For several years, our home in Tokyo was perfectly placed—just a short bike ride from Kichijoji, a lively neighborhood known for its trendy cafes and eclectic shops. I often found myself pedaling toward nearby Inokashira Park Zoo, where my son and I would marvel at the small collection of animals and climb aboard the miniature Shinkansen that delighted twenty kids at a time. But Kichijoji’s greatest treasure lay just across the street: the sprawling municipal park where my son learned to ride his bike and catch a baseball.
All of these formative moments unfolded under the watchful eye of the Ghibli Museum, which sits nestled in that same park. I had photographed the museum many times over the years for both domestic and international publications. Each visit revealed new visual details and inspired fresh creative energy. While I wouldn't call myself a die-hard Ghibli fan, the studio’s imaginative worlds always managed to spark something inside me. So when I was offered the chance to photograph the newly opened Ghibli Park for The New York Times, I couldn’t wait to dive in.
On a clear morning, I set out with my camera in hand, eager to see what awaited beyond Tokyo. As a seasoned Japan assignment photographer, I was especially curious to capture the ways this new park brought Ghibli’s magic to life.
When I arrived, the park’s grounds were true to Ghibli form. The area was tucked into lush greenery and was alive with the whimsical architecture Ghibli is known for. Every corner of the park held a carefully crafted nod to Ghibli’s cinematic universe. From the shifting turrets of Howl’s Moving Castle to the moss-covered forests of Princess Mononoke, each location offered a glimpse into the mind of the Ghibli creators, tailor-made for travelers and culture lovers alike.
Inside Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, the sense of wonder was immediate and immersive—as if I had stepped straight into the pages of a beloved storybook. The vast space buzzed with quiet awe, its high ceilings sheltering an eclectic patchwork of film sets, whimsical props, and vibrant dioramas. Around every corner, there was something unexpected: a towering airship from Laputa: Castle in the Sky, shadowy alleyways reminiscent of Spirited Away, and an old-school cinema looping Studio Ghibli shorts rarely seen outside Japan. Children darted past in Totoro-themed capes while adults lingered to admire the craftsmanship—the careful weathering of a doorframe, the golden glow of a lantern, the texture of soot sprites clinging to walls. Photographing in this space was both a challenge and a delight; the lighting was dramatic, the perspectives playful, and the stories seemingly endless. It felt less like documenting a theme park and more like recording moments in a dream.
By the time I returned home, my memory cards were full and my spirit even fuller. The experience wasn’t just about taking pictures; it was about exploring the connection between fantasy and reality.
Read the full story about Japan’s new Ghibli Theme Park at The New York Times.
