The Ghibli Museum in Tokyo is a great way to experience the magical world of Studio Ghibli films. This building was designed by Hayao Miyazaki and it brings his world to life.
When you visit the museum you’ll receive movie tickets shaped like movie-strips which you can use to go see a short film at their little theatre inside the museum called The Saturn Theater.
1. Get a ticket in advance
If you want to visit Ghibli Museum, it’s a good idea to get a ticket in advance. This is because admission tickets sell out extremely quickly, especially weekend time slots.
Luckily, there are several ways to get a Ghibli Museum ticket in advance. One option is to buy them in Japan from Lawson, a popular convenience store chain.
Lawson sells Ghibli Museum tickets via its Loppi machine, which allows visitors to purchase a ticket from the comfort of their own home. However, you must be in Japan a month before you plan to visit the museum.
2. Arrive early
If you’re planning on visiting Ghibli Museum, you need to arrive early. The museum is extremely popular and tickets sell out quickly.
The best way to avoid this is to buy your ticket online well in advance. Usually, this means at least one month before you visit.
When buying your tickets, you’ll have to choose a date and time slot. You’ll then receive an email confirmation confirming that you have a ticket and that your selected time slot is available.
The museum is located equidistant from both Kichijoji and Mitaka Stations on the JR Chuo Line. You can also take a Ghibli-themed shuttle bus from Mitaka Station for a small round trip or one-way fare.
3. Take your time
Ghibli Museum is a must-visit for any anime fan coming to Japan. Not only is it a great way to immerse yourself in the world of Japanese animation, but it also gives you a behind-the-scenes look at director Hayao Miyazaki’s production process.
Located on the edge of Tokyo’s Inokashira Park (more information below), Ghibli Museum is a multi-storied mansion full of tiny doors, winding staircases and a rooftop garden – all recreating the mood of the Studio Ghibli universe.
There are several special exhibitions on display throughout the facility. These change on a regular basis, usually involving a particular aspect of Studio Ghibli’s work or a special film.
4. Don’t forget your camera
The Ghibli Museum is a magical place where children and adults can let their imaginations run free. The building is straight out of a Studio Ghibli movie, and the exhibition rooms are interactive, full of beautiful art work and displays.
The multi-story mansion has super-narrow staircases and hidden doors, and the roof garden is awe-inspiring. However, you won’t be able to take any photos inside the museum as it is strictly a NO PHOTOS policy!
To help fans and visitors get a more detailed look at the museum, Studio Ghibli has launched an official YouTube channel. It currently shares a series of virtual tours that give visitors a chance to glimpse the museum in a whole new light. These include a tour of its Straw Hat Cafe, an exhibition room titled “Where a Film is Born” and even its mural-decorated restroom!
5. Get a souvenir
The Ghibli Museum is one of Tokyo’s must-visit attractions for fans of Studio Ghibli, the Japanese animation studio that has won the hearts of countless kids and adults. It’s a multi-storied mansion full of twists and turns, tiny doors, winding staircases, and a rooftop garden that recreates the mood of their enchanting films.
The main exhibition hall demonstrates the magic of animation with over-sized and intricate mechanical contraptions. The building also has smaller exhibition rooms, some permanent and others that change each year.
