Ghibli Museum Tokyo is a storybook escape for Studio Ghibli fans

Step inside the world of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli at this magical museum in Mitaka, with original short films, hand-crafted details, a rooftop Robot Soldier and one of Tokyo’s most charming museum cafés.

Written by Japan Index | Saturday 16 May 2026

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The Ghibli Museum Tokyo experience is one of the most beloved attractions for animation fans visiting Japan. Officially called Ghibli Museum, Mitaka, the museum sits near the greenery of Inokashira Park and feels less like a standard exhibition space and more like walking into a Studio Ghibli film. Totoro welcomes visitors near the entrance, stained-glass windows are filled with Ghibli characters, and every corner is designed to feel handmade, playful and full of discovery.

Rather than focusing only on famous movie scenes, Ghibli Museum Tokyo is built around the feeling of imagination. Inside, visitors can explore spaces inspired by the animation process, including rooms filled with sketches, books, models, toys and creative details that show how ideas can become animated films. The museum’s “Where a Film is Born” area is designed to give visitors a sense of how animation starts with inspiration and slowly becomes a finished story.

One of the highlights is the Saturn Theater, a small cinema inside the museum where guests can watch an original Studio Ghibli short film that is only shown at the museum. The museum also has a Reading Room called TRI HAWKS, where children can browse books recommended by Hayao Miyazaki and the museum team.

Families will especially love the Cat Bus room, where younger children can touch and play on a real-life version of the fluffy Cat Bus from My Neighbor Totoro. On the rooftop, visitors can see the five-metre-tall Robot Soldier from Castle in the Sky, standing as a quiet guardian over the museum and Inokashira Park.

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There is also plenty to enjoy beyond the exhibitions. The Straw Hat Café serves handmade food, desserts and drinks, while the museum shop MAMMA AIUTO! sells Studio Ghibli character goods and original museum items. For Ghibli fans, this is one of the best places in Tokyo to pick up a special souvenir.

Ghibli Museum Tokyo attraction details

Attraction: Ghibli Museum, Mitaka

Focus keyword: Ghibli Museum Tokyo

Best for: Studio Ghibli fans, families, couples, animation lovers and first-time Tokyo visitors

Venue: Ghibli Museum, Mitaka

Address: 1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo 181-0013, Japan

Hours: 10am–6pm

Entry: Advance reservation only

Official note: Tickets are date and time-specific, and there are no fixed exit times once inside.

Ghibli Museum Tokyo tickets

Tickets for Ghibli Museum Tokyo must be bought in advance. The museum does not sell reservations or tickets at the venue, so visitors should book before travelling to Mitaka.

Admission prices are ¥1,000 for ages 19 and over, ¥700 for ages 13 to 18, ¥400 for ages 7 to 12, ¥100 for ages 4 to 6, and free for children aged three and under. Tickets become available through Lawson Ticket at 10am Japan time on the 10th of each month for the following month’s visits.

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Ghibli Museum Tokyo access

The easiest route to Ghibli Museum Tokyo is by train to JR Mitaka Station. From JR Shinjuku Station, the JR Chuo Line takes around 20 minutes to Mitaka. From the south exit of Mitaka Station, the museum is around a 15-minute walk. A community bus also runs from JR Mitaka Station to the museum every 15 minutes during opening hours.

A visit to Ghibli Museum Tokyo is best planned early, especially because tickets often sell out quickly. Book in advance, arrive on time for your entry slot, and leave space in your day to walk through Inokashira Park or nearby Kichijoji afterwards.