If you're an animation fan, Ghibli Museum is surely familiar to you. A trip to Tokyo won't be perfect if you don't visit this iconic destination and snap a few photos.
Want to know what attractions the museum offers, how to get there, and how to buy tickets? Just spend a few minutes reading our article to dive deep into the essence of Ghibli Museum.
All the information you need about this enchanting place is right here. Start reading now!
Giant Ghibli Clock in TokyoAbout the Ghibli Museum
If you're not familiar with the Ghibli Museum or are still deciding whether to visit, this section is a must-read.
Which is Better: Ghibli Museum or Ghibli Park?
While Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Park share similar names, they are two distinct places with different experiences.
Ghibli Museum is a small but cozy museum in Mitaka, Tokyo. Co-founded by director Hayao Miyazaki, it is a whimsical castle hidden in the bustling city, primarily showcasing the studio's work as well as the mechanics of the world of animation.
Ghibli Park is a large theme park in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. Opening at the end of 2022, the park is built based on classic animations like Castle in the Sky, Spirited Away, and My Neighbor Totoro, and is divided into five themed areas.
Ghibli Museum vs Ghibli Park
If your trip is short and focused on Tokyo, Ghibli Museum is a convenient and delightful choice. The museum has 3 floors and it only takes 2-3 hours to explore the magic world thoroughly.
However, if you have more time, Ghibli Park in Aichi Prefecture is also well worth a visit. The park is more than twice the size of Tokyo Disneyland Resort, with each area offering rich and immersive experiences. You can bring your loved ones or family, take photos, and immerse yourselves in the fairy tale world.
Is the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo Worth A Visit?
Ghibli Museum is like a fairy tale castle, with a rooftop garden.
Here, you can not only learn about animation production, but also see various handmade exhibits from Studio Ghibli. Every corner of the museum is worth exploring carefully, as there are hidden surprises throughout.
After your visit, you can also do souvenir shopping in the Ghibli Museum and enjoy delicious food.
Whether you are an animation enthusiast, a family tourist, or just a fan of Japanese culture, the Ghibli Museum is an experience well worth having.
What to See at the Ghibli Museum
Ghibli Museum is a treasure for fans of all ages, blending magical fun with captivating insights into the world of animation.
The first floor of the Ghibli Museum is the Animation Exhibit Room, filled with various intricate and adorable miniatures. Each exhibit has simple mechanisms that satisfy everyone's curiosity. On the other side of the exhibit hall is the Saturn Theater, where exclusive, unreleased Ghibli animations are shown. The films are about 15 minutes long.
The second floor has three rooms that showcase the entire animation creation process, from initial planning to storyboarding, coloring, photography, and editing.
On the third floor, you can buy all sorts of Ghibli-related merchandise in the Ghibli Museum store.
Though the museum isn't very large, its walls, windows, doors, and ceilings are all packed with surprises, providing a deeply impressive visual experience. To enhance visitors' immersion, Miyazaki has prohibited photography inside the museum. However, on the third-floor terrace, there's a large robot soldier from Castle in the Sky where visitors can take photos. Children can enjoy the "Catbus" play area on the third floor.
More Theme Parks for Anime Fans:
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How to Get Tickets to the Ghibli Museum
Tickets for Ghibli Museum typically are available for reservation at 10 a.m. (Tokyo time) on the 10th of each month for the following month's tickets. There is a daily limit on the number of tickets issued, so it is recommended to book as early as possible. During peak seasons, tickets can sell out very quickly.
Why Is It Hard to Get Studio Ghibli Museum Tickets
Due to the immense popularity of Studio Ghibli, Ghibli Museum reservation can be a challenge. Once the tickets go on sale, they usually sell out quickly. However, there's no need to worry. There are several official booking methods available.
Below, we will briefly introduce how to get Ghibli Museum tickets, helping you to plan in advance and choose the best method for getting your tickets.
1. Book Ghibli Museum Tickets from Lawson Convenience Store Site
Tickets for the Ghibli Museum can be booked through the Lawson Ticket website. To reserve tickets, you need to register as a Lawson member first. Once the tickets go on sale, log in to the website, select the month you wish to visit, then choose the date, entry time, and the number of tickets you need.
After entering your personal information and completing the payment, your reservation will be confirmed. You will then receive a QR code via email, which you can use to collect your physical tickets from a Lawson Loppi machine. The collection period extends up to the day of your visit.
However, please note that the booking process on Ghibli Museum Lawson website is in Japanese, which may take non-Japanese speakers some time to navigate.
2. Book Ghibli Museum Tickets via JTB Travel Agency
Buying tickets via JTB Travel Agency is also an option. JTB offers a special bus tour that includes multiple destinations, with the Ghibli Museum among them. They allocate 2.5 hours for you to explore the museum. Therefore, if you can't secure tickets through Lawson, you can consider booking this JTB day bus tour to reserve your spot at the Ghibli Museum. This method is particularly suitable for visitors who are interested in seeing not only the museum but also other attractions included in the tour.
3. Other Ways to Get Ghibli Museum Tickets
If the two methods above don't work for you, you can get tickets with the help of professional travel agents, such as Asia Highlights' tour packages. As an expert in Japan trips, our agent is familiar with everything about booking Ghibli Museum tickets. During the process, we book tickets through various methods to improve the chances of getting the tickets.
Besides booking Ghibli Museum tickets, we also can customize a private itinerary for you and provide a smoother travel experience. A professional team will plan a comprehensive trip for you, making your visit worry-free. This method is especially suitable for travelers who are still struggling with planning their trip to Japan. If you want to learn more about ticket reservations and detailed travel plans, feel free to contact us.
Ticket Prices
The ticket prices for Ghibli Museum vary by age group. Here are the prices provided through the official website:
| Age | Price |
|---|---|
| Age 3 and under | Free |
| Ages 4 to 6 | 100 yen ($0.6) |
| Ages 7 to 12 | 400 yen ($2.5) |
| Ages 13 to 18 | 700 yen ($4~5) |
| Ages 19 and over | 1000 yen ($6~7) |
How to Get to Ghibli Museum from Tokyo
Waiting for Subway in JapanIf you are staying in Tokyo hotels, taking the subway to the Ghibli Museum is the most convenient option. The best route is to take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station, which takes about 20 minutes to reach Mitaka Station. From the south exit of Mitaka Station, it's a 15-minute walk to the museum, with signs along the way to guide you.
Alternatively, you can take a community bus from Mitaka Station, which takes about 5 minutes to reach the museum. Driving is not recommended as parking spaces around the museum are limited, and traffic and parking fees in Tokyo are high.
Visitor Information
| Destination Ghibli Museum |
Address 1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo 181-0013, Japan |
Operating Hours 0:00-18:00 Closed every Tuesday |
| Recommended Transport Subway + Bus / Subway + Walk |
Official Website isit the official website for more information |
Recommended Visit Duration 2-3 hours |
| Ticket Booking Online reservation |
Notes hotography is prohibited inside the museum. |
Others Arrive 15 minutes early to avoid long queues. |
Plan Your Visit to Tokyo's Ghibli Museum!
Ghibli Museum in Tokyo is a magical and creative castle. Set aside 2-3 hours for your visit during your Tokyo trip, and it will surely be an unforgettable experience.
Nearby, there are other interesting attractions such as Inokashira Park, a great spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring and autumn foliage in fall, Kichijoji, Petit Cat Village and more.
What's more, around Kichijoji Station, you can also find various izakayas and dining options.
Have no idea how to plan your trip? Contact us for a tailor-made Japan tour.
FAQ about the Ghibli Museum
How Long Does It Take to Visit the Ghibli Museum?
The Ghibli Museum is just a three-story building, so it's not very large in scale. 2-3 hours is sufficient to explore its various exhibits, watch short films, participate in interactive activities, and stop by the museum shop for souvenirs.
Why Can't You Take Pictures in the Ghibli Museum?
Photography is prohibited inside the Ghibli Museum starting from the entrance. This rule was established by the museum director, Hayao Miyazaki. It aims to protect the exhibits and encourages visitors to experience them fully with their eyes and senses, without distraction. If visitors wish to take photos, they can do so outside the museum and in the courtyard, where photography is permitted.
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