studio ghibli tokyo visit

All admission to the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka is by advance reservation only.

Original Short Films

The films are shown at "Saturn Theater".

Exhibitions

We are presenting new exhibitions annually at the Special Exhibit Room.

Current Exhibition

"the boy and the heron" special exhibition.

Started on November 18, 2023.

Current Film

A sumo wrestler's tail.

March 1 - 31, 2024

Hours and Directions

How to Get to the Museum

Reading Room

A Room Full of Recommended Books

Museum Café

Straw hat café.

A Towering Pine Marks the Terrace of the Café

Museum Shop

Mamma aiuto.

You'll Find Your Treasure Here

Boutique Japan

Planning Your Visit to Tokyo’s Ghibli Museum

In Tokyo’s western suburbs you’ll find the one-of-a-kind Ghibli Museum — a fantastic and whimsical museum dedicated to the legendary Studio Ghibli film studio (often considered “Japan’s Disney”).

Co-founded by director Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli is behind some of Japan’s — and the world’s! — most beloved animated films, such as “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Princess Mononoke,” “Spirited Away,” and “Ponyo.”

The wonderful Ghibli Museum attracts a huge number of visitors, and tickets are extremely limited. In this article we’ll go over ways you can get tickets, and other tips on visiting the Ghibli Museum.

Originally written in 2017, this post was updated on December 22, 2021.

About the Ghibli Museum

The name “Ghibli” is from the Italian word for a hot desert wind, and it was Hayao Miyazaki’s hope that Studio Ghibli would “blow a new wind through the anime industry.”

Miyazaki aimed to create worlds that were intricate and lush, and with so much attention to movement and detail that viewers might feel that these worlds could be real, no matter what sort of fantastical or amazing things happened in the course of the story.

The Ghibli Museum is dedicated to the studio’s work, as well as to illuminating the mechanics of the world of animation. Even though there are many references to the lovable films within the museum, you don’t have to be a Studio Ghibli fan to appreciate the amazing artistry on display, or be completely charmed by the exhibits!

Located on the edge of Tokyo’s Inokashira Park (more on how to get to the museum below), the Ghibli Museum is a multi-storied mansion full of twists and turns, tiny doors, winding staircases, and a rooftop garden — recreating the mood of the enchanting Studio Ghibli universe.

Ghibli Museum Exhibits

Photography isn’t allowed inside, which only adds to the excitement and mystery of the place. I won’t spoil it all for you, but there are quite a few things to look forward to.

The main exhibition hall demonstrates the magic of animation, with over-sized and intricate mechanical contraptions. Then there are smaller exhibition rooms throughout the building – some permanent, and others that change from year to year.

One permanent exhibition room recreates a Studio Ghibli art director’s studio to include the tiniest details, even down to real bowls of candy on the desk, and pots of gouache paint with paintbrushes used to paint the gorgeous backdrops of these lovable films.

The walls of this “studio” are covered in fine art, and Studio Ghibli is somewhat unique among animation studios in that they place important emphasis on the background, spending as much time developing the mood and details of the world the characters live in, as they spend developing the action elements in the foreground. There are several interesting scrapbooks on display, showing how the artists were inspired by nature, feats of engineering, and abstract art to create these mesmerizing films.

Another exhibit area features interactive, life-size recreations of popular film settings, such as the interior of the amazing flying ships of “Laputa” where you can explore the galley, opening drawers and cabinets to find them full of kitchen utensils and cooking ingredients.

Near the top of the museum, visitors have the chance to play with one of the most adored characters in the Studio Ghibli films: a giant plush catbus from “My Neighbor Totoro!” Please note that only children aged 12 and under can climb inside.

In addition to various exhibition rooms, back on the ground floor is a delightful miniature theater, which shows an animated short from the studio, created exclusively for the Ghibli Museum and only viewable here. The short movie plays several times each hour.

You may be pleasantly surprised that almost everywhere you turn at the museum, you’ll find English-speaking staff who are extremely versed in all things Studio Ghibli, so any question you might have can be easily answered. I spent a really enjoyable 20 minutes learning how the tone of a film is set, and how many animators it takes to produce a film like “Spirited Away,” one of my favorites.

How to Get Tickets to the Ghibli Museum

Excited to visit? Don’t forget, you’ll need to plan ahead to purchase your tickets, as they sell out in advance!

Getting tickets to the Ghibli Museum is no easy feat. Apart from the fact that tickets sell out ahead of time, the ticket-buying process is also not as simple as most travelers wish it were.

First, of course, you’ll need to decide when you’d like to visit. The official Ghibli Museum website typically lists its opening calendar. Note that there are usually closures around the New Year’s holidays, and irregularly throughout the year for exhibit changes. The museum is also typically closed on Tuesdays, and open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on other days.

Ghibli Museum Tickets via JTB

JTB is Japan’s largest travel agency, with offices throughout the world. The Ghibli Museum offers tickets through JTB’s global offices.

JTB offers a limited number of tickets available for purchase approximately 3 months before your desired visit date. The tickets go on sale on the 1st of the month for the entire month 3 months later. So if you’d like to visit anytime in May (whether May 1st or May 31st), tickets would go on sale on February 1st for all of May.

Getting Ghibli Museum Tickets via Lawson Convenience Store

Lawson is one of a handful of ubiquitous conbini (convenience stores) in Japan . If you’re in Japan or have a friend in the country, you can purchase tickets at Lawson in person. For those of you outside of Japan, you can get Ghibli Museum tickets via Lawson’s online ticket platform .

Tickets go on sale at 10:00 am Japan Standard Time on the 10th of each month for the whole following month; in other words, on April 10th at 10:00 am Japan time for the entire month of May.

Ghibli Museum tickets sold via Lawson are for a specific day and time, and sell out very quickly (for example, weekend time slots usually begin selling out within the first few minutes). Also, due to the large number of people trying to purchase online, you may have to be really persistent and patient to get through.

Even though tickets are for specific timed entries (10:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, or 4:00 pm), once you’re in you can stay as long as you like until closing.

Other Ways to Get Ghibli Museum Tickets

If the idea of hovering over your computer at 10:00 am JST while frantically hitting refresh on your browser sounds less than ideal, keep in mind that there are other ways to get tickets to the Ghibli Museum.

One is to work with a company like ours that specializes in bespoke Japan trips . Any top-quality Japan travel company should be able to make the process seamless for you, from helping you decide when to visit, to handling the legwork of obtaining tickets for you.

Another option is to check major online travel agencies (such as Rakuten ), which often offer Ghibli Museum tickets. They may charge a premium, but it is likely worthwhile for travelers who highly value convenience.

Finally, if you’re desperate to visit but regular tickets are sold out, consider joining a Ghibli Museum Tour. JTB and other large travel agencies occasionally offer group tours that include tickets to the Ghibli Museum. Even if you’re not typically the tour type, this can be a good backup method when all else fails.

How to Get to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka

Once you have managed to purchase your tickets (congratulations!), getting to the museum is relatively painless. The museum’s address is:

Ghibli Museum 1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo-to 181-0013 Google Map

Located on the edge of Tokyo’s Inokashira Park, the museum is equidistant from both Kichijoji Station and Mitaka Station. You can take the JR Chuo Line from the massive Shinjuku Station to either Kichijoji or Mitaka, or take the Keio Inokashira Line from Shibuya to Kichijoji.

If you love to walk, we recommend strolling from Kichijoji Station to the Ghibli Museum. Make sure to leave time before and/or after to explore Kichijoji itself. It’s a fun and energetic neighborhood full of interesting shops and great food and drink. Alternatively, there is a local bus from Mitaka to the Ghibli Museum, which runs roughly every 20 minutes from Mitaka Station’s south exit.

Once you arrive, be prepared to queue before entering. Museum staff will be checking tickets and passports while you wait.

Side Trips to Combine with Your Visit to the Ghibli Museum

Since you’ll be in this part of western Tokyo, you may as well make a day of it! There are plenty of great things to see and do in this part of the city, including:

• A stroll through Inokashira Park and Kichijoji for its great food and unique boutiques
• Nakano’s frenetic energy, and the Nakano Broadway shopping district
• Alternative youth culture in Koenji and Shimokitazawa , two neighborhoods overflowing with record shops, cafes, vintage stores.

Good luck getting tickets, and we hope you enjoy your visit to Tokyo’s Ghibli Museum!

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18 Ghibli Things to Do in Tokyo

Director Hayao Miyazaki’s iconic Studio Ghibli movies are well-loved in Japan and around the world. There is no better place to experience Studio Ghibli charm and Ghibli-esque activities than in Tokyo. Tokyo has a number of unmissable Ghibli-themed things to do including visiting the world’s only Ghibli Museum, shopping for Ghibli gifts and souvenirs, and visiting locations that inspired Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli’s creative process.  Be sure to include these Ghibli Tokyo activities on your next Japan itinerary! 

Curious about Studio Ghibli? Before your visit, watch some of their best and most popular movies including My Neighbor Totoro , Howl’s Moving Castle, Spirited Away , and Princess Mononoke . This will make your Ghibli Tokyo experience even more special. 

Here is my ultimate list of Ghibli things to do in Tokyo! If you love Ghibli, you might also enjoy my list of cute and kawaii things to do in Tokyo <3

1. Visit the Studio Ghibli Museum in Mitaka

The number one to-do item for any list of Ghibli Tokyo activities is to visit the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, western Tokyo. This museum is the holy grail for any Ghibli fan in Tokyo for a number of reasons. The museum shows exclusive mini-films created by Studio Ghibli that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. It has a number of incredible exhibits that highlight the joys of animation and special rotating exhibits that showcase anything from the colors used in the movies to special behind-the-scene artworks and prints. The museum building itself is also awe-inspiring, with easter eggs hidden all over the place like little black soot sprites hiding in the walls, beautiful Ghibli-themed stained glass windows, and more. 

Although you’re not allowed to take photos inside the museum, the giant Laputa guard robot on the museum rooftop is a perfect photo opportunity for visitors. Ghibli fans shouldn’t miss the bookstore and souvenir store inside the museum as well, which sell some books and Ghibli souvenirs not available elsewhere. 

Tickets are available online for the Mitaka Ghibli Museum through their official  website . Note the tickets go on sale at 10:00am on the 10th of every month for the following month and they can sell out FAST! 

To this day it’s still difficult to purchase Studio Ghibli Museum tickets due to high demand. If you’ve missed your chance buying tickets directly from the museum, consider joining a Ghibli Tokyo tour that combines the museum visit along with a few other Ghibli-esque locations in Tokyo that I discuss further down my list! Here are a few top-rated tours:

• Ghibli Museum and Inokashira Park tour
• Ghibli Museum, Hotel Gajoen, and Edo Tokyo Open Air Museum tour

Check out my  guide to the Ghibli museum  and for buying tickets at a Lawson Loppi machine (if you’re already in Japan).

2. Shop at Donguri no Mori or Donguri Republic (Studio Ghibli) stores

Tokyo has a number of Studio Ghibli stores, called Donguri no Mori or Donguri Republic ( donguri is acorn in Japanese). Here, you can step into the world of Hayao Miyazaki and buy souvenirs like plushies, notebooks, stickers, handkerchiefs, keychains, socks, kitchenware and coin purses of your favorite Ghibli characters. In addition to the gift shop at the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, these stores are the hands-down best place to buy Ghibli souvenirs in Tokyo. 

Check out the Donguri Republic  Instagram page and official website to get an idea for the variety of Ghibli goods that can be purchased here. Because the Donguri stores don’t all sell the same products, it’s worth visiting as many as possible to expand your Ghibli souvenir collection! Ghibli fans in Tokyo can visit these Studio Ghibli stores in the Tokyo Skytree Mall, Ikebukuro’s Sunshine City Mall, and Tokyo Station’s Character Street. 

Donguri no Mori stores can also be found around Japan including in Kamakura, Kyoto , Osaka, and Kawagoe . 

3. Go for a walk in the Totoro Forest

The Sayama Hills west of Tokyo were a source of inspiration for Studio Ghibli’s well-loved movie My Neighbor Totoro .  In order to preserve the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region, the Totoro no Furusato Foundation was developed through crowdsourcing including support from Hayao Miyazaki himself. Today, the hills are lined with a number of Totoro trails , marked with cute, Ghibli-esque signage. It’s a perfect place for Ghibli fans to try forest-bathing (and even spot a Totoro!) near Tokyo and escape the bustle of the city. 

In addition to the trails and signage, visitors can take photos with Ghibli statues and visit the  Kurosuke  (soot spirit) house – an old building similar to Mei and Satsuki’s house where they found soot spirits in the Totoro movie. Entry to the house is 500 yen per person. 

Here are the coordinates to Totoro trail one on Google Maps. 

More about the Totoro Fund can be found on their official website  here . 

4. Buy Ghibli manga and books at a Tokyo bookstore

Studio Ghibli movies been translated from the screen to manga books! Visit a bookstore like Tsutaya and Kinokuniya in Tokyo to pick up some Ghibli manga and other Ghibli-themed books. These manga (pictured below) are a great way to re-live the movies, and are also a perfect gift for Japanese language learners. 

In addition to Ghibli manga, popular Studio Ghibli books include art books (like the  Art of Howl’s Moving Castle  and the Art of Spirited Away ) which show original drawings from when the anime were developed. 

Others include anthologies like  Hayao Miyazaki , which showcases the director’s creative process and includes sketches of his early works. 

5. Eat at Hiroshige's Cream Puff Factory

Hiroshige’s Cream Puff Factory sells adorable and Instagrammable Totoro-shaped cream puffs. They look amazing but trust me, they taste incredible too! The store is run by a relative of Hayao Miyazaki and sells official, Ghibli-licensed treats. Check out their official website for updates (and latest flavors)  here . 

Tokyo is home to two locations of Hiroshige’s Totoro-shaped cream puffs. One is located in Setagaya (near the maneki-neko beckoning cat shrine, one of my weird and unique things to do in Tokyo ) and the other in Kichijoji. The Setagaya location is a full cafe where you can sit inside an enjoy your Totoro cream puffs. The Kichijoji location is take-out only. 

Tip: A limited number of cream puffs are sold each day. Get to the stores as early as possible, especially on the weekends, to make sure you can get the number and the types of cream puffs you want to try! 

Tip: For a perfect trip to the Studio Ghibli museum, you can start at Kichijoji Station and purchase some super kawaii Hiroshige Ghibli-themed cream puffs. Walk to nearby Inokashira Park, which is located between Kichijoji and the Studio Ghibli museum. Here you can find a picnic table to enjoy your cream puffs in the outdoors before heading in to the Tokyo Ghibli museum! 

6. Admire the Ghibli Clock Face in Shiodome, Tokyo

This Studio Ghibli-themed clock in Shiodome, central Tokyo is also a must-see Ghibli attraction in Tokyo. This steampunk clock was designed by Hayao Miyazaki and showcases many layers of intricate design. 

Be sure to visit at the top of the hour if possible to listen to an adorable Ghibli-esque tune and see the clock come to life! 

Thanks for the photo chiefexecutiveoutlaw 🙂

7. Shop at the Ghibli GBL shop

Did you know that Studio Ghibli has a second chain of gift shops, in addition to Donguri Republic? GBL is a more adult-themed Ghibli souvenir shop, which draws from Porco Rosso’s travel, aviation, and adventure themes. 

The souvenirs sold here are a bit more high-end and less cute-sy than Donguri Republic and perfect for Ghibli fans looking for a classy, adult gift. It’s especially perfect for fans of the Porco Rosso and Laputa Castle in the Sky retro and pirate aesthetic. 

The main GBL shop in Tokyo is located at Miyashita Park in Shibuya. Additional pop-up locations are available as well – check out the main  GBL website  for more information. 

8. Day-Trip to the Enoshima Coastline

Enoshima is a wonderful day-trip destination from Tokyo that has Ghibli fans and photographers both reaching for their cameras. Enoshima (and the Kamakura coastline) is home to the Enoden , or Enoshima electric tram. The Enoden is picturesque on its own but with the ocean in the background, it looks like something out of a movie.  Not only are the train lines scenic, many of the historic train stations the line uses are also very quaint and worth a stop. 

Ghibli fans can ride the Endoen and reminisce about Chihiro’s tram ride across the water in the movie Spirited Away . Other Ghibli movies like From Up on Poppy Hill and Only Yesterday also include train and tram rides as part of the scene-setting and to showcase character developments. Visitors can snag a one-day  Enoden pass  for a hop-on, hop-off experience. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 유용필 | KOREA (@yongfeel)

9. Shop Ghibli figurines in Akihabara

Studio Ghibli fans in Tokyo shouldn’t miss a visit to Akihabara, the anime and electronics hub of Tokyo. Akihabara is home to a number of stores catering to anime and pop culture fans, so there’s no shortage of Studio Ghibli-themed souvenirs here! 

Some shops in Akihabara are known for their collectible figurines, which are a unique Studio Ghibli gift and can become a cherished treasure.  The best store to visit for one-of-a-kind Ghibli figurines (and plushies) is  Akihabara Kotobukiya . 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ジブリがいっぱい どんぐり共和国【公式】 (@ghibli_dongurirep)

10. Find Discount Ghibli goods at Don Quijote and Village Vanguard

If you’re looking for discount Studio Ghibli souvenirs in Tokyo, be sure to check out places like Don Quijote and Village Vanguard. Both shops have character and anime goods sections, and you’re guaranteed to find some nice Ghibli goods here on the cheaper side! 

The best Village Vanguard shop in Tokyo is located in the Shimokitazawa neighborhood west of Shinjuku, and the best Don Quijote in Tokyo is in Shibuya. 

11. Climb the hill from Whisper of the Heart

Many locations throughout Japan were supposedly a source of inspiration for Hayao Miyazaki when he was making his films. One of these locations confirmed to be in a Studio Ghibli movie is in western Tokyo in the Seiseki Sakuragaoka neighborhood. It’s the exact setting for the movie   Whisper of the Heart ! 

Ghibli fans visiting this neighborhood go to Irohazaka Slope which overlooks the surrounding city and is especially nostalgic at night.  Kotohira Shrine  near the slope is also featured in the Whisper of the Heart movie. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Beauxmomentos🌈🌈 (@beauxmomentos)

12. Get Spirited Away at Hotel Gajoen

Visit the traditional (and a little bit whimsical) Japanese hotel  Hotel Gajoen to transport yourself to the Spirited Away onsen village. This hotel is located in Meguro, a popular neighborhood in southwest Tokyo. 

Visitors can visit many aspects of the hotel including its spacious garden with scenic waterfalls and koi ponds, their many high-end on-site restaurants, and the Hyakudan Kaidan point of interest. The Hyakudan Kaidan is a historic section of Hotel Gajoen that looks straight out of the Spirited Away bathhouse with its old wooden interiors and decorated walls and sliding doors. 

If you’re interested in staying at Hotel Gajoen for the full Ghibli-themed Tokyo experience, check the latest availability and prices  here . Hotel Gajoen is also on my list of super cool hotels in Tokyo .

Hotel Gajoen is one of three stops on this  Studio Ghibli tour of Tokyo  which includes tickets to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hotel Gajoen Tokyo / ホテル雅叙園東京 (@hotelgajoentokyo)

13. Visit the Edo Tokyo Open Air Museum

The animators at Studio Ghibli also drew inspiration from the buildings at the Edo Tokyo Open Air Museum.  This museum showcases traditional Japanese architecture and homes that will make visitors feel like they’ve stepped back in time (and into a Studio Ghibli movie!) Elements that movie fans might recognize include  the onsen town where Chihiro’s parents turn into pigs in   Spirited Away , and the village homes visited by Mei and Satsuki in   My Neighbor Totoro .  

Even the caterpillar mascot for this outdoor museum in Tokyo was designed by Hayao Miyazaki.

The Edo Tokyo Open Air Museum is located conveniently near to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka. You can visit both in one day! Read more about entry and visiting hours on their official website here . 

14. Dine at Kichijoji Petit Mura and Cat Cafe

Step into a parallel Studio Ghibli universe at Kichijoji’s  Petit Mura ! As Ghibli fans of a Whisper of the Heart , The Cat Returns , and even Arrietty would appreciate, cats play an important role in many of Miyazaki’s films. Petit Mura is a conglomerate of whimsical buildings including a cat cafe, tea house, gift shop, and gallery that are deserving of a spot on this Tokyo Ghibli-themed activities list. 

Although not officially affiliated with Studio Ghibli, its proximity to the Ghibli Museum and its overall fairytale vibes make it a great place to visit for Ghibli fans in Tokyo. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by パピヨン (@pure_papillons)

15. Day-Trip to Yokohama's Up on Poppy Hill

F rom Up on Poppy Hill is a Studio Ghibli movie directed by the son of Hayao Miyazaki. The movie setting is based on a 1960’s version of the Yamate neighborhood of Yokohama, a perfect day-trip destination from Tokyo . 

This hilly neighborhood overlooks one of the Yokohama harbors, and is still lined with a number of decade-old buildings. Points of interest include  Daikanzaka Hill  (which is supposedly THE Poppy Hill), the Miyazaki Florist at the base of the hill, and the  Harbor View Park Observatory . 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by tlin 🦢 (@iihhh_ghibli)

16. Pilgrimage to the actual Studio Ghibli studio

Studio Ghibli’s physical animation studio is located in a quiet, residential neighborhood not far from the Ghibli Museum. It is not open to the public but can be admired from the outside. Die-hard Ghibli fans can see the exterior of this building where the magic happens and where the Oscar-winning movies are developed. Visitors here often feel moved just being in the presence of such greatness. Not to mention the building is a little whimsical too! 

When making the pilgrimage to the Studio Ghibli studio please be quiet and respectful , and remember this is a workplace and residential area, not a tourist destination. The location of the studio is here . 

17. Check out the latest Ghibli-themed Tokyo events on Ghibli's official website

S tudio Ghibli’s official website  is updated frequently with events around Tokyo and Japan that are sure to delight Studio Ghibli fans. 

Pop-up Studio Ghibli events are not uncommon: In 2023 Ghibli had a pop-up exhibit showcasing their animation designs in Tennozu Isle, in south Tokyo, and at the time of writing a museum in Nagoya will be showcasing Ghibli animation art. 

18. Visit Studio Ghibli Park in Nagoya

Ok, ok – the last item on my list of Ghibli-themed things to do in Tokyo is actually not in Tokyo. But seriously, I can’t leave Ghibli Park off this list! 

The official Studio Ghibli theme park opened in Nagoya in 2023 but it is still notoriously difficult to score tickets for. 

Check out Ghibli Park’s official website for more information  here . 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ジブリパーク (@ghibli_park)

Are You Prepared For Your Trip To Japan?

Be sure to check out my Japan home page for Japan travel information, insider tips, reading list, and must-haves for traveling to Japan!

• Book Your Flights  – To find the cheapest flights, flexibility is key. I use both  Google Flights  for their low fare calendar, and  Skiplagged , which uses airfare loopholes to get the lowest prices. For a trip to Japan, check flights to both Tokyo airports (Haneda, Narita) and to Osaka (Kansai). 
• Getting Around Japan : Prepare your  JR Pass  and  Suica transit card  before you depart.
• Book Your Accommodation  – Check out  Booking.com for the largest selection of accommodation in Japan. Consider having a bit of fun at one of these Weirdest Hotels in Japan too 🙂 
• Book Local Excursions  – Don’t miss out on world-class experiences, like  Teamlab Planets  or Tokyo Disneyland , by booking tickets online now. Check  GetYourGuide and Klook for fun experiences all around Japan. 
• Stay Connected: Order a pocket WiFi for airport pickup if you’re traveling with family or with a large group. Solo traveling to Japan?  Order a SIM  card just for you. 
• Buy Travel Insurance  – It’s better to protect yourself from mishaps when traveling. Get a quote from  World Nomads  to see how much it’ll cost to get you covered! 
• Pack Your Essentials – Check out my posts about Long Term Travel Gear , and Carry-On Luggage Packing Essentials . 
• Read more on my Travel Resources page!

You might also like:

30 Cute and Kawaii Things to do in Tokyo

25 Cool and Unique Hotels in Tokyo

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Ghibli Museum

The Ghibli Museum (�O��̐X�W�u�����p��, Mitaka no Mori Ghibli Bijutsukan) is the animation and art museum of Miyazaki Hayao's Studio Ghibli, one of Japan's most famous animation studios. They have produced many feature length films, such as My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away and Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea.

Located in Mitaka, just outside of central Tokyo , not far from Kichijoji , the museum is a must-see for fans of the films. The museum itself is whimsically designed in the distinct style of the studio's films, and many of their famous characters are there, including a life-sized robot from "Castle in the Sky" in the rooftop garden.

The first floor of the museum exhibits the history and techniques of animation and has a small theater which shows short movies by Studio Ghibli that are exclusive to the museum. The second floor houses special temporary exhibitions. The museum also has a cafe, children's play area, a rooftop garden and a gift shop.

Getting there and around

The museum can be reached from Mitaka Station on the JR Chuo Line (15 minutes, 230 yen from Shinjuku Station). There are shuttle buses from the station to the museum (210 yen one way, 320 yen roundtrip, children are half price), while a taxi ride costs about 750 yen one way. Alternatively you can walk to the museum in about 20 minutes from Mitaka Station or from Kichijoji Station through Inokashira Park.

Orientation in Tokyo

Hours and Fees

Tickets are not sold at the museum and must be purchased in advance:

Purchasing online

A limited number of tickets can be purchased online in English through the l-tike.com website by Lawson for the regular fee of 1000 yen. Furthermore, they can be purchased through travel reservation websites, such as Klook , but cost considerably more than the regular fee of 1000 yen per person.

Purchasing from outside of Japan

Tickets can be purchased from overseas offices of JTB. Tickets for a given month go on sale three months in advance on the 1st of the month. You will be given a voucher with a specified entry date printed on it. You can exchange the voucher at the museum for your ticket (passport required) at anytime during your entry day.

Purchasing from within Japan

Tickets can be bought from Lawson convenience stores within Japan using their Loppi automatic ticket machines. Tickets for a given month go on sale on the 10th of the preceding month. A specific entry date and time slot must be selected when purchasing your ticket. While weekends and school holidays are extremely popular and are often sold out, weekday tickets are easier to get.

Questions? Ask in our forum .

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Ghibli Museum

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The Ghibli Museum is Japan’s must-see spot for fans of the highly acclaimed films produced by Hayao Miyazaki. Opened in 2001, the museum welcomes excited visitors to the peaceful, Ghibli-esque area of Mitaka, Tokyo. Visitor access is through reservation only, usually at least 1-3 months in advance and tickets can sell out quickly.

Admission to the Ghibli Museum is by advance reservation only.

Director Hayao Miyazaki envisioned the Ghibli Museum to be a place where everyone, not just fans of Studio Ghibli, can relax, enjoy, and discover new insights into animation. The museum’s motto: “Let’s lose our way, together”—is a slogan that perfectly conveys the spirit of the museum.

Upon entering the museum, the friendly staff will trade your paper ticket for an extra special ticket—an actual cell frame from one of the Studio Ghibli films.

The estate design was influenced by European architecture and is accented with symbols and landmarks from the beloved Ghibli films. Visitors are taken on a self-guided tour through Miyazaki’s creation process, through the permanent exhibits showcasing replicas of his desk, actual storyboards, and colouring cells. Special temporary exhibitions are held from time to time, usually exploring a particular theme or creative process. Be sure to visit the Saturn Theater to enjoy exclusive screenings of short animated films that are only shown at the Ghibli Museum. Although the films are not subtitled, the stories are relatively easy to follow and aren’t usually dialogue-centric.

Children 12 and under can enjoy playing on a fluffy Cat Bus from “My Neighbour Totoro”. The official museum shop, Mama Aiuto!, sells original museum memorabilia and souvenirs for you to take home. The picturesque Straw Hat Cafe offers a place for visitors to enjoy snacks and desserts whilst sitting among the natural scenery of Inokashira Park.

Note that photography is prohibited inside the museum but is welcome at the outdoor areas, such as the rooftop garden. Reserve your tickets early, either through your local JTB Group sales counters, online via Lawson Ticket, or by purchasing it through a friend or middleman service from Japan. The museum website offers an in-depth guide on the ticket-purchasing process in English. Entry into the museum is staggered by time to prevent the indoor exhibits from overcrowding.

Photo: cowardlion / Shutterstock.com

Closed every Tuesday except: Feb 11, May 5, Sep 22, Nov 3, Dec 22 [2020]

Closed at Year-end for New Year’s Holidays and periodic maintenance, maintenance periods vary.

Nearby Station

• Yamanote Line

Opening Hours

Pricing for ghibli museum, phone number.

ghibli-museum.jp

A Boy’s Room - A Gift from Grampa

Part of the museum’s permanent exhibition: Where a Film is Born, this room is a replica of Director Hayao Miyazaki’s. Look out for the model airplanes hanging from the ceiling, the toys and sketches that inspired him to create these films.

Saturn Theater

Watch Ghibli Museum original short films in this beautifully designed 80-seater theater. Look towards the ceiling to see whimsical murals of the sun and moon accompanied by a blue sky. As the film draws to a close, the theater windows open dramatically to let sunlight back in.

Robot Soldier Statue (Laputa, Castle in the Sky)

One of the icons of the Ghibli Museum, the towering 5-metre Robot Soldier Statue stands guard at the rooftop garden. Make your way to the garden via the spiral stairway near the terrace off the Cat Bus room. During busy periods, you might have to wait your turn to take a photo with the famous statue. Photo: cowardlion / Shutterstock.com

Mama Aiuto!

The museum’s official shop is named after the sky pirates in “Porco Rosso”. Unlike Ghibli-licensed stores across Japan, MamaAiuto! stocks exclusive museum merchandise not found anywhere else. Some may even consider the gift shop’s paper bag to be a souvenir in itself.

General Amenities

• Baby-friendly
• Coin lockers
• Nursing rooms
• Luggage storage
• Non-smoking

Accessibility

• Multi-purpose toilet
• Wheelchair rental
• Guide dog access

Language support

Payment method.

• Credit card - JCB
• Credit card - Visa
• Credit card - Mastercard
• Electronic money accepted
• Pay by cash

Take the JR Chuo Line to Mitaka Station. From the south exit of JR Mitaka Station, it's a 15-minute walk to the museum.

A community bus runs from JR Mitaka Station to the museum. The loop bus service runs approximately every 10 minutes. Bus tickets are on sale at the vending machine by Bus Stop No. 9.

Upcoming Events

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Visiting The Magical Studio Ghibli Museum

Experiences

7    comments

Becoming children together

Those expecting a Disneyland or Universal Studios scale site should be forewarned, as it isn't huge; in fact, it's pretty small, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for with charm and, yes, magic.

What it has captured perfectly is the ethos of Studio Ghibli's films. Bigger and louder is not better.

The museum's motto is "Let's become lost children together", and only the stoniest of heart could fail to feel a child-like sense of adventure, exploration, fascination or even excitement at times when travelling through the place.

History of Evolution

The first room accessible from the entrance is also worthy of special mention. It's a fine example of the entire museum's genuine love of the magical potential for film and indeed of the mechanics of the art form itself.

In a darkened gallery you can see (among other exhibits) zeotropes, a stroboscope and 35mm film running through a clear projector showing film clips and History of Evolution - a short animation by the studio.

The cat bus from My Neighbor Totoro

Permanent and changing exhibitions celebrate all things Ghibli. When we visited one of the temporary ones were the Cat Bus rooms, featuring a full-sized version of the memorable cat bus from their 1988 classic My Neighbor Totoro , were a joy.

In one room, young children were allowed to climb inside, and on top of the bus should they wish; whilst in the other room their parents can sit, in slightly a more refined, dare one say 'adult' manner, inside a sectional mock up of the furry orange vehicle.

There's a cute, small cinema showing short films that are apparently exclusively shown here. We caught Chuzumo (or Mouse Sumo !) which was perfect having only just seen the real thing (sumo that is) for the first time the day before. A funny film that sumo fans will appreciate for its attention to detail on the trappings of the ceremony that surrounds the sport.

Life sized robot from Laputa: Castle In The Sky

Personal highlight for me though was a life-sized statue of one of the robots from Laputa: Castle In The Sky - probably my favourite Miyazaki-directed film (and studio Ghibli's first in 1986).

I couldn't resist having my photo taken below the protective giant. Even my often reluctant wife posed for a commemorative snapshot. It also looks imposingly majestic from the exit gates of the museum where it can be viewed as perhaps intended (and as in the film) - like a sentinel watching over all those below.

Demand for tickets is high

If you're thinking of going its necessary to plan in advance due to the massive demand for tickets. To the museum's credit, they ration tickets each day. Like the extremely popular exhibitions at more conventional big-city art galleries, tickets only permit access during a fixed time window.

So, don't be late - or you'll be politely advised, as only the Japanese can do, that you have most unfortunately missed your opportunity. Disaster!

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TRJ Studio Ghilbi Museum Top Tips

The best way to buy tickets.

Curiously, buying tickets to the Studio Ghibli Museum from outside Japan is actually easier than inside the country. Outside you should be able to get them through travel agents on request (you'll have to specify your preferred date and time).

Alternatively, if you live in Japan, or know someone who does, you can do as we did and ask willing relatives/friends to assist you. You'll need to book and then arrange for your relative/friend to collect your tickets from a Lawson convenience store. (I know – random!)

How to buy tickets in advance online

Tickets can be purchased from several vendors online, each offering a slightly different twist on the options. These include providing plenty of flexibility, last minute tickets, tickets with transfer from central Tokyo etc.

Here's direct links to the best offers (each link will open in a new window):

Pre-order with ticket delivery via Viator

Ghibli Film Appreciation Tour with lunch via Viator

Ghibli Museum and Inokashira Park Walking Trip via Klook

Ghibli Museum, Hotel Gajoen Tokyo and Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum Tour via Klook

Studio Ghibli Virtual Tour

A virtual Studio Ghibli tour is another option if you cannot get to the museum

If you cannot visit the museum in person or cannot get tickets for when you need them, consider taking a virtual Studio Ghibli tour . This online experience will take you to the places throughout Japan which are the inspiration for some of Studio Ghibli's most famous films.

The tour (via Zoom) includes  Ghibli related spots (including the Ghibli Museum) throughout Japan from Hokkaido in the north,  to Kagoshima in the south.

Learn more about this virtual tour in our guide 10 Top-Rated Virtual Japan Tours .

No photography inside the museum

The Ghibli Museum has a policy of no photography inside the museum itself. In part, I imagine, to sustain a sense of surprise and wonder when people visit for the first time. That's why you'll rarely see many photos of the interior exhibits.

However, photography in the grounds and gardens outside the museum, including on the roof which you can walk on, and the main entrance is authorised and fine.

VIDEO: Magical Nighttime Lights At Studio Ghibli Museum

Location Map

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Studio Ghibli Museum address

1 Chome-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-0013, Japan

YouTube Channel

Ghibli Museum, Mitaka YouTube Channel

Studio Ghibli Tickets and Tours

Leave a comment / ask a question, book your trip: japan travel essentials, click to see my recommendations.

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I love the design of this museum. From its colors to overall feel it looks incredibly neat. Fabulous post laying out what to expect on a visit.

If you’re in touch with your inner child Ryan then it’s worth a visit even if you’re not familiar with Studio Ghibli’s movies.

Thank you so much for this. Visiting the Studio Ghibli museum is on my bucket list of things to do before I die.

You’re welcome Segaman! So glad you liked it. Try to get there if you can – it’s a bit magical.

Dear #RobDyer,

#greatArticle that makes us want to join every Suggestion of Yours!

We’re so much in fond of active physical activities as we practice Aikido.

As a suggestion, we want to share an awesome workshop with KAMUI @kamuitetsuro, Tetsuro Shimaguchi, the Samurai Sword Artist that does Kengido dojo worldwide… The Samurai Sword Master is a very likable person. Tetsuro has a great Group: some girls playing the Samurai Sword kata with their beautiful long hairs and little people playing with Samurai Bokken…. they accept everyone, even disabled people with wheel chairs are invited to join the workshop! It’s not #RocketScience and Tetsuro makes us all feel we belong ! http://travel.cnn.com/tokyo/play/dancing-swords-interview-tetsuro-shimaguchi-355595/

This Samurai Sword Workshop will also make great photos for your Travel Memories. They are at Kenmoji Shijiki Road every Sunday morning and also at 2:30 p.m. and at 4 p.m., not far from the train station! 2016 fares: Kids Y$1.500 Adults Y$2.000

■リーダー島口哲朗「武蔵」予告編 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKIXlX6CYkw&feature=youtu.be …

■剱伎衆かむゐ海外用PV 「霧幻～MUGEN」予告編 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTOvH3-HhqE&feature=plcp …

During the week days Tetsuro holds Samurai Sword Kengido Dojos at Shibuya in Tokyo, whenever he and his group are not touring the world teaching the Art of the ancient Samurai Sword to new audiences.

Sayonara ! Regina Rianelli

P.S.: Photo Credits via Creative Commons, YouTube and Master Tetsuro Shimaguchi’s personal archives

Thanks for the suggestion Regina!

You will have seen I have written about Sumo and Baseball already on the site. I was thinking of visiting a Kendo dojo but wasn’t aware of Tetsuro Shimaguchi and his samurai sword skills.

I think your suggestion to visit his dojo is a great idea. I’m posting a link here to his website of people want to explore further: http://www.k-kamui.jp/en/homepage.php

Dear #RobDyer #san,

#DomoArigatôGuzaimasu for your #precious #time and #replies !

They are very much appreciated!

Yes, I have visited and spent quite a long time here at #The_Real_Japan reading #all your stories and visiting the sites You have suggested: they #Rock ! #Congratulations !

Yes, #TetsuroShimaguchi is really #worldwideFamous and has a #wonderful Personality !

#Tetsuro has his #Artistic formation in the #Kabuki’s #Theater, has a #Master degree in #Nanaougi-ryu classical Japanese dance and also choreographed the #SwordFight #LightSaber in a #StarWars film, if I’m not mistaken: http://www.wheretowatch.com/2015/07/kill-bills-sword-choreographer-critiques-5-iconic-star-wars-lightsaber-battles

#MasterTetsuro also worked along #QuentinTarantino’s #KillBill #movie in #Sword choreograph… there are awesome #on_lineVideos about his knowledgeable and historical #SamuraiSword #Dojo #worldwide.

I post here some of these #SamuraiSword #Kengido #Dojo and #Quentin_Tarantino’s #Kill_Bill #photograps: #Shimaguchi’s #contribuition to the Movie Industry.

#ThankYOU for hearing us at all times, sir!

many #Blessings your way + Sayonara!,

Regina Rianelli

P.S.: Photo Credits via Creative Commons and Master Tetsuro Shimaguchi’s personal archives

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• Tokyo Cheapo (繁體中文)

Tokyo for Ghibli Lovers

Many people’s introduction to Japan comes through the beautiful, evocative imagery of Studio Ghibli. These animated films are beloved all over the world—so for the Ghibli fans in Tokyo, where can you get your fix?

• Ghibli Museum

The most obvious first port of call for any Studio Ghibli fan is the amazing Ghibli Museum. A whimsical delight, you can wander, stroll, peek into Miyazaki’s studio, watch never-before-seen film, and feel the magic of Ghibli.

You know it’s going to be amazing—but unfortunately, so does everyone else. It requires a bit of advance planning to secure your tickets (read the Tokyo Cheapo guide for the essential details on how to buy them), but entrance is a bargain at 1,000 yen and worth every penny.

• Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum

Even visitors with no particular interest in Studio Ghibli rave about the amazing Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum. But for those who can view the exhibits through a Ghibli lens, it’s even better. The museum has a wide array of preserved everyday buildings from the Edo period. Miyazaki is known to be a big fan of this museum and is rumored to attend often—he even designed the museum’s logo. He is quoted as saying “I feel nostalgic here, especially when I stand here alone in the evening… and the sun is setting”.

Be sure to watch Spirited Away before your visit, because Miyazaki visited often during his creation of the film, using the buildings as inspiration. Keep your eyes peeled specifically for the townscape beyond the tunnel, a locksmith whose interior looks very like the place where Chihiro’s parents turned into pigs, a stationery store that inspired the boiler room in the film, the iconic bathhouse, and even a train that looks just like the train they ride in the film.

The Studio Ghibli Corporate Office

Less than 3 km from the Open Air Architectural Museum, it’s a temptingly easy stroll from there to the corporate headquarters of Studio Ghibli in Koganei. Or take the JR Chuo line train from central Tokyo to Higashi-Koganei, and it’s a 600-meter walk from the station. The building is unfortunately an office, so it’s not open to the public (unless you are lucky enough to have an inside contact to arrange a tour), and lacks any specifically exciting features… But if you are a hardcore Studio Ghibli fan, it might be hard to resist a pilgrimage to the epicenter of all things Ghibli.

Address : 1-4-25 Kajino-cho, Koganei, Tokyo

Miyazaki’s Clock

When people talk about their Ghibli must-see locations in Tokyo, one sight is often missing, even though it’s free and it’s in central Tokyo. On an outside wall of the Nippon TV Tower, overlooking a concourse of deceptively dull buildings between Shiodome and Shinbashi stations, lies a little-known treat for Miyazaki fans (and all fans of clockwork things): the Nittele Giant Clock.

This 60-foot wide clock was designed by Miyazaki himself and sculpted by Shachimaru Kunio (the same sculptor who made the robot soldier for the Ghibli Museum), and it gives a nod to Howl’s Moving Castle . It looks fascinating at all times, but try to time your visit for four minutes before noon, 3pm, 6pm or 8pm, because that’s when the magic happens. The clock springs into life, with all sorts of beautiful moving parts, music, and magic. Get there early to make sure you get a good viewing spot. It looks especially fun in the dark.

Address : 1 Chome-6-1 Higashishinbashi, Minato, Tokyo

Pilgrimage to film locations

Seiseki-sakuragaoka: whisper of the heart.

If you are a big fan of Whisper of the Heart , you might enjoy a few hours wandering the streets of the quiet west Tokyo suburb Seiseki-Sakuragaoka where the film’s main action takes place. Just outside Seiseki-Sakuragaoka Station you can find a charming little noticeboard with a map of the key locations from the film in Japanese. The station itself is of course a key location. The steep, curving road that Shizuku climbs to find the antique shop is called Irohazaka dori. And the shrine where feelings are declared is the Konpira Shrine (address: 206 0013 丁目, 1 Chome-53-1 Sakuragaoka, Tama-shi, Tōkyō-to 206-0013 ).

Here is a detailed Google Map that has been made of all the Whisper of the Heart Locations .

Sayama Hills: Totoro’s forest

Miyazaki grew up around Sayama Hills, particularly Fuchi no Mori about 40 kilometers from central Tokyo, and the setting inspired the forest in My Neighbor Totoro. In fact, the area has been officially nicknamed Totoro forest. Miyazaki himself has contributed both money and hands-on conservation efforts to preserve this beautiful forest on the borders of Tokyo and Saitama. Go for a hike, and see if you can track down Kurosuke’s House, which hosts a small informational display and some fun photo opportunities. The house is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays only, from 10am – 3pm, but it’s free to enter. And you never know: you might even encounter Miyazaki himself.

Access : 30 minutes walk from Seibu-Kyujo station. Kurosuke’s House address : 3 Chome-1169-1 Mikajima, Tokorozawa-shi, Saitama-ken 359-1164 Cost : Free Official website : http://www.totoro.or.jp/english.html

Ghibli shopping spree

Donguri Kyowakoku is a chain of shops dedicated to selling Studio Ghibli merchandise. They have almost 40 branches around Japan. There are four Tokyo branches waiting to meet all your Ghibli shopping needs. They’re not a cheapo delight, but of course there are bargains to be found.

• Ikebukuro : Sunshine City Alpa Basement Level 1, Higashi Ikebukuro 3-1, Toshima-ku,
• Marunouchi : First Avenue Tokyo Station Level B1, Marunouchi 1-9-1, Chiyoda
• Tachikawa : LUMINE Tachikawa,Level 7, Akebono-cho 2-1-1, Tachikawa-shi
• Tokyo Skytree Town:  Solamachi Level 2, Oshiage 1-1-2, Sumida-ku

Another store that has plenty of Ghibli merchandise is Kotobukiya in Akihabara. The ground floor has a large corner filled with Totoro themed goods. We’re not just talking plushies here, they even stock the straw hat worn by the child character Mei.

Beyond Ghibli: another pilgrimage fans may enjoy

Central tokyo: your name.

Makoto Shinkai ‘s film Your Name is not only a box office hit, it provides all sorts of opportunities for the intrepid anime explorer in central Tokyo, as many of the scenes from the film are easily recognizable in real-life Tokyo. Some of the key sites are:

• Yotsuya : Yotsuya Station platform is where Taki and Miki meet for their date, and the nearby stairway to Suka shrine is the iconic spot where Taki and Mitsuha pass each other at the end of the film.
• Roppongi : Brasserie Paul Bocuse Le Musée on the 3rd floor of the National Art Center, Roppongi is the date spot where Taki and Miki eat.
• Cafe La Bohéme in Shinjuku Gyoen is the restaurant where Taki works.
• Shinanomachi Station pedestrian bridge is the spot from which Taki calls Mitsuha.

Your Name Cafe address : Ikebukuro PARCO Honkan 7F, 1-28-2 Minami Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

• Giant Ghibli Clock
• Studio Ghibli Corporate Office
• Yotsuya Station
• The National Art Center Tokyo
• Shinanomachi Station
• Seiseki-Sakuragaoka Station
• Konpira Shrine
• Kurosuke’s House
• Restaurants
• Cafe La Bohéme Shinjuku Gyoenmae
• Architecture
• Featured-shiodome

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LOVE GHIBLI ANIME? CHECK OUT THE STUDIO GHIBLI MUSUEM IN TOKYO!

If you can't get enough of the whimsical world of Ghibli, there's no better place to go than the Studio Ghibli Museum in Tokyo . Visiting takes some planning because purchasing Ghibli Museum tickets isn't easy, but the trouble is worth the trip. Even if you've only seen a few of Studio Ghibli's movies, the museum will capture your imagination. You'll also get an immersive lesson in director Hayao Miyazaki's production process. Studio Ghibli is the creative giant behind many beloved Japanese animated movies such as Spirited Away , Princess Mononoke , and My Neighbor Totoro . Their intricate technique focuses on movement, and animators include as many details in the backgrounds as they do in the foregrounds. When you watch their films, the characters and settings seem realistic, no matter how fantastical the plot is. When the Studio Ghibli Museum opened in 2002, Hayao Miyazaki wanted to design a space that reflected his distinctive style and reveal the behind-the-scenes operations. The result became one of Tokyo's—and Japan's—most popular museums for children, families, and fans of Japanese animation.

PURCHASING GHIBLI MUSEUM TICKETS

When you approach the entrance, you'll see Totoro at the "box office." It's a charming place for a photo-op, but not where you'll find tickets for the Ghibli Museum. You can buy tickets at Lawson convenience stores or other third parties, but you'll need to act fast! They sell out within minutes of becoming available. The Ghibli Museum's hours are from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm every day except Tuesdays. There are also irregular closing days due to holidays and exhibit changes. Once you determine when you want to go , you'll need to get your tickets at least one or two months in advance. The Ghibli Museum releases tickets on the tenth of every month at 10:00 am Japan Standard Time. Note that the available dates will be for the following month. For example, if you want to visit the Studio Ghibli Museum in April , you'll need to buy your tickets in March . You can use Lawson's website to purchase them from outside of Japan, but you'll need patience, persistence, and a little luck. The high volume of traffic can make the site run slowly. It's possible to go through a resale site or a third party, but these options can incur high fees . To avoid these kinds of charges or frustration trying to get tickets yourself, consider booking an anime tour through a company like us . Not only will you have a guaranteed ticket, but you'll also be able to see other anime-related spots in Tokyo . Your ticket will include both an entry date and time. Try to arrive about thirty minutes before your scheduled time, and don't forget to bring your passport to validate your identification. Inside, you'll exchange your paper ticket for an official ticket, which is a roll of film from a random Ghibli movie scene.

GETTING TO THE STUDIO GHIBLI MUSEUM

The Ghibli Museum is easy to access by public transportation , even if it's your first time in Japan . It is equidistant between Mitaka and Kichijoji Stations. From Mitaka Station, you can board a Ghibli-themed shuttle bus for a small round trip or one-way fare. If you choose to walk, we recommend going through Kichijoji Station. The trendy neighborhood is home to sophisticated independent shops and department stores. You'll also pass through Inokashira Park, which is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo .

WHAT IS INSIDE THE GHIBLI MUSEUM?

Part of this place's charm is that there's no official Studio Ghibli Museum tour. Once you go inside, you're free to explore any path around the facility. There are three floors of exhibits, including a theater, cafe, gift shop, and a rooftop garden . Many people stop by the Saturn Theater first, which is in the basement. The small theater seats around 80 people and plays short films produced by Studio Ghibli that are exclusive to the museum. They change monthly and run several times an hour. Next, check out the main exhibition hall. This room illustrates the production process of animation with interactive contraptions like zoetrope show boxes and panorama boxes. You can watch sketches and models come to life by turning cranks and spinning knobs. Another permanent exhibition room recreates the animators' work stations that include details from the type of paint they use to the snacks they prefer to keep on their desks. Inked and uninked sketches litter the walls, as well as scrapbooks of pictures that show how Studio Ghibli takes inspiration from nature , machinery, and abstract art. In other areas of the museum, you can explore life-size models of scenery from your favorite films. There are also special exhibits that change periodically. These temporary displays highlight characteristic features of Studio Ghibli, such as the food you see, how the artists paint the backgrounds, and even first-draft sketches. Before you reach the rooftop garden, you'll pass a room with a life-size plush catbus from the movie My Neighbor Totoro . Only children aged 12 and under can enter to play and climb in this room. From the catbus room, you'll take a spiral staircase to the garden where a giant robot from Laputa: Castle in the Sky looms over you. The path from here will lead you to the Ghibli Museum's shop and the Straw Hat Cafe, where you can purchase desserts and drinks.

HOW LONG DO YOU NEED AT THE GHIBLI MUSEUM?

Although your ticket will have a specific entry time, once you go inside, you can stay until the Ghibli Museum closes. Many travelers are surprised when they see how small the Ghibli Museum is from the outside. Future visitors hearing this might wonder if the Ghibli Museum is actually worth the trip. However, it'll take you longer than you might think to get through everything. Stained glass windows and art cover every inch of the walls, as well as drawers and shutters to open and discover hidden treasures. You'll also want time to spend in the Saturn Theater, take a break at the cafe, and shop for souvenirs . You can easily spend two hours without realizing so much time has passed!

CHECK OUT OUR TOURS THAT VISIT GHIBLI MUSEUM HERE

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Exploring The Studio Ghibli Museum

Be transported into the world of studio ghibli at this charming museum.

Glimpse inside the making of Hayao Miyazaki’s films and his lovable characters at the Studio Ghibli Museum in Mitaka. Learn how the magic is created, see some of your favorite film characters, and watch an exclusive Studio Ghibli short film at this ‘must-visit’ Tokyo museum.

The Studio Ghibli Museum in Mitaka of west Tokyo was designed by none other than Hayao Miyazaki. Miyazaki is the famed director behind the films My Neighbor Totoro , Spirited Away , Howl’s Moving Castle , Princess Mononoke , and more. This isn’t a typical museum filled with glass display cases—it’s a “portal to the storybook world” where you can immerse yourself in the world Miyazaki himself created.

“The Ghibli Museum is a portal to the storybook world” -Museo d’Arte Ghibli

Studio Ghibli’s films have been a massive hit with audiences of all backgrounds for over three decades. A visit to the Studio Ghibli Museum gives visitors a glimpse into the animation world. No doubt everyone will appreciate the passion and painstaking detail that is put into each film.

History of Studio Ghibli

Studio Ghibli Animation Studio was founded in 1985 by Miyazaki and Isao Takahata. The studio’s films immediately captured the hearts of first a Japanese, then a worldwide audience. The first movie the animation studio released was Laputa: Castle in the Sky . In 1988 My Neighbor Totoro was released, which includes several characters that are still adored by many and considered a major part of Japanese culture today.

Miyazaki is known for featuring female leads in his movies, much like Studio Ghibli’s most renowned film,  Spirited Away.  A girl named Chihiro gets trapped in the spirit world and finds work at a bathhouse to try to save her parents. The movie won “Best Animated Feature” at the 75th Academy Awards, making it the first non-English animated film to win in that category.

“Many of my movies have strong female leads. Brave, self-sufficient girls that don’t think twice about fighting for what they believe with all their heart. They’ll need a friend, or a supporter, but never a savior. Any woman is just as capable of being a hero as any man.” -Hayao Miyazaki

In 2013, The Wind Rises was released. This was a movie set in Japan during World War II about an engineer realizing his dreams of building airplanes. Miyazaki announced after this release that this movie would be his last feature-length film. He then started focusing on short films for the Ghibli Museum, including Boro the Caterpillar , his first computer-animated short. In 2015, Miyazaki was given an honorary Oscar by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Fans rejoiced in 2016 when Miyazaki announced that he would expand Boro the Caterpillar into a feature-length release.

How to Buy Tickets

There are three ways you can purchase tickets to the Studio Ghibli Museum:

• If you’re currently in Japan, you can use a Loppi ticket machine at Lawson. Tickets go on sale at 10:00 a.m. on the 10th of each month, for the following month. If you’re looking to purchase weekend tickets, it’s best to be in front of a Loppi right at 10:00 a.m.
• If you’re based outside of Japan, you can buy tickets from JTB Group’s online website . JTB Group is a Japanese travel agency that is partnered with Studio Ghibli Museum to provide 100 tickets per entry day for visitors from abroad. Tickets go on sale on the 1st of the month for the following four months. Purchasing from some countries may require a combination purchase with other JTB Group tours and services. If this is the case (as it is for JTB Group in the US), here’s a third option:
• Buy tickets through a third-party tourist office or tour operator, online options being Voyagin or Get Your Guide . If you reserve tickets through these sites before the 10th of the month, a tour operator will secure a ticket for you from within Japan. Purchasing tickets this way comes at a premium, but you will be guaranteed entry. Through this method, you can purchase last-minute tickets if you didn’t check for tickets in advance.

Studio Ghibli Museum Exterior and Interior

This museum has “character” to the full extent of the word. The colorful exterior is inviting, playful, and covered with green grass and winding vines. The rooftop is home to the museum guardian, a Robot Giant, as seen in the film Laputa: Castle in the Sky . The rooftop also has a cube from Laputa on it, covered in cryptic script.

The interior of the museum is like a huge European chateau with old wooden paneling, stained-glass windows, a spiral staircase, and even a small bridge crossing over the main foyer. Miyazaki designed the building so that there’s no set path to follow, and you can explore as freely as your heart desires. Several rooms branch off the main entrance hall where you can picture how the animated films first come to life.

Straw Hat Cafe

There is a small café,  Café Mugiwara Boushi (Straw Hat Café), on an outdoor patio. Here, you can take a rest from exploring the rest of the museum and purchase items off the menu like drinks, ice cream , cake , or some heartier meal options like pasta or Japanese curry. A small concession shop sits next to the Straw Hat Café, where you can get fries, hot dogs, and ice cream.

Studio Ghibli Museum Rooms

There are a handful of rooms to explore at the museum, and while you can’t take photos inside these rooms, it’s a great chance to immerse yourself in the magic of Studio Ghibli that you can’t get anywhere else in the world—away from your phones.

The Saturn Theater

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by 《♡♡Badi’ah Al-Mahasin Artie♡♡》 (@badiah.a__artie) on Jul 12, 2019 at 11:35pm PDT

Studio Ghibli produced eight short films that can only be watched at the Saturn Theater in the Studio Ghibli Museum. Each month, the movie that is screening changes. See which movies are screening each month here —or keep it a surprise!

“Tri Hawks” Reading Room

Discover children’s books that inspired the Studio Ghibli movies, as well as other children’s books recommended by Miyazaki and the Studio Ghibli team. You can find manga versions of each Ghibli movie, as well as large picture books for the Ghibli shorts, screened at the Saturn Theater.

The Cat Bus Room

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Neil (@neilydrum) on Sep 28, 2016 at 6:14pm PDT

Exclusively for children 12 and under, this room allows children to play on a large Cat Bus, a character from My Neighbor Totoro. It’s a perfect place to let little ones blow off some steam or re-live the scenes from the movie by climbing inside the Cat Bus!

A Boy’s Room—A Gift from Grandpa

This room is filled from floor to ceiling with sketches of Ghibli characters and scenery, as well as photo albums of real locations that were used as inspiration for the films. Roped off is a desk covered in paints, pencils, a sketchbook, and all sorts of toys and antiques, depicting the artist’s desk. The other rooms connected to this one show the process of creating an animation film and are filled with bookcases and knick-knacks like model airplanes and atlases.

“Mamma Aiuto!” Gift Shop

Studio Ghibli fans will be delighted by the museum gift shop, named “Mama, help me!” in Italian, from the movie Porco Rosso. Various souvenirs including jewelry, figurines, antiques, and t-shirts are available for purchase—exclusive to the Studio Ghibli Museum shop!

Studio Ghibli Special Exhibits

One room at the Studio Ghibli museum is home to rotating exhibits that stay for a year or more before being replaced. From May 2017 to November 2018, the exhibit was called Delicious! Animating Memorable Meals,  which showcased film scenes of food and meals. It displayed how animators can draw food to look like the correct texture and how to convey its deliciousness to the audience.

From November 2018 until November 2019, the rotating exhibit is called Painting the Colors of Our Films, which showcases how each hand-drawn frame for the film was hand-painted using hundreds of colors. Rotating exhibits will sometimes stay longer in this room if requested by popular demand.

After Visiting the Studio Ghibli Museum

Once you’ve explored every room to its fullest, you exit the Studio Ghibli museum into Inokashira Park. This wide grassy area is filled with picnic tables and walking paths and is home to a small zoo and a lake. It’s the perfect place for a family or friends outing if you want to spend a full day in Mitaka.

Studio Ghibli Museum  Where: 1-1-83 Simorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo Open: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Closed every Tuesday. Closed periodically for maintenance. Cost: ¥1,000 (Adults), ¥700 (Age 13-18), ¥400 (Age 7-12), ¥100 (Age 4-6), Free for children under 4. Must buy tickets in advance.

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JRailPass.com » Japan Travel Blog » Studio Ghibli Museum: Access and tickets

Studio Ghibli Museum: Access and tickets

January 26, 2023

Located in Tokyo’s Mikata district, the Studio Ghibli Museum was established by Hayao Miyazaki , a master of Japanese anime. Miyazaki is the director behind award-winning, acclaimed childhood films such as My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Spirited Away (2001), and Howl’s Moving Castle (2004),

The museum is an interactive experience dedicated to a studio often called the ‘Disney of Japan’ and is suitable for the entire family. It identifies itself as “a portal to a storybook world” and boasts a number of exhibits including enormous statues of Ghibli characters and exclusive short films.

The name Ghibli itself reflects the forward moving style of the film studio. Named by Hayao Miyazaki, the word is taken from an Italian noun meaning “hot desert wind.” This captures the idea that the studio would be a “new wind” in the animation industry.

How to get to Ghibli Museum

When traveling from Tokyo to the Studio Ghibli Museum, begin at either Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station . Using your Japan Rail Pass , go from your station of choice on the JR Chuo Line to Kichijoji Station or Mitaka Station . Trains depart for Mitaka every few minutes. From Tokyo Station, the trip to Mitaka lasts about thirty minutes; from Shinjuku Station, approximately 18 minutes .

The Ghibli Museum is located on Kichijoji Avenue , and it is just a 20-minute walk from the south exit of Mitaka Station, or west exit of Kichijoji Station. A shuttle bus is also available from Mitaka Station , brightly decorated with Ghibli characters. Bus tickets may be purchased at the bus stop vending machine. Round trip tickets cost ¥300.

Tickets and prices

Visitors to the museum must purchase tickets in advance of their visit. Tickets may be purchased through the Ghibli Museum official website . These reserved tickets are valid only for their date specified. Admission fees are ¥1000 for adults , ¥700 for children aged thirteen to eighteen, ¥400 for children aged seven to twelve, and ¥100 for children aged four to six.

Children under four years old may enter the museum free of charge. When you hand your booking coupon at the ticket booth, you will receive a real 35-mm movie slide, which will be your entry ticket for the day.

Opening times

Opening times are Wednesday through Monday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM . The museum is closed on most Tuesdays and on several national holidays.

There are also a few days each fall when tickets are reserved for local residents and two 10-day maintenance periods in May and November. Please check the Ghibli Museum website for exact information.

Book your Japan Rail Pass now

What to do in Ghibli Museum

You may be wondering: is Ghibli Museum worth it ? Even if you are not a fan of their work, it still may be! This museum is meant to be a magical experience for both children, their parents, and those young at heart. The museum’s mission statement includes the promise that “small children are treated as if they were grown-ups” and that “those seeking enjoyment can enjoy, those seeking to ponder can ponder, and those seeking to feel can feel .”

Even before you arrive at the museum, you will see whimsical statues and decorations adorning the building’s exterior. Included among these is a large statue of Totoro at the museum’s entrance. A robot soldier from Castle in the Sky (1986) stands guard on the roof. The ceiling inside the entrance, called the Space of Wonder, is a fresco painting that includes a blue sky, mystical plants, and beloved Ghibli characters.

The museum itself contains an array of interactive displays and movie-themed sets. One room, for example – the Central Hall – is fitted with a maze of staircases reminiscent of the unusual buildings featured in Miyazaki films . Each year, there is a different annual exhibit which often brings vintage animation memorabilia out of the archives.

Exclusive short films to the Ghibli Museum can be viewed in the Saturn Theater. Elementary aged children can play on the enormous plush Cat Bus . Children and adults alike can read in the “Tri Hawks” Reading Room, a pun on the town name mi-taka , which means “three hawks.” Nature lovers can relax in the roof garden or the park-like setting around the building. The Straw Hat Café provides food and beverages that can be enjoyed on an outdoor deck.

Souvenir shop

Finally, the Mamma Aiuto Ghibli Museum Shop is designed to be as inviting and enchanting as the museum itself – it is named after Porco Rosso ’s (1992) sky pirate characters, and mamma aiuto means “mother, help me” in Italian.

The shop features handcrafted merchandise not available anywhere else. The “Art Collection” is also for sale – woodblock prints, hand-painted print cells, and other items used in the making of Studio Ghibli films .

Other outstanding souvenirs include clothing, cushions, pop-up postcards, ornamental stands, cookies, chopsticks, and of course, soundtrack CDs and films in DVD and Blu-Ray.  Coin operated lockers are also available at the museum to store your gear while you look around.

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Studio Ghibli Museum Tokyo (A Must Visit For Animation Fans)

• by Jonny Duncan
• August 28, 2019 September 27, 2022

Like animation and planning a visit to Japan? Then Studio Ghibli Museum is a must see for anyone visiting Tokyo who loves animation movies, especially Japanese animation movies.

Personally I’m a Japanese movie addict so any chance to see anything like this must be done.

The museum is co-founded by legendary Japanese animation director Hayao Miyazaki.

Studio Ghibli Museum tip: 

Get your tickets before going! It’s highly recommended to get tickets as far in advance as you can as the museum is very popular to visit and it can be hard to get tickets.

Visiting Studio Ghibli Museum

Being an animation studio it’s naturally super cute.

Totoro, the most famous of all Studion Ghibli animation characters is there to greet you 🙂

You can’t take any photos inside the museum so sadly I can’t show you what it’s like inside, but on the happier side it means it will be a nice surprise when there.

With the most famous of Japanese animation characters, Totoro.

Once inside the museum there are numerous exhibitions around displaying art form the animation and large mechanical figures to see in the larger exhibition area.

It’s seriously cool and if you’re with children they will love it!

One thing you should definitely see is a short animation film in a small theatre that’s exclusive just for the museum. It’s shown a few times an hour.

Totoro! Ok this photo was taken somewhere else but want to show more Studio Ghibli magic.

Studio Ghibli Movies List

Spirited Away is the most famous of all Studio Ghibli movies having reached an international audience after winning an Oscar for best animation movie (it’s my favourite animation from Ghibli).

Here’s a rundown of all the Studio Ghibli movies to watch (the main featured movies). I’ve added links (affiliate) where you can get them on Blu-ray/dvd if you want to watch them.

I’ve seen all of Studio Ghibli movies and some a bunch of times such as Spirited Away (5 times now) and Princess Mononoke (3 times).

This is the Studio Ghibli movies list:

1984:  Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

1986:  Castle in the Sky

1988: Grave of the Fireflies

1988: My Neighbor Totoro

1989: Kiki’s Delivery Service

1991: Only Yesterday

1992: Porco Rosso

1994: Pom Poko

1995: Whisper of the Heart

1997: Princess Mononoke

1999: My Neighbors the Yamadas

2001: Spirited Away

2002: The Cat Returns

2004: Howl’s Moving Castle

2006: Tales from Earthsea

2008: Ponyo

2010: Arrietty

2011: From Up on Poppy Hill

2013: The Wind Rises

2013: The Tale of the Princess Kaguya

2014: When Marnie Was There

The Best Studio Ghibli Movies 

Ok this will be a very personal opinion and others may have different favourites.

But if you’re looking for just a few Studio Ghibli movies to watch then these are the ones (I) would recommend.

As mentioned before Spirited Away really is a must see movie for Japanese animation. This should be your first choice.

Princess Mononoke should be 2nd.

Howls Moving Castle 3rd.

And… the very first movie on the list of Studio Ghibli movies, Nausicaa of The Valley of The Wind.

That is what I would say to watch. The first 2 for sure.

Side note: I don’t own the copyright to this image of Spirited Away. it’s being used under fair usage to discuss the movie.

Go To Studio Ghibli Museum

This is just a quick lowdown on visiting the Studio Ghibli Museum.

One of my main reasons for writing this post was to give the tip I made at the beginning: to get tickets as far in advance as possible.

I met quite a few travellers who were disappointed they couldn’t visit because of it being sold out.

So to be safe if you really want to go there book ahead, months ahead if possible.

Enjoy your time in Tokyo and Studio Ghibli.

Many of the Studio Ghibli animation movies are in my 10 best Japanese animation to watch post.

Read more on Tokyo: Things to do in Tokyo

This is the official website for the Studio Ghibli Museum.

Address for Studio Ghibli Museum:

Ghibli Museum, Mitaka 1-1-83 Simorenjaku, Mitaka-shi Tokyo 181-0013

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List of Ghibli Spots in Tokyo

From the famous Ghibli Museum to a secret clock: the best places in Tokyo for Ghibli fans.

Founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, the Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli is one of the most famous in the world, and its films have enchanted millions of fans both inside and outside of Japan.

Studio Ghibli have produced several animations including short films and television commercials and some of the most well-known films as My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Kiki’s Delivery Service or Princess Mononoke have been fascinating many until today.

Many of the foreign fans of Studio Ghibli are looking forward to traveling to Japan to enjoy unique places that any true fan has to visit at least once in a lifetime, such as the Ghibli museum, the newly opened Ghibli park, with life-size reproductions of elements of some movies, or the real places that inspired some of the movies. Also to be able to buy products from their favorite movies that are only found in Japan, from merchandise to even themed food!

Today I want to introduce you to the must-go spots in Tokyo if you are a fan of Studio Ghibli. Some are already known to all, but you may also find a couple of hidden gems that you didn’t know about! So let’s check the list 😉

Ghibli Museum

Opened in 2001 in Mitaka, on the outskirts of Tokyo’s 23 neighborhoods, the Ghibli Museum was a thrill for fans of the studio. A museum dedicated exclusively to their favorite films, with countless sketches, storyboards, temporary exhibitions and 10 short films available only at the Ghibli Museum, among many other things! One of the highlights of the Ghibli Museum is in the rooftop, where the large robot soldier from Castle in the Sky welcomes visitors!

Moreover, the Ghibli Museum have a Cafe inside where they offer exclusive drinks and foods for visitors.

▽For more info check here!▽

Information

Totoro Official Bakery Cafe

If you want to go to a lesser known place but a must for any Ghibli fan, especially of his super popular movie My Neighbor Totoro, aim for this place! Shiro-hige’s Cream Puff Factory (also know as Totoro Cafe ) is the only official bakery in the world, making adorable cream puff with the shape of Totoro. The place is cozy and adorable, and you can have a Totoro-shape cream puff filled out with eight different flavors accompanied by cup coffee or tea. They also sell Totoro-shape cookies for souvenir!

Please note that most of the fillings are seasonal flavours and they’re available only a few specific months. The only ones that are available during all the year are cream and chocolate one.

Shiodome’s Ghibli Clock

For true Studio Ghibli fans, there’s a hidden place in the heart of Tokyo that few know about, but you can’t miss.

I’m talking about the Ghibli clock located in Shiodome. The clock is located in front of the headquarters of Nippon Television, at the Nettle Tower. The oficial name is “Nippon Television’s Big Clock” (Nittele Oodokei), but everyone knows it as the Ghibli Clock .

Personally designed by Hayao Miyazaki, and  created by the sculptor Kunio Shachimaru, the same artist that did the famous big Robot Soldier on the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, the Ghibli clock it’s a real eye-catcher. Completed in 2006 at 12 metres high and 18 metres wide, the clock is inspired by the film The Walking Castle that Studio Ghibli released in 2004. It’s said that it took 6 years to build it!

You can see the clock at any time of the day, but if you go at a specific time, you will be in for a surprise! The clock comes to life and many of its characters start to move. You can see it at 12:00/ 15:00/ 18:00/ 20:00. The show starts around 4 minutes before the full hour, so make sure to be at least 10 minutes in advance!

Map: https://goo.gl/maps/dPS96KgNsSjX21oo6

Donguri Republic

Do you want to go home with one (or more) souvenirs from your trip to Japan related to your favourite animation studio? Then don’t miss the chance to visit Donguri Republic before leaving! Over the years, the Ghibli films have given rise to a wide variety of merchandise products, from the typical mugs and T-shirts to kitchenware, stationery and more.

Donguri Republic is the official shop of Studio Ghibli, and has more than 30 shops all over Japan. The most emblematic and adorable store to date was the one located in Kamakura, but recently they have opened one in the Sunshine City shopping center in Ikebukuro that is not only large but has an incredible decoration inside and out!

Also, if you like anime and Japanese kawaii culture in Sunshine City you can find the Mega Pokemon center, the Pikachu Sweets Cafe and the only official Pokemon Go store, plus Kiddyland, an official Sanrio store, and much more! The perfect place if it’s a rainy day in Tokyo. Don’t leave Japan empty-handed and take home a unique souvenir of your favorite movie 😉

Totoro Forest – Sayama Hills

If you have extra days available and feel like a hike, Totoro Forest is located just outside of Tokyo, in Saitama. The real name is Sayama Hills , and it’s said that it was the place where Hayao Miyazaki was inspired for the movie My Neighbor Totoro.

Since Hayao Miyazaki himself never reveals much information, there are various forests from which it’s said that the famous director could have drawn inspiration for the film. But Sayama Hills is the only place where Hayao Miyazaki personally contributed to the opening of the Totoro Foundation. There is a hiking course available even for kids in which you may find some surprises. You might even see Totoro!

Seiseki Sakuragaoka

Last but not least on our list, we bring a place for Whisper of the Heart’s fans. It’s Tama City, a mountainous residential neighborhood just outside of central Tokyo. Many of Whisper of the Heart’s locations, from streets to stores, are based on real places in Tama City. Especially the area around Seiseki Sakuragaoka Station attracts many Ghibli fans and there is even a map showing the actual locations, to make it easier to visit.

Seiseki Sakuragaoka is located about 30 minutes from the Ghibli Museum, so it can be a good stop after your visit to the museum.

Ghibli Park

Planning to go to the Ghibli Park too?? Ghibli Park is the world’s first and only amusement park dedicated to the Ghibli animation studio, and includes attractions such as the life-size home of Satsuki and Mei from My Neighbor Totoro!

▽Check here how to buy the tickets from overseas▽

▽Don’t miss this complete guide with all you need to know about the park!▽

I hope you enjoyed the article! How many spots on the list do you plan to go? 🙂 For more Ghibli-related content in Japan, or other interesting places, check these articles too!

▽Related Articles▽

▼Editor’s Picks▼

From Barcelona to Tokyo. Coffee  & Adventure lover 🌏☕️  

I started to like Japan because of the anime, music and doramas, but after my first trip to the country I found what I love the most: traveling around, the culture and history. I have travelled a lot in Japan, but I still have many places to discover that I want to share with you 🙋🏼‍♀️   Let’s discover Japan together!

Also, as a foreigner living in Japan for over 6 years I understand what kind of things are difficult when you move here and I want to help other people in the same situation that I have in the past.

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Real-life Studio Ghibli locations in Tokyo to visit

Travel Tips For Mitaka

Studio Ghibli lovers rejoice - Tokyo is one of the best places in the world where you can live out your favourite animation movies. Growing up, Studio Ghibli were my ultimate comfort childhood films (and still is). From Kiki Delivery Service, My Neighbour Totoro and Howl’s Moving Castle - the animation style, attention to detail and storytelling simply whisked me to another world. It was a world that I thought was only possible in my imagination and on screen, that was until I moved to Tokyo. Now living as an adult in Japan’s capital city, the different corners I turn in the metropolis make it feel like I’m actually spirited away. Then there are actual places that aren’t just reminiscent of Japan’s powerhouse in animation but actually dedicated to Studio Ghibli itself. Here are all of the places in Tokyo where you can go to live out Studio Ghibli ’s magic in real life. Curious? Follow me on  Instagram  and  YouTube  for more adventures!

Shiro Hige's Cream Puff Factory

Do you love My Neighbour Totoro? Then you’re in for a treat (literally). Shiro Hige's Cream Puff Factory are two bakeries where you can enjoy Totoro-shaped cream puffs. They are meticulously made and baked fresh each day in the shape of our beloved Totoro. Each cream puff is delicately decorated with the flavour’s design (for example, the custard flavour has a sugared green leaf adorning its ear). They also sometimes stock other Ghibli character treats, like Catbus cookies too! These are the only stores that are granted official licenses to make any Studio Ghibli-related treats since the owner is actually the sister-in-law of Hayao Miyazaki (the creator of the animations) himself. Every time I come by to get a cream puff, they’re almost too adorable for me to eat! 

The Setagaya location (address: 5 Chome-3-1 Daita, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0033, Japan) is tucked away in a residential neighbourhood, where you can feel a peaceful nature akin to the Totoro movie itself. There’s a cafe upstairs, but you’ll have to wait in often a long queue, followed by a one-drink ordering policy. Whereas if you get the cream puffs for takeaway, you can skip the line-up and go straight into the bakery (which is way better designed with cute autograph posters than the separate cafe business upstairs). The second location is Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory - Kichijoji (address: 2 Chome-7-5 Kichijoji Minamicho, Musashino, Tokyo 180-0003, Japan) which is a purely takeaway spot, but only a few blocks away from the Studio Ghibli museum. 

Donguri Republic stores

Studio Ghibli merchandise can be hard to get since only select few designated stores can stock the official items. Luckily for us, throughout Japan and Tokyo are Donguri Republic . Donguri Republic are exclusive Studio Ghibli stores stocking everything from character design notebooks, plushies from your favourite films, some apparel, toys, keychains, coin purses, art books, and so much more. There a few Donguri Republic stores dotted all across Tokyo, and the fun thing about exploring all of them is that each one has different designs (including real-life-size characters for photo-op spots). The can’t-miss store is the Donguri Republic located at Tokyo Skytree. Catbus greets you at the entrance and inside there’s a huge Totoro figure that you can take a photo with by the iconic bus stop! The Donguri Republic in Ikebukuro Sunshine City is my close second favourite store, with a whole Calcifer from Howl’s Moving Castle life-size set to take pictures of. 

The Studio Ghibli stores in Tokyo are:

1. Donguri Tokyo Station - Address: First Avenue Tokyo Station, 1 Chome-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan

2. Donguri Tokyo Skytree - Address: Japan, 〒131-0045 Tokyo, Sumida City, Oshiage, 1 Chome−1−2 東京スカイツリータウン・ソラマチ2F

3. Donguri Kyowakoku Diver City Tokyo Plaza - Address: Japan, 〒135-0064 Tokyo, Koto City, Aomi, 1 Chome−1−10 ダイバーシティ東京 プラザ 5F

4. Donguri Ikebukuro Sunshine City - Address: Japan, 〒170-6090 Tokyo, Toshima City, Higashiikebukuro, 3 Chome−1 サンシャインシティ 専門店街アルパ B1

Studio Ghibli Museum

Out on the western side of Tokyo is Mitaka, where you can step into childlike wonder with the Studio Ghibli Museum. This is a whole grounds within a lush park that takes you into the world of Studio Ghibli, where exclusive never-before-seen short films are played (and rotated through year-round). There are several rooms you can wander through that are created with different themes that reflect the world of Ghibli, along with outdoor areas to explore. If you’re more curious about the Studio Ghibli Museum, check out our full feature story on it and how to score museum tickets here . 

Ghibli Museum, Tokyo

Nitele big clock aka ghibli clock.

Right out on the bustling streets of Minato is a gigantic steampunk clock that’s designed by Studio Ghibli’s creator, Hayao Miyazak. It functions to actually tell the time, but it’s also an art piece that looks like it could have come from the world of Castle in the Sky or the swashbuckling moving castle that belongs to Howl. Attached to the Nippon Television headquarters, the incredible amount of details that went into designing and creating this huge structural piece will impress any onlooker. Be sure to peep the standing metal claw that clenches into the ground below, while staring up - you'll see swirls of staircases, different rooms, and a few tin men suspended in motion. If you come and visit the clock at 12 PM, 3 PM, 6 PM, and 8 PM, each day there's a little surprise that awaits you. Music will start wafting from the clock and the tin men all whirl up in full live motion - working away to make the clock come to life. It’s a beautiful little show to watch out on the streets of Tokyo. 

Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum

This is one of my favourite gems in Tokyo - and one where a lot of visitors to Japan don’t even think of going (until I take my family and friends there!), making it a true off-the-beaten-path discovery. The Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum lives up to its own name, being a sprawling museum ground that’s more akin to a live-action reenactment of Tokyo’s historical Edo period. You can walk around freely and explore different traditional Japanese houses, and historical buildings and enjoy the architectural design stretching across centuries of restored beauty. 

A main fixture of Studio Ghibli movies are the stunning architecture that is drawn and houses that the characters live in and explore. If you want to feel like you're in Spirited Away, just walk through the open-air museum and soak up the wood shutters and the well-restored and preserved traditional Japanese houses around. 

Where to Stay to explore Studio Ghibli in Tokyo

While all of these attractions and Ghibli delights are located in various neighbourhoods all around Tokyo, the best way to get to them is by the handy Tokyo metro system. With that, I would highly recommend staying in accommodations that are close to a metro station stop. Toyoko Inn Tokyo Asakusa Kuramae No.2 is well-located and is affordable for any budget, while First Cabin Ichigaya is perfect for solo travellers. Then there’s APA Hotel & Resort Ryogoku Eki Tower , which not only offers impeccable hospitality but also spotless modernity.

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They say “Life is a daring adventure - or nothing”, and having traveled to over 88 countries and lived across 3 continents, Logan’s wanderlust has been an unquenchable thirst that keeps fuelling his curiosities and passions in life.

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Ghibli Museum Tokyo: Worth It Or A Complete Hassle?

Posted on Published: November 27, 2023  - Last updated: December 1, 2023

Categories Asia , Japan , Travel

I was ultimately disappointed with Ghibli Museum Tokyo. The wonders of Ghibli came to life, but they were overshadowed by all the pitfalls of the museum… most of which surface before you even get there.

Buying Ghibli Museum tickets is a complete hassle. Getting from Tokyo to Ghibli Museum turns your visit into a full day affair. In the end, you waste way more time than it’s worth.

Continue reading my guide with my unfiltered review of Ghibli Museum Tokyo to find out why I don’t recommend going!

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

What Is Ghibli Museum Tokyo?

Ghibli Museum Tokyo is the original Studio Ghibli Museum in Japan. It welcomes you into the world of Studio Ghibli, offering exclusive content for fans to discover.

There are several museum exhibits and even a cinema showing fans an exclusive Ghibli short film.

Book An Organized Tour To Ghibli Museum Tokyo With Viator

Instead of waiting for tickets to go on sale for your preferred dates, book Ghibli Museum tickets in advance through Viator here . You’ll also have a brief explanation of animation in English by an expert guide before entering the museum.

Or opt for a Ghibli Film Appreciation tour with pick up from Tokyo, lunch at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo , entrance to the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum , before finally arriving at Ghibli Museum.

Click here for more organized tours in Tokyo.

What’s The Difference Between Ghibli Museum & Ghibli Park

Ghibli Park recently opened in Nagoya, Japan in 2022. It is not the same thing as the Ghibli Museum.

Ghibli Park is more of an open-air museum with different areas inspired from the different movies. Ghibli Park also features a Grand Warehouse with a few exhibits and photo spots.

If you’re interested in going to Ghibli Park instead, you can read my honest review here .

Buying Ghibli Museum Tickets: Reserve In Advance!

As I said, the issues with Ghibli Museum start  form the moment you decide to go… and that’s because actually buying tickets is not a great experience.

You cannot show up to Ghibli Museum Tokyo and expect to buy tickets – THEY DO NOT SELL TICKETS HERE!

There’s A Date That Ghibli Museum Tickets Go On Sale

Ghibli Museum tickets go on sale about the month before on the 10th at 10:00 A.M. JST…

So if you’re booking for July, they will go on sale June 10th. I know, it’s kind of confusing.

The first issue with this is that you need to have your Japan itinerary somewhat already planned.

You also have to keep in mind that it’s 10:00 A.M. Japan time. If you’re in EST (as I am) that’s actually THE DAY BEFORE IN THE EVENING! So, let’s go over this again.

If you’re booking for July, tickets go on sale June 9th at 9:00 P.M. EST

Let’s just say, we almost missed out because it’s a very easy mistake to make .

Ghibli Museum Tickets Are Still Not Guaranteed…

Once you’ve figured out when Ghibli Museum tickets go on sale, there’s still no guarantee you’ll actually get them.

You see, when you log on at the appropriate time to buy tickets, you’re added to a waiting room. I waited about an hour, in an online queue before I was able to buy tickets.

P.S. I recommend having a few possible dates that work to visit Studio Ghibli Museum Japan. Your preferred dates (or time) might not be available by the time you can book.

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How Expensive Are Ghibli Museum Tickets

This is the silver lining of the entire experience. Ghibli Museum tickets are fairly cheap; in 2023, they were only ¥ 1,000 .

Where Is Ghibli Museum: It’s Not In The City Centre…

Now for the next struggle in the Ghibli Museum saga… actually getting there.

Although the Ghibli Museum is technically in Tokyo, it’s not near any of the main attractions in Tokyo. Ghibli Museum is in Mitaka , which is in the Greater Tokyo Metropolitan area.

We were staying just outside Shinjuku and it took us 45 minutes by public transit to get to Ghibli Museum.

Because of this, a single museum visit becomes an entire day extravaganza. We weren’t really able to do anything before or after our visit (we had a 12:00 P.M. entry time… the better time slots were already sold out by the time I was able to buy tickets… ).

Getting From Tokyo To Ghibli Museum

The easiest way to get from Tokyo to Ghibli Museum is by train . There’s a JR station in the middle of Mitaka: Kichijōji Station.

From the station, it’s another 15 minute walk to the museum.

What Else Is In The Area (In Mitaka)?

Mitaka is actually in a nice suburb of Tokyo, and there are a few things to do.

But, let’s be clear, if you weren’t going to the museum, you wouldn’t be coming to Mitaka. Nothing in Mitaka is a bucket list item for Japan …

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On the way to the museum from the train station, there’s a shopping mall with local stores.

You can also stop by Mlesna Tea Tokyo for afternoon tea or Yuzo Yamamoto Memorial Museum (the house of a Japanese playwright).

Or you can walk through Inokashira Park , which is actually very nice, and you can go to the Inokashira Park Zoo .

I mean once you’re here, you might as well explore the area a bit!

Ghibli Museum Reviewed

Finally! We have arrived at the museum! But unfortunately, my review doesn’t get much from here on.

There are two permanent exhibits, a special exhibit, a cinema, a kids room, reading room, and a cafe at the museum.

The Best Part Was The Building Itself & Just Wandering Around

When you see the building from the outside, it’s gorgeous and everything that you could hope for in a Ghibli museum. Once you’re inside, the architecture doesn’t disappoint either.

You can get lost in here , and you kind of want to. You want to explore every inch of this place because you don’t know what you’re going to find. The amount of detail that was put in is extraordinary. From the stained glass windows, paintings, I even love the bathroom decor!

Here, I did feel like I was in the world of Ghibli.

P.S. This is what I was hoping to get from Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse in Ghibli Park… read my full review for Ghibli Park here .

The Exhibits: No Added Value Or Content

Unfortunately, the good stopped at the architecture.

There are three exhibits at the Ghibli Museum, and I didn’t care for any of them!

I couldn’t understand the special exhibit even if I wanted to. It was all in Japanese, and it was about another anime, I don’t think it was even related to Ghibli (which feels like a waste of the limited space).

The two permanent exhibits were underwhelming to say the least. They were A LOT shorter than I expected and gave zero additional information. I wanted an insight into Ghibli films or backstory on some of the ideas and concepts.

Instead the first exhibit was an abstract interactive exhibit on the process of animated filmmaking. Coming from a film education background, it just felt gimmicky.

The second exhibit was Ghibli focused, but there wasn’t any additional information about what you were looking at. It was two rooms FILLED to the brim with random paraphernalia, sketches, and scripts.

Even if there was something of interest to see, I wouldn’t have been able to find it. It was such a messy room that I couldn’t appreciate any of it.

P.S. Because it’s a timed entry, you’re going into the museum with a lot of other people. I would actually go up and start with the top floor. The first exhibit was PACKED when we first walked in. We then waited an hour, explored everything else, and then it was empty!

Ghibli Museum Photos Are Not Allowed

To top off my disappointment, no photos are allowed once you walk into Ghibli Museum. I’m not really sure why they’re prohibited, but I guess it’s to prevent them being leaked online and keep some of the surprise for new attendees.

As you can tell, I did try to sneak some photos for you! But I do apologize for some of the crooked shots in this post!

Zero English (Even The Exclusive Movies)

If there’s any text in the museum, it’s only in Japanese (as was the case in the Special Exhibit).

The exclusive movie is also only in Japanese which was a bit of a disappointment. I’m not expecting the movie to be dubbed, but if they could at least provide a print out of the synopsis to understand the general story

The worst part is that no one tells you beforehand you will have to sit through a 15 minute movie in a language you don’t understand.

It was just upsetting because the movie looked beyond enchanting (as Ghibli movies are) and I would have loved to understand the story behind it.

How Long Can You Spend At the Museum?

We actually ended up spending just over 2 hours at Ghibli Museum Tokyo .

As I said, the exhibits aren’t long. But wandering through the museum itself is magical. We even stopped for a small snack break at the Straw Hat Cafe (the food isn’t themed though. – another completely missed opportunity!).

And we might have spent a bit too long at the gift shop (which doesn’t have as much exclusive content I was hoping compared to other Ghibli stores).

I think we also felt we had to hang around because it took an hour just to get there (and we still had an hour-long excursion back to Tokyo).

So Is Ghibli Museum Worth It?

If you only have a few days in Tokyo, I think there are so many better things to explore in the city. Even if you’re the biggest Studio Ghibli fan.

P.S. Check out my fundamental list of things to do in Japan for any first time visit here .

The Ghibli Museum just fell short in so many ways, leaving me disappointed. Not to mention the stress and hassle it took just to get there, it really wasn’t worth it.

I felt like there should have been a lot more to the museum than there actually was (especially based on the size of the building – it’s massive). Most of the building was taken up by kids’ play rooms and administration offices.

Took Up A Lot Of Time (An Entire Day!) For Not A Lot Of Gain

At the end of the day, the museum is an entire day affair that I don’t think is worth it. If the museum was in downtown Tokyo, and there were some other must-do things in the area, it would be a different story.

I just didn’t feel as though I learned anything new about Studio Ghibli that day, which is what I was hoping for.

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Alternative: Book A Studio Ghibli Museum Japan Tour

You can actually solve most of the problems with the Ghibli Museum Tokyo by spending more money (yay!).

But seriously, this tour on Viator removes the complete hassle and stress of buying tickets. You’re guaranteed tickets when you book this tour (so it’s also a good back up option if you did really want to go, but the museum is sold out on your dates!).

Or, this tour on Viator also takes care of the annoyance of getting to the Ghibli Museum. The tour picks you up in downtown Tokyo, and takes you on an air conditioned bus to the museum.

On top of that, you’re touring with a knowledgeable guide (who also knows Japanese). So this might even solve the translation issues, and not getting enough value out of the museum for lack of knowing any Japanese. But they also might just give you additional information about Ghibli, instead of just hopelessly walking around the museum.

Looking For A Hotel In Tokyo?

We stayed at the Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier . We chose it because it was slightly larger than most hotels in Tokyo, and it was the same price. It isn’t in any major neighbourhood, but it was a quick walk to either the JR line or the subway. Check it out on Booking.com here .

Alternatively, if you’re looking at staying in one of the happening neighbourhoods, we had booked the Hotel Gracery in Shinjuku originally based on my cousins recommendation. You’re really in the heart of Shinjuku at this hotel. Check it out on Booking.com here .

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OTAKU IN TOKYO

anime tourism, real life anime locations and all things otaku!

Studio Ghibli Places in Japan You MUST Visit

If you have an interest in the Studio Ghibli anime films by Hayao Miyazaki, then you probably have an interest in Japan and vice versa! Many of these films are based in Japan which can, therefore, spark many peoples desire to visit Japan ! But did you know there are TONS of Studio Ghibli places in Japan dedicated to the films?! For example, the Studio Ghibli Museum , Studio Ghibli Cafes and even REAL LIFE Studio Ghibli places ! If you want to find out more, make sure to check out our list of the BEST 8 Places in Japan that are Studio Ghibli themed!

1. Satsuki and Mei’s House, Aichi

To start off our list of Studio Ghibli Places in Japan, It’s Satsuki and Mei’s house. If you love Studio Ghibli, them I’m sure you have watched the super famous film called ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ which follows the two main characters Satsuki and Mei. A big part of My neighbor Totoro is the house that they live in together with their father! They are constantly playing in the garden and throughout the house whilst their father works in his very messy office.

You can now visit the house in REAL LIFE! The house was constructed to be an EXACT replica of the film with massive attention to detail! All the rooms are the exact same, as well as the garden and items inside the house!! You can enter all the rooms and explore as much as you want, searching through the house for hidden items.

To visit the house you must buy tickets in advance at a lawson confine (Using the loppi machine ). Your ticket will give you a dedicated time that your tour will start at and you will get 30 minutes to explore the house as much as you want! The ticket prices are only 510yen, meaning it is a super cheap and fun activity for Studio Ghibli fans in Japan!

Yazako, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1103

10:00AM – 16:00PM

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2. Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory, Tokyo

You’ve probably seen these ADORABLE Totoro cream puffs all over instagram and wondered where to get your hands on them! Well, I’m here to tell you!! Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory in Tokyo is the cafe that came up with this concept and homemakes these cream puffs daily! There are tons of different flavors including Strawberry, Custard, Chocolate and many seasonal flavors as well! Each cream puff costs 400yen and the cafe sells many other foods as well!

As you can see from this picture, the outside of the cafe is truly magical as well! It honesty looks like it’s straight out of a Studio Ghibli film…you wouldn’t believe that this is in the middle of Tokyo. This is honestly such a great cafe to go to to grab some tasty treats and relax in the quiet wooded surroundings!

5 Chome-3-1 Daita, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0033

10:30AM – 19:00PM (CLOSED TUESDAYS)

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3. Studio Ghibli Museum, Tokyo

I’m sure you’ve all heard about the Studio Ghibli museum already as it’s one of the most popular Studio Ghibli themed places in Tokyo ever! But I just HAVE to put it on this list as it truly is AMAZING! You’re not aloud to take pictures inside the museum so I’ll keep it a surprise, but basically it’s full of amazing decorations and exhibitions ALL Ghibli related! This is also a great spot for those who are bring children to Japan as there are tons of fun activities to do inside the museum!

Tickets must be bought in advance on the official website , the MONTH BEFORE you plan on going (you cannot book anymore in advance than that). Weekend tickets sell out fast so if you’re looking to go on a weekend or at a popular time make sure to get a ticket as soon as they come out! Tickets cost 1000 yen.

TIP : If you happen to be studying abroad/living in Japan and you reside in the Mitaka area, tickets can be bought at your local Shiyakusho . Make sure to take your residence card with you!

1 Chome-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-0013

10:00AM – 18:00PM. (CLOSED TUESDAYS)

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4. Studio Ghibli Store, Tokyo

There are many Studio Ghibli shops all over Japan and especially Tokyo, including Ikebukuro, Odaiba and SkyTree… but one of the most easily accessible ones is located underground in Tokyo Station! These Studio Ghibli shops are called Donguri and they sell all the Studio Ghibli merchandise your heart desires! from plushies, to stationary, to food this shop has it all!

One of the places the shop is located underground Tokyo station, alongside a row of shops which has been given the name’ Tokyo Character street due to the sheer amount of character stores a long it. Including Studio Ghibli! This is somewhere you HAVE to go to if you’re looking for Studio Ghibli souvenirs in Tokyo!

〒100-0005 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Marunouchi, 1 Chome−9−1 東京 駅 一 番 街

10:30AM – 20:30PM daily.

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5. Kiki’s Bakery, Oita

This is honestly one of the sweetest and most wholesome bakeries i’ve ever seen in my life…and better yet it is Studio Ghibli themed! Located in a village in Oita, that has been built to look like the English cotswolds, this bakery is themed around the very popular Studio Ghibli film ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’. The bakery sells tons of homemade goods such as cakes, pastries and bread…all of which are super delicious!

The inside of the bakery is just as quaint and cute with all the tasty treats on display! The cafe is also very reasonably priced with post items being under 500yen! So if you’re a Studio Ghibli fan and you’re in southern Japan, make sure to stop off here, you won’t be disappointed!

1503-3 Yufuincho Kawakami, Yufu, Oita 879-5102

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6. Tomonoura, Hiroshima

If you’re thinking this fishing port looks familiar, that’s because it inspired the landscape of one of the places of the popular Studio Ghibli film ‘Ponyo’. The town itself is one of the most picturesque and calm towns in Japan and it’s a great place to go and relax whilst feeling like you’re inside the Ponyo film!

The landscape looks very similar to that of the anime and there is even the famous cliff that is featured in the anime! If you’re wanting to travel around places in Japan other than Tokyo, make sure to make Tomonoura and stop on your list!

Tomocho, Fukuyama, Hiroshima 720-0201

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7. Motomachi Shopping District, Yokohama

If you’ve seen The Cat Returns, a popular Studio Ghibli movie, then you’re probably thinking that this picture looks quite familiar. That’s because that movie was set in the streets of Motomachi shopping district which is located in Yokohama. This is one of the less known Studio Ghibli places in Japan but it is still somewhere you HAVE to go to! The town itself is VERY distinctive and almost looks like you’re in Europe, which is what the film seems like too! This is a super fun place to go to a recreate some scenes from the movie!

Yokohama is somewhere I’d highly recommend traveling to if you’re in Japan anyway so if you’re going there, make sure you stop off at this amazing town to make you feel like you’re in the Ghibli film!

1 Chome-8 Motomachi, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0861

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8. Baby King Kitchen, Tokyo

Although Baby King Kitchen is an independent restaurant in Tokyo that sells a variety of food, they have recently come out with there brand new Studio Ghibli menu!! The menu includes tons of dishes that have been inspired by the films. There are items like the Kiki’s Delivery Service themed cake, Soot Sprite meatballs and much more! If you’re looking for a reasonably priced lunch in Tokyo that is Studio Ghibli themed…you have to check out this super cute cafe in Tokyo!

〒166-0002 Tokyo, Suginami City, Koenjikita, 3 Chome−2−15

11:30AM – 21:30PM

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE▷▷▷▷ NARUTO THEME PARK OPENS IN HYOGO (NIJIGEN NO MORI)

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Advanced reservations are required.

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This is a website for Ghibli Park in Aichi, not for Ghibli Museum, Mitaka (Tokyo).

• 2024.03.20 Reservations for June 2024 will go on sale April 10th 2024 at 2 p.m. (Japan standard time)
• 2024.03.19 The Oscar statuette presented for winning the Academy Award will be on display in Ghibli's Grand Warehouse from March 20th (Wed).
• 2024.03.15 New exhibits will be on display in Ghibli's Grand Warehouse from March 16th (Sat), including exhibits themed around The Boy and the Heron .
• 2024.03.13 APM Cat Bus will start running in Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park from March 16th (Sat), 2024.
• 2024.03.08 The screening schedule at the Screening Room Cinema Orion in Ghibli's Grand Warehouse

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This touring Ghibli exhibition is now in Yokosuka, just outside of Tokyo

Explore the world of Ghibli and its iconic characters at the Toshio Suzuki and Ghibli Exhibition in Yokosuka Museum of Art

Held in Tokyo back in 2022, the touring Toshio Suzuki and Ghibli Exhibition is one of the best ways to get an inside look at the Ghibli universe – outside of Tokyo’s Ghibli Museum and the newly opened Ghibli Park , of course . The exhibition reexamines beloved Ghibli films through the eyes of Toshio Suzuki, the producer of some of the anime studio’s greatest hits including ‘ Spirited Away ’ and ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’.

Aside from Tokyo, the exhibition has made stops in other prefectures around Japan, including Kyoto, Fukuoka, Ehime and Iwate. It’s now been set up at its next location, in Kanagawa at the Yokosuka Museum of Art , and will be there until June 18.

Just like at the Tokyo version of the exhibition, you can enjoy a wide variety of interactive and immersive exhibits, including browsing thousands of Toshio Suzuki's favourite books, snapping photos with iconic characters including Totoro and Yubaba, and receiving a lucky fortune slip from Yubaba's sister, Zeniba. There will also be a dedicated area where you can shop for exclusive Ghibli souvenirs.

If you missed your chance to catch the exhibition in Tokyo, you'll be glad to know that the Kanagawa venue is well accessible from the city. You can reach the Yokosuka Museum of Art in about 90 minutes from Shinagawa Station.

General admission is ¥2,000 per person. Admission is free for junior high school students and younger, as well as high school students living in the area. The exhibition requires advance reservations – more details on the website . 

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Studio Pierrot to Stream Every Episode of Tokyo Ghoul for Free

Tokyo Ghoul fans will be able to watch all of the anime's 50 episodes for free as part of Studio Pierrot's 10th-anniversary celebration campaign for the series.

This July marks 10 years of Tokyo Ghoul , the anime based on Sui Ishida 's dark fantasy manga series. To celebrate the milestone, Naruto 's Studio Pierrot commenced a celebration campaign with a teaser visual of Kaneki's mask interlaced with scenes from the TV show. 48 TV episodes and two OVAs of the anime will also be free to stream from Studio Pierrot's YouTube channel for a limited time starting on April 5. The episodes are released in batches every Friday, with each batch only available for two weeks following release. This offering provides a good opportunity for Tokyo Ghoul fans to congregate at Studio Pierrot's YouTube channel every week for watch parties.

Studio Ghibli's The Boy and the Heron Reveals Long-Awaited Streaming Destination

The studio has confirmed the release schedule for the episodes, starting with Season 1, "Tokyo Ghoul," on April 5, followed by Season 2, "Tokyo Ghoul √A," on April 12. The two OVAs "Tokyo Ghoul: Jack" and "Tokyo Ghoul: Pinto" will be released separately in the next two weeks, followed by Season 3 "Tokyo Ghoul: re" and Season 4 "Tokyo Ghoul: re (final chapter)." The episodes will be temporarily unavailable on Japanese public holidays. Studio Pierrot has teased that this is just the initial offering for the campaign, with more to be announced at a later date.

Tokyo Ghoul's Anime Series Has a Divided Fan Base

The first season of Tokyo Ghoul had 12 episodes and aired in Japan from July to September 2014, with a follow-up season launched between January and March 2015. Two prequel episodes to the first season ("Tokyo Ghoul: Jack" and "Tokyo Ghoul: Pinto") were released in September and December 2015, respectively. "Tokyo Ghoul: re" was released in two 12-episode seasons in 2018. The anime faithfully captured the tone and spirit of the manga, but fans noted significant visual style differences. There was also a shift in animation style between seasons of the anime, largely attributed to the studios in charge of each. Many Tokyo Ghoul fans agree that the manga is superior to all subsequent adaptations, including the live-action films.

HIDIVE Update Makes Watching Your Favorite Anime Easier Than Ever

Tokyo Ghoul ran for 143 chapters as a serialized manga in Weekly Young Jump from September 2011 to September 2014. The chapters have since been compiled into 14 volumes released from 2012 to 2014. Despite the manga's popularity -- the 4th best-selling series in Japan in 2014 with almost seven million copies sold -- creator Sui Ishida has admitted that he's oblivious to the demographic of his fan base. "I have no precise idea what kind of people like to read my manga," he said in an interview . Ishida has worked on several projects aside from Tokyo Ghoul , including an untitled Hunter x Hunter story and Choujin X , his latest and currently ongoing manga series.

"Tokyo Ghoul: re" is available to stream on Crunchyroll. The manga is available via Viz Media in the U.S.

Tokyo Ghoul

A Tokyo college student is attacked by a ghoul, a superpowered human who feeds on human flesh. He survives, but has become part ghoul and becomes a fugitive on the run.

Release Date July 4, 2014

Cast Sora Amamiya, Rie Kugimiya, Natsuki Hanae

Genres Action, Horror

Rating TV-MA

Studio Pierrot

Source: Tokyo Ghoul official site , X (formerly Twitter)

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Studio ghibli fest 2024: full list of movies and schedule.

American film distributor GKids has revealed the complete lineup and schedule for the upcoming Studio Ghibli Fest 2024.

Key points:

GKIDS revealed the lineup of all 14 Studio Ghibli movies that will be available in theaters across North America this year in its announcement trailer on Friday.

The list includes “ Spirited Away ” (April 27-May 1), “ Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind ” (May 19 and 21), “Castle in the Sky” (May 20 and 22), “The Secret World of Arrietty” (June 9 and 11), “When Marnie Was There” (June 10 and 12), “ Princess Mononoke ” (July 13-17), “Ponyo” (August 3-7), “Whisper of the Heart” (August 25 and 27), “The Cat Returns” (August 26 and 28), “ Howl’s Moving Castle ” (September 26-October 3), “ Kiki’s Delivery Service ” (October 26-30), “Pom Poko” (November 24 and 26), “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya” (November 25 and 27), and “ My Neighbor Totoro ” (December 7-11).

The details:

Trending on NextShark: Studio Ghibli Fest 2024: Full list of movies and schedule

The annual festival, first launched in 2017 through a partnership between GKids and Fathom Events, sees the re-release of Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki 's works to participating theaters.

Besides Miyazaki’s films, this year's festival also includes works from other directors at Studio Ghibli, such as Isao Takahata’s “Pom Poko."

Tickets for the screenings will be available through Fathom Events and GKids’ websites.

Studio Ghibli also re-released “The Boy and the Heron” in theaters with bonus content on Friday.

Why it matters:

This year's Studio Ghibli Fest is particularly significant, coinciding with the studio's recent success on the awards circuit, including a historic win for “The Boy and the Heron” at the Golden Globes and securing the best feature animation award at the most recent Oscars .

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The 2024 Studio Ghibli Fest Will See 14 Films Return To Theaters

With “special celebrations” for the anniversaries of ‘kiki’s delivery service,’ ‘pom poko’ and ‘howl’s moving castle.’.

GKids and Fathom Events’ Studio Ghibli Fest is officially returning for its 2024 edition.

This year’s celebration will see a total of 14 films returning to theaters, as well “special celebrations” for the anniversaries of Kiki’s Delivery Service, Pom Poko and Howl’s Moving Castle . In addition to Hayao Miyazaki’s films, the 2024 edition will also highlight the works of directors such as Yoshifumi Kondo, Hiroyuki Morita and Hiromasa Yonebayashi for the festival that takes place from April all the way until December.

Studio Ghibli Fest 2024 Spirited Away:  April 27 – May 1 Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind : May 19, May 21 Castle in the Sky : May 20, May 22 The Secret World of Arietty : June 9, June 11 When Marnie was There : June 10, June 12 Princess Mononoke : July 13 – July 17 Ponyo : August 3 – August 7 Whisper of the Heart : August 25, August 27 The Cat Returns : August 26, August 28 Howl’s Moving Castle : September 26 – October 3 Kiki’s Delivery Service : October 26 – October 30 Pom Poko : November 24, November 26 The Tale of Princess Kaguya : November 25, November 27 My Neighbor Totoro : December 7 – December 11

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