Ghibli Museum

The basics

A Ghibli Museum ticket includes full access to the museum’s two levels, designed to imitate an animated set. In the first-floor permanent exhibition rooms, explore the vast collection of art and animation, plus learn about the history and culture of Japanese animation. Next, check out the special exhibitions and films on the second floor, which feature the work of Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli films as well as other animation studios and celebrated animated films, such as Toy Story and Wallace and Gromit.

It’s possible to explore the museum on a guided or self-guided Ghibli Museum tour, but a popular choice is to combine it with other Ghibli-related attractions such as Hotel Gajoen Tokyo and Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architecture Museum.

Things to know before you go

• Tickets are not sold at the museum and must be purchased well in advance.

• Plan at least two hours to take in the museum’s exhibitions.

• The museum has a cafe, rooftop garden, children's play area, and gift shop full of Ghibli merchandise and handmade crafts.

• The museum is accessible for wheelchair users.

How to get there

The Ghibli Museum is located in Mitaka, around 12.5 miles (20 kilometers) west of downtown Tokyo. The closest subway stop is the Mitaka station on the JR Chuo Line; from there, walk (15 minutes), or catch a bus or taxi to the museum (about a 5-minute journey). Or, get off at Kichijoji station for a 20-minute walk along Inokashira Park.

When to get there

The museum is open daily, except Tuesday, year-round. With all visits booked in advance, you won’t find yourself having to queue for tickets, but the museum is popular, and tickets can sell out weeks in advance.

Ghibli sights in Tokyo

The quirky animations produced by Studio Ghibli have left their mark all around Tokyo. After visiting the Ghibli Museum and the Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum (which inspired the architecture for Miyazaki's film Spirited Away), head to the Nippon TV headquarters in Shiodome, where a gigantic Ghibli Clock (created by artist Kunio Shachimaru to Hayao Miyazaki’s design) hangs right over the entrance. Another fun destination is the Shirohige Cream Puff Factory in Shimokitazawa, where all the baked goods (including the popular Totoro cream puffs) are Ghibli-themed and approved by the studio.

Is it difficult to get tickets to the Ghibli Museum?

Yes, getting tickets to the Ghibli Museum can be very difficult and often sell out months in advance. A limited number of online tickets go on sale on the 10th of the month for the following month; you must book your ticket for a specific date and time. You can also buy tickets from travel agencies and select convenience stores in Japan.

How long does it take to go through the Ghibli Museum?

It takes around 2.5 hours to tour the Ghibli Museum at a leisurely pace. There is no set course or itinerary for visitors, but many prefer to stay for 2–3 hours. However, the exact time can vary depending on individual interests and the crowd level during your visit.

Do they check ID at the Ghibli Museum?

Yes, staff at the Ghibli Museum will check your ID to ensure the name is the same as on the pre-purchased ticket. This policy is in place to combat scalping and ensure fair access to the museum.

Can I take pictures or videos inside the Ghibli Museum?

No, photography and filming are not allowed inside the Ghibli Museum. Further, mobile phones must be switched off. The museum enforces a strict policy against capturing images or videos to protect the artwork and maintain the immersive experience for all visitors.

Can I bring food into the Ghibli Museum?

No, food and drink can’t be brought into the museum. The cafe has an outdoor deck where outside food and beverages can be consumed.

Am I allowed to enter the Ghibli Museum with a pet?

No, pets aren’t allowed at the Ghibli Museum. They have strict rules against bringing animals into the museum to maintain a clean and safe environment for all visitors. However, service dogs are permitted.

Ways to explore

A Ghibli Museum ticket includes full access to the museum’s three levels—basement, first, and second floors, as well as rooftop garden—which are designed to imitate animated sets. Explore the vast permanent collection of art and animation, learn about the history and culture of Japanese animation, and check out special exhibits and films about Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli films, as well as about other animation studios and celebrated animated films. The museum will be of most interest to you if you are a fan of Studio Ghibli movies or Japanese anime in general.

Accessibility

The museum is mostly accessible, with accessible bathrooms on each floor, and wheelchairs are available to borrow. Hearing-assistance earphones are available in the Saturn Theater but provide Japanese commentary only. The rooftop garden is not accessible as it can only be reached by spiral staircase.

Age limits

None

What to pack

ID, as staff may check this against your ticket to prevent resales

What to wear

Sunhat for outdoor areas

Not allowed

Photography is prohibited inside the museum, and phones should be turned off.

Amenities

Coin-operated lockers, souvenir shop, café

Address

The Ghibli Museum is in Mitaka, western Tokyo, within the bounds of Inokashira Park; it is best reached by train. The park is a destination itself for Tokyoites and is especially pretty during cherry blossom and leaf peeping seasons.

Driving

Avoid driving to the museum because there’s no dedicated parking. Entrance is strictly timed, and you wouldn’t want to miss your entry because you’re circling the neighborhood looking for parking.

Public transportation

Catch the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku to Kichijoji Station, about a 15-minute walk from the museum, through Inokashira Park. Alternatively, disembark at Mitaka Station, then take a community bus to the museum (departs every 15 minutes).

Best times to visit

Museum admission is timed, and you can only enter within an hour of your ticketed time. Once inside, you can stay as long as you want.

Best days to visit

The museum is usually closed on Tuesdays; an up-to-date calendar is posted on the website. Tickets are difficult to secure, so take whatever day is available.

Best months to visit

The Ghibli Museum is busy year-round and is one of Tokyo’s most popular attractions. However, the number of visitors is restricted, so it’s never uncomfortably busy.