The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, western Tokyo, is a magical, whimsical museum dedicated to the works of Studio Ghibli, the legendary animation studio behind films like My Neighbour Totoro, Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke. Designed under the direction of Hayao Miyazaki himself, the museum is a playful, storybook-like building full of winding staircases, stained glass, hidden nooks and surprises, deliberately laid out to be explored freely rather than in a set route. Inside you’ll find exhibits on the art and technique of animation, recreations of studio workspaces, a giant plush Cat Bus for children, a rooftop garden with a life-sized robot soldier from Laputa, and a small theatre showing exclusive short films seen nowhere else. Whimsical, charming and beloved by fans of all ages, it’s a must for Ghibli lovers — but tickets are date-and-time specific, must be booked in advance, and sell out fast, so plan ahead. Photography is not allowed indoors.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Mitaka, western Tokyo |
| Hours | ~10:00–18:00 (closed Tue) |
| Admission | Advance ticket required |
| Time needed | 2–3 hours |
| Best time | Year-round; book early |
What to See
- A whimsical building designed by Hayao Miyazaki.
- Exhibits on the art and technique of animation.
- The plush Cat Bus and a rooftop Laputa robot.
- Exclusive Ghibli short films in the small theatre.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Inokashira Park , a short walk away.
- Pair with Mount Mitake in western Tokyo.
- Read our Tokyo overview .
Getting There
- By train: to Mitaka Station, then a walk or shuttle bus.
- On foot: through Inokashira Park from Kichijoji.
Tips
Book your date-and-time-specific tickets well in advance the moment they go on sale, as they sell out very quickly (they cannot be bought at the door). Note photography is not allowed indoors, it’s closed on Tuesdays, don’t miss the exclusive short film in the theatre, and combine your visit with the adjoining Inokashira Park.
