Visit the Ghibli Anime Museum

Explore Mitaka: A Tranquil Tokyo Neighborhood Full of Charm

Just 20 minutes by train from Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku Station, Mitaka offers a peaceful escape from the high-rise energy of the city center. Lush parks, quiet residential streets, and a warm local atmosphere make Mitaka a great day-trip destination. But the real highlight here? The Ghibli Museum a one-of-a-kind experience dedicated to Japan’s beloved animation studio, Studio Ghibli.

Welcome to the Ghibli Museum: A Wonderland for Animation Lovers

Hidden inside Inokashira Park, the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka is a must-visit for fans of animation, storytelling, and imaginative worlds. Designed by Hayao Miyazaki himself—the legendary creator behind hits like My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Spirited Away—the museum is more than just a tribute to Studio Ghibli’s films. It’s an immersive, interactive space that captures the heart and soul of the studio’s artistry.

From the outside, the museum looks like it was plucked straight from a Ghibli movie. Vines crawl along colorful walls, curved windows peek out from whimsical towers, and even the rooftop is crowned by a life-sized Robot Soldier from Laputa: Castle in the Sky.

What to Expect Inside the Ghibli Museum

The museum is an imaginative blend of animation workshop, storybook gallery, and mini cinema. Each room reveals a new layer of the animation process, including:

• Original sketches and storyboards from Ghibli classics

• 3D zoetropes and moving exhibits that explain the magic of motion

• A replica of Hayao Miyazaki’s work desk, complete with pencils, books, and half-drawn ideas

• A cozy theater that shows exclusive short films you can’t see anywhere else

• A whimsical cat bus play area (for children only!)

There are no English labels, but the visuals are strong enough to communicate the wonder to any visitor language is hardly a barrier in a world this magical.

Ticket Info: How to Get Inside the Ghibli Museum

Because of its popularity, the Ghibli Museum uses a timed-entry system. Tickets go on sale on the 10th of each month for the following month, and they often sell out quickly.

Here are a few key tips:

• Tickets must be purchased in advance you cannot buy them at the museum.

• We recommend pre-ordering tickets early through official vendors or local travel partners.

• Be flexible with dates and times, as weekend and midday slots sell out first.

• Entry times are strictly enforced, so arrive 10–15 minutes early.

Our service can assist with pre-ordering your tickets, helping you plan your visit without the hassle.

A Perfect Day in Mitaka

Before or after your visit to the Ghibli Museum, be sure to stroll through Inokashira Park. It’s a beautiful green space with a pond, swan boats, cherry blossoms in spring, and cozy cafés tucked along the paths.

You can also explore Mitaka’s local shopping streets for a bite to eat or a souvenir. Small izakayas, bakeries, and dessert shops offer authentic tastes of neighborhood life in Tokyo.