Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park, affectionately known as Moricoro Park, stands as a lasting legacy of the 2005 World Expo. It's a significant green space in the Aichi Prefecture, offering a wide array of recreational facilities, educational exhibits, and cultural attractions. The park is particularly renowned for housing a faithful replica of Satsuki and Mei's House from Studio Ghibli's beloved film, "My Neighbor Totoro," making it a pilgrimage site for animation fans.
Visitors consistently praise the park's immaculate upkeep and the convenience of its free internal shuttle bus system, which makes navigating the expansive grounds effortless. Many highlight the immersive and educational aspects, noting that the themed zones and hands-on activities provide a fun learning experience for all ages. The staff are frequently commended for their kindness and helpfulness, often providing valuable information to visitors. The blend of entertainment and enlightenment, coupled with the natural beauty, contributes to a highly positive visitor experience.
To make the most of your visit, plan to spend 3-5 hours exploring the park. Arriving in the morning allows for a more relaxed pace and avoids potential afternoon crowds, especially around popular attractions like Satsuki and Mei's House (which often requires advance booking). Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as is bringing water and snacks, though vending machines and some food options are available. Consider visiting during spring or autumn for pleasant weather and beautiful foliage. While the park itself is free to enter, some specific attractions, like Satsuki and Mei's House, have separate admission fees.
The park is well-connected by public transport. The nearest station is Ai-Chikyuhaku Kinen Koen Station (愛・地球博記念公園駅) on the Linimo (Aichi Rapid Transit Tobu Kyuryo Line). From Nagoya Station, take the Higashiyama Subway Line to Fujigaoka Station, then transfer to the Linimo Line. The park entrance is directly accessible from Ai-Chikyuhaku Kinen Koen Station. For those driving, ample parking is available, though fees apply.
While generally well-received, some visitors mention that the park can feel very large, and without utilizing the shuttle buses, it can be tiring to cover all areas on foot. To mitigate this, familiarize yourself with the shuttle bus routes upon arrival and prioritize attractions based on your interests. Booking tickets for popular attractions like Satsuki and Mei's House well in advance is crucial to avoid disappointment, as same-day tickets are often unavailable.
