Visiting Ghibli Park for a Hin Plushie on January 31st
So, let me tell you about my adventure to Ghibli Park on January 31st. I’d been dreaming about this day for weeks, all because of one thing: the Hin plushie
from Earwig and the Witch. I mean, who wouldn’t want to cuddle up with that little cutie? But let me warn you, this trip was equal parts magical and chaotic.
The Early Bird Gets… Too Early
I arrived at the park way too early. Like, embarrassingly early. I was so excited that I couldn’t sleep, so I ended up at the gates an hour before they even opened. There I was, standing in the cold, clutching my coffee like it was my lifeline, while a handful of other die-hard Ghibli fans started trickling in. By the time the gates opened, I was fifth in line. FIFTH! I felt like a champion. But then… chaos ensued.
The Great Ghibli Stampede
As soon as the gates opened, it was like someone fired a starting pistol. People started running. I’m not talking about a light jog—I’m talking full-on sprinting. It was like the Hunger Games, but with Studio Ghibli merch as the prize. I tried to keep up, but let’s just say my cardio game is not what it used to be. By the time I reached the “13 Witches” area (where the Hin plushies were), I had somehow gone from fifth in line to… 30th. THIRTIETH. I was devastated. All that early morning effort, gone in a flash. I stood there, panting, wondering if I should’ve skipped that second pastry at breakfast.
The Silver Lining
Despite the disappointment, there were some truly magical moments. The park itself is a wonderland—every corner feels like stepping into a Ghibli film. I even had a funny interaction with a staff member who noticed my pouty face and joked, “Don’t worry, Hin will still love you even if you’re 30th in line.” That made me laugh, and honestly, it was a good reminder to enjoy the experience, not just the prize. And guess what? I did get my Hin plushie. It took forever, and I may have eaten my weight in snacks while waiting (those Ghibli-themed cookies are dangerously good), but it was worth it. Holding that plushie felt like a victory, even if my legs were still sore from the sprint.
Has It Gotten Better?
Now, to answer the big question: has the mad dash improved? From what I’ve heard, the park has been trying to manage the crowds better, but let’s be real—when it comes to Ghibli merch, people will always be a little… intense. My advice? Go in with low expectations for the queue and high expectations for the magic. And maybe do some cardio beforehand.
Your Turn!
Have you been to Ghibli Park recently? Did you brave the stampede for your favorite merch? Or did you find a secret hack to avoid the chaos? Share your stories and tips in the comments—I’d love to hear how your Ghibli adventure went! And if you haven’t gone yet, trust me, it’s worth it. Just… maybe pack some extra snacks. You’ll need them.
