7 new attractions in Japan now that it’s reopening on October 11

For all fans of Studio Ghibli’s films like ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ and ‘Spirited Away’, there’s every reason to head down to the world’s first Ghibli Park. There’ll be five key areas: Hill of Youth, Ghibli’s Large Warehouse, Mononoke’s Village, Valley of Witches, and Dondoko Forest. And you’ve hit the nail on the head – each of these areas provide an immersive backdrop to some of the world’s most popular anime flicks. 

Take the Hill of Youth, that’s set right at the entrance. It’s entirely inspired by ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ with full-fledged steampunk elements and an elevator tower offering panoramic views of the park. Studio Ghibli will open on November 1, with tickets setting you back 2,000 yen (~$20). 

While this new Harry Potter attraction is only opening in mid-2023, let’s face it: we’re all stoked since it’s a whole lot nearer for us than the original in London. It’s Japan’s very own Warner Bros. Studio, which takes you through the entire journey behind the Harry Potter movie franchise. But similar to London’s own, there will be plenty of production sets and intricate replicas. Alongside, there’s a real-life experience of Diagon Alley where you could saunter by casually Ollivanders and Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes as if you’re prepping for your first-year shopping list.

It’s quite the childhood throwback, with a new hotel stay at the Tokyo Disney Resort that’s entirely inspired by our favourite Disney x Pixar movie Toy Story. Once you step into this hotel, you’ll immediately notice that the lobby itself has a jigsaw puzzle-inspired floor – look up and the ceiling’s design is also based on board games. The rooms themselves are uniquely decked out in a design that’s inspired by Andy’s room. That means, a sky blue wallpaper with clouds along with many other toy-like fixtures. 

While Tokyo Disneyland has been a staple attraction for decades, they've only in recent years opened a new 'Beauty and the Beast' set. Resembling Mrs Potts and Chip, there will be magical cups that spin in unison to the movie’s well-known soundtrack. You can also take a stroll through Belle’s village, where you’ll spot her quaint cottage and Gaston’s water fountain, but otherwise, there are also special themed rooms in the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel itself.

It’s an art festival that only happens once every three years, spanning across the dozen or so islands of Japan’s Seto Sea. The Setouchi Triennale is one for those who appreciate the rural nature of these islands – panoramic sea views and plenty of lush greenery. In any case, it’s a way to revive the dwindling tourism of these picturesque islands, all the while introducing contemporary art with Kusama’s famous pumpkins and other installations. If you’re making your trip down to Japan, make sure to catch it between now and November 6. Admission starts from 5,000 yen (~$49) to view all exhibitions.

Like many of teamLab’s exhibitions, these make for some of the most Instagrammable-worthy art – they know how to hold their own in the modern world, indeed. It’s an interactive museum over at teamLab Planets, a garden-filled space with reactive art. It’s much like ArtScience Museum’s ‘Future World’ where the art reacts to your very being in the space. 

Everyone grew up with Mario Kart, racing through obstacles with best bud Luigi. There’s now a special Super Nintendo World theme park in Japan, as part of Universal Studios Japan, where there’s a Super Nintendo World train that circuits Osaka’s main commuter lines. You can also look forward to themed roller coaster rides, and in the future, an area that’s solely dedicated to Donkey Kong – there’s a mine kart ride planned too.