Hayao Miyazaki's animated films are probably cherished memories shared by both adults and children, aren't they? The “Ghibli Museum, Mitaka” (Ghibli Museum, Mitaka) in the suburbs of Tokyo has long been one of the must-visit attractions for travelers exploring Tokyo independently. This time, follow our reporter as we make a pilgrimage to this magical museum!
The Ghibli Museum, Mitaka is located in the West Garden of Inokashira Park. The entire building is surrounded by lush green vines, and the moment you walk through the entrance, you feel as if you have stepped into a fantasy world. At the entrance, a giant Totoro stands inside a decorative ticket booth, so don't forget to take a commemorative photo with it!
Highlights of the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka
The Ghibli Museum, Mitaka has three floors as well as a rooftop garden. There is no fixed route for visiting, so you can explore at your own pace. However, please note that photography and eating or drinking are prohibited inside the museum. Therefore, our reporter will use the floor map from the guide received upon entry to introduce the museum to you!
Basement Floor
After entering the museum, you will first arrive at the central hall on the basement floor. On the left is the “Saturn Theater,” a small cinema that screens original Studio Ghibli animated short films, with each visitor allowed to watch only once. During our reporter's visit, the film shown was “Mei and the Baby Cat Bus,” an animated story based on the world of the movie “My Neighbor Totoro.” It was both fun and touching.
On the right side of the hall is an interactive permanent exhibition area, where visitors can use various devices to learn how animation is made to “move.” The exhibits are so fascinating that visitors are constantly amazed!
First Floor
The permanent exhibition area on the first floor recreates the setting of an actual animation studio, allowing visitors to learn how an animated film is produced from rough sketches to the final movie. Scenes that are normally difficult to imagine can all be explored here. The adjacent special exhibition room features a different theme each year. During our reporter's visit, we were lucky enough to ride a Cat Bus that adults could also sit inside. The fluffy seats sink beneath you the moment you sit down, making it feel just like the Cat Bus depicted in the movie.
Second Floor
The second floor features a “Cat Bus” play area that children absolutely love. Rather than simply looking at it, children can actually climb inside and play in the Cat Bus, although this experience is limited to children in sixth grade or younger. Next door, the library and reading room displays a variety of adorable children's books and picture books. On the other side is the irresistible “souvenir shop,” filled with stationery, plush toys, T-shirts, tableware, models, accessories, household goods, and much more. There are so many items you will want to take home and collect, so you may want to save this shop for the final stop and enjoy a big shopping spree!
Rooftop Garden
After exploring the indoor exhibition areas, head up to the rooftop garden. Be sure to have your phone and camera ready, because the famous Robot Soldier statue from “Castle in the Sky” is located here. Don't miss the chance to take a photo with it! On the other side, you can also find the central stone monument from Laputa in “Castle in the Sky,” engraved with mysterious Laputian characters that look exactly like those shown in the animated film.
Once you reach the outdoor area, you are free to take as many photos as you like. The colorful buildings look wonderfully fairytale-like from every angle.
The Extremely Popular Straw Hat Cafe
When you get tired from exploring or start feeling hungry, head to the “Straw Hat Cafe” for a meal! It is the only restaurant inside the museum grounds and always attracts long lines during meal times. To reduce your waiting time, it is recommended to arrive early or avoid peak dining hours. The dishes served at the Straw Hat Cafe are inspired by the current special exhibition and even include foods that appear in the films!
If you only want a light snack, head to the takeout area next to the Straw Hat Cafe, where you can purchase snacks and drinks. The Straw Hat Hot Dog sold here is made with pork from naturally raised pigs in Hokkaido. The soft bread paired with a juicy sausage makes it one of our reporter's personal recommendations. Soft-serve ice cream is another popular item! The outdoor seating area is open for everyone, so take a break here and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere.
How to Buy Tickets for the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka?
Tickets for the “Ghibli Museum, Mitaka” must be purchased in advance. Tickets for the following month go on sale at 10:00 a.m. Japan time on the 10th of each month.
When purchasing a ticket, you must select a specific date and entry time. There are four entry time slots, and visitors may only enter during their designated time slot (please refer to the table below). In addition, online purchases can only be paid for by credit card. After successful payment, you can receive a digital ticket through the mobile app or collect a paper ticket from a convenience store after arriving in Japan. At the museum entrance, your proof of purchase will be exchanged for a film-strip-style admission ticket, which makes a wonderful collectible souvenir!
| Entry Times | 10:00／12:00／14:00／16:00 ※ Please enter within 1 hour of your designated time |
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| Admission Fees | Adults・University Students ¥1,000 ／ Junior High & High School Students ¥700 ／ Elementary School Students ¥400 ／ Children (Ages 4 and Above) ¥100 |
※ Visitors must present identification documents such as a passport upon entry to verify that they are the ticket holder.
How to Get to the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka?
From Shinjuku, take the JR Chuo Line to Kichijoji Station or Mitaka Station. From Shibuya, take the Keio Inokashira Line to Kichijoji Station, then follow the directions below.
| Mitaka Station on the JR Chuo Line | Walk about 15 minutes from the South Exit of Mitaka Station, or take a bus from Bus Stop No. 9 at the South Exit. The bus ride takes about 5 minutes and costs ¥230 one way. |
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| Kichijoji Station on the JR Chuo Line・Keio Inokashira Line | Walk about 15 minutes from the South Exit of Kichijoji Station |
At the “Ghibli Museum, Mitaka,” visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the principles and processes behind animation production from many different perspectives. Afterward, when you revisit Hayao Miyazaki's classic animated films, you may experience them in an entirely new way. If you love Hayao Miyazaki's works, don't forget to add the “Ghibli Museum, Mitaka” to your must-visit itinerary when traveling to Tokyo!