Ghibli Museum, Mitaka: Tickets, Highlights, and Fun for All Ages

Growing up with Studio Ghibli films, I naturally passed my love for them onto my daughter. When we finally visited the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, it felt like stepping right into one of their magical stories. It’s the kind of place that brings smiles and wonder to people of all ages. In this post, I’ll share what makes the museum so special and a few tips for your visit.

First Things First: Booking Your Ghibli Museum Tickets

For reference, the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka is open by advance reservation only. You can’t buy tickets at the museum itself, so be sure to reserve yours ahead of time.
Even on a weekday, the earlier time slots were already taken, so it’s best to book as soon as you know which day you’d like to go.

You can find all the details about tickets here:
https://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/tickets

Next Stop: Getting to the Ghibli Museum

The Ghibli Museum sits inside the beautiful Inokashira Park in Mitaka, Tokyo.
It’s about a 30-minute ride from Tokyo Station to Mitaka Station on the JR Chuo Line (Rapid).
From the south exit of Mitaka Station, you can either walk for about 15 minutes along the Tamagawa Josui stream or hop on the cute yellow community bus that gets you there in around 5 minutes.

You can find detailed directions to the museum here:
https://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/hours-and-directions

Stepping into the World of Ghibli

Surrounded by lush greenery, the Ghibli Museum seems to blend perfectly with the forest around it. Director Hayao Miyazaki wanted to create a museum that harmonizes with the park and evolves over time.
Inside, photography and video are not allowed, and that’s intentional. The idea is to encourage visitors to see with their own eyes, feel with their hearts, and cherish the memories they create within this magical space.

Once you step into the museum, it feels like you’ve walked straight into a Ghibli story. The magical spaces, just like those in the films, are filled with exhibits that make both kids and adults excited and curious.
And there’s even the Cat Bus from “My Neighbor Totoro”. Children 12 and under can hop in and play in the Cat Bus. Watching them have so much fun, I couldn’t help but wish I were that young again!

Take a peek inside the museum here:
https://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/welcome

From just outside the Cat Bus room, climbing the spiral staircase up to the rooftop, we were greeted by the towering Robot Soldier from “Castle in the Sky”. Standing about 5 meters tall, this iconic figure is said to be the guardian of the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka.

There’s also the Straw Hat Café, serving warm and delicious dishes that show Ghibli’s love of food. To really enjoy the café, be sure to book your tickets and allow enough time to relax.

The Ghibli Museum is full of little details that let you truly experience the world of Ghibli. It’s a place where both kids and adults can have fun, and I highly recommend visiting to feel its magic for yourself!

 

Ghibli Museum, Mitaka
https://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en