Ghibli Park Valley of Witches

Ghibli Park Valley of Witches

Studio Ghibli + NIHON SEKKEI

Ghibli Park Valley of Witches
Valley of Witches. Image © Kawasumi・Kobayashi Kenji Photograph Office

ARCHITECTS
Nihon Sekkeiartists: Studio Ghibli

PROJECT OWNER
Aichi Prefecture

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
Masahiko Oyama, Harumi Sakurai, Tetsuya Isotani, Mizuki Kato, Takuma Nishimura, Mizuki Murayasu, Yoshifumi Yamamoto / Nihon Sekkei

CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT
Goro Miyazaki / Studio Ghibli

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS
Nihon Sekkei

MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS
Nihon Sekkei

WOODEN ARCHITECTURE DESIGN
Tatsuya Yamada Architect

LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Prec Institute

EXHIBIT DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
Toho Eizo Bijutsu

BUILDING & LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION
Kajima Corporation, Etc.

PHOTOGRAPHS
J-lights / Koichiro Itamura, Kawasumi・kobayashi Kenji Photograph Office

YEAR
2024

LOCATION
Japan

CATEGORY
Museums & Exhibit

Ghibli Park Valley of Witches
Valley of Witches. Image © Kawasumi・Kobayashi Kenji Photograph Office

Text description provided by architect.

Ghibli Park inherits the philosophy of EXPO 2005 Aichi, Japan, which aimed to "learn from the mechanism of nature, solve global issues, and create a sustainable society."

The project represents the world, values, and perspective on nature of Studio Ghibli while ensuring their coexistence and continuity into the future.

Ghibli Park Valley of Witches
Okino Residence. Image Courtesy of Ghibli Park
Ghibli Park Valley of Witches
Flying OVEN. Image © Kawasumi・Kobayashi Kenji Photograph Office

NIHON SEKKEI has set three design concepts: "Learning from Time," "Thinking of People," and "Nurturing the Environment."

The project embraces traditional construction techniques while incorporating modern technology. The goal is to create a space that stimulates visitors' imagination and engages all five senses.

Ghibli Park Valley of Witches
Howl's Castle. Image © J-LIGHTS / Koichiro Itamura
Ghibli Park Valley of Witches
The Tower of Aviators. Image Courtesy of NIHON SEKKEI

Under the supervision of Goro Miyazaki, director of several Studio Ghibli films and leader of this project, the spatial design was developed through meticulous review and continuous feedback.

His sketches, combined with proposals from designers, were carefully reviewed and adjusted to ensure a faithful realization of the envisioned world.

Throughout the development, discussions centered around questions such as "Why can't it be done?" and "How can we make it possible?"

Ghibli Park Valley of Witches
The Avenue of Ruins / Clock Tower. Image © J-LIGHTS / Koichiro Itamura
Ghibli Park Valley of Witches
Bella Yaga's workshop in the House of Witches. Image © Kawasumi・Kobayashi Kenji Photograph Office

These ongoing dialogues, from planning to completion, represented some of the project's greatest challenges, requiring dedication and persistence.

In " Valley of Witches," various traditional architectural techniques were employed to bring Ghibli's magical world to life.

Ghibli Park Valley of Witches
Witch's Shop in the Okino Residence. Image © J-LIGHTS / Koichiro Itamura
Ghibli Park Valley of Witches
Sophie's workshop in the Hatter's Millinery. Image Courtesy of Ghibli Park

These included the hollow-core stacking method for brick masonry, complete dry-stone masonry, half-timber framing, and cruck truss structures.

Key materials such as stone, brick, wood, iron, copper, plaster, and tiles were carefully selected and precisely combined.

Ghibli Park Valley of Witches
Interior of Guchokipanya Bakery. Image Courtesy of Ghibli Park
Ghibli Park Valley of Witches
Hatter's Millinery. Image Courtesy of Ghibli Park

This fusion of historical architecture, modern technology, and the aesthetic of Ghibli's films resulted in a space that feels both timeless and immersive.

The park's landscape was designed to integrate seamlessly with the natural topography, preserving the existing environment while enhancing the immersive quality of the space.

Ghibli Park Valley of Witches
Interior of Witches Coven 13. Image Courtesy of Ghibli Park
Ghibli Park Valley of Witches
Howl's bedroom in the Howl's Castle. Image Courtesy of Ghibli Park

The area was structured as a cohesive townscape, featuring buildings from Ghibli films alongside original elements.

This thoughtful blend of reality and fantasy creates a dreamlike environment, allowing visitors to step in and out of Ghibli's world.

Ghibli Park Valley of Witches
Kiki's Room in the Okino Residence. Image Courtesy of Ghibli Park
Ghibli Park Valley of Witches
Bathroom in the Howl's Castle. Image Courtesy of Ghibli Park

Ghibli Park is designed to harmonize with the surrounding landscape, merging seamlessly with the existing park environment.

This integration allows visitors to feel as though the entire park is an extension of the film worlds, where the boundary between story and reality beautifully dissolves.

Ghibli Park Valley of Witches
Living room and Calcifer's Furnace in the Howl's Castle. Image Courtesy of Ghibli Park
Ghibli Park Valley of Witches
Guchokipanya Bakery. Image © Kawasumi・Kobayashi Kenji Photograph Office

The Ghibli Park's 'Witch Valley' was awarded a Special Prize in the "2025 Japan Architecture Award—Architecture Awards for Everyone—" in appreciation of achieving broadened interest in architecture to new audiences. "

Japan Architecture Award—Architecture Awards for Everyone—" is an architectural award selected by a nomination committee, consisting of approx. 30 professionals committed to promoting architecture to the general public and popular vote.

Ghibli Park Valley of Witches
House of Witches. Image © Kawasumi・Kobayashi Kenji Photograph Office


Ghibli Park Valley of Witches
Howl's Castle Ground Floor Plan
Ghibli Park Valley of Witches
Howl's Castle Second Floor Plan
Ghibli Park Valley of Witches
Howl's Castle Section
Ghibli Park Valley of Witches
Valley of Witches Site Plan