If you love Japan, it’s almost impossible not to love Studio Ghibli’s movies. They may even be the reason you began your love affair with this beautiful country, swept off your feet by the unforgettable stories, characters, scenes and soundtracks of Miyazaki’s masterpieces. You’re certainly not alone in that!
So, exploring the locales that make these films so special sounds like a dream come true, right? Well… when Studio Ghibli opened the long-awaited Ghibli Park on November 1, 2022, that dream became a reality, featuring areas inspired by Princess Mononoke, My Neighbor Totoro, Whisper of the Heart, and so many more.
Even so, you’re only human, and humans get hungry. Hop on your broom and let’s fly through all the food and drinks available at Ghibli Park, from sandwiches and cakes to alcohol, soft drinks, and vegetarian options.
1. Transcontinental Flight Café: Sandwiches
For a selection of sandwiches that are as unique as the films that inspired them, you’re in luck. Not only will you have plenty of options to choose from, but each sandwich also comes with an adorable flag.
It’s said that the illustrations were drawn by “Miyazaki-san,” although we don’t know whether that’s Hayao, or his son, Goro.
Either way, they’re the perfect decoration for sandwiches that are as cute as they are varied, including:
- Mortadella Sausage Sandwich
- BLT Sandwich
- Spicy Shrimp Sandwich
- Prosciutto Ham and Cheese Sandwich
- Ketchup Spaghetti Sandwich — said to be Goro Miyazaki’s favorite!
- Tandoori Chicken Sandwich
There is also a selection of vegetarian sandwiches, including:
- Hummus Sandwich
- Guacamole Sandwich
- Spinach and Mushroom Sandwich
2. Transcontinental Flight Café: Pizzas
You may not have been expecting to find a taste of Italy all the way out here in Japan, but there are plenty of delicious spots for a slice of heaven, and Ghibli Park is no different.
Grab a piece of these perfectly baked pizzas:
- Margherita
- Four Cheese
- Tomato and Seasonal Vegetable
- Miso-Cutlet — a specialty of Aichi prefecture’s capital, Nagoya!
3. Transcontinental Flight Café: Desserts
You didn’t come all this way to not get something sweet, right? Let your eyes wander over the delights of the desserts waiting for you at Transcontinental Flight Café, tempting you to try so many you’ll feel like Porco Rosso by the time you leave:
- Sweet Bean and Butter Sandwich — a twist on the Aichi specialty of “an butter toast.”
- Seasonal Fruit Pizza
- Apple Pizza
- Crusty Roll with Seasonal Fruit and Cream Filling
- Crusty Roll with Chocolate and Banana Filling
- Banana Bread
4. Transcontinental Flight Café: Gelato
Exclusively offered on the terrace, two scoops of creamy, premium gelato could be yours, allowing you to double up on your favorite flavor or mix and match two flavors for ¥900 yen, including:
- Blood Orange
- Raspberry
- Melon
- Salted Milk
- Hazelnuts
- Choco & Miso
Gelato at Ghibli — does it get any better than this?
5. Transcontinental Flight Café: Hot drinks, soft drinks, and alcohol
Even if you’re not hungry and just fancied popping into the Transcontinental Flight Café to enjoy the atmosphere, there are plenty of drinks available for sipping while you discuss plans for the rest of your day at Ghibli Park.
Keep up the energy with a coffee or tea:
- Coffee (hot/iced)
- Latte (hot/iced)
- Cappuccino
- Espresso
- Coffee Float
- Black Tea (hot/iced)
Sip on a soft drink:
- Apple Juice
- Blood Orange Juice
- Italian Soda: Passion Fruit, Green Apple, or Raspberry
- Italian Soda Float: Passion Fruit, Green Apple, or Raspberry
Sample a few alcohol options:
- Beer: Moretti
- Red wine by the glass: Porco Rosso
- White wine by the glass: Chardonnay
6. SiberiAn Milk Stand: The Wind Rises-inspired cake and milk
Step back in time with the Showa-era treats of SiberiAn Milk Stand, a little stand selling Japanese cakes inspired by the red bean sweets eaten in The Wind Rises. If that weren’t cute enough, they’re also selling a selection of drinks in glass milk bottles stamped with the Ghibli Park’s original cat princess logo.
The cakes sold here are called “Siberia,” incredibly popular back in the Showa era, and they sandwich sweet red bean paste (anko) between two triangular slices of light castella cake — hence where the stand gets its name, SiberiAn.
You can also choose between two varieties of red bean paste, opting for smooth or chunky. It’s the perfect pick-me-up snack as you travel between areas of the park, keeping you energized and excited for whatever wonders come next…
7. Penny Candy Shop Cat Princess: Showa-era candy and snacks
Although Penny Candy Shop Cat Princess is quite the mouthful, they don’t sell any substantial meals or confectionery here, but they do sell all manner of retro candy and snacks that might give you a quick burst of sugar when you most need it.
Or, if you manage to resist opening your purchases then and there, this shop is also bursting with perfect souvenirs for your friends back home, showing off the weird and the wonderful of a Japan gone by.
In fact, if you’re heading to the park with any Japanese friends, expect to see their eyes shining with nostalgia as they rediscover all the snacks they loved from their childhood, like ramune candy, chocolate cigarettes, and the ever-present and always tasty Umaibo — flavored cylinders of puffed corn.
8. Adventurous Flying Squadron Gift Shop: Souvenir-ready snacks and sweets
Adventurous Flying Squadron Gift Shop will have your Ghibli-loving heart feeling full as you’re surrounded by souvenirs and snacks inspired by the movies.
Expect to find chocolates, cookies, and candy in packaging and tins that are almost too pretty to open — alongside a wide range of non-edible souvenirs that make perfect memorabilia or gifts for those jealous friends back home.
But if you feel like spoiling yourself — as you should — buy something to enjoy on the bullet train back to Tokyo, keeping the magic of your momentous day at Ghibli Park going a while longer.
Not ready to give up those Ghibli vibes yet? Read our blog about the tastiest Studio Ghibli food and where to find it in Japan!
Or, even better, if you’re visiting the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, join this nearby sushi-making class and neighborhood tour or make traditional Japanese sweets.
FAQs: Food & Drink at Ghibli Park
1. Is there a place to buy food and drinks at Ghibli Park?
Yes! There’s the Transcontinental Flight Café, offering a variety of sandwiches, pizzas, desserts, hot and cold drinks, alcohol and more. They also have a number of vegetarian options, including Showa-era red bean cakes and bottled milk at SiberiAn Milk Stand.
2. Is there any vegetarian food at Ghibli Park?
Absolutely! Transcontinental Flight Café has a variety of vegetarian food, including a Hummus Sandwich, Guacamole Sandwich, Spinach and Mushroom Sandwich, Margherita Pizza, Four Cheese Pizza, Tomato and Seasonal Vegetable Pizza, and a range of vegetarian desserts.
3. Is there any vegan food at Ghibli Park?
Yes — the Hummus Sandwich, Guacamole Sandwich, and Spinach and Mushroom Sandwich are all vegan, according to the details on the Ghibli Park menu. However, all menu items are prepared and cooked in the same kitchen facility, so there is a possibility that they may contain allergens.
For questions regarding specific allergies, please ask a member of staff.
4. Is food expensive at Ghibli Park?
The food at Ghibli Park is priced quite reasonably, with options ranging from ¥350 (Crusty Roll with Chocolate and Banana Filling) to ¥900 (Miso-Cutlet Pizza), leaving you with more money to try everything or stock up on Ghibli merchandise!
5. Where can I eat at Ghibli Park?
You can eat at the Transcontinental Flight Café if you have an appetite for a light lunch of sandwiches, pizzas, and desserts. If you’re hungry for the retro stylings of The Wind Rises instead, you can enjoy red bean cake and bottled milk at SiberiAn Milk Stand.
6. What are Ghibli Park’s opening times?
Ghibli Park is open from 10am to 5pm, giving you plenty of time to stop for a bite to eat between exploring the magical scenes of Studio Ghibli.
