Type: Museum / Art Experience City: Tokyo Neighborhood: Mitaka (western Tokyo, ~30 min from Ikebukuro) Address (EN): 1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-0013 Address (JP): 〒181-0013 東京都三鷹市下連雀1-1-83 Website: ghibli-museum.jp Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (last entry 4:00 PM); closed Tuesdays Entry: ¥1,000 adults / ¥700 teens (13-18) / ¥400 children (7-12) / ¥100 ages 4-6
Why We’re Going
Hayao Miyazaki’s personal museum in Inokashira Park, Mitaka. It’s not a standard exhibit space - it’s a whimsical building designed to feel like you’ve stepped into a Ghibli film. Spiral staircases, stained glass, a rooftop garden with a life-size Laputa robot, a small cinema showing exclusive short films not available anywhere else, and a recreation of Miyazaki’s studio workspace.
Even if you’re not a deep Ghibli fan, the design and craft of the building itself justify the visit.
Booking
April tickets sell out 6-8 weeks ahead. Book or skip now - no walk-up option exists. See Decide Later.
Book at: ghibli-museum.jp (click “Tickets” → international purchase option) or via JTB or an authorized overseas travel agency When to book: As early as possible; April dates frequently sell out 6-8 weeks ahead How: Select date and entry window; pay by credit card; ticket sent by email; show QR code on arrival What you get: Timed entry for one of four daily windows - 10:00, 12:00, 2:00, or 4:00 PM; date and time specific, no changes once booked
Tips
- The museum is intentionally non-linear - no guided route, explore at your own pace
- The exclusive short film in the Saturn Theater is included with entry - it changes periodically and cannot be seen anywhere else
- The Catbus Room (for young children) is only accessible to families with kids under 12
- Gift shop has exclusive Ghibli merchandise not sold elsewhere in Japan
- Photography allowed in most areas; respect any “no photo” signs
Getting There
From Ikebukuro (Tokyo base): JR Chuo Line → Mitaka Station (direct, ~25 min, ¥330) → shuttle bus from south exit to museum (~5 min, ¥210) or 15 min walk through Inokashira Park
IC card covers all transit.
Alternatively, walk through Inokashira Park from Kichijoji Station (adjacent stop on Chuo Line) - a pleasant 20 min walk through the park, especially good in cherry blossom season.
Day Shape
Weather: Excellent rainy-day option - almost entirely indoors, easy transit, fully absorbing for 2-3 hours
Pairs well with:
- Kichijoji Station area (Harmonica Yokocho for dinner, covered shopping arcade, Jazz bars)
- Inokashira Park walk (if weather allows)
Doesn’t pair well with:
- Heavy sightseeing days - the museum deserves unhurried time
- Late start days - last entry is 4 PM
Energy level: Low - flat terrain, slow pace, fully indoors