Since opening in 2022, Ghibli Park has become one of Japan’s most talked-about destinations. Though tickets can be notoriously hard to secure, there’s now another way to experience the park this autumn. For just two days from November 1 to 2, Aichi Expo Memorial Park will host its Autumn Dondoko Festival on the ‘Large Lawn Park’ – the central area linking many of Ghibli Park’s main attractions.
The highlight of the festival is the series of outdoor screenings and concerts featuring a tribute to two iconic Ghibli films: From Up on Poppy Hill and Kiki's Delivery Service. The music programme will be directed by Satoshi Takebe, the producer of the Studio Ghibli music tribute album Singing Ghibli Part 2, which will be released this November.
On November 1, rock unit Glim Spanky will perform a live cover of the Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind theme song, alongside a screening of From Up on Poppy Hill.
For November 2, guests can look forward to a live performance by singer Sakurako Ohara, who is known for singing the ending OST from Kiki's Delivery Service. To coincide with this, the movie will also be screened on the same day.
For those with tickets for Ghibli Park attractions, some areas will extend their opening hours on October 31 to coincide with the event. This includes the Valley of Witches and Mononoke Village, which will remain open until 7pm to align with the Valley of Witches winter illuminations.
The concerts and screenings are free, but advance registration is required. You can apply for a spot between 10am on September 26 and 11.59pm on October 1 through Boo-Woo Ticketing.
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