New Studio Ghibli Short Film to Screen Exclusively at Ghibli Park from July 2026

Studio Ghibli has announced that a brand-new short animated film will premiere at Ghibli Park in Aichi Prefecture from 8 July 2026. The film, titled A Night in the Valley of Witches, will screen exclusively at the park's Ghibli's Grand Warehouse area, adding a compelling reason for both first-time visitors and returnees to plan a trip.

What We Know About the Film

A Night in the Valley of Witches represents Studio Ghibli's first new short film created specifically for Ghibli Park since the venue opened in November 2022. While plot details remain under wraps, the title suggests a return to the magical, folkloric themes that have defined many of Ghibli's most beloved works.

The film will join existing short films at Ghibli's Grand Warehouse, which already screens Mei and the Kittenbus (a sequel to My Neighbour Totoro) and Boro the Caterpillar. These exclusive shorts have been a major draw for visitors, as they cannot be seen anywhere else in the world.

Where and How to See It

The screening will take place at the Orion Theatre inside Ghibli's Grand Warehouse, one of five distinct areas within Ghibli Park. Located in Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park (also known as Moricoro Park) in Nagakute, the park sits roughly 20 kilometres east of central Nagoya.

To reach Ghibli Park, take the Linimo maglev train from Fujigaoka Station (accessible via the Nagoya Municipal Subway Higashiyama Line) to Ai-Chikyuhaku Kinen Koen Station. The journey from central Nagoya takes approximately 40 minutes and costs around ¥600.

Entry to Ghibli's Grand Warehouse requires a timed-entry ticket, which must be booked in advance through the official Ghibli Park ticketing system. Tickets for July 2026 are expected to go on sale in spring 2026, following the park's standard booking window of three to four months ahead. Current pricing for Ghibli's Grand Warehouse tickets is ¥2,000 for adults (weekdays) and ¥2,500 for adults (weekends and holidays).

What This Means for Visitors

The addition of a new Ghibli short film is significant for several reasons. First, it gives those who have already visited Ghibli Park fresh content to justify a return trip. Second, it may increase demand for the already competitive ticket allocation, particularly during the summer holiday period when Japanese families traditionally travel.

If you're planning to visit Ghibli Park in summer 2026, book your tickets as early as the booking window opens. Weekend and holiday slots sell out within hours, especially for popular areas like Ghibli's Grand Warehouse. Weekday visits in early July (before Japanese school holidays begin in late July) may offer your best chance of securing tickets at a lower price point.

The film's premiere also coincides with the peak of hydrangea season in Aichi Prefecture, making it an opportune time to combine your Ghibli Park visit with stops at nearby gardens such as Hondo-ji Temple in Gamagori (approximately 40 minutes south by train), which features over 50,000 hydrangea plants.

Planning Your Visit

Ghibli Park does not operate like a traditional theme park. There are no rides, and entry is divided into five separately ticketed areas: Ghibli's Grand Warehouse, Dondoko Forest, Hill of Youth, Valley of Witches, and Mononoke's Village. Most visitors purchase combination tickets covering multiple areas, though Ghibli's Grand Warehouse remains the most sought-after due to its indoor exhibits and exclusive film screenings.

Allow at least four to five hours for a thorough visit to Ghibli's Grand Warehouse alone. The area includes recreated sets from various Ghibli films, a play area for children, a café, and the Orion Theatre. If you're adding other park areas to your itinerary, plan for a full day.

Be aware that photography is restricted in certain exhibition areas, though it's permitted in the Orion Theatre lobby and some outdoor zones. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your designated entry time, as the park enforces strict time slots and late arrivals may not be admitted.

Broader Context

Studio Ghibli's investment in creating new content specifically for Ghibli Park signals the company's ongoing commitment to the venue as more than just a museum of past works. This approach differentiates it from the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo, which primarily showcases the studio's history and animation techniques.

For international travellers, the timing of the premiere in July 2026 offers a window outside Japan's two busiest tourist seasons (cherry blossom in spring and autumn leaves in November). While summer brings heat and humidity to Aichi Prefecture, with average July temperatures around 27-32°C, much of Ghibli's Grand Warehouse is air-conditioned, making it a comfortable retreat during the hottest part of the day.

Source

Ghibli Park Official Website