I Met Ghibli in Kaohsiung──A Tour of Hanshin Arena "Acorn Republic"

On a sunny afternoon, I took the MRT Red Line and arrived at the Kaohsiung MRT "Dome Station". The moment I exited the station, I was full of anticipation - because I was finally going to visit the largest Ghibli store in southern Taiwan: Donguri Republic, located on the 6th floor of Hanshin Arena Shopping Plaza!

🌳This is not a store, it's an animation journey

Before I even stepped into the store, I was fascinated by the "life-size Totoro" at the door - the round body, the silly big eyes, and the almost rideable cat bus next to it, as if I was pulled into the childhood world of "My Neighbor Totoro" in a second.

The store is high and bright, decorated with wood and forest, as if every corner is hidden with the figure of Ghibli characters. I walked past the faceless man pendant of "Spirited Away", the Kiki peripherals of "Kiki's Delivery Service", and even saw the "Golden Rain Totoro" drawstring bag limited to Kaohsiung! Although I rationally told myself to be restrained, as soon as I stretched out my hand, I had already silently added a bag of things (laughs).

⏰Business hours and transportation tips

Acorn Republic is open every day and welcomes tourists on weekdays and weekends:
• 🕒 Business hours:
　Sunday to Thursday 11:00–22:00
　Extended to 22:30 on Friday, Saturday and holiday eve
• 🚇 Transportation:
　Take the MRT Red Line to the Arena Station, exit from Exit 5 and walk into the Hanshin Arena. There is air conditioning all the way, which is very convenient!

🍜Shopping and eating・My private food route

After shopping, I was still not satisfied and decided to walk out along "Yucheng Road". There are many delicious foods in this area, and it is a place where Kaohsiung people love to find food.
I recommend a few places I often go:
1. Ruifeng Night Market: It is a 10-minute walk away. You must try fried squid, cheese potatoes and grilled sausages. It is perfect for eating and chatting, continuing the fantasy journey of Ghibli.
2. Dome Department Store Underground Food Court: Don't want to walk too far because of the heat? There are Din Tai Fung, Marugame Seimen, Shengbodian, etc. downstairs. Even Starbucks has special cups!
3. Japanese curry store "Maji Curry": Super popular around the Dome. The rich sauce and deep-fried pork cutlet are served with hot white rice. It's as happy as a Totoro just finished eating rice!

📌 Friendly reminder
• Friends who like taking pictures are recommended to come in the morning or on weekdays. There are fewer people and the light is good, which makes the photos look the most dreamy.
• Kaohsiung is hot in summer. It is recommended to wear light and bring water. The air conditioning in the store is cool but it is not merciful outside.
• Remember to bring a credit card! You will find too many things that you can't help but buy (laugh)

✨Written at the end of the journey

This trip to the "Ghibli Republic" is not just shopping for me, but an adventure to reconnect with childhood memories. From animation to reality, from paper characters to real space, the kind of touch can only be understood by coming here in person.

If you are also a die-hard fan of Ghibli, then you must not miss this "Acorn Republic" in Kaohsiung.

✈️Travel is not just about going to a distant place, it can also be a gentle and magical reunion.