Oops! Japan #39 — Ghibli Dreams, Real-World Confusion （ジブリパークの落とし穴：予約ミス・迷子・買い逃し）

 Oops! Japan #39 — Ghibli Dreams, Real-World Confusion

（ジブリパークの落とし穴：予約ミス・迷子・買い逃し）

Visiting the Ghibli Park sounds like a dream — magical settings, exclusive merch, and your favorite characters all in one place. But for some travelers, the dream didn’t go quite as planned.

Oops 1: Bought the Wrong Ticket!

One visitor realized too late that their “Ghibli Museum” ticket didn’t get them into “Ghibli Park.”

Two different places. Different cities.

→ Always double-check what you’re booking — and where.

Oops 2: Missed That Limited Ghibli Merch

“There were some cute plushies and Proco Rosso goods at the Tokyo Station store. But I didn’t buy them, thinking I’d see them again later. I never did.”

→ In Japan, limited items may be truly limited. Don’t expect stock to be the same at every store.

Oops 3: Got Lost in the Magic (Literally)

Ghibli Park is beautiful — but surprisingly confusing to navigate. Some areas lack English signs or clear paths.

→ Don’t count on Google Maps indoors. Download the park map in advance or ask the staff when in doubt.

Takeaway:

Ghibli spots are worth the visit, but make sure you know:

• Which location you’re going to (Museum? Park? Store?)

• What tickets you need

• What merch you really want

• And how to get around once you’re inside

日本語の補足：

ジブリ好きにはたまらない「ジブリパーク」や「ジブリ関連スポット」。でも、意外と“やらかし”が多い場所でもあります。

• ジブリ美術館とジブリパークは別施設。間違えてチケットを買う旅行者が後を絶ちません。

• 限定グッズは「あとで買えばいいや」が通用しない。見つけたら買うのが鉄則。

• パーク内の案内が分かりにくく、迷子になる人も続出。マップの事前ダウンロードをおすすめします。

Next up: Oops! Japan #40 — (Coming Soon)

More culture clashes, tourist traps, and survival tips in Japan — stay tuned!