Ghibli Museum

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.