Ghibli Park had been on my wish list for so long, and I finally made it!
Tickets are seriously hard to get. We even used 5 phones at the same time to try for them, and luckily we got some. It felt like such an achievement!
The whole park feels like stepping into the world of a Studio Ghibli film. Every corner is packed with little details, and I honestly didn’t want to leave. My favorite was the newly opened Valley of Witches from 2024. You can walk into Kiki’s house from Kiki’s Delivery Service and see scenes from Howl’s Moving Castle. It really feels like you’ve become part of the story.
And of course, don’t miss Guchoki Bakery. You can actually buy the bread that appears in the movie, and it’s both adorable and delicious.
If you’re a Ghibli fan, this place absolutely deserves a spot on your lifetime must-visit list! Just make sure you get tickets first, or you’ll be stuck envying everyone else.
Ghibli Park | Review by 楊雅雯
Other Reviews by 楊雅雯
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Kokura Castle Garden
Kokura Castle Garden is a beautifully landscaped Japanese garden located beside Kokura Castle in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. Recreated together with an Edo-period samurai residence, it offers a refined glimpse into traditional Japanese aesthetics.
Kokura Castle Garden at Kokura Castle is a garden attraction filled with traditional Japanese beauty. Once you enter, the atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, and it isn't too crowded, so you can take your time admiring the garden landscaping and seasonal scenery. After visiting Kokura Castle, I highly recommend stopping by for a walk. There are also places to rest and enjoy the view, where you can sit down for a short break while admiring the Japanese garden in front of you.
Whether it's the garden landscaping, traditional architecture, or views that include Kokura Castle, everything is very photogenic. Anyone who loves traditional Japanese aesthetics will definitely enjoy it! There is also an exhibition hall in the garden, where the displays help you learn about the historical background and daily life of the time. This makes the visit not only about enjoying the beautiful scenery, but also about gaining a deeper understanding of the city of Kokura.
If you're visiting Kokura Castle, remember to include Kokura Castle Garden in your itinerary too〜
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Kokura Castle
Hosokawa Tadaoki helped in the victory of the Battle of Sekigahara, entered the area and started building a castle in 1602. It took seven years to complete. Then, it was occupied by Lord Ogasawara, but all but the stone wall was burned down in 1866. After WWII, upon the citizens’ fervent request, the castle tower was rebuilt.
Kokura Castle is a must-see when visiting Kitakyushu. It’s within walking distance of JR Kokura Station, making it very convenient to get to. The white castle tower, imposing stone walls, and moat offer a different view from every angle and create a strong sense of a traditional Japanese castle.
Kokura Castle is also a well-known cherry blossom viewing spot in Fukuoka Prefecture. During cherry blossom season, the castle and pale pink blossoms complement each other, making the scenery even more charming. Unfortunately, this visit wasn’t during cherry blossom season, so it was missing that romantic touch of pink. Still, Kokura Castle looked impressive under the clear skies and was well worth a stroll and some photos.
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Former Moji Mitsui Club
Built in 1921, it served as a social club for Mitsui Bussan. The building showcases the half-timbered style, a traditional European wooden architectural technique, where the wooden structure, like beams and pillars, are exposed on the exterior. This design, combined with the dark brown wooden elements emphasizing its vertical and horizontal lines against the contrast of the white window frames, characterizes its distinctive appearance.
When visiting Mojiko, don’t miss this beautiful Western-style building full of historic charm! The Former Moji Mitsui Club blends retro and modern architectural styles, making you feel as if you’ve stepped into the elegance of a bygone era. Every corner has a charming nostalgic atmosphere, and whether you’re admiring the architecture or taking photos, it’s well worth a visit.
There’s also a restaurant inside where you can sit down and enjoy Mojiko’s famous baked curry, as well as local fugu dishes. Although the food isn’t exactly cheap, dining in a historic Western-style building and enjoying both the food and the unique charm of the retro setting is still highly recommended! If you’re taking a walk around Mojiko, consider stopping by to experience a different kind of nostalgia!
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