ghibli museum bus tour

• Ghibli Museum tour

• Tour Course
• Assemble Spot

Departure Date

• Customer Review
• Tour Outline

What's Ghibli Museum?

Ghibli Museum Mitaka in Tokyo is where you can get into the world of the Studio Ghibli animation. It is one of the most popular spots in Tokyo. Many of Studio Ghibli fans have visited since it's opening. There are various exhibitions such as about an animation production process and original short movie showing limited at the museum. Various contents attract all the Studio Ghibli fans.

Sought-after tickets for Ghibli Museum

Since Ghibli Museum is so popular that its admission ticket is hard to get. However, the tickets are guaranteed for the participants of this tour. Join the tour and enjoy exploring the Inokashira Park around the museum first. After feeling relaxing atmosphere, get into the Studio Ghibli world!

An English speaking guide accompanies you to the museum from Kichijoji Station.

--> Tour Schedule

JR/KEIO LINE KICHIJOJI STATION

Assemble at 1:30pm

(Walk to Ghibli museum and explore Inokashira Park with an English speaking guide/1.5km, 40min)

INOKASHIRA PARK

Explore Inokashira Park with an English speaking guide

GHIBLI MUSEUM

After entering the museum, enjoy Ghibli world by yourself. Call it here!

Tour Course -->

The park people in Tokyo love the best is Inokashira Park. It was opened in 1917, and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2017. Those who watch Japanese TV program may have seen it since the park is often used as a shooting place. Also, many families and couples visit here for a picnic. Some shops, nature park and Ghibli Museum are in and around the park.

Recommendable Spots

Inokashira Benzaiten Shrine

Inokashira Pond Ruins

Monument of Tokugawa Iemitsu

Kotori no Mori

Assemble spot -->.

Keio Line Kichijoji Station Open Space under the ticket gates

• Go down by escalator from Keio Line Kijichoji Station ticket gates (30sec walk from the gate)
• 2F of the building
• The floor under Starbucks coffee at "Kirarina Keio Kichijoji"
• Find the staff wearing a pink vest.
• Be sure to arrive at the assemble stop well in advance.

Departure at 1:30pm from Kichijoji Station

Departure time: 1:30 pm from Kichijoji Station

*Departure time in July: 1:30 pm

*Please be noted that the departure time varies depending on the date.

Customer Review -->

My trip to ghibli museum finally, i got there.

I really love Ghibli films since I was a little kid. But I couldn’t get Ghibli museum admission ticket every time I came to Japan. This time, I joined WILLER’s tour and finally visited Ghibli Museum! The best point of this short tour is that you don’t have to book a ticket by yourself in advance.

Booking this ticket is sooo bothering. The tickets start to sell on the 10th of every month. You have to book a ticket at Lawson and need to receive it in Japan within 3 days or pay by credit card.

Tickets are sold out as soon as they are started to sell. Usually, all the tickets are taken in 1 day.

Post your photos with the hashtag "#willerghibli" on your Instagram, and share your memories of Ghibli Museum tour!

Tour Outline -->

Booking -->.

From 5,500 yen

*This tour is a walking tour. NO travel by bus.

*Price varies during high season.

Benzaiten, one of Japan's eight lucky gods, is actually the octet's sole goddess. She's also the Japanese incarnation of the Hindi goddess Sarasvati and a patron of the arts. Her realm is the waters, which is why you'll find this shrine on an island in Inokashira-park's central pond.

Inokashira Pond

Speaking of Inokashira Park, it must be a boat. You can row a colorful boat or swan boat at this pond. The scenery from spring to winter on board is also impressive. Some Japanese teenagers believe an funny rumor that a boy and girl who row a bot at Inkoashira park will break up" because God of Benzaiten get jealous!

The third Shogun Iemitsu Tokugawa said to have named the monument "Inokashira". He graved "Inokashira" which means the source on the Magnolia kobus when visiting here for a falconry.

You can see the nature itself here. There are secret windows to watch wild birds that even small children can also use. This area is preserved for wild birds which like lush green places.

Ghibli Museum and Bus Tour - Excursion in Japan - Japanspecialist

Ghibli museum and bus tour.

Ghibli Museum Tour

Step into the magical world of Studio Ghibli.

Suggested itinerary.

The tour meets at JTB Sunrise Tours Sales Office on the 3rd Floor of Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo's Main Tower in Shinjuku. Please arrive 10 minutes before the starting time with your voucher. You will then transfer to your bus.

Lunch at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo (60 minutes)

Welcome to the Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, a Ghibli icon. The beautiful hotel lobby inspired Miyazaki’s film "Spirited Away". Take a picture of the famous red entrance before enjoying a buffet lunch. After lunch, you'll move to the next destination.

Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum (60 minutes)

Start your afternoon with the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum; an outdoor museum dedicated to historic structures with the major cultural significance representative of the Edo and Showa periods. 

The museum is essentially a small village where you can walk and see old teahouses, onsen, and the private residential homes of Japanese legends. Here you'll feel the atmosphere of Ghibli movies as Miyazaki and his colleagues are said to have taken inspiration here.

Ghibli Museum (150 minutes)

Continue the visit with the visit of the famous Ghibli Museum, where you can witness a huge selection of exhibits, including insights into how the animations are made and witness an exclusive short animated Ghibli original feature that can only be seen at the museum. Here you will have two and a half hours to explore at your own pace. Don't forget to go on the rooftop to see the robot from the movie "Laputa: Castle in the Sky."

The tour ends at the arrival at Shinjuku Station where you will be dropped off by bus.

What is included

• English Speaking guide
• Transportation
• Entrance fee

What is not included

• Pick-up and drop-off service

Incorporate this excursion into a tailor-made itinerary

We believe that every trip to Japan should be unique and full of memories that last a lifetime. With our Online Consultancy Service, our experts are will create a custom itinerary incorporating not only this excursion, but all the others you wish to experience during your time in Japan.

The price of this service starts at EUR 50,- and is fully reimbursable if you book your tour with us.

What is covered during the consultation?

Experience Japan your way with our experts

We are part of JTB, the largest travel company in Japan and one of the biggest in the world, with over 100 years of experience. We are passionate about this wonderful country, having spent decades designing adventurous itineraries for our clients.

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Tokyo Studio Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Film Appreciation Tour

TICKET PRICES STARTING FROM

Taxes and fees will be calculated at checkout

This hugely popular bus tour includes special entry to the advance-reservation-only Ghibli Museum. The museum features a plethora of exhibits introducing animation and production processes as well as a small theatre where a Studio Ghibli’s original short animated film is screened. All tour participants will receive a Ghibli Museum teacup on board the tour vehicle. Feel free to bring it home as a souvenir. During the tour, Visit Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, the lunch venue. This spectacular historical building is said to have inspired an important structure in a Studio Ghibli film. Enjoy the atmosphere and savor a buffet featuring the hotel's prized cuisine. At Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, walk down streets lined with colorful and intriguing buildings which evoke an atmosphere just like in the Studio Ghibli film, "Spirited Away." Take some time to ponder while strolling around. ©Museo d'Arte Ghibli

Ticket Information

• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking

What's Included

• Round-trip transfer by air-conditioned coach
• Admission fee for Ghibli Museum
• Admission fee for Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum
• Professional guide (except during museum visits)

What's not Included

• Guide in the museums
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

Cancellation Policy

• All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Additional Info

• Wheelchair accessible
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Children 3 and younger are free of charge; no seat or meal will be provided
• Baby strollers cannot be taken into Ghibli Museum.
• If the tour cannot visit Hotel Gajoen Tokyo or Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum due to facility circumstances, an alternate destination will be visited and the tour will still be held. (Instead of the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, the tour may visit Jindai-ji Temple or Takahata Fudoson Temple.) Refunds will not be issued in case of this itinerary change. Thank you for your understanding.
• Participants may not go directly to the destination on their own, and may not join the tour midway. Leaving the tour midway at Ghibli Museum is allowed. In such cases, customers must head to their next destination on their own from Ghibli Museum, and no refunds will be provided.
• Arrival times may be delayed by traffic conditions.
• The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter does not provide guidance inside Ghibli Museum. After arriving at Ghibli Museum, participants will have time to walk freely through the museum once entrance procedures are finished.
• The meal is served buffet style. Vegetarian meals and allergy-friendly meals are not accepted. At the restaurant, each dish will have a label displaying the dish name and icons of ingredients referring to any of 8 food allergens used in the dish. On the day, customers themselves must check the ingredients before taking food.

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Ghibli & Film Appreciation and Bus Tour

We will maintain our normal operations of this hugely popular tour in 2019 which includes special entry to the advance-reservation-only ghibli museum as well as visiting other sites in tokyo that inspired the director of the film please follow the link to check if your requested dates are available and inquire today, individual ticket sales by lawson stores, purchase ghibli tickets is if you go on the ghibli museum official website per link below and click on "lawson" store tickets as they have a different inventory than we do and they sell their tickets 1 month prior to the requested admission date. please click here for more details for lawson tickets for more information: www.ghibli-museum.jp, general information, 1-1-83 shimorenjaku, mitaka-shi, tokyo 181-0013 tel. 0570-055777, within mitaka inokashira park. to mitaka station, take the jr chuo line. approx. 20 min. from shinjuku station. from the mitaka south exit, approx. 15 min. walk along the tamagawa josui "waterworks" to the museum., advance purchase of a reserved ticket which specifies the admission date only, the museum is closed every tuesday, except on these tuesdays:, travel services.

Travel News Letter

Jtb usa official sns.

• Hours and Directions

10:00-18:00

Entrance to the Ghibli Museum is strictly by advance purchase of a reserved ticket which specifies the entry date and time of the reservation.

Ghibli Museum, Mitaka

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

To JR Mitaka Station, take the JR Chuo Line, approximately 20 minutes from JR Shinjuku Station. From the south exit of JR Mitaka Station, it's a 15-minute walk to the Museum.

A community bus runs from JR Mitaka Station to the museum every 10 to 20 minutes while open. Bus tickets are on sale at the vending machine by bus stop No.9.

All admission to the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka is by advance reservation only.

Upcoming Exhibition

"the boy and the heron part 2: layouts" special exhibition.

Starting on May 25, 2024.

Upcoming Film

The day i bought a star.

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Guide to Ghibli Museum, Mitaka

Enter the anime playground of Studio Ghibli's Hayao Miyazaki

Admission to the Ghibli Museum is by advance reservation only.

For many, the animated films of Hayao Miyazaki are a gateway to a lifelong fascination with Japanese culture. From the emerald rice paddies of My Neighbor Totoro to the steamy bathhouse of Spirited Away , the images of Miyazaki’s films, produced by his company Studio Ghibli , leave a lasting impression on viewers young and old.

The Ghibli Museum is the whimsical counterpart to the Studio Ghibli production arm. Here, visitors are immersed in the world created by Miyazaki and his talented team. Spiraling iron staircases, a soaring entrance hall and stained glass emblazoned with familiar movie characters mark the visitor’s transition from the outside environment to the fantastical one inside. While perhaps the most significant, it is one of many places in Japan inspired by Studio Ghibli and its anime heritage.

Exhibits at the Ghibli Museum

The museum is divided into several exhibit spaces:

“ Where a Film is Born ” covers the first floor, tracking the progress of a Miyazaki masterpiece from drawing board to cutting room floor. Spaces such as “A Boy’s Room” give viewers a glimpse into what may inspire the filmmaker. Other displays detail the actual process of drawing storyboards and coloring cells. Piles of books on the floor, cans of pencil stubs and reams of papers all give the exhibit a lived-in feel, as if Miyazaki himself has just stepped out for a cup of tea.

The " Tri Hawks " reading room is the perfect place to surround yourself with some of Miyazaki’s own recommended books. While mostly in Japanese, even younger visitors will enjoy paging through the illustrated stories to see characters that inspired the filmmaker in his journey. Stop by for a few minutes or settle in for an afternoon – the space is open to all for an unlimited time.

The museum also organizes year-long special exhibits revolving around particular themes. In the past, such exhibits have covered topics ranging from food representation in Ghibli films to creative machines from the science fiction/fantasy realm to in-depth explorations of some of Studio Ghibli’s most popular creations.

Past exhibitions

Painting the Colors of Our Films , explored the use of color in bringing touches of reality into the works of founders Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki. The event ran from 17th Nov 2018 through to November 2019.

For those visiting the Ghibli Museum over the lunch hour, the Straw Hat Cafe on the museum grounds serves up both regular fare and specialties that can be found peppered throughout Miyazaki’s films. Consider a plate of Bacon and Eggs at the Castle from Laputa or the chocolate cake from Kiki’s Delivery Service.

Ghibli Museum's Straw Hat Cafe

Delicious organic food served at the adorable Straw Hat Cafe, located in Ghibli Museum, Mitaka, Tokyo.

Ghibli Museum Highlights

The museum is full of iconic Ghibli moments, with characters sure to be recognized by all. Children under 12 adore climbing all over the plush “Cat Bus”, a scaled-down version of the original feline vehicle that appeared in the classic My Neighbor Totoro. On the museum roof, a five-meter high Robot Soldier from Laputa (Castle in the Sky) looms over the scene. Be sure to poke into all the museum's corners, to discover doorways of varying sizes, unique stained glass and characters hidden in the unlikeliest of places.

Perhaps most unique is the opportunity to enjoy an original short film by Studio Ghibli in the museum’s movie theater, the Saturn Theater . The film changes from time to time, with the current production featuring a class of preschoolers on a "whale" of a journey. Be sure to stay until the film’s conclusion, when the theater’s domed roof is opened to the sky.

Don’t leave without stopping off in the museum gift shop— Mamma Aiuto of Porco Rosso fame—on the third floor, where a host of Ghibli products tempt even the most reluctant of buyers. Though the standard fare of stuffed animals and Ghibli DVDs are obviously available, the shop also carries items that range from puzzles to postcards to porcelain tableware emblazoned with popular characters. True fans can purchase a 3D model of the museum itself, replicated down to the finest details.

How to get tickets for Ghibli Museum

It’s no exaggeration to say that passes to the Ghibli Museum are one of the hottest tickets in town. The museum regularly sells out its weekend slots within hours of tickets going on sale, and dates that coincide with school holidays are always booked up quickly.

Tickets for the Ghibli Museum go on sale at 10:00am on the 10th of the preceding month. That means that for visitors planning a visit in May, tickets would go on sale on April 10th at 10:00am.

Entry times are limited to four separate time slots – 10am, 12pm (noon), 2pm and 4pm – though once inside, visitors are welcome to linger.

One cool thing about the Ghibli Museum is each ticket contains cell frames from one of the films.

Tickets can be typically purchased only through the authorized distributor, Lawson’s convenience store. In the case of group tickets, these can be arranged through JTB’s offices overseas.

• For those residing outside of Japan, tickets may be purchased online via the Lawson’s website beginning on the 10th of the month at 10am (Japan time).
• For those in Japan, tickets can also be purchased at Loppi machines in Lawson’s convenience stores. The Ghibli Museum website offers an excellent step-by-step guide in both Japanese and English on how to purchase tickets at the convenience store.

Ticket prices range from ¥1000 for adults, ¥700 for teenagers aged 13-18, ¥400 for ages 7-12 and ¥100 for ages 4-6. Children under the age of four are admitted for free. Up to six tickets are available for purchase by one person.

Please note that all tickets MUST be purchased in advance. There are NO tickets available at the museum itself.

Several online travel agencies and experience vendors also provide services to purchase Ghibli tickets without the hassle, as well as bundled with day tours.

Getting to Ghibli Museum

The Ghibli Museum is located in western Tokyo, halfway between the Chuo Line stations of Mitaka and Kichijoji.

For most visitors, the easiest access is from the south exit of Mitaka Station, where a loop bus runs from 7am until 8pm (a full schedule of the times can be found on here on the Ghibli website ) to the Ghibli Museum and back again to the station. The loop bus costs ¥210 for a one-way trip, ¥320 for a round-trip.

In good weather, the museum can also be reached from Mitaka Station by a 15-minute walk along the picturesque Tamagawa Josui canal.

Things to know for your visit

Visitors should be aware that ID is necessary to enter the museum, if the ticket has their name listed. (This is often a requirement for tickets bought directly from the Lawson’s convenience store.) Be sure to bring a passport or ID card, which staff will check at the door.

Very little of the museum is signed in English, though an English brochure listing major sections of the facility is available. For other assistance, ask a Ghibli staff member – a number of them are fluent in foreign languages.

Things to Do around the Ghibli Museum

There’s plenty to do nearby the Ghibli Museum for visitors of all ages.

Kids will get a kick out of the wide-open spaces of Inokashira Park , and several playgrounds dot the area. The park’s swan boats are a hit with all ages, perfect for a paddle especially during cherry blossom season.

The park is also home to the Inokashira Zoo , which features mostly small animals with a particular focus on indigenous Japanese and other Asian species.

For shoppers, the boutiques of Kichijoji are an excellent place to wile away an afternoon. Kichijoji is also a fantastic place for vegetarians and vegans, with a number of local cafes and eateries serving up veggie-heavy dishes free of meat and animal products.

Explore nearby Ghibli Museum

Kichijoji lies west of Shinjuku — a little quiet but never out of sight. This neighborhood is often described as one of the most desirable to live in, and it's not hard to understand why...

Inokashira Park Cherry Blossom

Situated close to Kichijoji Station, the park is popular all-year round, especially during Spring to see the cherry blossoms and..

Inokashira Park Zoo

A ten-minute walk from Kichijoji Station is the Inokashira Park Zoo. Attractions include the Squirrel Trail, Wild Bird Forest and..

Find out more about Ghibli Museum .

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By Japan Travel

Japan Travel Staff

Information

Ghibli Museum

1 Chome-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-0013 ( Directions )

ghibli-museum.jp

Explore nearby

By Jaime Wong

Things to do near the Ghibli Museum

By Jerome Lee

Exploring Japan with Friends

By Elena Lisina

Inokashira Park in Kichijoji

By Sandeep Casi

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How to Score Yourself Ghibli Museum Tickets Before It's Too Late Here are the 4 best ways

December 20, 2016 • words written by Carla Sinclair • Art by Aya Francisco

The Ghibli Museum is probably at the top of every anime fan's list of places to visit in Tokyo. In fact, it's spectacular enough for anyone to enjoy, even if you've never seen Spirited Away , My Neighbor Totoro , Castle in the Sky , or any other Studio Ghibli film.

Conjured up by director Hayao Miyazaki himself, the museum's cartoonish architecture, colorful organic shapes, spiral staircases, and ginormous sculpted characters can take your breath away. Walking around the Ghibli Museum is like moving through a dream.

The museum, located in Mitaka, Tokyo, is also highly engaging – for adults as well as children. Some of the museum's highlights include:

• Fascinating demonstrations on how animation works
• A theater that shows Studio Ghibli short films that you can't see anywhere else
• A huge Totoro Cat Bus that you can climb aboard
• A children's play area
• The whimsical Straw Hat Cafe that offers super cute food (yes, food can be cute!)
• An awesome (if not too crowded) gift shop full of Ghibli goods you won't find elsewhere

The Ghibli Museum is now at the top of your must-visit list, but it's not a done deal. Deciding you want to go is easy, but getting your hands on a ticket is the hard part. You can't just walk up to the museum, buy a ticket, and saunter in. In fact, come to the museum without a ticket and you'll be turned away – you need to purchase it in advance.

4 Ways to Buy Ghibli Tickets

The four best ways to get a Ghibli ticket are:

• Lawson's Loppi Machines (purchase in Japan)
• Lawson online
• Japan Travel Bureau (JTB)
• Booking a tour

These aren't the only ways to get your hands on a ticket, but trying another way can be iffy. For instance, some people have luck getting their hotel concierge to buy Ghibli tickets, but that could mean waiting until the last minute, which is not a good idea. Other people who have friends living in Mitaka can sometimes procure a special "neighborhood ticket," and if that's you, go ahead and ask your friend.

But for the rest of us, there are tried and true methods. As long as you plan ahead, they're your best bets for getting into the magical doors of the Ghibli Museum.

1. Lawson's Loppi Machines (Purchase in Japan)

If you're going to be in Japan for over a month, the easiest and cheapest way to get a Ghibli ticket is to buy it at a Loppi ロッピー （ ） (short for Lawson online shopping) ticket machine, found at any Lawson convenience store. With 11,384 Lawson stores spread across all 47 prefectures of Japan , you shouldn't have a problem finding one.

If buying through Loppi, make sure to plan your purchase ahead of time. Tickets for Ghibli go on sale at 10:00 a.m. on the 10th of the month before your actual visit. So if you are planning to visit the museum in February, tickets would become available January 10th. This doesn't mean you have to buy them right on the 10th, but the longer you wait, the higher chance you have of the date and time you want selling out.

In peak seasons, it's especially important to buy a ticket as soon as possible, but during off-season months, it's common to find tickets on Loppi even a week or less in advance, and sometimes right on the same day, especially during the week. Tofugu editor Michael Richey just traveled to Japan, and he had a friend in Tokyo buy his Ghibli ticket via Loppi a month before he got there – if you know anyone already in Japan, maybe they can get you a ticket ahead of time too.

Ticket Prices

Tickets are least expensive when buying through Loppi :

• ¥1000 for adults
• ¥700 for teens ages 13-18
• ¥400 for kids ages 7-12
• ¥100 for children ages 4-6
• FREE for anyone under four years old

How to Use Loppi

Once you're at Lawson, look for the shiny red machine near the cashier. The screen can look intimidating with its many buttons almost all in Japanese. But don't worry, you can do it!

Tap the "Information" button at the top of the screen.

Tap the second button at the top of the screen that says "English."

Now you'll see some English, but there is still a lot of Japanese mixed in, which can make this part confusing. But have no fear. We've found two sites that will help: Ghibli and Mihoshappylife . Click on one (or both) of these for a step-by-step guide to get you through the rest.

And perhaps even more helpful, here's a YouTube video by two travel bloggers who do a pretty good job showing us how to use the machine . They speak Italian but kindly add English subtitles.

Once you've ordered your ticket(s), the machine will spit out a receipt. Take this receipt to the cashier, sign it, and pay. The cashier will hand you a voucher, which you will later exchange at the Ghibli Museum for a real live ticket.

Other Tips About Using Loppi

You will need to know the "L-code" for the month you want to visit, and this is simple: January is 30001, February is 30002, March is 30003, etc. December would be 30012. When it comes to entering the month, just figure out your code and hit the button that corresponds.

There are no refunds, so make sure to choose the exact date and time you want. If it's sold out they will let you know and you can choose again. If you accidentally hit the wrong date and time and finish the transaction, sorry Charlie. They will not refund or exchange a ticket once you've purchased it.

Once you get your receipt, you have only 30 minutes to give it to the cashier, so no leisurely shopping for Pocky before heading to the register.

2. Lawson Website (Purchase Online)

If you don't have the luxury of kicking around Japan for a month or more (in order to purchase tickets on Loppi way in advance), a safer bet is to order your tickets ahead of time online. One place to do this is through Lawson .

The great advantage to ordering through Lawson is that they don't charge extra fees: you get the same base price that Loppi offers (see above).

The other great advantage is that you can print out your ticket at home, so there are no shipping fees (like there are with JTB travel agency, below).

Just like ordering through the Loppi machine, tickets become available on the 10th of the month before the month you want to visit. When I checked mid-morning on Dec 10th, all of December and most of January was already sold out.

The moral of the story is to check Lawson online early in the morning, right on the 10th! These tickets sell out fast.

3. JTB Corp Travel Agency (Purchase Online)

If Lawson online is sold out, you can try JTB Corporation, Japan's largest travel agency. Unfortunately, tickets are almost double the price at JTB, since they add tax and handling fees (then even more for shipping fees if you don't have a JTB office in your city). Here's a list of JTB offices in the US .

Make sure to order online as soon as you can. Unlike Loppi, which sells tickets approximately 4-7 weeks in advance, JTB makes tickets available on the 1st of every month, four months in advance. And don't take that as a pass to ponder the dates. As soon as the 4-month window of ticket availability opens up, jump online and grab your tickets! Fast! As I look on JTB for Ghibli availability on December 1, I see NOTHING available for all of December, Only ONE day available in January (the 29th), and half of February is available. March is wide open. So plan ahead and buy four months in advance if possible.

JTB's Fine Print

• JTB sells to non-residents of Japan only.
• You can only purchase a maximum of six tickets at a time.
• You must buy your tickets at least 10 days before your departure date so they can ship you the "tickets."
• You won't really be getting "tickets" – JTB sends you vouchers that you exchange for tickets once you get to Ghibli.
• Make sure to bring your original vouchers – not copies – Ghibli only takes the real deal.
• JTB does not offer refunds or exchanges.

4. Booking a Tour (Purchase Online)

This is the way I got into the Ghibli Museum, but I suggest this as a last resort, mainly because it's expensive and it's not really a "tour." You do take a tour bus (as well as a train) to get there, and you get interesting Ghibli trivia from the guide while traveling on said transportation. But once you get in the door of the museum, you're on your own, Bub. This is fine by me, but I'm not sure why it's called a tour.

The advantages of booking a Ghibli "tour" are:

• From the center of Tokyo it could take over an hour of navigating train stations and bus stops to get to the museum, so traveling with a guide makes getting there easy and stress free.
• You'll get all kinds of fun facts about Studio Ghibli and the museum on your way there.
• Most importantly, it's an alternative way to secure Ghibli tickets before you get to Japan.

The company I booked with was Viator . The tickets were SIX times the amount a ticket through Loppi or Lawson would be! But all the other methods were sold out for the week I was going to be in Japan, and Viator had an open date, so I cracked open the piggy bank and went for it. At least the tour guide was really friendly and informative, and getting there was a breeze. Since I couldn't find another way to get a ticket, I was happy I booked the tour, er, found a way to get into the Ghibli Museum doors.

Note: Booking through Viator may be a request for tickets if they're available, and not necessarily a purchasing of tickets. One reader told us they booked through Viator, only to be told the tickets could not be secured. So keep in mind, your experience may vary.

Ghibli Hours and More Quirky Rules

Don't let the dreamlike magic of the Ghibli Museum fool you: this place runs a tight ship (but you've probably already noticed that, with the no-refunds and 30-minutes-to-get-from Loppi-machine-to-the-Lawson-cashier type of rules mentioned above). So here are a few other things to keep in mind for smooth sailing.

Hours of operation: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Days open: Every day except Tuesdays. Oh, except January 3 and March 21 – for some reason these two Tuesdays are open in 2017. Ghibli Museum also closes for a week at the end of the year and for the New Year holiday, from December 27-January 2.

Get there on time! You have half an hour from your entrance time to get your feet in the door. Otherwise, start all over and buy another ticket.

Times you may enter the museum: When ordering a ticket, you have a choice of only four times to enter the museum: 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. Once you're there, you can stay as long as you like.

Getting there from Tokyo: As I mentioned above, getting to Mitaka from the center of Tokyo can take a while. From Tokyo Station, the train lines become local and hit every stop, and once you finally get to Mitaka Station, you have to buy a special bus ticket from a machine at the bus stop to get on a Ghibli bus that takes you to the museum. So make sure to give yourself at least 1.5 hours to get there, just to be safe.

Punctuality: Get there on time! You have half an hour from your entrance time to get your feet in the door. Otherwise, start all over and buy another ticket.

What to Bring (Things You Better Not Forget!)

• Your passport! You won't get in without it.
• Your voucher (or printout with barcode if you're ordering from Lawson online) – in other words, your tickets!
• Some hidden food, if you can. The Straw Hat cafe is adorable and yummy, but there could be a wait of 1-2 hours, and there is nowhere else to eat inside the museum. Just don't tell them we told you to bring food if you get caught.

Is it worth it? Yes!

I know, I know. Getting into the Ghibli Museum isn't easy. From grabbing an available date to following all the rigid rules to navigating your way to MItaka, it's a miracle anyone gets inside the museum. But once there, you're whisked into pure enchantment, an alternate universe, and all the hassles of getting there are instantly forgotten. Seriously, it's totally worth the trouble. So go get those dang tickets, and be quick about it!

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Enjoy the Ghibli Museum - JTB Sunrise Tours

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Enjoy the Ghibli Museum

Hotel for lunch was great. Love the environment. Expect the art gallery but turned out to go temple. A bit boring for my kids. Ghibli Museum was great!

Thanks for joining JTB Sunrise Tour, Ghibli Museum & Ghibli Film Appreciation bus Tour. We're glad to hear that you enjoyed not only Ghibli world but lunch. We hope you'll visit Ghibli Museum again and look forward to seeing you again in Japan. We'll be much appreciated if you recommend our tour. Thank you!

What a great day trip! Even though we could only go to the fourth station due to icy roads further up, we were fortunate to have a clear, sunny day so the views of Mt. Fuji were spectacular. Our tour arrived at 11am, which was good because the clouds moved in later that afternoon. The Lake Ashi cruise was sweet and thankfully they have seating inside because it was cold that day. The boat takes you to the gondola ride which was not a scary as I anticipated. At the top is a park with walking paths and more amazing views. When they say dress warmly, they mean it! We had winter coats and scarves but wished we had boots and hats. The wind at the top is relentless and the small gift shop has an ice cold cement floor with only a small space heater off to one side. The excitement continued with the bullet train ride back - it was a great way to end the day. The only negative to the trip was lunch. It sounded and looked nice, but you’re at an amusement park....very disappointing. All in all, a great day!

Thank you for joining JTB Sunrise Tours, Mt. Fuji and Hakone Day Tour. We're glad to know that you had a great day through our tour, especially for good weather. It depends on the weather condition if you can see Mt. Fuji or not, indeed. Besides, we're excited to hear that you experienced taking Japan's bullet train described "a great way to end the day". Seeing Mt. Fuji from the bullet train is also exciting! We hope you'll be able to experience it next time. We'll be much appreciated if you recommend our tour and look forward to seeing you again in Japan.

The all day Mt Fuji, Hakone tour was absolutely amazing and our Tour Guide “Keiko” was the best tour guide we have ever had and speaks English really well! Keiko was on top of everything making sure we’re all fine and made our tour the best ever experience! Arigato Keiko-San!

Great! Keiko our tour guide absolute Gem. Meet & Greet at the Courtyard Marriott Ginza was really professional and reassuring. Tour to Mr Fuji really educational. All possible changes due to weather well explained. We were lucky to have sunshine and great views of Mt Fuji from station 1 (road closed to S5 due to ice) and many many other places on trip. Guide worked non stop ensuring everyone happy. Included meal was ok and a good break. Shinkansen back to Tokyo awesome way to finish. 5 Star value well worth it. Thx Keiko for the lovely hand made origami crane you gave out to all guests to celebrate last day of 2019. Only one observation - ropeway cable car infrastructure is rusted corroded full of concrete cancer - makes it look like WW2 bunker in need of demolition just saying.

What can I say...this was a perfect day to visit Hakone and Mr fuji. We had the perfect tour guide Mayumi who was very accommodating and knowledgeable, the perfect driver to go with it,the perfect day for the tour and the perfect food!Everything was perfect. I would highly recommend this tour and company . My only suggestion is put a tip box so the guide and driver get some sort of compensation for their impeccable work. I always tip at the end of the tour.

Awesome tour guide by the name of Masa, friendly, very knowledgeable and an excellent fun to be with .All the places we visited on this trip was worth every penny . A must do !

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Ultimate Guide to Ghibli Museum: Everything You Need to Know

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By train (shinjuku or tokyo station), best time to go to ghibli museum, what to eat at ghibli museum, things to do at ghibli museum, ghibli museum map, 1. neko bus (catbus) room for children, 2. permanent exhibition room, 3. special exhibition room, 4. the saturn theater, 5. the rooftop garden, 6. the museum shop (mamma aiuto), 7. the straw hat café, 8. the tri hawks reading room, things to know before visiting ghibli museum, other attractions in tokyo.

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Immerse yourself in the whimsical world of animation at the Ghibli Museum, which is dedicated to the art and technique of animation and showcases the work of the globally acclaimed Studio Ghibli, renowned for creating masterpieces such as "Spirited Away," "My Neighbor Totoro," and "Princess Mononoke." Whether you're a die-hard fan or a curious visitor, the Ghibli Museum promises a unique experience. This article offers famous spots of Ghibli Museum, museum map, transport options to the museum, and everything you need to know!

The Ghibli Museum is a museum dedicated to the work of Studio Ghibli, Japan's renowned animation studio famous for its feature films directed by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, etc.

How to go to Ghibli Museum

Source: from Ghibli Museum official website

The Ghibli Museum is located in Mitaka, a city in the western part of the Tokyo Metropolis in Japan. To visit the museum, you have several transportation options, primarily via train and bus. Here's a general guide on how to get to the museum:

1. JR Chuo Line:

2. JR Sobu Line:

A community bus runs from JR Mitaka Station to the museum every 10 to 20 minutes while open. Bus tickets are on sale at the vending machine by bus stop No.9.

Ghibli Museum is a popular destination for fans of Studio Ghibli's animated films. When planning a visit, several factors can influence the best time to go. Here's a general guide to help you decide:

The Ghibli Museum is a popular destination for fans of films such as "My Neighbor Totoro," "Spirited Away," and "Princess Mononoke." If you're planning a visit and looking for dining options nearby, here are several restaurants for you to choose:

Source: from JR Rail Pass offical website

The Ghibli Museum is a whimsical building with various exhibits and attractions spread across multiple floors, including a rooftop garden. Here's a general guide to what you can expect on each floor:

The Ghibli Museum consists of various spots and attractions, such as Tri Hawks, Mamma Aiuto, Catbus room, Straw Hat Café, etc. Moreover, the museum also offers a wide range of customer facilities, including restrooms, accessible restrooms, nursery rooms, locker facilities, and infant-related service.

Ghibli Museum Attractions

The Ghibli Museum is a magical place that celebrates the work of the renowned Studio Ghibli, offering a unique experience that reflects the studio's whimsical style and the creative vision. While the museum's exhibits may change periodically, here are some must-visit attractions typically found at the Ghibli Museum:

Young visitors can play inside a life-sized replica of the Catbus from "My Neighbor Totoro." It's a delightful experience for kids, who can climb and explore the furry interior of the iconic character.

This room features "Where a Film is Born," which shows the imagined workspace of Hayao Miyazaki, complete with sketches, storyboards, and other pre-production materials that give insight into the creative process behind the films.

The museum hosts rotating special exhibitions that delve into various aspects of animation and the works of Studio Ghibli. These exhibits provide a deeper understanding of the artistry and themes explored in the studio's films.

A small theater inside the museum screens exclusive short films created by Studio Ghibli that can only be seen at the Ghibli Museum. The selection of films changes periodically, offering a unique experience with each visit.

Here you can find a life-sized robot soldier from "Castle in the Sky" overlooking the garden. It's a great spot for taking photos and enjoying a moment of tranquility.

This shop offers a wide range of Ghibli merchandise, including exclusive items that are only available at the museum. It's the perfect place to find souvenirs and gifts for Ghibli fans.

Visitors can enjoy Ghibli-themed food and drinks in this charming café. The menu often includes items inspired by scenes from the studio's films, and the atmosphere is designed to make you feel like you're part of the Ghibli universe.

Source: from Youinjapan.net

A cozy reading room where visitors can sit and enjoy books from Hayao Miyazaki's personal collection. The books are primarily in Japanese, but the illustrations and artwork are enjoyable for non-Japanese speakers as well.

Remember that photography inside the museum is generally not allowed , as the museum encourages guests to fully immerse themselves in the experience without distractions.

Visiting the Ghibli Museum is a magical experience for fans of Studio Ghibli's films. Before you go, here are some important things to know to make your visit as enjoyable as possible:

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Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse

HOME ⁄ What is Ghibli Park? ⁄ Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse

Ghibli's Grand Warehouse is a spectacular display of all things Ghibli. From the screening room to the three special exhibitions to the shops and café, the warehouse is absolutely bursting with "Ghibli".

Central Stairs

The first and second floors are connected by a brilliant mosaic tile staircase. Keep an eye out for character shapes hiding in the designs. Under the skylight, the Giant Flying Ship flies slowly with its propeller on.

Open Warehouse

Here, you can have a glimpse of the warehouse which contains production artifacts and sculptures from past exhibits in Japan and abroad.

Three Special Exhibitions

Three special exhibitions that introduce studio ghibli and studio ghibli productions.

Becoming Characters in Memorable Ghibli Scenes

In these interactive exhibits, become your favorite Studio Ghibli characters as you find yourself in a world of famous film scenes. There are 14 scenes from 13 films. At Spirited Away climb aboard the mysterious sea railway train and become Chihiro sitting next to No Face.

Delicious! Animating Memorable Meals Expanded Edition

"Delicious! Animating Memorable Meals Expanded Edition" is an upgraded version of the popular exhibition previously displayed at Ghibli Museum, Mitaka. Why does the food in Studio Ghibli films look so delicious!? Those secrets are revealed here. The renewed exhibit includes production materials from Spirited Away , From Up on Poppy Hill , and Earwig and the Witch and a reproduction of the From Up on Poppy Hill kitchen.

Everything Ghibli!

A collection of Studio Ghibli posters, film and music packagings, books and more, all in one place. Distinct styles and unique titles from countries all over the world appear in this visual lineup.

Screening Room Cinema Orion

Screening all of Ghibli Museum, 10 original Studio Ghibli animated-shorts

The Screening Room Cinema Orion seats approximately 170 people. 10 original Studio Ghibli animated-shorts, previously available exclusively at Ghibli Museum, Mitaka, will be screened one at a time.

Screening Schedule

*Schedule after March, 2024 will be announced later.

*Ghibli Park will be closed for maintenance from Tuesday, June 18th - Tuesday, June 25th, 2024.

Koro's Big Day Out Japanese Title: Koro no Osanpo

Written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki

© 2001 Studio Ghibli

The puppy Koro rushes out of the house chasing Sawako leaving for school, but Koro gets lost. In unfamiliar places, Koro is nearly run over by a car, threatened by an alley cat... For little Koro, everything he encounters outside is new and a big adventure. Meanwhile, Sawako comes home to learn that Koro is gone. She frantically tries to find him.

The suburban Tokyo backgrounds for this work were drawn using an innovative style incorporating color pencils as the medium.

Children's Town

This children's play area is a mini-replica of the Higashi-Koganei Station area in Tokyo where Studio Ghibli is located. Children's Town recreates the retro cityscape of the real-life neighborhood. Please exercise your mind and body in Ghibli's studio and the surrounding retro atmosphere.

Cat Bus Room

In the play area that recreates the world of My Neighbor Totoro , a one-of-a-kind Cat Bus awaits. When you're ready for a rest, step inside the tree that soars up to the ceiling. What's there...?

Minami-machi

A single step into this shopping street will hit you with nostalgia. You'll find a row of real shops: Neppu Bookstore for books, Open Sky Models for scale model kits, and Penny Candy Shop Cat Princess.

Shop "Adventurous Flying Squadron"

The largest shop in Ghibli Park. The shop carries items from all Studio Ghibli productions as well as original Ghibli Park items. You may find something that helps you take your Ghibli Park memories home with you.

Transcontinental Flight Café

Please rest your wings in the café after your Grand Warehouse adventure. The café has a line-up of sandwiches and pizza, etc. that you can eat with one-hand; perfect for a long-distance pilot who needs the other hand to steer.

Click here to view the menu

Milk Stand Siberi❆An

The milk stand counter offers local milk in a glass bottle with an original design. You can also eat cake with sweet beans like the "Siberia" from The Wind Rises.

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