Ghibli Museum is a top attraction showcasing the fabulous accomplishments of the Ghibli Japanese animation studio. Located in Mitaka, Ghibli Museum is the ultimate destination for any avid anime movie fan. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure was created by filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki who wanted to erect a place where everyone who entered could feel like a kid again. Constructed to resemble a whimsical hobbit house, this magnificent museum is comprised of twisty spiral staircases on the exterior as well as the interior. Long balconies and archways lead visitors to captivating exhibits and sometimes a surprising dead end to increase the space’s wild feel. If you’re planning a holiday to Japan then read on for a guide to Ghibli Museum, Tokyo.
Tokyo offers plenty of things to do for everyone - check out our recommendations on best things to do when you’re visiting this destination.
Things to do
Similar to the United States’ Walt Disney Studios, this wonderful playground for anime movie fiends offers an array of top-notch exhibits and features select film content only available at the museum! Must-see highlights include:
The Cat Bus Room
Found on the second floor, The Cat Bus Room is a delightful space that displays a huge feline-shaped vehicle featured in the 1988 fantasy adventure, My Neighbor Totoro. Comprised of soft fluffy fur The Cat Bus is replete with a collection of dark-colored dust bunnies to toss and kick around. This exhibit is strictly for museum visitors age 12 and under, so parents can watch their child’s imagination run wild when they board The Cat Bus.
Saturn Theater
Located in the basement area of the Ghibli Museum is The Saturn Theater. This compact theater, offering only 80 seats, creates a wonderfully intimate experience as visitors nestle in to watch an original, short animated feature that can only be viewed here. The experience is enhanced by a bright blue sky painted on the ceiling and plenty of vibrant flowers on the walls. After the film’s completion, the theater windows swing open and the sun shines in!
The Robot Soldier on the Rooftop
For a great spot to unwind, climb the spiral staircase near The Cat Bus Room. This staircase leads to the roof where you can enjoy a lush grassy rooftop garden. This splendid spot is equipped with a fantastic 16-foot (5-meter) tall metal sculpture of one of the Laputa robot soldiers from the movie Castle in the Sky. This area also overlooks the pleasant Inokashira Park.
Where to eat
Straw Hat Cafe
The Ghibli Museum offers a simple hot dog and snack stand but if you crave a full meal then the only place to eat is the museum’s awesome Straw Hat Cafe. There are a few must-try plates to enjoy like the oversized Katsu Sando - a pork cutlet sandwich complete with a mini flag displaying an image of a character like Totoro or Ponyo from your favorite anime movies planted atop the sandwich. The tiny flags usually come in a set of three to buy at the gift shop and are quite pricey, so this is a way to get these coveted flags at an affordable cost. Wash the meal down with a refreshing sky-blue hued cream soda or a luscious, nicely presented cappuccino. Don’t forget to finish the meal with the cafe’s yummy signature strawberry shortcake.
What to buy
Mamma Auito Gift Shop at the Ghibli Museum is the go-to spot for the best souvenirs. Find any Ghibli-related merchandise at this shop that gets its name from the sky pirates in the 1992 fantasy adventure Porco Rosso. Take your time perusing the space and check out the delightful window displays. Here are just a few cherished items you can buy to remember your visit:
Museum Emblem Cookies
These cookies are so pretty you may never want to eat them. This assortment of scrumptious cookies displays the museum emblem and various Ghibli movie characters and patterns. Flavors come in traditional chocolate, almond, and maple as well as eclectic choices like tea and sesame. The cookies are packaged in a decorative tin.
“Tabi-shita” socks
Dress up your feet with fanciful tabi-shita socks and be amazed at the looks you’ll receive. The socks are designed to be worn with classic jika-tabi footwear and showcase fun Ghibli illustrations.
Cushion with Ghibli Museum Emblem
If you want to complement the look of your sofa then grab a soft whimsical cushion with the Ghibli Museum insignia. These delightful pillows are created from a unique weaving technique called Chenille, which gives the cushion’s fabric its attractive fuzzy appearance.
Travelers tips
Wheel-chair accessibility
People with mobility issues shouldn’t have a difficult time at Ghibli Museum. Most of the museum is wheelchair accessible, even Mitaka Station and the bus to the museum offer wheelchair ease. All three floors at the museum provide expert wheelchair-accessible restrooms and a sturdy stair-lift manned by top staff can get wheel-chair bound visitors to the upper floors.
Holiday calendar
Do keep in mind that the museum is closed at year-end and for New Year’s holiday. Ghibli Museum is also closed every Tuesday, except on specific days, so check the museum calendar at the official website to be sure of the best time to visit.
How to get there
Rent a car
It is strongly urged not to visit the museum by car as there are no proper parking facilities available inside or outside of the museum grounds.
Taxi
Taxis are plentiful in Japan and they are a speedy way to get around the city. You can either hail a taxi directly or use a variety of taxi apps available. Tokyo is one of the top Japanese cities in the country where you’ll find the most English-speaking services concerning taxi needs. Tipping is not required and it’s not even encouraged, so save your money for other tourist expenses.
Uber
Uber’s small presence in Japan is growing. Ride-sharing apps are technically not legal in Japan, so services like Uber functions like a taxi-hailing app, as a workaround. An advantage of using Uber means the vehicles may be bigger and offers more legroom. Be aware that Uber services are only available within the Tokyo Metropolitan area: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, and Nagoya.
Railway station
One of the easiest ways to get to the Ghibli Museum is via the railway station. Nestled on the edge of Tokyo’s Inokashira Park, the Ghibli Museum is equally distant from both the Mitake Station and Kichijoji Station. If you opt for the Kichijoji Station on the JR Chuo Line it’s just a 15-minute stroll to the museum. If you want to forego the walk then there are two community bus lines available from the south exit of JR Mitaka Station. The Mikata Station also provides a community bus fashioned with Studio Ghibli designs, which is sure to be a thrill for the little ones.
How to get tickets
Any ticket for the Ghibli Museum must be purchased in advance. This museum operates on a date-and-time-reservation system. However, once you are in the facility, you can stay until closing time if you like. Tourists can either get their tickets via a third-party website or the official website.
Whichever method you choose, you must print the ticket or have a mobile voucher for the ticket. Don’t be confused when you arrive at the museum: the line outside is a queue line and never a line to purchase a ticket. A staff member will scan your ticket at the museum’s entrance and your ticket will then be exchanged for an official ticket. This official ticket has a genuine 35mm film print that is originally from a Studio Ghibli film that was screened in theaters! It’s a keepsake item of your visit.
Studio Ghibli Museum: Admission Tickets and Tour
Ghibli Museum information
Ghibli Museum
Address: 1 Chome-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-0013, Japan
Opening hours: Mon: 10am - 6pm; Wed - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Tue)
Cost: 10 USD
Official website: Ghibli Museum
Department of tourism: Japan
History
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