Ghibli Museum Mitaka Tokyo – Complete Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors
Published: 20/09/2025
If you love Studio Ghibli movies like My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, or Castle in the Sky, then the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo, should be on your travel list. This museum is not a regular tourist spot. It is a magical place created by Hayao Miyazaki, where you can step into the world of Ghibli films.
In this guide, I will share everything you need to know about the Ghibli Museum Mitaka: how to buy tickets, opening hours, what you can see inside, how to get there, nearby attractions, and useful travel tips. The language is simple and beginner-friendly, so even if it’s your first trip to Japan, you will feel confident planning your visit.
Let’s start.
What is the Ghibli Museum Mitaka?
The Ghibli Museum Mitaka is a small but very unique museum located in Inokashira Park in Mitaka city, western Tokyo. Unlike big museums, this one feels like a storybook house. Every corner is designed with details inspired by Studio Ghibli movies.
You will find original artwork, sketches, short films that you cannot watch anywhere else, and special play areas for kids. The building itself looks like it belongs in a Ghibli film. It’s colorful, cozy, and full of hidden surprises.
For anime lovers, this museum is like a dream come true. For families, it’s a fun and warm place where children and adults can enjoy together.
Where is the Ghibli Museum Located?
The museum is inside Inokashira Park in Mitaka. The address is:
1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo 181-0013, Japan
How to get there from Tokyo
- From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Chuo Line to Mitaka Station (about 20 minutes).
- From Mitaka Station’s south exit, it’s a 15-minute walk through Inokashira Park. The walk is very pleasant, especially in spring or autumn.
- If you don’t want to walk, there is a small community bus that runs from Mitaka Station to the museum every 10–15 minutes. You can pay by cash or IC card.
Tip: If you have kids, the bus is easier. But if you like nature, the walk through the park is a beautiful part of the trip.
Ghibli Museum Opening Hours and Closing Days
The Ghibli Museum opening hours are:
- 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.
Closed days:
- Every Tuesday (except special holidays).
- Some seasonal holidays (check the official calendar before visiting).
How to Buy Tickets for Ghibli Museum Mitaka
This is the most important part of planning your visit. Tickets are not sold at the museum gate. You must buy them in advance.
Key ticket rules:
- Tickets go on sale at 10:00 a.m. You can buy tickets starting on the 10th of each month, based on Japan time, for visits scheduled the following month. Example: Tickets for March are sold starting February 10.
- You need to select a specific date and time slot.
- Keep your ticket safe. Tickets are valid only for the person they were issued to.
Ticket prices (official):
- Adults (19+) – JPY 1,000
- Teens (13–18) – JPY 700
- Children (7–12) – JPY 400
- Small children (4–6) – JPY 100
- Children under 3 – Free
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Where to buy tickets:
- Online via Lawson Ticket (English website available).
- Some official travel agencies sell package tours that include tickets.
Tip for travelers: Tickets sell out quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. Set a reminder for the 10th of the month if you really want to go.
What to See Inside the Ghibli Museum
The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka is not a huge building, but every part of it has something special to see. Each area is carefully designed to show the art and history of Studio Ghibli. Here are the main highlights inside the museum:
1. Totoro at the Entrance
Before you even step inside, you are greeted by a life-size Totoro statue at the ticket booth. Even though it is not the “real” ticket counter, it is one of the most loved spots for photos.
Many visitors stop here first because Totoro is one of the most famous Studio Ghibli characters. This small detail already sets the mood and shows how much effort the museum puts into creating a fun experience.
2. Permanent Exhibition Rooms
One of the best parts of the museum is its permanent exhibition rooms. These rooms explain how animation works step by step. You will find original sketches, storyboards, drawings, and even tools that were used by Studio Ghibli artists.
The rooms show the process of how films like Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and My Neighbor Totoro were made. Visitors can see how simple drawings are turned into moving characters on screen. For anyone who is curious about art, film, or animation, these exhibitions are very educational.
3. The Cat Bus Play Area
This section is especially popular with children. The Cat Bus, taken from My Neighbor Totoro, is a large, soft, and fluffy play area that kids can climb, jump, and play inside. It is designed only for children, so adults cannot go inside, but it’s still fun for parents to watch their kids enjoy it.
The Cat Bus is often a favorite memory for families visiting the museum because it allows kids to feel like they are inside a Ghibli story.
4. Saturn Theater – Exclusive Short Films
The Saturn Theater is one of the most unique features of the museum. It is a small cinema inside the building that plays short Studio Ghibli films. These short films are exclusive, which means you cannot watch them anywhere else in the world.
Each visitor is allowed to watch one film per ticket. The lineup changes from time to time, so you never know which short film will be playing during your visit. This makes every visit a little different and gives fans a reason to return.
5. Rooftop Garden and Robot Soldier
If you go up to the rooftop, you will find a large garden space with the famous Robot Soldier from Laputa: Castle in the Sky. The statue is life-size and makes for a perfect photo spot.
The garden is a quiet area compared to the inside of the museum, and many visitors enjoy relaxing here after exploring the exhibitions. It is also a reminder of how nature and creativity are an important part of Studio Ghibli’s films.
6. Straw Hat Café and Gift Shop
The Straw Hat Café is the museum’s dining area. It serves light meals such as sandwiches, hot dogs, and Japanese-style desserts. The drinks menu includes coffee, tea, and seasonal specials.
The café has a cozy design that makes it a comfortable place to take a break. It often gets busy, so many visitors recommend planning a visit during less crowded hours.
Next to the café is the gift shop, which sells exclusive Studio Ghibli merchandise. You can find toys, puzzles, stationery, art books, and even limited-edition items that are not sold outside the museum. For fans, the gift shop is a must-visit because many of the items make perfect souvenirs or gifts.
Rules Inside the Museum
The Ghibli Museum has strict rules:
- No photography or video inside. You can only take photos outside or on the rooftop.
- No selfie sticks or tripods.
- Be quiet inside. The museum is meant to be calm and enjoyable.
This rule makes the visit more special. Instead of focusing on photos, you focus on the experience.
How Long Should You Spend at the Museum?
Most visitors spend about 2–3 hours inside the museum. If you also enjoy Inokashira Park or explore nearby Kichijoji, you can easily make it a half-day trip.
Best Time to Visit the Ghibli Museum
- Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
- Morning time slots give you more peaceful viewing.
- Spring and autumn are beautiful because of the cherry blossoms and autumn leaves in Inokashira Park.
- Avoid Japan’s major holidays (Golden Week, New Year) because tickets are very hard to get.
Food Options at Ghibli Museum and Nearby
- Straw Hat Café – Serves snacks, desserts, and drinks in a Ghibli-style environment.
- Parkside Stalls – Small local shops and cafes inside Inokashira Park.
- Kichijoji – Lots of restaurants offering Japanese and international food, just a short walk from the museum.
Things to Do Near Ghibli Museum
After visiting the museum, you can explore nearby spots:
- Inokashira Park – A large park with ponds, walking paths, and seasonal flowers. You can rent a boat here.
- Kichijoji – A trendy area with small shops, cafes, and restaurants. Great for shopping or eating.
- Inokashira Zoo – A small zoo inside the park, good for families with children.
- Buy tickets early (on the 10th of the month).
- Carry a small bag. The museum is not big.
- If you are with kids, don’t miss the Cat Bus play area.
- Plan extra time to explore Inokashira Park and Kichijoji.
- Bring some cash for small purchases and the community bus.
- Respect the no-photo rule inside.
Suggested Itinerary for Half-Day Trip
- Morning: Take the train to Mitaka Station and walk through Inokashira Park.
- Midday: Enter the museum, explore exhibitions, and watch the short film.
- Afternoon: Lunch at Straw Hat Café or in Kichijoji.
- Evening: Walk around Kichijoji or shop before heading back to central Tokyo.
Final Thoughts
The Ghibli Museum in Tokyo is not just a normal museum. It feels like walking into a dream world. From the first step inside, you feel as if you are inside one of Hayao Miyazaki’s movies. The big, soft Cat Bus that kids can climb, the quiet robot from Laputa: Castle in the Sky standing on the rooftop, and the short movies shown in the Saturn Theater all bring the same magic you see on screen.
What makes this place different is the small details. Every corner has something to notice, a hidden painting, a funny design on the walls, or a staircase that looks like it belongs in a storybook.
It doesn’t feel big and empty like many other museums. Instead, it feels warm, personal, and full of life, as if it were made just for the visitors. The no-photo rule also makes it special. Without cameras, you can enjoy the moment with your own eyes, not through a screen.
The museum is great for families. Children can play, touch, and learn in a safe and fun way. Adults love it too, because it brings back childhood memories and reminds them of the joy of simple imagination.
If you are visiting Tokyo, this is a must-see place. It is more than just looking at exhibits. It is about entering a world where creativity and imagination never end.
FAQs About Ghibli Museum Mitaka, Tokyo
No, tickets are not sold at the museum gate. You must buy them in advance through Lawson Ticket (online) or official travel agencies. Tickets usually sell out fast, so book early.
Ticket prices are very affordable compared to other Tokyo attractions. Adults pay JPY 1,000, teens JPY 700, children JPY 400, small kids JPY 100, and children under 3 years are free.
The easiest way is from Shinjuku Station. Take the JR Chuo Line to Mitaka Station (about 20 minutes). From there, you can walk 15 minutes through Inokashira Park or take a short community bus to the museum.
Most visitors spend around 2–3 hours inside. If you also explore Inokashira Park and Kichijoji, plan at least half a day for the full experience.
No, photography and video are not allowed inside the museum. You can only take photos outside, at the entrance, in the garden, and on the rooftop with the Robot Soldier statue.
Yes, the museum is very family-friendly. Kids especially enjoy the Cat Bus play area (for younger children only) and the colorful design of the building.
The Saturn Theater inside the museum shows Studio Ghibli short films that are exclusive to this location. They are not available online, on DVD, or in cinemas. Each visitor can watch one film per visit.
The Straw Hat Café serves sandwiches, hot dogs, cakes, and drinks. There is also a gift shop selling exclusive Studio Ghibli items like toys, puzzles, and art books that you cannot find outside the museum.
Weekdays and morning time slots are less crowded. Spring (cherry blossoms) and autumn (red leaves) make the walk through Inokashira Park extra beautiful. Avoid Japan’s major holidays like Golden Week, when tickets sell out very fast.
You can enjoy Inokashira Park, visit the small zoo inside the park, or explore Kichijoji, a lively neighborhood with many shops, cafes, and restaurants.
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- Be Respectful
- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks
