Ghibli Museum Tokyo: Ultimate 2025 Visitor Guide & Ticket Tips

In Mitaka City of Tokyo, sits the Ghibli Museum, recognized as one of the most famous animation studios in Japan. It is a home to all kinds of iconic films, like My Neighbor Totoro, Castle in the Sky, Howl’s Moving Castle, etc.

The Ghibli Museum was designed by Hayao Miyazaki, one of the greatest animation directors in Japan. Slightly different from other Tokyo theme parks, the museum mainly displays part of works and the process of film making, which is a combination of technology, art, and museums for children. This whimsical building design aims to warm the hearts and inspire visitors, offering a space to ease people’s minds.

Here, Hayao Miyazaki's vision is brought to life, exemplified in rooms and every building. You can even find Totoro at the entrance! Exploring this intriguing wonderland can be one of the best things to do in Tokyo.

Why Visit Ghibli Museum Tokyo?

A Magical World of Studio Ghibli Animation

No matter who you are, an adult or a kid, you can enjoy the museum’s immersive exhibits to get lost in the magical world created by Studio Ghibli. Dive into the wonderland and learn more about Ghibli’s original storyboards, concept art, and behind-the-scenes animations from films like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. It must be a mecca for anime fans of Hayao Miyazaki.

Architectural Wonders Designed by Hayao Miyazaki

The architecture here near 1:1 reproduction of their appearance in animation, with stained-glass windows and the outer wall covered with lush greenery. The replica of the spiral staircase and interior bridges takes you back to that wonderful world for more exploration. The grassy rooftop gardens reflect the studio’s storytelling magic, where visitors are provided with a panoramic view of Inokashira Park.

Step-by-Step Ticket Booking Guide (2025 Updates)

Entrance tickets are not available at the museum counter; therefore, tourists are required to book tickets online in advance.

Official Lottery System Explained

According to Ghibli’s official website, tickets are sold at 10:00 am on the 10th of each month for tickets of the next month on the L-ticket website, the ticket website from Lawson Entertainment. For a verified Lawson account, each account can buy up to 6 tickets in a month.

Visitors can make a Ghibli Museum reservation through it, or purchase tickets from JTB, in which tickets are sold on the 1st of the month, and you can book them three months in advance.

Backup Options

When the Ghibli Museum sold out, you can also check authorized resellers such as Klook and KKday.

Other Ways to Get Ghibli Museum Tickets

For a convenient exploration journey, you can feel free to contact Hi Five Trip. We’d love to solve your problem of buying tickets and offer you customized package tours to Tokyo and Japan, helping you save more hassle for a better immersive experience!

Ghibli Museum Ticket Price

Check the Ghibli Museum's official website for more details.

Top Exhibits and Attractions of Ghibli Museum

Permanent Exhibition: Behind-the-Scenes Magic

Various permanent exhibits are held for visitors to explore reconstructed film sets, original sketches, and the creative process.

Anime fans can discover storyboards and the creator’s desk in Where a Film is Born. Children can have full enjoyment in the iconic "Catbus" model, which is only accessible to children in elementary school and younger. The Room of Movement exhibits the history and logic of animation as well as some representative gadgets from characters in Ghibli’s work. Tri Hawks Reading Room provides a relaxing reading space, filled with a variety of books, for visitors.

Enjoying exclusive short films at the Saturn Theatre can be one of the most anticipated things during your time in Tokyo, which is created specifically for the museum. Every 15-minute short film belongs to a surprising encounter and adds a magical vibe to your Ghibli adventure. All these highlights offer you chances to get a deeper understanding and appreciation of works from the Studio Ghibli Museum in Tokyo.

Rotating Special Exhibitions

In addition to permanent exhibits, some seasonal displays and special exhibitions are regularly released, like Future Boy Conan, Earwig and the Witch Exhibition, Painting the Color of Our Films, etc. The recently exhibited one is “The Boy and the Heron Part 3: Background Art”, showcasing the background behind the hand-drawn creation.

Interactive Experiences for Families

Kid-friendly interactive activities are prepared for families with kids to maximize your journey in animation workshops, including specific areas for children, hands-on activities, and themed treasure hunts, which are perfectly suitable for family outings and encourage visitors to physically experience.

Essential Tips for Visiting the Ghibli Museum

Ghibli Museum Opening Hours

Ghibli Museum is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and its last admission is at 4:00 pm. There are several admission periods, including 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 am, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm, and 4:00 pm. Note that enter the museum within an hour of your designated time.

How to Get to Ghibli Museum from Tokyo

Subway

Take a ride on the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Mitaka Station, which takes 15 minutes and costs about 230 yen. After walking out of the South Exit of Mitaka Station, it takes a 15-minute walk to the museum.

Bus

There is a Mitaka City Bus from the south exit of Mitaka Station to the Ghibli Museum. And routes are available, including the loop line and return line. It is estimated to take 30-40 minutes from Tokyo Station to the Ghibli Museum.

Best Time to Visit Ghibli Museum

The best time to visit the Ghibli Museum Tokyo is spring and autumn, while it mainly depends on what you want to appreciate. The weather in spring tends to be mild and pleasant, when you can immerse yourself in a pink sea during Tokyo cherry blossom season. When autumn comes to Tokyo, vibrant foliage dots the museum and creates a lovely ambience for your visit.

Summer tends to be packed with people, and winter has fewer crowds, but it is colder and drier. Try to avoid weekends and Golden Week for smaller crowds.

Photography Rules and Prohibited Items

Both photo and video records are prohibited for a deep immersion when tourists visit Ghibli Museum exhibits in indoor areas, while they are allowed to take photos in outdoor areas. The following are some outdoor photography spots.

Many photographers prefer to capture the front entrance from Rooftop garden angles, as well as Totoro standing at the gate, which looks like welcoming visitors. The large guardian robot on the rooftop garden from Castle in the Sky is popular among visitors.

The museum is equipped with nice facilities. And small bags and service dogs are allowed, both wheelchairs and assistive listening devices are available. There are some indoor restrictions: things like tripods, food/drink, and smoking are prohibited.

Which is Better: Ghibli Museum or Ghibli Park?

Although Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Park share the same name, they are distinct from each other, and tourists can gain various experiences in these areas. When Ghibli Museum vs Ghibli Park, which one fits you better? Browse the table below.

Beyond the Museum: Ghibli Hotspots Nearby

Mitaka City Exploration

Located in the most accessible site, Mitaka City is easily reachable from central Tokyo. Known as the Ghibli Museum and Mitaka Inokashira Park, the city attracts numerous locals and tourists. Apart from taking boat rides in Inokashira Park, visitors can stroll or take a break in nearby parks and cafes.

Hunting for some souvenirs, limited items, or a relaxing recreation, you will be satisfied in Kichijoji, the most attractive district in Tokyo.

Day Trip Combinations

Maximize the trip during your time in Tokyo; it is advisable to combine the visit with must-visit spots like Tokyo Skytree or Ueno Zoo. For instance, you can enjoy the bustling night view of Tokyo on the observatory of Tokyo Skytree after exploring the magical world of the Ghibli Museum during the day.

FAQs about Ghibli Museum Mitaka

1. How to buy Studio Ghibli Museum Tickets?

Booking Ghibli Museum tickets on its official website is available.

2. Where is the Studio Ghibli Museum?

Studio Ghibli Museum is located in Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, outside of central Tokyo.

3. Is the Ghibli Museum worth it?

The Ghibli Museum can be a desirable castle, waiting for your exploration. Not only can you realize animation-making, but you can also appreciate handmade pieces from the studio. You can buy some souvenirs in shops and have a sip in the cafe inside the museum. It is family-friendly and a great place for anime enthusiasts.

4. Is 2 hours enough for the Ghibli Museum?

2 hours are enough for exploring the exhibits in the Ghibli Museum. However, for gift shopping, give yourself one more hour at least.

5. Can I enter without advance tickets?

No. Tourists are required to book tickets in advance. There are no tickets sold at the museum counter.

6. Is photography allowed inside?

Photo or videos is not allowed inside the museum for an immersive experience. But you can take photos in outdoor areas.

7. Is the Museum suitable for young children?

Yes. Animation characters and fairy-tale buildings are greatly suitable for children and strollers. Besides, there are some child-friendly exhibits, and they must love facilities like Caubus.

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