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The iconic Catbus from My Neighbor Totoro has come to life at Ghibli Park

You'll soon be able to hop on a real Catbus to get around Ghibli Park

Kaila Imada
Written by
Kaila Imada
Associate Editor, Time Out Tokyo
Ghibli Park Cat Bus
Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaGhibli Park Cat Bus
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As Ghibli fans eagerly anticipate the Valley of Witches, the final area to open at Ghibli Park, there’s another exciting attraction coming to the theme park next month. To help chauffeur people around Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park, the site where Ghibli Park is located, five real-life Catbus shuttles will start operating on March 16 2024. That's also the same day the Valley of Witches is slated to open.

Catbus film still
Photo: Studio GhibliThe Catbus from 'My Neighbor Totoro'

The Catbus is one of the most iconic characters from Studio Ghibli. It was featured in the film ‘My Neighbor Totoro’. The whimsical vehicle is now being brought to life for the theme park, with a prototype based on a Toyota APM (Accessible People Mover) electric vehicle.

Ghibli Park
Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaAn official Ghibli Park Catbus

Known as the APM Catbus, this real-life Catbus fits six passengers and travels at a maximum speed of 19km per hour. To give visitors the most authentic experience, the Catbus will feature immaculate details including having furry plush seats, similar to what you see in the movie. As another fun touch, the eyes of the Catbus can also light up.

Catbus
Photo: Studio Ghibli

The buses will run along a 1.9km path that connects Mononoke Village to Dondoko Forest. The ride takes about ten minutes each way. You'll need to purchase a separate ticket to ride the bus.

One-way tickets cost ¥1,000 for adults and ¥500 for children. You can purchase the bus tickets at the ticketing machines located near each bus stop. Buses will run from 9.30am to 5.30pm on weekdays and from 8.30am to 5.30pm on weekends and holidays. For more details on departure and arrival locations, visit the Catbus website.

For more on Ghibli Park, including how to get tickets from overseas, check out our guide here.

This article was published on September 13 2023 and updated on February 29 2024.

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