The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, nestled within Inokashira Engi Park in Mitaka City, Tokyo, is a one-of-a-kind museum where you can experience the world of Studio Ghibli. With Director Hayao Miyazaki himself involved in the design, this special space allows visitors to experience the charm of numerous masterpiece animations such as “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Spirited Away,” and “Princess Mononoke” with all five senses. Since its opening in October 2001, it has attracted numerous fans from both Japan and abroad.
This article provides detailed information for maximizing your enjoyment of the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, from ticket reservation methods to hidden highlights within the facility.
About the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka
Museum Overview and History
The official name is “Mitaka City Animation Museum,” born from the fusion of Mitaka City’s cultural facility concept and Studio Ghibli Director Hayao Miyazaki’s museum vision. With two above-ground floors and one basement level, and a total floor area of approximately 3,500 square meters, it is a relatively small museum, but its density is unparalleled.
Designed based on sketches drawn by Director Miyazaki, the building has a unique world view as if you’ve wandered into a Ghibli work. Featuring organic design with extensive use of curves, colorful stained glass, and playful mechanisms hidden throughout, the building itself becomes a work of art.
Museum Concept
The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka has no predetermined route like typical museums. It is designed so that each visitor can freely explore the facility and enjoy their own personal discoveries.
Director Miyazaki created this museum with the hope that “children will see, touch, and feel mysterious things.” For both adults and children, visitors themselves become the protagonists of the story and experience the world of animation—this is the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka.
Ticket Reservation Methods and Entry System
Time-Designated Reservation System
The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka uses a time-designated reservation system so that all visitors can enjoy the experience comfortably. Tickets are not sold at the museum’s counter, so advance reservations are essential.
Entry times are divided into four sessions per day, each with a fixed capacity:
- 1st Entry: 10:00
- 2nd Entry: 12:00
- 3rd Entry: 14:00
- 4th Entry: 16:00
You must enter within 30 minutes of your designated entry time, but once inside, you can stay freely until closing time.
Purchasing Through Lawson Ticket
General tickets can be purchased through Lawson Ticket. Sales for the following month’s tickets begin at 10:00 AM on the 10th of each month (for example, tickets for May begin selling on April 10th).
Purchase methods are as follows:
- Internet Purchase: Available 24/7 through the Lawson Ticket official website or app
- In-Store Purchase: Available at Loppi machines in Lawson and Ministop stores nationwide
Due to high demand, especially on weekends, holidays, and during summer vacation, tickets often sell out shortly after sales begin. It’s recommended to make reservations early once your preferred date is decided.
Ticket Prices
- Adult/University Student: ¥1,000
- High School/Middle School: ¥700
- Elementary School: ¥400
- Preschool (4 years and up): ¥100
- Under 4 years old: Free
Local Resident Ticket Option
Resident tickets are also available for those living, working, or studying in Mitaka, Musashino, Koganei, Nishi-Tokyo, Chofu, or Fuchu cities. These are name-based tickets and require presentation of identification at entry.
Resident tickets tend to be easier to obtain than general tickets, so if you reside in an eligible area, definitely take advantage of this option. Details can be found on the Mitaka City official website.
Summer Vacation Early Lottery Sales
For the summer vacation period (July and August), early lottery sales may be held in addition to regular sales. This information is announced on the museum’s official website, so those planning to visit during summer vacation should check regularly.
How to Get to the Museum
Accessing by Train
Nearest Station: JR Chuo Line “Mitaka Station”
- From Shinjuku Station: Approximately 20 minutes by JR Chuo Line express
- From Tokyo Station: Approximately 35 minutes by JR Chuo Line
Mitaka Station’s South Exit is the nearest exit to the museum.
Getting from Mitaka Station to the Museum
On Foot (Approximately 15 minutes)
From Mitaka Station South Exit, it takes approximately 15 minutes walking along the Tamagawa Aqueduct. Directional signs toward the museum are posted along the aqueduct, so you won’t get lost.
The walk along the verdant promenade is also part of the experience of visiting the Ghibli Museum. Feel the changing seasons as you walk the path leading to the world of the story.
By Community Bus (Approximately 5 minutes)
Using the community bus from Mitaka Station South Exit takes approximately 5 minutes to arrive. The buses featuring cute Totoro and Catbus designs are also popular with Ghibli fans.
- Fare: ¥320 for adults, ¥160 for children (round-trip tickets available)
- Service Interval: Approximately every 20 minutes
- Bus Stop: Get off at “Ghibli Museum in Mitaka”
The bus is convenient for families with small children, elderly visitors, and rainy days.
Car Access and Parking Information
The museum has no dedicated parking lot. Use of public transportation is strongly recommended.
If you must visit by car, you’ll need to use paid parking around Mitaka Station or Inokashira Park, but traffic is expected on weekends and holidays. From an environmental perspective, traveling by train or bus is recommended.
Complete Guide to Museum Highlights
Entrance Hall
Upon entering the museum, your eye is immediately caught by colorful stained glass. The light filtering through stained glass depicting Ghibli characters creates a fantastical atmosphere.
The entrance ticket you receive is actually made from 35mm film. One frame from a Ghibli work is printed on it, with a unique image for each visitor. You can take this ticket home as a souvenir.
Film Theater “Saturn Seat”
A small cinema showing original short animations that can only be seen at the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka. In this charming theater with approximately 80 seats, you can watch approximately 15-minute short works.
The program changes regularly, and past works have included:
- “The Whale Hunting”
- “Colo’s Big Walk”
- “May and the Kitty Bus”
- “The House Hunting”
- “The Day I Bought a Star”
- “Water Spider Mommon”
- “Bread Seed and Princess Egg”
- “Miniature Sumo Wrestling”
These works are not commercially available and can only be seen at the museum. You can check the screening schedule on the official website.
Permanent Exhibition Room “The Room Where Motion Begins”
An exhibition room where you can experience the principles and mechanisms of animation. The large zoetrope (rotating peep show) display lets you see Totoro and Catbus characters actually moving, making it a huge hit with children.
This is a valuable space where you can learn the fundamental principles of animation—how static images in succession create the illusion of motion—through hands-on experience.
Planning Exhibition Room
An exhibition room introducing the behind-the-scenes production of animations. The space recreating an actual production site showcases various materials used in animation production, including storyboards, animation cels, and background paintings.
There’s also a recreation of Director Miyazaki’s office, allowing glimpses into a creator’s working environment. The planning exhibitions change regularly, so there are always new discoveries even on repeat visits.
Library “Tri-Hawks (Three Hawks)”
A library where Hayao Miyazaki and the Ghibli Museum have carefully selected picture books and children’s books. It was established as “a place to help children discover and pick up books to read.” The selection includes high-quality picture books from around the world, all enjoyable for adults too. You can spend time reading by the window, immersed in the world of books.
Rooftop Garden and Robot Soldier
The museum’s rooftop features a lush garden. Standing there is a massive Robot Soldier statue from the film “Castle in the Sky.”
The approximately 5-meter-tall Robot Soldier stands quietly, covered in moss, as if it had truly descended from Laputa. From the rooftop, you can also see the greenery of Inokashira Park. This is the only area inside the museum where photography is permitted (though photography with the Robot Soldier is possible, consideration for other visitors is appreciated).
Catbus Room (Limited to Elementary School Students and Under)
A special space only for children in elementary school and under. You can actually enter and play inside the Catbus from “My Neighbor Totoro.”
Hop into the fluffy Catbus and bounce around—a space where children’s dreams come true. Adults cannot enter, but can watch from outside.
Enjoying Ghibli Cuisine at Cafe “Straw Hat”
Cafe Atmosphere
Cafe “Straw Hat” on the first floor of the museum is a warm space that seems to have stepped out of a Ghibli work. The wooden interior and window seats overlooking the greenery of Inokashira Park are popular.
Menu
The cafe offers dishes inspired by the works and light meals and desserts using carefully selected ingredients.
Popular menu items include:
- Hot Dog: A simple and delicious hot dog that seems to belong in a Ghibli work
- Beer and Sausage: An adult-oriented set
- Cake Set: Original seasonal cakes
- Ghibli Special Drinks: Various original soft drinks
Desserts expressing the world of the works are particularly cute and photo-worthy (though photography inside the museum is prohibited).
Usage Tips
The cafe tends to be crowded, so it’s recommended to visit with time to spare. Lunch time (around 12:00-14:00) is peak busy time.
If you enter at the first entry time and get a light meal before viewing other exhibits, or aim for a time slot near closing, the cafe is relatively less crowded.
Museum Shop “Mamma Aiuto”
Exclusive Goods Only Available Here
Museum Shop “Mamma Aiuto” on the first floor offers an abundant selection of original goods only available at the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka.
Popular items include:
- Plushies: Totoro, Soot Sprites, Catbus, and more
- Stationery: Notebooks, pens, masking tape, etc.
- Accessories: Keychains, badges, pins, etc.
- Food: Cookies, candy, and other sweets
- Books: Museum original picture books and catalogs
- Miscellaneous: Tote bags, towels, tableware, etc.
Particularly popular are goods featuring the entrance ticket film as a motif and museum-limited design products, which sometimes sell out.
Official Web Shop Opening
While previously available only at the museum, some products can now be purchased through the official web shop. However, many items remain exclusive to the museum, so be sure to check the shop during your visit.
Tips for Souvenir Selection
The shop gets crowded as closing time approaches, so it’s recommended to visit early in the day after entering, or to visit with ample time after viewing all exhibits.
Also, popular items may have limited stock, so purchase promptly if you find something you like.
Important Rules and Manners for Enjoying the Museum
Photography and Video Recording Prohibited
Photography and video recording are completely prohibited inside the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka. This is based on the museum’s philosophy that visitors should “look at this space with your own eyes and feel it with your body, rather than viewing through a camera.”
Store your smartphone and camera in your bag, and experiencing the museum using all five senses is encouraged. The only exception is the rooftop garden area around the Robot Soldier.
Re-entry
Once you exit, re-entry is not permitted. When using the cafe or shop, plan to do so before exiting after seeing everything.
Luggage
Large luggage and suitcases can be stored in coin lockers near the entrance. For comfortable touring of the museum, storing large luggage is recommended.
For Visitors with Children
Strollers must be deposited at the entrance. Since the interior has many stairs, bringing a baby sling is recommended. Nursing rooms and diaper changing facilities are also available.
Museum Calendar and Closure Days
Regular Closure Days
The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka is closed every Tuesday. However, if Tuesday is a holiday, the museum is open and the following day becomes the closure day.
Maintenance Closures
The museum closes for maintenance several times per year. Check the “Museum Calendar” on the official website when planning your visit.
Operating Hours
- Operating Hours: 10:00-18:00 (Entry by four designated time slots)
- Final Entry: 16:00
Recommended Attire and What to Bring
Recommended Clothing
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: The interior has many stairs and you may walk along the aqueduct, so sneakers or other comfortable shoes are recommended
- Easy-to-Move Clothing: You may need to crouch to view exhibits and move around with children, so easy-to-move clothing is appropriate
- Seasonal Preparations: Don’t forget sun protection in summer and warm clothing in winter
Packing Checklist
- Entrance Ticket (if purchased through Lawson Ticket, your reservation number)
- Identification (required if using resident tickets)
- Beverages (vending machines are available but bringing your own is convenient)
- Eco-bag (for shop purchases)
- Baby Sling (if traveling with small children)
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Inokashira Engi Park
Inokashira Engi Park, where the museum is located, is one of Tokyo’s most nature-rich parks. You can enjoy boating on the pond, seasonal flowers, and a zoo. Exploring the park before or after visiting the museum is also recommended.
Kichijoji
Kichijoji, the next station on the JR Chuo Line from Mitaka Station, is a popular area that consistently ranks high on “Most Desirable Neighborhoods” lists. With many unique shops, cafes, and restaurants, you can enjoy a full day combined with the museum visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are same-day tickets available?
A: Same-day tickets are not sold at the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka. All admission is by advance reservation only, so you must reserve in advance through Lawson Ticket or as a resident ticket holder.
Q: How long does a typical visit take?
A: It varies, but typically 2-3 hours. Those wanting to look closely may stay 3 hours or more. Factor in time for cafe meals and shop browsing, and plan a schedule with plenty of time.
Q: Can small children enjoy it?
A: Yes, there are plenty of exhibits and experience corners for young children. The Catbus Room is especially popular with kids under elementary school age. However, the interior has many stairs, so bringing a baby sling is recommended.
Q: I want to bring foreign friends. Is there English guidance?
A: Multilingual guidance pamphlets including English are provided inside. The official website also has an English version, accommodating international visitors.
Q: Can I enjoy it on a rainy day?
A: Yes, since the main focus is interior exhibits, rainy days are no problem. However, you’ll need rain gear to see the Robot Soldier on the rooftop. Community bus use from Mitaka Station is recommended.
Q: Is wheelchair access possible?
A: Yes. Elevators are installed and the museum is wheelchair accessible. However, some areas are stairs-only, so advance consultation with the museum is recommended.
Conclusion: Experience Something Special at the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka
The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka is not merely an exhibition facility but a special space where each visitor becomes the protagonist of their own story and can adventure. This museum, created with Director Miyazaki’s wish that “children see, touch, and feel mysterious things,” is a place where both adults and children can truly enjoy themselves.
Purchase your time-designated reservation ticket early and visit with plenty of time on the day. The world of Ghibli experienced with your own eyes and heart, leaving the camera behind, will surely become an unforgettable memory.
Why not spend a day walking along the green Tamagawa Aqueduct and experiencing the magic of animation in a museum surrounded by the Musashino forest?
Official Website: https://www.ghibli-museum.jp/
Ticket Reservations: Lawson Ticket (Sales for the following month begin at 10:00 AM on the 10th of each month)
Find your own special story at the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka.
