Ghibli Museum, A Homage to Japan’s Anime Industry

Studio Ghibli is world famous for its beautiful and touching anime movies that steal the hearts of its watchers and Academy Awards from other animated films. With 36 years of history producing some of the best anime ever seen, there’s no surprise that a museum is established in its honor. 

Table of Contents

1. Introducing the Ghibli Museum
2. A Tour Around the Ghibli Museum
3. Access, Opening Hours, and Ticket Information
4. Takeaway

Introducing the Ghibli Museum 

Both anime fans and those unfamiliar with anime have heard, or at least caught a glimpse, of Ghibli’s famous works. There are also people that know of them but are not aware that they are Ghibli’s or even Japan’s creations. Thus the Ghibli Museum is one of the most recommended places to visit in Tokyo. 

A Must Visit for Anime Fans

Opened in 2001, the Ghibli Museum’s full name is Mitaka no Mori Ghibli Bijutsukan 三鷹の森ジブリ美術館 which translates to Mitaka Forest Ghibli Art Museum. Ghibli Museum is much less of a mouthful. 

The museum was established by Hayao Miyazaki, a co-founder of Studio Ghibli as well as the studio’s most famous director. Many of the works he was involved in became global hits and Ghibli’s legendary works including Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle. 

The Ghibli Museum is not just a fun place to see one’s childhood come alive, it is also an educational experience showing how these amazing works of art were made back in the old days. At those times, technology was severely limited and just like old Disney movies were difficult to produce. Yet, many of Ghibli’s old works contained characters with fluid movement, lively emotions, and unparalleled beauty all in its own distinct Ghibli style. When compared with modern made animations these days, they do not lose out and can even surpass them. 

※ Museo d'Arte Ghibli, "Special Exhibitions"
※ Studio Ghibli, "History of Studio Ghibli"

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A Tour Around the Ghibli Museum

Without further ado, let’s look closer at the sights and sounds within the Ghibli Museum.

Full Immersion into the World of Ghibli

The Ghibli Museum was built following the concept of “Let’s get lost together” or in Japanese “Maigo ni narouyo, isshoni”. The idea behind this is for visitors to become so immersed in the museum’s environment that it feels like they’ve been transported into a new world, or well the Ghibli World. This isn’t particularly difficult as the architectural design, greenery, colours and all succeed in bringing the anime world alive. 

Characters Brought to Life

A Ghibli World wouldn’t be complete without the beloved characters like Totoro being there to greet you. Amidst the beautifully constructed environment, the Ghibli characters look well at home. From Spirited Away’s soot sprites lurking in dark corners and a Laputian Robot from Laputa Castle in the Sky standing tall with the sky as a backdrop are truly great discoveries and wondrous sights. 

Original Short Animated Film

There are several Ghibli Museum Limited Original Short Animated Films available for viewing at the Saturn Theater. The feature film changes every month so make sure to check the schedule here (Japanese only). Past feature films include a “Totoro sequel” called Mei and the Cat Bus, while other notable short films are Dough & Princess Egg and Monmon the Water Spider. Upcoming films for the year 2022 are Boro the Caterpillar in February, and Koro’s Walk in March. 

※ Ghibli Museum, “Films”

Limited Time Special Exhibits

There are several permanent exhibitions in the museum which are available all year round, but occasionally they have special exhibitions as well. One of which was the opportunity to ride aboard the cat bus from Spirited Away, Original Short Animated Films exhibitions, a special exhibition focusing on food depicted in Ghibli films, Ghost Tower by Ranpo Edogawa, and more.

The latest Special Exhibition is on Earwig and the Witch that was released in 2020 and directed by Hayao Miyazaki’s son. This exhibition is expected to be available till May 2022. 

※ Ghibli Museum, “Special Exhibitions”

Museum Cafe and Souvenir Shop

The museum cafe, cutely named Straw Hat Cafe, serves a variety of home-cooked food, snacks, desserts, and drinks. All their food is made with the freshest of ingredients from local farms. The cafe’s parfait is a must-try but aside from that, they also serve sandwiches, cakes, soups, and fries. 

The souvenir shop is called Mamma Aiuto meaning “save me, mom” in Italian. This was taken from the Sky Pirates in the Ghibli movie Porco Rosso. Get a special souvenir to commemorate your trip here. From fashion goods to snacks and cutlery, they have it all, so you’ll probably end up buying more than you expect!

Access, Opening Hours, and Ticket Information

Location

Ghibli Museum is located in Mitaka, not far from Inokashira Park. The nearest train station is JR Mitaka Station, a 15-minutes walk away. You can get to the station by taking the Chuo Line from JR Shinjuku. 

To skip the walk, take the local bus from JR Mitaka Station which will take you directly to the museum. The cost for an adult is 210 yen single way or 320 yen round trip. 

Note: Round trip bus tickets need to be bought at the ticket vending machine next to the bus stop or at the information desk.

Opening Hours

10:00~18:00

※ Museo d'Arte Ghibli, “Hours & Directions”

Ticket Information

1,000 yen (Adult), 700 yen (13~18 years old)

Note: Advanced ticket purchase is a must. You cannot buy any tickets at the museum. Tickets are notoriously hard to get as they sell out fast, so make sure you know what you are doing in advance!

Where to Buy Tickets to Ghibli Museum (From Overseas)

There are 2 places you can get Ghibli Tickets:

1. Lawson Online

2. JTB Overseas Office

Note: (1) There are daily limits for tickets. (2) Handling surcharge and currency exchange rates will apply. (3) Ticket reservations are available 3 months in advance. (4) There are travel companies that can help you buy the tickets but it will be way more expensive. 

※ Museo d'Arte Ghibli, "Tickets"

Where to Buy Tickets to Ghibli Museum (From Japan)

For those living in Japan, you will have to buy tickets via Lawson Tickets, here. This may be difficult as the page is in Japanese. 

Note: (1) Must use a smartphone. (2) Must use the Lawson Ticket
app. (3) Must have a Japanese phone number. 

※ Museo d'Arte Ghibli, "チケットの購入方法"

Takeaway

Indeed, Japan offers a plethora of exciting activities for both locals and tourists alike. The Ghibli Museum is a haven for adults to reminisce their childhood memories as they go through each floor seeing their favorite Ghibli characters. If you have the chance to visit Japan, you have to make sure to visit the fun and quirky Ghibli Museum!