Enjoy Ghibli Park and Autumn Foliage! A Complete Guide to Travel Spots Around Nagoya

• Table of Contents
• 1. Ghibli Park
• 2. Asuke Townscape (Traditional Architectural Townscape)
• 3. Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
• 4. Mount Horaiji
• 5. Oihira Park
• 6. [Special Deal] Car Rental Discount Information

1. Ghibli Park

Image credit: The photos were taken by ToCoo! staff during their visit to Ghibli Park!

If you’re a fan of Studio Ghibli, you definitely need to visit! Whether you’re Japanese or from overseas, you’ve probably seen Ghibli’s films like Castle in the Sky, My Neighbor Totoro, or Howl’s Moving Castle. Ghibli Park, a place that expresses the world of Studio Ghibli, opened on November 1, 2022, within Aichi Earth Expo Memorial Park in Aichi Prefecture.Ghibli Park is made up of five areas: Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Hill of Youth, Dondoko Forest, Mononoke Village, and Valley of Witches. It’s a place where the worlds of director Hayao Miyazaki’s works come to life, offering fun for both children and adults.

Ghibli Park official website: https://ghibli-park.jp/

Recommended points:

① Immersive Themed Areas

Ghibli Park features areas that recreate scenes from the movies. For example, there’s Satsuki and Mei’s house from My Neighbor Totoro, and a recreation of the train scene from Spirited Away. Even if you’re not a fan of Ghibli, the detailed craftsmanship will amaze you.

2. Harmonious Design with Nature

Ghibli Park’s design coexists with nature, making the most of the natural environment of Aichi Earth Expo Memorial Park. It also reflects Ghibli’s messages of love for nature and environmental conservation. As you walk through the park, you can experience both the world of Ghibli and the beauty of nature at the same time.

※Tickets must be purchased in advance with a date and time reservation. You will need to buy a separate ticket for each area: Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Hill of Youth, Dondoko Forest, Mononoke Village, and Valley of Witches. There are no set tickets available.

Recommended access

Reaching Ghibli Park via public transportation requires transferring between buses or trains from Nagoya Station. If you rent a car, you can easily travel directly from Nagoya or other cities to Ghibli Park. Especially for group trips or when you have a lot of luggage, a car is more convenient.

From Chubu Centrair International Airport to Ghibli Park:Taking public transportation takes over two hours and requires more than two transfers, but if you drive, it only takes about 50 minutes! It’s very convenient and highly recommended!

Access

Approximately 50 minutes by car from Chubu Centrair International Airport

Location: Expo 2005 Commemorative Park (Moricoro Park)

Address: 1533-1 Ibarakimawari, Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture, 480-1342, Expo 2005 Commemorative Park (Moricoro Park)

Business hours: Weekdays 10:00-17:00 Saturdays, Sundays and holidays 9:00-17:00

Closed: Every Tuesday (if Tuesday is a public holiday, the following weekday), New Year's holidays, and designated days for maintenance, etc.

Parking

Ghibli Park does not have its own parking lot.

Please use the North 1, North 2, East, South, and West parking lots at Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park.

Fee:

①Normal period (non-peak period) fee: Regular car 500 yen

②Peak season (Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, Golden Week, Obon) fare: Regular car 1,000 yen

Map: https://www.aichi-koen.com/moricoro/access/

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2. Asuke Townscape (Traditional Architectural Townscape)

Photo courtesy of Tourism Toyoda General Incorporated Association

This is the perfect spot for a stroll, where you can enjoy the nostalgic and warm atmosphere of old Japanese houses! Asuke Town, located in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, preserves a historical townscape, and it becomes especially breathtaking during the autumn foliage season. With the atmosphere of Japan’s Edo period (1603-1868), Asuke is an ideal place for foreign tourists to experience traditional Japanese beauty.After enjoying the autumn leaves, be sure to try Asuke’s specialty, “Gohei-mochi,” and dishes made with handmade miso.

Official website: http://asuke.info/judenken/

Recommended spots for viewing autumn leaves

① WalkingThrough Asuke’s Historical Townscape

Take a walk through the historical townscape of Asuke. During autumn, the entire town is painted in vibrant colors, offering plenty of scenic spots perfect for photography.

Photo courtesy of Tourism Toyoda General Incorporated Association

②Autumn leaves in Korankei

Korankei is a famous spot for autumn foliage, known nationwide. About 4,000 maple trees turn vivid red and yellow. Especially during the “Korankei Maple Festival,” the illuminated autumn leaves create a magical scene, offering a different beauty from what you see during the day.

Photo courtesy of Tourism Toyoda General Incorporated Association

Recommended access

Asuke is located in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, and public transportation access is limited. During the tourist season, buses may run infrequently, and transfers might be required.

From Ghibli Park to Asuke Townscape:

Access

Approximately 30 minutes by car from Expo Memorial Park

〒444-2424 Asukemachi Nishimachi, Shinmachi, Honmachi, and Tamachi, Toyota City

Parking

Available (paid parking) Korankei Parking Lot (approximately 670 spaces) 500 yen per car (1000 yen per car in November)

Last year's parking information (for reference)

Parking Information

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3. Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Photo courtesy of Nagoya Convention & Visitors Bureau

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a large zoo and botanical garden located in Nagoya City. It's not only a great place to enjoy observing animals and beautiful plants, but it's also a well-known autumn foliage spot. You can enjoy a variety of autumn colors, especially in the Japanese garden and other areas of the park. Every fall, there’s a special “Autumn Leaves Light-up Event,” where about 500 broadleaf trees, including Japanese maples and hana-no-ki trees, create a stunning landscape. The park is illuminated, offering a different kind of beauty from the daytime and attracting many visitors each year.

Autumn highlights: Goshiki Momiji, Yayuen Garden, Okuike Pond, Japanese garden, Old kiln rest area, etc.

It's located near Ghibli Park, so why not stop by and enjoy the autumn leaves!

Official site: https://www.higashiyama.city.nagoya.jp/

Recommended spots for Autumn leaves

①Japanese Garden

The Japanese garden inside the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a must-see during the autumn season. The garden features impressive maple and ginkgo trees, beautifully harmonized with ponds and rock gardens. As you take a leisurely stroll through the garden, you can experience the traditional beauty of Japan. Particularly, the reflection of the autumn leaves on the ponds makes for some great photo opportunities.

Photo courtesy of Nagoya Convention & Visitors Bureau

②Panoramic View from the Observation Deck

Within the park, there is also a great observation deck (Sky Tower) that offers breathtaking views of the vast grounds covered in autumn colors. You can enjoy not only the sight of the foliage but also the panoramic view of Nagoya city. On clear days, the view stretches far into the distance, making the observation deck a highly recommended spot for visitors.

Photo courtesy of Nagoya Convention & Visitors Bureau

Recommended Access

Although Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens is located in Nagoya City, using public transportation may be inconvenient during peak hours, or the access might be limited. By renting a car, you can smoothly travel to the park from Nagoya and its surrounding areas, especially if you're traveling with family or in a group.

From Ghibli Park to Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens:

Access

Approximately 21 minutes by car from Expo Memorial Park

Address: 3-70 Higashiyamamotocho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-0804

Business hours: 9:00 - 16:50 (entrance until 4:30 PM)

Closed: Every Monday (if Monday is a public holiday, the following weekday), New Year's holiday

Parking

Yes, 1,600 passenger cars (charged)

Regular car: 800 yen per trip

Parking lot map: https://www.higashiyama.city.nagoya.jp/document/annai_tyusyajyo.pdf

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4. Mount Horaiji

Photo courtesy of Oku-Mikawa Tourism Council

Mt. Horaiji, located in Shinshiro City, Aichi Prefecture, is a sacred mountain where history and nature blend harmoniously. It's especially famous for its autumn foliage, when the entire mountain transforms into a sea of red and yellow leaves. The mountain trail and temple grounds are adorned with autumn colors, and the view of the main hall and five-story pagoda through the leaves is stunning. It’s a perfect spot to experience the combination of Japan’s traditional architecture and the beauty of nature.

Aichi Prefecture Official Tourism Guide: https://www.aichi-now.jp/spots/detail/50/

Recommended spots for viewing autumn leaves

①Horaiji Temple Approach

One of the main attractions of Mt. Horaiji is the temple approach. This stone-paved path consists of around 1,400 steps, flanked by vibrant autumn leaves on both sides. Walking up the long path, surrounded by the colorful foliage, is a unique experience. Climbing the stairs allows you to feel the quietness and the beauty of nature, as though cleansing both your mind and body.

Photo courtesy of Oku-Mikawa Tourism Council

②Horaiji Temple Main Hall and Five-Story Pagoda

After climbing the stairs, you'll reach the main hall of Horaiji Temple. The view of the historical temple combined with the autumn leaves creates a solemn atmosphere. You can also see the five-story pagoda from the main hall, making it a perfect spot for photos with the colorful foliage in the background.

Photo courtesy of Oku-Mikawa Tourism Council

3. Panoramic Observation Deck at Mt. Horaiji

Near the summit, there's a panoramic observation deck where you can take in the breathtaking view of the autumn foliage and distant mountains. On clear days, you can see far into the horizon, allowing you to fully enjoy the beauty of the colorful autumn landscape from a high vantage point.

Photo courtesy of Oku-Mikawa Tourism Council

Recommended access

Mt. Horaiji is located in a nature-rich area, and public transportation options may be limited. During the busy autumn foliage season, crowds are expected, so renting a car allows you to reach your destination without worrying about transfers or access issues. 

The scenic drive to Mt. Horaiji offers beautiful views of the mountains and nature, especially in autumn when you can enjoy the vibrant foliage from your car. The journey itself becomes part of the experience with a rental car.

From Ghibli Park to Mt. Horaiji:

Access

Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes by car from Expo Memorial Park

Address: 〒441-1944 Aichi Prefecture, Shinshiro City, Kadotani Horaiji Temple

Parking

Available, regular car 550 yen / peak season 1,100 yen

(Busy season: ①4/29~5/5 ②8/13~8/15 ③11/1~11/30 ④12/29~1/3)

Horaijiyama Parkway Parking Lot 8:00-18:00

https://www.city.shinshiro.lg.jp/mokuteki/shisetu/parking/park.html

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5. Oihira Park

Photo courtesy of Tourism Toyoda General Incorporated Association

Ōidaira Park is a nature-rich park located in Shitara Town, Aichi Prefecture, and is especially popular during the autumn foliage season. Surrounded by mountains, this beautiful park offers a peaceful setting to enjoy the autumn colors in a tranquil atmosphere. The park’s walking paths along the valley, the stunning maple tunnel, and the breathtaking views from the vast highlands allow you to enjoy the foliage from different perspectives. It's an ideal spot for families or friends to relax and spend time together.Feel the arrival of autumn and immerse yourself in the beauty of the fall colors at Ōidaira Park!

Official site: https://www.tourismtoyota.jp/spots/detail/47/

Recommended Autumn leaves Viewing Points

①Valley Walk

Ōidaira Park is a natural park that extends along a valley, where you can enjoy the autumn colors while listening to the soothing sounds of the river. Walking along the riverside trail is highly recommended. The view of the vibrant autumn leaves alongside the clear stream is a peaceful and breathtaking sight that will calm your mind.

Photo courtesy of Tourism Toyoda General Incorporated Association

②Autumn Views from Ōidaira Highlands

Surrounding the park is the Ōidaira Highlands, offering expansive views of the autumn foliage. From the highlands, you can gaze upon the colorful leaves stretching all the way to the distant mountains, creating a picturesque scene like a painting. On sunny days, the autumn colors stand out even more vividly against the blue sky.

Photo courtesy of Tourism Toyoda General Incorporated Association

Recommended access

Ōidaira Park is located in a nature-filled area, which means public transportation options are limited. Renting a car allows you to travel directly from major cities like Nagoya to the park, offering greater flexibility in your travel plans. The park has well-maintained parking, so finding a spot for your rental car won’t be an issue. Navigating the park is smooth, and the parking area provides easy access to the park’s attractions.

From Ghibli Park to Ōidaira Park:

Access

Approximately 1 hour by car from Expo Memorial Park

Address: 5-1 Oihira, Inabu-cho, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, 441-2513

Parking

Available, free of charge, approximately 60 spaces

Oihira Park Parking Lot

Address: 441-2513, Oihira, Michishita, Inabucho, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture

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6. [Special Deal] Car Rental Discount Information

Lastly, we’d like to share some great rental car deals with you.

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Coupon code: TCMH01

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Chubu Region has plenty of great spots to enjoy both Ghibli Park and the beautiful autumn foliage. By using a rental car, you’ll have the freedom to travel efficiently and explore these attractive locations at your own pace. Take your time to fully enjoy the beauty of autumn in the Chubu region!

This autumn, dive into the world of Ghibli at Ghibli Park and embark on a scenic autumn foliage journey. Renting a car allows you to create your dream trip without worrying about time constraints. Start planning now to make lasting memories and enjoy the full charm of the Chubu region!

Book your rental car now and start your autumn adventure in Chubu!