Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park (Moricoro Park) — Attraction in Nagakute

I fell in love with this park the moment I came here because such is totally non-existent in Singapore with its expansive ground, clean space, clear blue sky, and clean, fresh air. And it's FREE! OMG. Unbelievable.

If I could give this place more than a five-star rating, I'll gladly love to.

There weren't that many people here when I came, and I just felt so calm and relaxed. I could feel all the tension in my muscles slowly loosening away as I breathed in deeply with my eyes closed. My soul felt soothed as I took in the nature scenery. There was no jarring noise from inconsiderate city people. Everywhere I looked, it was just peace and calm. I think I could stay here forever. In fact, I came here three times. Yes, three times during my 2 weeks' stay in Nagoya. And I still do not feel that it is enough.

Because I came here during their annual Aichi Prefecture week (my Japanese friend was the one who gave me the heads up), I managed to ride their bicycle for free. The usual cost, if I remember correctly, is 100 yen. I was flabbergasted when I looked at their price list. What?! Only 100 yen??? In Singapore, it will be at least $10 per hour, and you still have to put a deposit of $50. In Singapore, it is all about money, but in Japan, it is amazingly cheap, and there's no deposit required. Their staff was also friendly and explained to me how long it will take and the route that I will go through. When they saw that I had a kid with me, they immediately asked if she cycles in Singapore and how often does she cycle to make sure that she does not get into an accident. I told the male staff that yes, my child cycles in Singapore, and she does so regularly. Of course, they observed her when my child got on to make sure that what I said was true, haha. Nah, it's part of their job. On average, one round takes about half an hour, but we took longer because we stopped to enjoy the view several times, to rest a little and to pick up donguri, haha. We returned our bicycle with about 10 minutes before they started to close. There is no locker at this bicycle shop for you to store your stuff. There's only a wooden shelf. So I put my bags there and he passed me a piece of paper for me to write my name. Then he pasted it on one of my bags. There were only one or two other groups of people who deposited their bags there when I came on a weekday. I felt as if I had the whole cycling course to myself. I could do speed cycling if I wanted to, but I had to be very careful because there were curved slopes that were clearly marked on the map that he showed us at the beginning. The slopes weren't that steep, so it was a breeze.

I forgot to add that even though I managed to rent the bicycle for free, the bicycle that I got was not an old rickety one, but a spanking clean one. Here's an extra brownie point for Japan!

Oh, there is 1 more point I forgot to add. They gave us a beautifully bloomed pine cone as a souvenir. When they saw that my child was fascinated with it, they generously gave us a handful more and told us to keep them.

I also rode their Ferris wheel, which was located at one end of the commemorative park. But please do not get off at the station that you do to go to Ghibli Park. Instead, get off one station earlier because it's much nearer.

There was nobody when I went and so I felt as if I had the whole Ferris wheel to myself. There's a little amusement park right at the bottom of the ferris wheel. Most of the outdoor rides operated by staff were closed and my child could only ride those that were coins operated.

There is an excavator ride that allows you to dig for acrylic jewels. My child loved it so much, she rode it 3 times. She collected a lot of "jewels". I think this is more fun than a normal excavator ride.

I highly recommend Aichi...

Aichi Expo 2005 Park, also known as Moricoro Park, is a beautifully preserved site that showcases the legacy of the 2005 World Expo in Aichi, Japan. Located in Nagakute, the park offers a harmonious blend of nature, culture, and modern attractions, making it a delightful destination for visitors of all ages.

One of the highlights of the park is its expansive green spaces, perfect for leisurely strolls, picnics, or family outings. The area is well-maintained, with scenic trails, lush vegetation, and seasonal flowers providing a serene environment. The park also features a variety of attractions, including a replica of Satsuki and Mei’s house from Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbor Totoro, which draws fans from around the world. Reservations are required to visit this charming replica, but it’s well worth the effort for its meticulous attention to detail.

The park continues to honor the Expo’s theme of “Nature’s Wisdom” with eco-friendly initiatives and educational exhibits. Visitors can explore the Expo Memorial Zone, which provides insights into the global event and its vision for sustainable living. Families will appreciate the playgrounds, cycling paths, and interactive learning opportunities scattered throughout the park.

Modern facilities such as cafes, souvenir shops, and convenient transportation links enhance the visitor experience. However, the park’s vast size means comfortable walking shoes are a must.

Overall, Aichi Expo 2005 Park is a testament to the legacy of the World Expo, offering a perfect mix of relaxation, cultural appreciation, and environmental awareness. It’s a must-visit for those seeking a peaceful and enriching day out.

We went to the Ghibli park also, which...

How this park manages to hold an average rating of 4 stars is truly beyond comprehension.

We woke up at 4 a.m. European time just to try and get tickets. That ungodly wake-up time should’ve been our first red flag.

We accessed the website 30 minutes in advance, only to be greeted by a charming virtual queue—powered, it seems, by technology straight out of 1995. After waiting patiently, we finally made it through, just in time to discover that all the “premium” tickets had mysteriously vanished. Defeated, we bought standard tickets and told ourselves, “At least we got Valley of the Witches, Mononoke Village, and the main warehouse—even if our entry time is 2 p.m.”

Fast forward to today. We arrived full of excitement and joy. That lasted about five minutes. Turns out, not only do we not have access to the other areas, but even in the areas we can enter, the interiors are off-limits. Want to see Kiki’s house? Too bad. Ever dreamed of walking through Howl’s Moving Castle? Keep dreaming.

We’re now aimlessly wandering around until 2 p.m., writing this review because, frankly, there’s nothing else to do without a premium pass.

Whoever designed this park must’ve been a complete amateur.

Easily the worst experience we’ve had in Japan.

If you are looking for Ghibli magic, make some popcorn, fluff up your blanket and enjoy a good movie at home. You won’t...