Ghibli Museum
A whimsical journey into the heart of Studio Ghibli's animation magic, featuring exclusive films, art, and iconic characters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace
Ghibli Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A whimsical journey into the heart of Studio Ghibli's animation magic, featuring exclusive films, art, and iconic characters.
"It's a magical place that truly brings the Studio Ghibli universe to life!"
🎯 Book Tickets MONTHS Ahead
Tickets go on sale on the 10th of each month for the following month. Be ready at 10 AM JST!
📱 Use Multiple Devices for Tickets
Increase your chances of getting tickets by using several devices simultaneously.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Catbus
Children's Playroom
A beloved icon from 'My Neighbor Totoro,' kids can climb aboard this magical bus. Adults can only admire it from the sidelines.
Rooftop Garden & Robot Soldier
Rooftop
Enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo and a photo op with the iconic robot soldier from 'Laputa: Castle in the Sky.' Photos are allowed here!
Exclusive Short Film Theater
Theater
Watch unique Studio Ghibli short films shown only at the museum. A truly special experience for fans.
Replica of Arrietty's World
Grand Warehouse
Step into the miniature world of 'The Secret World of Arrietty,' marveling at the intricate details of their tiny home.
Planning Your Visit
Secure Your Ghibli Museum Tickets Early
Allocate Sufficient Time (But Not Too Much)
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets MONTHS Ahead
Tickets go on sale on the 10th of each month for the following month. Be ready at 10 AM JST! +1
📱 Use Multiple Devices for Tickets
Increase your chances of getting tickets by using several devices simultaneously. +1
🚫 No Photos Inside (Mostly!)
Photography is prohibited inside the museum, but allowed on the rooftop. +1
🚶♂️ 2 Hours is Plenty
Most visitors find 1.5-3 hours sufficient to see everything. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets MONTHS Ahead
Tickets go on sale on the 10th of each month for the following month. Be ready at 10 AM JST! +1
📱 Use Multiple Devices for Tickets
Increase your chances of getting tickets by using several devices simultaneously. +1
🚫 No Photos Inside (Mostly!)
Photography is prohibited inside the museum, but allowed on the rooftop. +1
🚶♂️ 2 Hours is Plenty
Most visitors find 1.5-3 hours sufficient to see everything. +1
📚 Explore the Bookstore
Beyond the gift shop, discover a charming bookstore with unique Ghibli-themed books.
🌳 Wander Kichijoji
The museum is near Kichijoji, a vibrant district with a lovely park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Ghibli Museum for its enchanting atmosphere and unique artistic exhibits, calling it a must-visit for fans. However, the extreme difficulty in obtaining tickets and the strict no-photography policy inside are common points of frustration for some. +1
"The building is truly lovely and beautifully decorated, but as a museum it feels a bit lacking. The visit is very short — less than 30 minutes — and I was hoping for something more engaging. The shop is nice but doesn’t really offer exclusive items, since you can find more variety in other Ghibli Stores in Japan. Overall, it’s a charming place but quite underwhelming compared to expectations. I do not recommend wasting time visiting it."
Dalila
"This was our third visit (second time during this trip) and there’s something about Ghibli that keeps you coming back. The Boy and The Heron exhibition has been updated from last year which was incredible to see the water coloured art. Make sure to watch the short film, you can also buy the books for 500yen to take home, cash only. They are in Japanese but make for a unique souvenir alongside two books about the museum are on sale for 1000yen that come with a free poster of the Ghibli museum layout, possibly my favourite souvenir which was available in Japanese or English. I have included others at the end.
Before you visit pop by Shiroshige’s cream puff factory and enjoy a Totoro cream puff and cat bus rum-raisin sandwich. We like to arrive early to absorb the atmosphere and the snack, equally walking through the park to get to the museum is also very tranquil.
You only need 2-3 hours to explore the museum and there is a cafe outside where you can get beverages and food. Lacking on the vegetarian offerings but I knew that going in so it didn’t bother me.
Well worth the visit for any fan! Don’t be afraid to explore the area after visiting it has great shops and restaurants."
Cara H
"Entertaining visit for anyone interested in animation but it’s especially focused on children. Adults will appreciate it as well. The building itself is playful and contributes to the overall feel of the visit. The artwork is simply stunning. It was also impressive to see the resources they used to design the movies. They had books about the anatomy of animals to architecture. It all helps to give the films character and life.
Be warned, it’s not easy to get tickets. They have a screwy sign-up system where you have to be online at a certain time on the 10th of the month preceding your hoped for visit. I was in a queue for 45 minutes and was able to get something on one of the days I was scheduled to be in Tokyo. I didn’t get the time I wanted so I scheduled everything around the time I got. The 10 AM slots went very quickly and we got 4 PM entry. We were told to bring our passports for ID but all we needed was the QR code on our ticket.
They don’t allow photos inside, only outside.
Absolutely worth seeing if you care at all about the subject."
Glenn Goldman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ghibli Museum is located in Mitaka, Tokyo. The easiest way to get there is by taking the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Mitaka Station. From Mitaka Station, it's about a 15-minute walk or a short bus ride to the museum. Look for the community bus that runs between the station and the museum.
The Ghibli Museum address is 1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo 181-0013, Japan.
Yes, the Ghibli Museum is easily accessible by public transport. The nearest train station is Mitaka Station on the JR Chuo Line. From there, you can walk or take a local bus.
Yes, you can get to the Ghibli Museum from Narita Airport. Take the Narita Express to Shinjuku Station, then transfer to the JR Chuo Line to Mitaka Station. The journey will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
The Ghibli Museum does not have dedicated parking for visitors. It is recommended to use public transportation to reach the museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets must be purchased in advance through the official Lawson Ticket website (English version available). They go on sale on the 10th of each month for the following month, starting at 10 AM JST. Be prepared for a virtual queue and consider using multiple devices. +2
Ghibli Museum tickets are very affordable, costing ¥1,000 for adults. Children's tickets are priced differently.
Tickets for the following month are released on the 10th of each month at 10 AM Japan Standard Time (JST). The waiting room typically opens at 9:30 AM JST. +1
No, Ghibli Museum tickets are strictly for advance purchase only and cannot be bought at the door. They often sell out within hours of release.
The Ghibli Museum has specific entry times, usually in hourly slots starting from 10 AM. The museum is closed on Tuesdays and for specific holiday periods. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date hours.
📸 📸 Photography & Onsite Experience
No, photography and videography are strictly prohibited inside the Ghibli Museum to preserve the immersive experience. However, you are allowed to take photos on the rooftop garden. +1
Inside, you'll find exhibits dedicated to the art and animation process of Studio Ghibli films, including original sketches, storyboards, and interactive displays. There's also a special theater showing exclusive short films. +1
Yes, there is a well-stocked Ghibli Museum shop selling exclusive merchandise, books, and souvenirs. It's a great place to find unique Ghibli memorabilia. +1
The Straw Hat Cafe offers a place to rest and refuel, but it's not heavily themed and primarily serves basic meals and drinks. Many visitors suggest it's skippable if you're short on time.
Most visitors spend around 1.5 to 3 hours at the Ghibli Museum. This allows time to see the exhibits, watch a short film, and explore the rooftop. +1
🎫 🎬 Studio Ghibli Films
The museum celebrates all Studio Ghibli films, with specific exhibits often highlighting classics like 'My Neighbor Totoro,' 'Spirited Away,' and 'Howl's Moving Castle.' Exclusive short films are also shown. +1
Yes, the museum features a dedicated theater where exclusive Studio Ghibli short films are screened. These films are not available anywhere else.
The Ghibli Museum is the brainchild of Hayao Miyazaki, the co-founder of Studio Ghibli. It showcases his artistic vision and the animation process behind his iconic films.
While the museum doesn't have a single dedicated 'Spirited Away' exhibit, elements and characters from the beloved film are often incorporated into the general displays and the short films shown.
The 'Totoro Museum' is another name often used for the Ghibli Museum, due to the immense popularity of the character Totoro and his presence within the museum, particularly the Catbus.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Plan your visit for a weekday morning to avoid the largest crowds. Bring snacks and drinks, as the cafe is basic. Be prepared for the no-photography rule inside, which can be challenging with young children, but encourage them to focus on the experience. The nearby Inokashira Park offers a great space for kids to run around after the museum visit.
💖 Couples & Art Enthusiasts
Recommendations: Book tickets well in advance, as they are highly sought after. Consider a morning slot for a more serene experience. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely walk through the charming streets of Mitaka or relax in Inokashira Park. The museum's focus on artistic process and storytelling makes it a perfect outing for those who appreciate creativity and imagination.
✈️ Day-Trippers from Tokyo
+1Day-trip strategy: Aim for an early morning ticket slot to maximize your time in Tokyo. Allocate about 2-3 hours for the museum itself, and then factor in travel time. Consider combining your visit with a stroll through Inokashira Park or a quick exploration of Mitaka's local shops. This allows you to experience a different side of Tokyo without dedicating an entire day to travel.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Quest for Ghibli Museum Tickets
It's crucial to understand the ticketing system: the waiting room opens at 9:30 AM JST, and sales begin at 10 AM JST. Some users have found success by logging in early and waiting, while others suggest refreshing strategically. Avoid third-party resellers who charge exorbitant prices, as the official tickets are very affordable.
Pro-tip: If you're traveling with a group, be aware that there's a limit on the number of tickets you can purchase per person, which can make booking for larger groups tricky.
Experiencing the Magic Inside
Key attractions include the Catbus playroom (though only children can ride it!), the exclusive short film theater showing unique Ghibli animations, and the rooftop garden featuring the iconic robot soldier from 'Laputa: Castle in the Sky.'
While the museum is not vast, most visitors find that 1.5 to 3 hours is ample time to soak in the atmosphere and see everything.
Beyond the Museum: Exploring Mitaka
Mitaka itself is a vibrant commercial district with a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants. You can find local eateries offering delicious Japanese cuisine or browse through unique boutiques.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit