As if the concept of a theme park dedicated to the works of Studio Ghibli wasn't already awesome enough, I've just found out that the finished park will include a real-life Howl's Moving Castle on the grounds. I guess heaven really is a place on Earth.
While this IRL incarnation of the iconic steampunk structure won't scuttle across the land as it does in the 2005 movie, it'll still be an impressive creation. Tokyo Shimbun (via Kotaku) writes that it'll be as tall as a four-to-five story building. Again, not quite as tall as the fictional version, but still large enough to inspire awe. Take a look at the concept art below, which confirms the Castle will be located in the park's Witch Valley area.
We've also been given an early peek at the park's previously announced Princess Mononoke Village, which looks just beautiful in new concept art. If we're ever actually allowed to travel again, I'm going to be saving up every penny I have to try and see this place with my own eyes.
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The entire park was supposed to open in 2022, but it was recently announced that certain areas would open later than others due to pandemic-induced delays. The park's main areas include Ghibli's Giant Warehouse, which is essentially a museum filled with Ghibli artefacts to pore over.
Dondoko Forest is based on My Neighbour Totoro, and an area I will probably attempt to start a new life in before security throws me out. Princess Mononoke Village is... well it does what it says on the tin. Springtime of Life Hill models its attractions on The Cat Returns and Whisper Of The Heart. Finally, Witch Valley has plenty for fans of Kiki's Delivery Service and Howl's Moving Castle, including the aforementioned titular castle.
The theme park will open in fall 2022 along with most of the areas. Princess Mononoke Village and Witch Valley will open a year later, so if you're like me and can probably only afford one trip to Japan in your life, maybe wait until 2023.