Dondoko Dokoro” to “Satsuki and Mei’s House” Pict03 road through a grove of trees
On the way there is a stone monument with Totoro’s forgotten (?) items on it. On the way, there is a stone monument with Totoro’s forgotten items (?) on it.
Please don’t take it away, because we think Totoro will come back to get it sooner or later (*^^*)
from “Dondoko Dokoro” to “Satsuki and Mei’s House” Pict04 Totoro’s forgotten things?
Then follow the road and you will see a wooden deck.
Unfortunately, the signs are in Japanese, but please follow the path as shown below.
from “Dondoko Dokoro” to “Satsuki and Mei’s House” Pict05 guide sign to Satsuki and Mei’s House
And although the somewhat long distance may make you feel uneasy, you will arrive at the “Dondoko-do” as you proceed.
from “Dondoko Dokoro” to “Satsuki and Mei’s House” Pict06 Dondoko Dokoro
Although not as large as the “Adventure Squadron” in “Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse,” there are several souvenirs associated with Studio Ghibli films available for purchase.
These include Japanese-style omikuji, (rather expensive) candies, and good luck charms.
There is also a restroom on the side of the building (on the right side of the image).
Directions from “Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse” to “Dondokoro-dokoro”
In case you are wondering, Google Map is also enabled in Expo 2005 Aichi, Japan, so you can use the following link to rely on your smartphone’s directions in the park.
While referring to the link below, you can also open the app and go there. If you want to be sure of getting there, this might be a better option.
The “Japanese Garden” a little past the park is also a lovely place, so if you have time, please stop by.
Directions from “Dondokoro-dokoro” to Observatory with a view of Satsuki and Mei’s House
The following is a guide to the route from “Dondoko Dokoro” to the viewing platform where you can see “Satsuki and Mei’s House”.
The following is a screenshot from Google Maps, so please use the app to check it out.
When you look back at “Dondoko Dokoro” in front of you, take the left side of the road.
from “Dondoko Dokoro” to “Satsuki and Mei’s House” Pict01
From here, you can reach the observatory in less than half the distance you have just traveled.
Almost there! (^^)
Follow the well-maintained path through the forest and you will come to a bridge.
The sign on the far left of the image provides information on “Satsuki and Mei’s House”.
from “Dondoko Dokoro” to “Satsuki and Mei’s House” Pict02
Here, after walking a little further, I stopped and glanced to the left…
You can see “Satsuki and Mei’s house”.
The trees grow differently depending on the season, but you can get a good close-up view of them.
from “Dondoko Dokoro” to “Satsuki and Mei’s House” Pict03 Satsuki and Mei’s House” seen from the bridge
There are quite a few people who stop here to look. Then go a little further.
from “Dondoko Dokoro” to “Satsuki and Mei’s House” Pict04
After the concrete retaining wall comes into view, you will suddenly see a modern structure.
You will recognize it by the elevator and stairs, and this is the observation deck.
from “Dondoko Dokoro” to “Satsuki and Mei’s House” Pict05 wall and Observatory
As you go up to the upper floor by elevator or stairs, a view opens up to the south.
The “Satsuki and Mei’s House” can be seen here.
from “Dondoko Dokoro” to “Satsuki and Mei’s House” Pict06 view from Observatory
When you arrive, some people may think “what the heck,” but depending on the season, you will see beautiful scenery with fresh greenery and reflections of sunlight on the water.
Directions from “Dondokoro-dokoro” to Observatory with a view of Satsuki and Mei’s House
I brought my 300mm telephoto lens, so I tried to capture “Satsuki and Mei’s House” from a distance.
It might make you want to go there even more…(*^^*)
from “Dondoko Dokoro” to “Satsuki and Mei’s House” Pict07 Taken with a telephoto lens
I was also able to use the Google Map app to get to this latter part of the route, so please try the link below when you actually get there.
Even if you can’t get tickets to Dondokoro Forest, it’s still one of the most memorable experiences you’ll have
If you see this, you may have an extra desire to “look closer! I would like to say, “Let’s use this as motivation to visit Ghibli Park again. But that is a motivation to visit Ghibli Park again… I would like to say that, but it is difficult, isn’t it?
However, even if you visit Ghibli Park with little time and fail to get a ticket, it will be one of the memories of seeing “Satsuki and Mei’s House” up close and personal.
The management of Ghibli Park understands that the park is very popular among overseas visitors. I think it is reasonable to expect that the ticket allotment will increase a little later.
I don’t want to tell those who couldn’t get tickets to be patient with this, but since they came all the way here, I created this article in the hope that they would have a chance to experience “Satsuki and Mei’s House” even if it is only for a short time.
It is literally an “alternative plan,” but if you have a little free time, please visit.
(fin)
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