Ghibli Museum, Mitaka is a dream destination that Hayao Miyazaki fans must visit. It is located inside Inokashira Park in Tokyo, near the Kichijoji shopping street.
This museum not only showcases the classic animation production process of Studio Ghibli, but also recreates scenes from the animations, allowing visitors to feel as if they have stepped into an animated world. Inside, there is the “Saturn Theater,” a small theater that screens exclusive short films, as well as a rooftop garden, a Totoro bus play area, a souvenir shop, and the “Straw Hat” café. Please note that photography is prohibited inside the museum, allowing visitors to focus more on appreciating every detail and immersing themselves in Ghibli’s fantastical world.
Transportation to Ghibli Museum, Mitaka
Ghibli Museum, Mitaka is right next to Inokashira Park. It takes about a 15-minute walk from the south exit of JR Mitaka Station, or you can take the dedicated shuttle bus. Please note that admission is by complete reservation only; tickets must be purchased and reserved in advance, and no tickets are sold on site.
Address: 1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka City, Tokyo
Opening hours: 10:00–18:00 (closed on Tuesdays)
Transportation: About a 15-minute walk from the south exit of JR Chuo Line “Mitaka Station”; or take the Ghibli Museum shuttle bus (runs every 20 minutes, one-way fare about 210 yen).
Ghibli Museum, Mitaka Tickets
Tickets for Ghibli Museum, Mitaka are sold under a real-name reservation system and must be purchased in advance. Admission staff will check your passport to verify your identity. On the 10th of each month at 10:00 a.m. Japan time (9:00 a.m. Taiwan time), reservations for the following month’s tickets open. Admission time slots are divided into seven periods: 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, and 16:00.
Ticket Purchase Methods
Official website: Purchase through the Japanese Lawson Ticket website, but because registration requires a Japanese phone number and you must also pick up tickets at a Lawson convenience store using the Loppi machine, it is relatively inconvenient for travelers from Taiwan.
Overseas traveler website: Provides an English interface. After purchasing, you can enter the museum with the barcode and your passport. Most visitors choose this method, but the downside is that the English website offers fewer reservable time slots, with only 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, and 16:00 available.
Ticket Purchase Process
Go to the Lawson Ticket English website to register an account.
Select the visit date and entry time slot (10:00–16:00, one session per hour)
Fill in the ticket purchaser information (must match your passport)
After completing payment, receive the electronic ticket.
On the day of admission, bring your passport and electronic ticket, and enter at the designated time.
Please note that the ticketing system is real-name based. Each person may purchase up to 6 tickets per order. At admission, you must present a passport matching the name on the ticket. Tickets are only valid for the specified date and time slot, and entry will not be permitted after the time has expired.
Experience sharing: Ticket reservations for the following month open at 9:00 a.m. on the 10th of each month. It is recommended to act as soon as reservations open, as popular time slots sell out quickly. By around noon, they are usually completely sold out, so if you want to buy tickets online yourself, it is best to prepare early.
Exhibition Highlights and Must-Visit Areas at Ghibli Museum, Mitaka
Must-See Highlights Inside the Museum
The interior design of the museum is full of fairy-tale charm, showcasing Studio Ghibli’s animation production process, original drawings, character models, and more. The robot on the roof, the Catbus play area, and the exhibition screening room “Saturn Theater” are all highlights not to be missed. Please note that photography and video recording are prohibited indoors; the only places where photos are allowed are the outer areas, rooftop, and other “non-indoor” spaces.
Permanent exhibition: Showcases the production process of Ghibli animations, including hand-drawn originals, animation storyboards, background art, and more, allowing visitors to gain a deep understanding of how animation is created.
Special exhibitions: The museum regularly holds themed special exhibitions. In the past, it has displayed materials and scene recreations related to works such as Spirited Away and Castle in the Sky.
Saturn Theater: The museum’s small “Saturn Theater” screens exclusive Studio Ghibli short films every day, such as Water Spider Monmon and Mei and the Kitten Bus, which can only be seen here.
Catbus: A play area designed specifically for children under 12. Children can play inside a large plush Catbus and experience scenes from the animation.
Saturn Theater
The Saturn Theater is a small theater in the museum’s basement with only about 80 seats. It shows Studio Ghibli animated shorts such as Water Spider Monmon, Mei and the Kitten Bus, and The Day I Bought a Star at fixed daily screening times. Each film runs for about 15 minutes. Because these are exclusive works that can only be seen at Ghibli Museum, Mitaka, be sure to leave time to enjoy them!
Rooftop Garden
Once you step out onto the rooftop terrace, you can take photos there. Of course, the most important thing not to miss is the robot from Castle in the Sky!
The very first Hayao Miyazaki anime I ever watched was Castle in the Sky. I was still very young then, but the floating island and the silent guardian robots left a deep impression on me. Perhaps you feel the same way—this is a shared childhood memory for many people. What is amazing is that even after growing up and watching it again, one can still be moved by that pure emotion and delicate imagery. That is the magic of Hayao Miyazaki’s animation.
So when you enter the rooftop garden of Ghibli Museum, Mitaka, it feels as if you have returned to the world of Castle in the Sky. That towering robot soldier stands quietly among the greenery, like a presence guarding everything, instantly evoking the emotional moment when Sheeta and Pazu first encountered the robot soldier. It is definitely a classic photo spot you must not miss.
Other Facilities and Services Inside the Museum
Straw Hat Café: Offers light meals, desserts, and beverages. The food is made with healthy ingredients, and some menu items are inspired by Studio Ghibli works.
Manmoutoku souvenir shop: Sells a variety of Ghibli-related merchandise, including limited-edition items and original goods, making it a great place for fans to buy souvenirs.
Ghibli Museum, Mitaka attracts animation lovers from around the world with its unique charm. Whether you love Ghibli works or appreciate the art of animation, this is a travel destination not to be missed. Plan ahead and take your time to enjoy it, making your Tokyo free trip even more unforgettable.