![[Ghibli Park Phase II Opening] Entrance to Valley of Witches Almost Complete? Photographed from the outside](https://ghiblipark.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/20240208PhaseII650pixslide-1246x674.png "[Ghibli Park Phase II Opening] Entrance to Valley of Witches Almost Complete? Photographed from the outside")
On January 10, 2023, international ticket sales for Ghibli Park, produced by Studio Ghibli, began.
Ghibli Park opened in Nagakute, Aichi, Japan in early November 2022.
Ghibli Park was created based on the motif of Studio Ghibli’s works, which are highly popular not only in Japan but also overseas.
This theme park, which expresses the world of Studio Ghibli, is attracting a great deal of attention worldwide.
The rules for ticket purchase reservations have also changed from lottery to first-come, first-served basis, and it seems easier to obtain tickets on weekdays because the competition does not seem to be as high.
Many people may be considering a trip to Japan with the main purpose of visiting the Ghibli Park, where the environment is now more conducive.
Booking.com
- Nagoya Station in Aichi Prefecture is an important hub to Ghibli Park
- Location of Ghibli Park and Nagoya Station
- 3 ways to get to Ghibli Park from Nagoya Station
- The best way to get Ghible Park is by train
- Getting to Ghibli Park starting from Nagoya Station
- Take the train from Nagoya Station to Ghibli Park
- From the Shinkansen exit of Nagoya Station to the Higashiyama Subway Line
- From the Shinkansen to the Higashiyama Subway Line ticket office
- Purchase a 310 yen subway ticket
- From the ticket gate to the subway stop
- Board a Higashiyama Subway Line train to Fujigaoka, the last stop.
- Transfer from Fujigaoka Subway Station to Linimo
- From Linimo Fujigaoka Station to Aichi Expo ’70 Commemorative Park Station
- From Aichi Expo Commemorative Park Station to Ghibli Park
- Meitetsu Bus from Nagoya Station to Ghibli Park
- Take the right exit of Nagoya Station to Meitetsu Bus Center
- Buses to Ghibli Park are available at bus stop No. 24 on the 4th floor of the Meitetsu Bus Center
- Notes on using the Meitetsu Bus
- [Weekday] Meitetsu Bus Timetable between Nagoya Station and Ghibli Park
- [Weekends and holidays] Meitetsu Bus Timetable between Nagoya Station and Ghibli Park
- Cab from Nagoya Station to Ghibli Park
- Summary of 3 ways to get to Ghibli Park from Nagoya Station
Nagoya Station in Aichi Prefecture is an important hub to Ghibli Park
Many people come to Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture, where Ghibli Park is located, from Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka. It is a bit far to come directly to Ghibli Park from there.
You will want to get there as early as possible and spend as much time as possible at the Ghibli Park.
This means that you will have to leave early in the morning and stay as close to the park as possible.
The best place to stay is Nagoya Station in Aichi Prefecture. It is literally the key hub spot to Ghibli Park.
In this article, we would like to explain how to get to and from Nagoya Station to the Ghibli Park, an essential transit point for those coming from Tokyo and Osaka.
Location of Ghibli Park and Nagoya Station
The Nagoya Station area is the central city of Aichi Prefecture where the Ghibli Park is located.
The distance to the Ghibli Park is only less than 30 km to the east, and it is a terminal station from Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and other major cities to the east and west.
It takes about 50 minutes by train or 30 minutes by cab.
The location is shown in the map below. As you can see, Ghibli Park is located just about 30 km directly east of the city.
Nagoya Station is a terminal station with Shinkansen bullet trains, subways, and other lines
The following is a brief description of Nagoya Station.
Nagoya Station is a terminal station where several train lines come together, including the Japan Railway (JR), which operates the Shinkansen bullet train, and the Nagoya City subway, Meitetsu (Nagoya Railway).
For foreigners coming from Tokyo or Kyoto/Osaka area, it may be called the gateway to Aichi Prefecture, including Nagakute City where Ghibli Park is located.
There are many hotels in the Nagoya Station area
There are also many western-style hotels in the Nagoya Station area, making it an ideal base for visiting Ghibli Park.
Please refer to the following linked page for recommended hotels in Nagoya Station and neighboring areas if you are interested.
3 ways to get to Ghibli Park from Nagoya Station
There are three main ways to get to Ghibli Park from Nagoya Station.
Here are the three ways to get to Ghibli Park from Nagoya Station, in the order recommended by me, a resident of Nagoya.
As mentioned above, in addition to trains and cabs, buses are also an option.
The best way to get Ghible Park is by train
In my previous blog, I have previously written that I do not recommend taking the local bus.
However, assuming that you are staying at Nagoya Station and starting from here, there is a relatively straightforward bus access method, which I will also introduce.
However, considering cost-effectiveness, time required, flexibility, and ease of understanding, the most well-balanced way is to take the train.
You may find it difficult to make train connections in a foreign country you are not familiar with, but rest assured that we will explain in as much detail as possible, using images of actual locations.
However, the choice will differ depending on whether you place more importance on cost or convenience, so I will write this article with the intention of providing you with information to help you make your own decision.
Getting to Ghibli Park starting from Nagoya Station
Note that all methods start either from the Tokyo or Kyoto-Osaka direction, or from where you get off at Nagoya Station on the Shinkansen.
By the way, this is how the exit of the Shinkansen looks like.
It is slightly darker where there are many people in the picture. (Sorry it’s hard to see the light, though it is brighter in the actual image. m(_ _)m
Getting to Ghibli Park starting from Nagoya Station
Let us explain how to get to Ghibli Park from Nagoya Station via subway and Linimo.
Take the train from Nagoya Station to Ghibli Park
The first and most recommended way is to take the train.
We will show you how to get to Ghibli Park from Nagoya Station using the subway and Linimo.
From Nagoya Station, take the subway, change to Linimo at the end of the line, and transfer once to the Aichi Chikyu Expo Commemorative Park Station.
We recommend the train first because it is safe and the cost is balanced. Then there is also the fact that there are many trains, so you have many time options.
First, let us show you how to get from the Shinkansen exit of Nagoya Station to the Higashiyama Subway Line.
From the Shinkansen exit of Nagoya Station to the Higashiyama Subway Line
When you exit the Shinkansen ticket gate, you are in the concourse of Nagoya Station. First-time visitors may need a little guidance.
First, let’s head for the subway entrance.
We will board the Higashiyama Line of the subway.
Before we begin, let us summarize the route from Nagoya Station to Fujigaoka Station.
The Higashiyama Subway Line runs every 5 to 7 minutes during the daytime, so there is no need to be nervous about the timetable.
This means that the departure time from Nagoya Station is relatively flexible.
From the Shinkansen to the Higashiyama Subway Line ticket office
After getting off the Shinkansen and exiting the ticket gate on the first floor, turn left and head for the concourse.
From the Shinkansen to the Higashiyama Subway Line ticket office
From here it is a 3-4 minute walk down the concourse.
It looks long, but it is not that far compared to the airport.
Proceed with stores and ticket booths to the side.
Walking side by side with souvenir stores and ticket booths, you will see a golden clock tower.
Please proceed to the left side of the street, bordered by this clock tower.
Exit to the left of the Sakura-dori Exit.
You will then exit to the outside, so continue on through the station exit.
After about 1-2 minutes, you will see a stairway leading to the underground level. You will see a blue panel with the words “Subway Higashiyama Line” in white letters.
Use this as a landmark and go down the stairs. There is a cab stand on the way.
Go down the stairs to the Higashiyama Line
Go straight down the stairs, with the glittering stores on your side, and follow the yellow icon marking the “Subway Higashiyama Line” signpost.
Subway Higashiyama Line signpost
Go in the direction marked by the arrow “Subway Ticket.”
See this view? This is the subway ticket office for the Higashiyama Line at Nagoya Station.
Ticket office of Higashiyama Subway Line at Nagoya Station
Purchase a 310 yen subway ticket
Next, purchase a subway ticket.
Ticket vending machines are as shown in the image. Do you have Japanese yen cash ready?
This ticket vending machine only accepts coins and bills of 1,000 yen or more.
Unfortunately, credit cards are not accepted, so be sure to have some Japanese yen ready at the airport or at a previous stop.
The destination is Fujigaoka Station, the last stop on the Higashiyama Line. This place is easy to find.
You can look at the panel above the vending machine, but it is better to know the fare in advance.
The fee is 310 yen per person.
Press “English” on the control panel to switch the display to English.
Switch display to English
Then press the “Ticket” button on the left side.
Press the “Ticket” button.
On the screen of the switching vending machine, there is a button labeled “310.
Then, insert the required amount of Japanese yen and press the “310” button to purchase.
Insert Japanese yen and press the “310” button to purchase
Did you get a subway ticket? Then head to the ticket gate.
From the ticket gate to the subway stop
As is the case with all Japanese railroads, station premises are small and there may be many turns and descents in small spaces.
If you cannot find a ticket gate immediately, find a ticket gate by looking at other ticket buyers and seeing where they are headed.
Then you will see a ticket gate like the one below, so insert your ticket right here and go through. Be careful not to forget to take your ticket.
Subway ticket gate
After passing through the ticket gate, you will find a down staircase a short distance ahead.
The Higashiyama Subway Line is marked by a yellow train-shaped icon. If you follow this, you can get to the subway platform.
Since you will be coming in from various directions, it is impossible to say which ticket gate to turn right or left. Use the yellow icon as a guide so that you do not mistakenly go to another line (Sakuradori Line), which is red.
Here, take a train bound for Fujigaoka (Sakae/Fushimi direction) on the Higashiyama Subway Line.
This is the No. 1 line. It goes in each direction east and west, so be careful not to take the wrong train.
Board the No. 1 train bound for Fujigaoka
The subway platform is also somewhat narrow. It is less crowded on the cars if you proceed to the middle of the line.
Nagoya Station platform is crowded
As visitors to Japan will know, get in line and board the subway in order.
Board a Higashiyama Subway Line train to Fujigaoka, the last stop.
The Higashiyama Subway Line is the main line of the Nagoya City Subway, so the trains are always crowded.
From around 7:30 a.m. to past 9:00 a.m., when there are many commuters, the trains are full, and you may have a bit of a hard time getting on.
However, once you get on the train, it takes less than 30 minutes, and after about a 10-minute ride, the train becomes somewhat empty, so you may be able to sit down.
And on the subway, you can stay on the train until Fujigaoka, the last stop, so you should have little chance of getting lost.
A view of the platform at Fujigaoka Station, the last stop
Transfer from Fujigaoka Subway Station to Linimo
And here is a summary of the itinerary from the transfer Linimo Fujigaoka station to the Aichi Expo Park.
You do not need to be nervous about this Linimo timetable, as it runs every 10 to 15 minutes during daytime hours.
When you get off at Fujigaoka Subway Station, go down the stairs to the ticket gate.
Follow the signs marked “Linimo”
If you follow the signs marked “Linimo,” you will naturally arrive at Fujigaoka Station on the Linimo Line.
Once outside the Fujigaoka subway station, go down the stairs again to the Fujigaoka Linimo station.
Once outside the subway station. This is what it looks like when you get out.
Fujigaoka Station (Aichi Prefecture) Exit
The Linimo station entrance is located just outside the subway station exit.
It looks like the Linimo entrance is right where you turn around at the subway exit. Let’s go down the stairs.
The entrance to the Linimo station is on the left side of the exit
The Linimo station has not been completed very long, so it is brighter and cleaner than the subway stations.
As you go down the stairs, you will see a ticket vending machine like the one in the image.
Ticket vending machine at Linimo Fujigaoka Station
The destination is Aichi Expo Commemorative Park, with “Ghibli Park” written in red below.
It’s in Japanese. …. (^^)
The fare is 360 yen.
Destination: Aichi Expo Commemorative Park
Here is the actual ticket I purchased. It is cute, with icons of each station designed on it.
Actual ticket purchased
From Linimo Fujigaoka Station to Aichi Expo ’70 Commemorative Park Station
You will know what to expect when you get there, but there is nothing more frightening than boarding a train in an unknown place, so I have included a screen shot of what it is like before you board the train.
#1. The ticket gate is located near the ticket counter.
#2. walk diagonally to the right and you will see an escalator, go down it.
#3. When you reach the bottom of the escalator, you should see a Linimo train stopping at one of the platforms on the left or right.
#4. The stopped train is the first train, so here you should board the car on the right and wait for its departure.
From Linimo ticket gate to boarding gate
During the daytime, the trains depart every 10 minutes or so, so there is not much of a wait.
Were you able to board the train? The ride from Fujigaoka Station to Aichi Expo ’70 Commemorative Park Station takes about 13 minutes.
From Aichi Expo Commemorative Park Station to Ghibli Park
The station at Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park where you arrive is brand new and modern, but like the train, it may seem a bit small.
Take either the stairs or escalator downstairs, and you will see the Ghibli Park display.
After exiting the ticket gate, turn right at the end of the hall.
Ghibli Park as you exit the ticket gate to the right
This is what it looks like outside the ticket gate.
Maybe we can turn it into a Ghibli Park station now.
Why don’t they just call it “Ghibli Park Station” already! Am I the only one who thinks so? (^_^;)
Turn right at the end of the ticket gate and go out from Exit No. 5.
You will see several cylindrical wooden buildings on either side.
In front of them is the gate of Ghibli Park.
Main gate of Ghibli Park
From there, just continue straight ahead to the elevator tower.
The elevator tower is the small one that you can see far ahead in the image above, can you see it? ….?
Next, we will show you how to get to Ghibli Park by Meitetsu Bus.
Meitetsu Bus from Nagoya Station to Ghibli Park
Next, we will explain how to get to Ghibli Park from Nagoya Station by Meitetsu Bus.
The starting point for this is also the Shinkansen ticket gate of Nagoya Station.
From here to the front exit of Nagoya Station is the same as the train method.
The difference is that you go to the right side from the exit of Nagoya Station.
Take the right exit of Nagoya Station to Meitetsu Bus Center
About 10 meters from the front of the exit, there is a clock tower about 3 meters high in the middle on both sides.
Use this as a landmark and go out of Nagoya Station from the exit on the right.
Exit to the right of the clock tower
You will then see the view below, so please continue on the sidewalk.
View of the exit to the right of the clock tower
Pass the entrance to the Kintetsu station, cross two traffic lights and continue under the arcade.
Go under the arcade
Then, look up in front of the mysterious(?) If you look up in front of the large doll (= called Nana-chan doll), you should see a not-so-large sign “Meitetsu Bus” on your right. *Refer to the image.
Go to the Meitetsu Bus Center on the right before the big doll
Then, look up in front of the mysterious(?) If you look up in front of the large doll (= called Nana-chan doll), you should see a not-so-large sign “Meitetsu Bus” on your right. *Refer to the image.
Ghibli Park display for elevator
Up the road is the Meitetsu Bus Center.
Buses to Ghibli Park are available at bus stop No. 24 on the 4th floor of the Meitetsu Bus Center
The bus stop for the bus to Aichi Expo Commemorative Park, where Ghibli Park is located, is on the 4th floor.
Take this elevator up to the 3rd floor, then go up one more floor to the 4th floor.
Bus stop information board
It is a little confusing, but refer to the information board to get to bus stop No. 24.
When you arrive at the bus stop, you will be welcomed by a cat bus. It is easy to understand (^^).
Ghibli Park display at bus stop 24
There is a waiting room nearby that can accommodate a dozen people to settle in, which is a good idea during the summer and winter months.
Waiting room near platform 24
Conveniently, Bus Stop 24 also has men’s and women’s restrooms nearby.
Notes on using the Meitetsu Bus
Please note the following points to keep in mind when riding the Meitetsu bus.
Riding rules = Buses are infrequent, there are no advance reservations, and coupon tickets are taken when boarding.
Fare = Cash only, have exact change ready when paying, and exchange 1,000 yen bills.
Other = Pay later in advance for coupons, drivers do not always speak English, few seats available.
- Take coupon tickets = pay later (pay at drop-off)
- Pay by cash only.
- No change is given from the fare box, so you need to have the exact change.
- If you don’t have change, you need to exchange money with the driver.
- Communication is difficult because drivers do not always speak English or other foreign languages.
- It is better to have 1,000 yen bills ready for exchange
- Buses are infrequent.
- There is no such thing as advance reservation for buses (as of December 2022)
- Not many seats available and in some cases you may not be able to board
That’s right. Although it is easy to understand that you will arrive at Ghibli Park once you get on the bus, the Meitetsu buses are not as frequent and do not have as many seats, and lack other conveniences.
For this reason, although it is superior in terms of cost, I think the train connection is more highly recommended.
However, it is a suitable mode of transportation for those who depart from a hotel in the Nagoya Station area and can schedule their travel time in advance.
The following is the timetable of Meitetsu buses from Nagoya Station to Aichi Expo Park, where Ghibli Park is located.
First, the bus timetable from Nagoya Station to Ghibli Park, followed by the timetables for weekends and holidays.
[Weekday] Meitetsu Bus Timetable between Nagoya Station and Ghibli Park
The following is the weekday round-trip timetable between the Meitetsu Bus Center at Nagoya Station and Aichi Expo Commemorative Park Station, where Ghibli Park is located.
The first outbound bus departs at 8:50 a.m. and the last at 1:00 p.m.
*Only operates on days when Ghibli Park is open (usually closed on Tuesdays).
[Weekday outbound] Timetable from Nagoya Station to Aichi Expo ‘Commemorative Park (Ghibli Park)
| to Aichi Expo Commemorative Park(Ghibli Park) | direct | direct | via service | via service | via service | |
| Meitetsu bus center(Nagoya Station) | deprture | 8:50 | 9:20 | 10:30 | 12:10 | 13:00 |
|
Time required: direct 40 minutes ／ via service 59min |
↓ |
↓ | ↓ | ↓ | ↓ | |
| Aichi Expo Commemorative Park(Ghibli Park) | arrival | 9:30 | 10:00 | 11:29 | 13:09 | 13:40 |
[Weekday return trip] Timetable from Aichi Expo Commemorative Park (Ghibli Park) Station to Nagoya Station
| to Meitetsu bus center(Nagoya Station) | direct | via service | direct | via service | |
| Aichi Expo Commemorative Park(Ghibli Park) | departure | 12:00 | 15:00 | 16:10 | 16:50 |
| Time required: direct 40 minutes ／ via service 61min | ↓ | ↓ | ↓ | ↓ | ↓ |
| Meitetsu bus center(Nagoya Station) | arrival | 12:40 | 16:01 | 16:50 | 17:51 |
The weekday service consists of five outbound and four inbound flights.
However, for this weekday outbound trip, the last service is a little early at 16:50.
Considering the return time, those who return by bus on weekdays may want to take the Ghibli Park ticket earlier.
If you do not make it back in time, you will have to take a different train or cab than on your outbound trip.
[Weekends and holidays] Meitetsu Bus Timetable between Nagoya Station and Ghibli Park
On weekends and holidays, one more flight will be added on the outbound route.
[Weekends and holidays outbound] Timetable from Nagoya Station to Aichi Expo Commemorative Park (Ghibli Park)
*Only operates on days when Ghibli Park is open.
| to Aichi Expo Commemorative Park(Ghibli Park) | direct | direct | direct | direct | direct | direct | |
| Meitetsu bus center(Nagoya Station) | departure | 8:00 | 9:00 | 10:00 | 11:00 | 12:00 | 13:00 |
| Time required: 40 minutes | ↓ | ↓ | ↓ | ↓ | ↓ | ↓ | ↓ |
| Aichi Expo Commemorative Park(Ghibli Park) | arrival | 8:40 | 9:40 | 10:40 | 11:40 | 12:40 | 13:40 |
[Weekends and holidays return trip] Timetable from Aichi Expo Commemorative Park (Ghibli Park) to Nagoya Station
Return trips on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays are increased and the last flight is later.
This is the best way to enjoy Ghibli Park.
*Only operates on days when Ghibli Park is open.
| to Meitetsu bus center(Nagoya Station) | direct | direct | direct | direct | direct | direct | |
| Aichi Expo Commemorative Park(Ghibli Park) | departure | 12:00 | 13:50 | 14:50 | 15:30 | 16:30 | 17:30 |
| Time required: 40 minutes | ↓ | ↓ | ↓ | ↓ | ↓ | ↓ | ↓ |
| Meitetsu bus center(Nagoya Station) | arrival | 12:40 | 14:30 | 15:30 | 16:10 | 17:10 | 18:10 |
All timetables above are based on the November 1, 2022 revised timetable at the following website.
The timetable may be updated irregularly, so please check the English translation of the above site accordingly.
Cab from Nagoya Station to Ghibli Park
The simplest and least error-prone way to get there is by cab.
However, the cost is expensive, about 8,600 yen one way! And, it is expensive.
Compared to taking a train, it is almost 10 times more expensive.
However, a typical cab can accommodate 3-4 people, so if you find someone else going to the Ghibli Park at the same time, you can share the cab and pay an equal fare.
Cabs, which seem to be highly convenient, also have some concerns…
Cabs have other concerns and disadvantages besides cost.
That is, you will not know until you get in the taxi whether or not you will be assigned a driver who can speak English.
If you are concerned about this point, and circumstances force you to take a cab, please refer to the following website for information on cabs from Nagoya Station.
If you have difficulty booking a cab, consult the hotel
Alternatively, if you are completely unfamiliar with Nagoya, you can ask the hotel concierge for help in calling a cab.
Also, of the hotels listed below, all but the Richmond Hotel Nagoya Shinkansen Exit and Lamp Light Books Nagoya are almost certain to have English-speaking staff (please check with the hotel in advance).
Summary of 3 ways to get to Ghibli Park from Nagoya Station
Finally, here is a rating summary of how to get to Ghibli Park from Nagoya Station.
Although it is a subjective rating, we have evaluated it on a total 5-point scale with the highest score of 5, taking into account various conditions at 4 points.
Please note that the points for cost performance and ease of understanding are evaluated differently by different people, so please keep this as a reference only.
Ghibli Park Accessibility Grading Comparison Chart
| Element Evaluation | by Train | by Meitetsu Bus | by Taxi |
|---|---|---|---|
| the time required | 4 | 4 | 4+ |
| cost performance | 5 | 4 | 1 |
| degree of freedom | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| ease of understanding | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| grade sum | 17 | 16 | 15+ |
In the end, it depends on what you value most, such as time, ease of understanding (i.e., no mistakes), etc.
If you value time and ease of understanding, you should overwhelmingly take a cab, and if you value cost and ease of understanding, you should take the Meitetsu bus.
Some people may find it difficult to make train connections. Fortunately, prices are low in Japan, so if you want to get to Ghibli Park without hesitation, even if it is considerably more expensive than other places, you will have no problem taking a cab.
It is possible that you may have a little trouble staying at Ghibli Park longer than planned, or that you may have difficulty getting a cab.
Considering all that, it is better to understand the safest train connections.
Whatever method you use to get there, please find a way to make sure you get there and back, and enjoy Ghibli Park to the fullest.
If this content is of any help to you in this regard, we will be happy to hear from you.
This article is for reference only, but thank you for reading to the end.
(fin)
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