studio ghibli tour japan

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!

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.

Your tailor-made holiday in four simple steps

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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

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Look! Totoro Is Waiting for Us at the Entrance!

When you walk along Kichijoji Avenue, in the shade of the tall green trees of Mitaka's Inokashira Park, you come upon a colorful building. Standing in front of a sign that says "Ghibli Museum, Mitaka", a very large Totoro welcomes you at the entrance. When you look through the portholes, soot-black Dust Bunnies are there as well. But this is not the real entrance. Totoro shows you where the real entrance is.

Open the door and welcome to wonderland! Every window and lamp is lovingly hand-crafted with beautiful and colorful stained glass using Ghibli characters, pretty plants and flowers, and forest animals. When the sun is shining, the vivid colors of the glass are reflected in splashes of colored light on the stone floors.

Welcome to The Space of Wonder

Look up at the ceiling, and you will find it covered in fresco painting. In the center of a blue sky, there is a shining, smiling sun. Trees stretching up towards the sky are filled with grapes, melons, deliciously ripe fruits, and beautiful blossoms which you may never have seen before. If you look carefully, you may see Kiki on her broom, Nausicaä on her jet glider, or other characters flying through the sky.

Tickets are given over to visitors here in exchange for reservation coupons. These tickets are made of pieces of the actual 35mm film that were used in theaters. You can hold it up to the light and see which scene from a Ghibli film turned out to be your ticket. Since the Ghibli Museum treats every child as an independent guest, even very small children can stand on the special platform at the reception counter to be handed their own ticket.

The Central Hall - The Wind Whistles and the Light Shines Through

Here is a towering open space extending up through the entire height of the Museum. In the glass dome at its center, a yellow whale swims in the ocean and the blades of a giant fan rotate overhead. Shining marbles of colored glass are fitted into the ironwork of the stairs and handrails. Taking in the whole room from bottom to top, you will discover a maze of spiral stairways, bridged passages, and overhanging terraces. This marvelous space transports you into the world of Hayao Miyazaki and the strange buildings which often appear in his films. Here you can see and feel them for yourself. Please pause before entering the exhibition rooms, and find your own secret favorite spots.

A Boy's Room - A Gift from Grampa

This is one of the five rooms on the first floor called "Where a Film is Born". The room seems to belong to someone who was sketching at the desk just a few minutes ago. The room is filled with books and toys. The walls are all covered with illustrations and sketches. Hanging from the ceiling are a model of an airplane and a model of a Pteranodon. It's a place where the owner of the room has stored his favorite things. This room provides lots of inspiration for what will go on to the blank piece of paper on the desk to become the origin of an actual film.

After walking through the five rooms, you will get an idea how an animated film is made. With a little bit of an idea and a flash of inspiration, a film-maker struggles with his work and ultimately completes the film.

Ghibli Original Short Animated Film at the Museum Only!

The Saturn Theater is a small theater in the basement of the Museum with only about 80 seats. There you can watch an original short animated feature from Ghibli, which can only be seen in the Museum's theatre. A blue sky and lots of colorful flowers are drawn on the ceiling and walls. When the film ends, the windows open and the sunshine comes in. You can sit on a little red bench or the back of a seat to see the big screen without being blocked.

The Reading Room "TRI HAWKS" Full of Our Recommended Books

"TRI HAWKS" (a pun on the name of the city "Mi-taka" — literally 3-hawks — where the museum is located) is the reading room inside the Ghibli Museum. It was created to communicate the Museum's wish to have children see, touch, and feel strange and mysterious things through books.

Books which are specially recommended by Hayao Miyazaki and the Museum can be found here for children to browse through freely.

Poof, Boing! The Cat Bus

The Cat Bus is waiting for you in a room on the second floor. It must be everyone's dream to touch and ride the Cat Bus. In order to make this wish come true, we made a room with an actual Cat Bus. If you remember the Cat Bus from "My Neighbor Totoro", you have probably dreamed of touching its fluffy fur. Now you can do it. Next to the Cat Bus, a bunch of soot-black Dust Bunnies are waiting for you to play with them. We wanted to make the Cat Bus as big as it is in the film, but because it wouldn't fit in the museum, we ended up downsizing him a little bit.

The Cat Bus is for elementary school children and under (age 12 and under) only.

Our Guardian - The Robot Soldier on the Rooftop

From the terrace off the Cat Bus Room, a spiral stairway leads to the roof, and there you will find a grassy rooftop garden. From this lofty post, a serene five-meter-tall Robot Soldier (from "Castle in the Sky") looks down on Inokashira Park.

But have no fear; the Robot Soldier is the Guardian of the Ghibli Museum!

Passing behind the Robot Soldier you will find yourself in a patch of wildly growing vegetation which makes you forget that you are on a building and not in the park itself. Please take a moment to experience the seasonally changing plant life.

An Old-Fashioned Hand-Pump Well

A cozy patio is located between the Museum and the Café. Surrounded by tiled roofs and colorful flowers, the space is full of sunshine. Looking up from here, you see the vivid orange walls of the Café. There is a hand-pumped well in the central gazebo. If you pump it hard, you will be rewarded with fresh, cool water from the well. The well is set in an area full of specially handcrafted ornaments and designs, including a metal hatch cover that looks like a smiling face. Just nearby, stacks of firewood are stored in front of a rustic shed. When winter comes, the firewood can be winched up to the floor above and used to fire the wood-burning stove in the café. You may even encounter some of our staff chopping firewood.

A Towering Pine Marks the Terrace of the Café

Surrounded by some of Mitaka's rare red pines and set off against the bright orange wall and red window frames of the building that houses it, the deck of the Straw Hat Café provides you with an open outdoors atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy the natural setting of Inokashira Park. There is a washstand decorated with colorful tiles just to the side of the Café deck so you can wash your hands before mealtime.

The Café offers breaded pork cutlets, hot dogs, sweet desserts and beverages which are all handmade in its kitchen and perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring the museum. Experience the changing seasons and enjoy the slow passing of time at the Café.

You'll Find Your Treasure Here

The museum shop "MAMMA AIUTO!" was named after the sky pirates in "Porco Rosso". It means "Mama, help me!" in Italian.

Here at this shop, you will find your favorite Studio Ghibli character products along with original Museum gift items.

The window displays are filled with things that are pretty, unexpected, and completely out of the ordinary. Spend some time to look around... you might discover something special for yourself.

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

Current Exhibition

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

Started on May 25, 2024.

Current Film

House hunting.

September 1 - 30, 2024

Boutique Japan

Planning Your Visit to Tokyo’s Ghibli Museum

In Tokyo’s western suburbs you’ll find the one-of-a-kind Ghibli Museum — a fantastic and whimsical museum dedicated to the legendary Studio Ghibli film studio (often considered “Japan’s Disney”).

Co-founded by director Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli is behind some of Japan’s — and the world’s! — most beloved animated films, such as “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Princess Mononoke,” “Spirited Away,” and “Ponyo.”

The wonderful Ghibli Museum attracts a huge number of visitors, and tickets are extremely limited. In this article we’ll go over ways you can get tickets, and other tips on visiting the Ghibli Museum.

Originally written in 2017, this post was updated on December 22, 2021.

About the Ghibli Museum

The name “Ghibli” is from the Italian word for a hot desert wind, and it was Hayao Miyazaki’s hope that Studio Ghibli would “blow a new wind through the anime industry.”

Miyazaki aimed to create worlds that were intricate and lush, and with so much attention to movement and detail that viewers might feel that these worlds could be real, no matter what sort of fantastical or amazing things happened in the course of the story.

The Ghibli Museum is dedicated to the studio’s work, as well as to illuminating the mechanics of the world of animation. Even though there are many references to the lovable films within the museum, you don’t have to be a Studio Ghibli fan to appreciate the amazing artistry on display, or be completely charmed by the exhibits!

Located on the edge of Tokyo’s Inokashira Park (more on how to get to the museum below), the Ghibli Museum is a multi-storied mansion full of twists and turns, tiny doors, winding staircases, and a rooftop garden — recreating the mood of the enchanting Studio Ghibli universe.

Ghibli Museum Exhibits

Photography isn’t allowed inside, which only adds to the excitement and mystery of the place. I won’t spoil it all for you, but there are quite a few things to look forward to.

The main exhibition hall demonstrates the magic of animation, with over-sized and intricate mechanical contraptions. Then there are smaller exhibition rooms throughout the building – some permanent, and others that change from year to year.

One permanent exhibition room recreates a Studio Ghibli art director’s studio to include the tiniest details, even down to real bowls of candy on the desk, and pots of gouache paint with paintbrushes used to paint the gorgeous backdrops of these lovable films.

The walls of this “studio” are covered in fine art, and Studio Ghibli is somewhat unique among animation studios in that they place important emphasis on the background, spending as much time developing the mood and details of the world the characters live in, as they spend developing the action elements in the foreground. There are several interesting scrapbooks on display, showing how the artists were inspired by nature, feats of engineering, and abstract art to create these mesmerizing films.

Another exhibit area features interactive, life-size recreations of popular film settings, such as the interior of the amazing flying ships of “Laputa” where you can explore the galley, opening drawers and cabinets to find them full of kitchen utensils and cooking ingredients.

Near the top of the museum, visitors have the chance to play with one of the most adored characters in the Studio Ghibli films: a giant plush catbus from “My Neighbor Totoro!” Please note that only children aged 12 and under can climb inside.

In addition to various exhibition rooms, back on the ground floor is a delightful miniature theater, which shows an animated short from the studio, created exclusively for the Ghibli Museum and only viewable here. The short movie plays several times each hour.

You may be pleasantly surprised that almost everywhere you turn at the museum, you’ll find English-speaking staff who are extremely versed in all things Studio Ghibli, so any question you might have can be easily answered. I spent a really enjoyable 20 minutes learning how the tone of a film is set, and how many animators it takes to produce a film like “Spirited Away,” one of my favorites.

How to Get Tickets to the Ghibli Museum

Excited to visit? Don’t forget, you’ll need to plan ahead to purchase your tickets, as they sell out in advance!

Getting tickets to the Ghibli Museum is no easy feat. Apart from the fact that tickets sell out ahead of time, the ticket-buying process is also not as simple as most travelers wish it were.

First, of course, you’ll need to decide when you’d like to visit. The official Ghibli Museum website typically lists its opening calendar. Note that there are usually closures around the New Year’s holidays, and irregularly throughout the year for exhibit changes. The museum is also typically closed on Tuesdays, and open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on other days.

Ghibli Museum Tickets via JTB

JTB is Japan’s largest travel agency, with offices throughout the world. The Ghibli Museum offers tickets through JTB’s global offices.

JTB offers a limited number of tickets available for purchase approximately 3 months before your desired visit date. The tickets go on sale on the 1st of the month for the entire month 3 months later. So if you’d like to visit anytime in May (whether May 1st or May 31st), tickets would go on sale on February 1st for all of May.

Getting Ghibli Museum Tickets via Lawson Convenience Store

Lawson is one of a handful of ubiquitous conbini (convenience stores) in Japan . If you’re in Japan or have a friend in the country, you can purchase tickets at Lawson in person. For those of you outside of Japan, you can get Ghibli Museum tickets via Lawson’s online ticket platform .

Tickets go on sale at 10:00 am Japan Standard Time on the 10th of each month for the whole following month; in other words, on April 10th at 10:00 am Japan time for the entire month of May.

Ghibli Museum tickets sold via Lawson are for a specific day and time, and sell out very quickly (for example, weekend time slots usually begin selling out within the first few minutes). Also, due to the large number of people trying to purchase online, you may have to be really persistent and patient to get through.

Even though tickets are for specific timed entries (10:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, or 4:00 pm), once you’re in you can stay as long as you like until closing.

Other Ways to Get Ghibli Museum Tickets

If the idea of hovering over your computer at 10:00 am JST while frantically hitting refresh on your browser sounds less than ideal, keep in mind that there are other ways to get tickets to the Ghibli Museum.

One is to work with a company like ours that specializes in bespoke Japan trips . Any top-quality Japan travel company should be able to make the process seamless for you, from helping you decide when to visit, to handling the legwork of obtaining tickets for you.

Another option is to check major online travel agencies (such as Rakuten ), which often offer Ghibli Museum tickets. They may charge a premium, but it is likely worthwhile for travelers who highly value convenience.

Finally, if you’re desperate to visit but regular tickets are sold out, consider joining a Ghibli Museum Tour. JTB and other large travel agencies occasionally offer group tours that include tickets to the Ghibli Museum. Even if you’re not typically the tour type, this can be a good backup method when all else fails.

How to Get to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka

Once you have managed to purchase your tickets (congratulations!), getting to the museum is relatively painless. The museum’s address is:

Ghibli Museum 1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo-to 181-0013 Google Map

Located on the edge of Tokyo’s Inokashira Park, the museum is equidistant from both Kichijoji Station and Mitaka Station. You can take the JR Chuo Line from the massive Shinjuku Station to either Kichijoji or Mitaka, or take the Keio Inokashira Line from Shibuya to Kichijoji.

If you love to walk, we recommend strolling from Kichijoji Station to the Ghibli Museum. Make sure to leave time before and/or after to explore Kichijoji itself. It’s a fun and energetic neighborhood full of interesting shops and great food and drink. Alternatively, there is a local bus from Mitaka to the Ghibli Museum, which runs roughly every 20 minutes from Mitaka Station’s south exit.

Once you arrive, be prepared to queue before entering. Museum staff will be checking tickets and passports while you wait.

Side Trips to Combine with Your Visit to the Ghibli Museum

Since you’ll be in this part of western Tokyo, you may as well make a day of it! There are plenty of great things to see and do in this part of the city, including:

• A stroll through Inokashira Park and Kichijoji for its great food and unique boutiques
• Nakano’s frenetic energy, and the Nakano Broadway shopping district
• Alternative youth culture in Koenji and Shimokitazawa , two neighborhoods overflowing with record shops, cafes, vintage stores.

Good luck getting tickets, and we hope you enjoy your visit to Tokyo’s Ghibli Museum!

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Ghibli Museum

World of ghibli come to life | tokyo.

Featured Destination on our Anime Japan Tours vacation series.

Fans of Totoro, Ponyo, and all things Studio Ghibli are sure to love the expansive Ghibli Museum in Mitaka City, Tokyo. Officially known as the Mitaka Forest Ghibli Museum, this museum is dedicated to and operated by the world famous Japanese animation studio, Studio Ghibli. Designed by famed Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki himself, this interactive museum features various exhibitions, exclusive movies, and a first-hand look at the process and designs behind some of their most iconic movies. There are also temporary exhibits and rotating exhibits to coincide with Ghibli Film releases or other special events.

Ever since Studio Ghibli’s first film, Laputa: Castle in the Sky in 1986, the studio has produced numerous films loved around the world. Some classics include: My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Ponyo, Grave of the Fireflies, and Princess Mononoke . The Ghibli Museum features five permanent exhibition rooms and another room dedicated to limited-time exhibits. Each room is dedicated to telling the story of Studio Ghibli and their many popular films. There are early sketches and drafts next to wonderful recreations of locations from Ghibli films. In fact, there's a giant Totoro ( My Neighbor Totoro ) waiting to greet you at the museum's entrance. Be sure to take a photo with your Japan tour group before heading inside. Other exhibits showcase the individual steps of how the animated films are made, including the sketches, story-boarding, and coloring steps to create these heartwarming films. Just note, you cannot take photos while inside the museum in order to protect the exhibits.

Special Exhibitions Dedicated to Ghibli

The special exhibitions feature both Ghibli’s own productions as well as works from other studios. In the past, Spirited Away and Castle in the Sky were among some of the Ghibli-original special exhibits. Special exhibitions from other studios that were featured in the Ghibli Museum include Pixar Animation Studios, Goldilocks and The Three Bears based on Leo Tolstoy’s picture book, and the Nutcracker and the Mouse King.

One of the other highlights of the Ghibli Museum is the chance to see one of its short films shown exclusively at the Ghibli Museum, at its small 80 theater only seating 80 people. Although most of these short films are only available in Japanese, the mesmerizing animation itself may be enough to take some time out of your visit to watch the exclusive short film.

Before you take off, make sure to visit the library, art collection room, and gift shop to purchase small collectibles and art works to remember tour trip by. These original goods make great gifts for your Ghibli-loving family and friends.

Tickets to the Ghibli Museum are known to be rather difficult to obtain, especially for those overseas. Guarantee your chance to visit and fulfill your childhood dreams by joining one of our small group Anime Tours for your next trip to Japan. You can also opt for a custom Japan tour to explore the highlights of Japan in addition to the Ghibli Museum for an unrivaled luxury vacation experience.

Ghibli Park in Nagoya

In addition to the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo, we highly recommend fans to also stop by Ghibli Park in Nagoya. The Ghibli Park will open on November 1, 2022. The theme park will be divided into five areas: Hill of Youth, Ghibli’s Large Warehouse, Mononoke’s Village, Valley of Witches and Dondoko Forest. There are houses, buildings, objects you will recognize from the Ghibli works such as "Laputa: Castle in the Sky" , "Howl’s Moving Castle", "Arrietty", "My Neighbor Totoro" and more. Satsuki and Mei’s house from ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ is one of the best sightseeing spots. We will assist you with ticket arrangements as part of your extra day before/after the tour and help you make the most of your time in Japan.

What is your favorite? List of Studio Ghibli works　　

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind - Castle in the Sky- Grave of the Fireflies- My Neighbor Totoro- Kiki's Delivery Service- Only Yesterday- Porco Rosso- Ocean Wave- Pom Poko- Whisper of the heart - Princess Mononoke- My Neighbors the Yamadas- Spirited Away- The Cat Return- Howl's Moving Castle- Tales from Earthsea- Ponyo- Arrietty- From Up on Poppy Hill- The Wind Rises - The Tale of the Princess Kaguya- When Marnie Was There- The Red Turtle- Earwig and the Witch -

Ghibli TOTORO Charactors

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Visiting The Magical Studio Ghibli Museum

Experiences

7    comments

Becoming children together

Those expecting a Disneyland or Universal Studios scale site should be forewarned, as it isn't huge; in fact, it's pretty small, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for with charm and, yes, magic.

What it has captured perfectly is the ethos of Studio Ghibli's films. Bigger and louder is not better.

The museum's motto is "Let's become lost children together", and only the stoniest of heart could fail to feel a child-like sense of adventure, exploration, fascination or even excitement at times when travelling through the place.

History of Evolution

The first room accessible from the entrance is also worthy of special mention. It's a fine example of the entire museum's genuine love of the magical potential for film and indeed of the mechanics of the art form itself.

In a darkened gallery you can see (among other exhibits) zeotropes, a stroboscope and 35mm film running through a clear projector showing film clips and History of Evolution - a short animation by the studio.

The cat bus from My Neighbor Totoro

Permanent and changing exhibitions celebrate all things Ghibli. When we visited one of the temporary ones were the Cat Bus rooms, featuring a full-sized version of the memorable cat bus from their 1988 classic My Neighbor Totoro , were a joy.

In one room, young children were allowed to climb inside, and on top of the bus should they wish; whilst in the other room their parents can sit, in slightly a more refined, dare one say 'adult' manner, inside a sectional mock up of the furry orange vehicle.

There's a cute, small cinema showing short films that are apparently exclusively shown here. We caught Chuzumo (or Mouse Sumo !) which was perfect having only just seen the real thing (sumo that is) for the first time the day before. A funny film that sumo fans will appreciate for its attention to detail on the trappings of the ceremony that surrounds the sport.

Life sized robot from Laputa: Castle In The Sky

Personal highlight for me though was a life-sized statue of one of the robots from Laputa: Castle In The Sky - probably my favourite Miyazaki-directed film (and studio Ghibli's first in 1986).

I couldn't resist having my photo taken below the protective giant. Even my often reluctant wife posed for a commemorative snapshot. It also looks imposingly majestic from the exit gates of the museum where it can be viewed as perhaps intended (and as in the film) - like a sentinel watching over all those below.

Demand for tickets is high

If you're thinking of going its necessary to plan in advance due to the massive demand for tickets. To the museum's credit, they ration tickets each day. Like the extremely popular exhibitions at more conventional big-city art galleries, tickets only permit access during a fixed time window.

So, don't be late - or you'll be politely advised, as only the Japanese can do, that you have most unfortunately missed your opportunity. Disaster!

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TRJ Studio Ghilbi Museum Top Tips

The best way to buy tickets.

Curiously, buying tickets to the Studio Ghibli Museum from outside Japan is actually easier than inside the country. Outside you should be able to get them through travel agents on request (you'll have to specify your preferred date and time).

Alternatively, if you live in Japan, or know someone who does, you can do as we did and ask willing relatives/friends to assist you. You'll need to book and then arrange for your relative/friend to collect your tickets from a Lawson convenience store. (I know – random!)

How to buy tickets in advance online

Tickets can be purchased from several vendors online, each offering a slightly different twist on the options. These include providing plenty of flexibility, last minute tickets, tickets with transfer from central Tokyo etc.

Here's direct links to the best offers (each link will open in a new window):

Pre-order with ticket delivery via Viator

Ghibli Film Appreciation Tour with lunch via Viator

Ghibli Museum and Inokashira Park Walking Trip via Klook

Ghibli Museum, Hotel Gajoen Tokyo and Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum Tour via Klook

Studio Ghibli Virtual Tour

A virtual Studio Ghibli tour is another option if you cannot get to the museum

If you cannot visit the museum in person or cannot get tickets for when you need them, consider taking a virtual Studio Ghibli tour . This online experience will take you to the places throughout Japan which are the inspiration for some of Studio Ghibli's most famous films.

The tour (via Zoom) includes  Ghibli related spots (including the Ghibli Museum) throughout Japan from Hokkaido in the north,  to Kagoshima in the south.

Learn more about this virtual tour in our guide 10 Top-Rated Virtual Japan Tours .

No photography inside the museum

The Ghibli Museum has a policy of no photography inside the museum itself. In part, I imagine, to sustain a sense of surprise and wonder when people visit for the first time. That's why you'll rarely see many photos of the interior exhibits.

However, photography in the grounds and gardens outside the museum, including on the roof which you can walk on, and the main entrance is authorised and fine.

VIDEO: Magical Nighttime Lights At Studio Ghibli Museum

Location Map

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Studio Ghibli Museum address

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

YouTube Channel

Ghibli Museum, Mitaka YouTube Channel

Studio Ghibli Tickets and Tours

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I love the design of this museum. From its colors to overall feel it looks incredibly neat. Fabulous post laying out what to expect on a visit.

If you’re in touch with your inner child Ryan then it’s worth a visit even if you’re not familiar with Studio Ghibli’s movies.

Thank you so much for this. Visiting the Studio Ghibli museum is on my bucket list of things to do before I die.

You’re welcome Segaman! So glad you liked it. Try to get there if you can – it’s a bit magical.

Dear #RobDyer,

#greatArticle that makes us want to join every Suggestion of Yours!

We’re so much in fond of active physical activities as we practice Aikido.

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■リーダー島口哲朗「武蔵」予告編 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKIXlX6CYkw&feature=youtu.be …

■剱伎衆かむゐ海外用PV 「霧幻～MUGEN」予告編 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTOvH3-HhqE&feature=plcp …

During the week days Tetsuro holds Samurai Sword Kengido Dojos at Shibuya in Tokyo, whenever he and his group are not touring the world teaching the Art of the ancient Samurai Sword to new audiences.

Sayonara ! Regina Rianelli

P.S.: Photo Credits via Creative Commons, YouTube and Master Tetsuro Shimaguchi’s personal archives

Thanks for the suggestion Regina!

You will have seen I have written about Sumo and Baseball already on the site. I was thinking of visiting a Kendo dojo but wasn’t aware of Tetsuro Shimaguchi and his samurai sword skills.

I think your suggestion to visit his dojo is a great idea. I’m posting a link here to his website of people want to explore further: http://www.k-kamui.jp/en/homepage.php

Dear #RobDyer #san,

#DomoArigatôGuzaimasu for your #precious #time and #replies !

They are very much appreciated!

Yes, I have visited and spent quite a long time here at #The_Real_Japan reading #all your stories and visiting the sites You have suggested: they #Rock ! #Congratulations !

Yes, #TetsuroShimaguchi is really #worldwideFamous and has a #wonderful Personality !

#Tetsuro has his #Artistic formation in the #Kabuki’s #Theater, has a #Master degree in #Nanaougi-ryu classical Japanese dance and also choreographed the #SwordFight #LightSaber in a #StarWars film, if I’m not mistaken: http://www.wheretowatch.com/2015/07/kill-bills-sword-choreographer-critiques-5-iconic-star-wars-lightsaber-battles

#MasterTetsuro also worked along #QuentinTarantino’s #KillBill #movie in #Sword choreograph… there are awesome #on_lineVideos about his knowledgeable and historical #SamuraiSword #Dojo #worldwide.

I post here some of these #SamuraiSword #Kengido #Dojo and #Quentin_Tarantino’s #Kill_Bill #photograps: #Shimaguchi’s #contribuition to the Movie Industry.

#ThankYOU for hearing us at all times, sir!

many #Blessings your way + Sayonara!,

Regina Rianelli

P.S.: Photo Credits via Creative Commons and Master Tetsuro Shimaguchi’s personal archives

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Privacy Overview

• 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.

Truly Tokyo

A Tokyo Travel Guide

How To Get Ghibli Museum Tickets in 2024 – This Works

For foreign travelers, tickets to the Ghibli Museum are like the golden tickets in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – nearly impossible to get. There are lots of websites that list ways to get the tickets, but in practice, none of these methods work. However, there are now two good ways to get tickets: one easy and reliable, and one geeky and very difficult. We’ll introduce both here.

First, Why Is It So Hard to Get Ghibli Museum Tickets?!

The Ghibli Museum is a small place that is very popular with Japanese and international visitors. Most Japanese buy their tickets at kiosks in Japanese convenience stores or online from the company that operates those ticket kiosks. This requires both Japanese ability and a Japanese cell phone to make the purchase.

Furthermore, the tickets go on sale 30 days in advance and sell out very quickly. Finally, the ticket purchaser must actually be present in the group that visits the museum. This is to prevent resale of tickets by third-party vendors. For most foreign tourists, these conditions make it impossible to buy tickets themselves.

Getting Ghibli Museum Tickets As Part Of A Tour

a tour of Ghibli Museum and Inokashira Park , which saves you the trouble of trying to buy tickets directly yourself. You'll need to book several weeks in advance - see the booking calendar on Rakuten's page for availability. You'll have two hours to explore the museum itself either on your own or with the tour guide, and also explore the surrounding Inokashira.-->

GetYourGuide.com offer pre-booking of tickets to Ghibli Park, which need to booked about a month in advance. Be sure to check that the date you've selected is actually available - if it is, you'll be prompted to select a time of day to visit. If it's not, you'll be asked if you want to book the next available date. They also offer more expensive group tour options, so be sure to read the page thoroughly.

Shinjuku (Tokyo) . The price is Y22,000 for those 12 years and up, Y20,400 for those between 4 and 11, and free for those under 3. You can book the tour online from Sunrise Tours . You can also purchase the tour from JTB USA .-->

Another Way to Get Ghibli Museum Tickets

For those with patience, some free time and a little tech savvy, you can get tickets from the Lawson convenience store site. Here’s the link to the Lawson Ghibli Museum ticket buying page . One of our readers tested the system and successfully bought tickets this way. Here is her account of how it worked:

“How it worked was, I signed on via desktop computer about 15 minutes before the tickets went on sale for March, on February 10 at 10 AM JST. I was greeted with a countdown saying the site would load in 15 minutes. When the timer hit zero the new page started to load without my having to do anything.

Eventually I was placed in a queue that stated I was about person 4400 in line, and my wait was more than an hour. I was a bit discouraged but when I googled that there are 2400 tickets released per day so quickly realized the math was in my favor over a 30 day period.

It ended up taking about 50 minutes to get to the head of the line - I didn’t refresh my screen the whole time. Once the page loaded I had to act quickly, I chose 2-3 timeslots that initially appeared to have availability, but once I clicked through said no longer available. However, soon enough I found a time slot on an available day and requested 2 tickets.

Then it took me to the regular sort of enter information and credit card screen and it was pretty smooth sailing from there. As with all Japanese booking sites you have to read carefully and precisely follow instructions. For instance, when you enter your phone number, make sure to also enter country code, with no + or -, or it will give an error and not really tell you where you went wrong.

Eventually I got the tickets, never refreshing through the loading screens and just waiting. Probably took about 5 minutes from when I made it to the head of the waitlist. There was no surcharge, with today’s exchange rate two tickets cost $13.41 USD. Not bad!”

Additional Information

• Inokashira-koen Park and Ghibli Museum = a detailed walk around the park
• Ghibli Museum is located to the west of Shinjuku district if you want to stay nearby

Tokyo Vacation Checklist

• For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
• Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
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• You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto , Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
• You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
• See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
• Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals . Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport .
• If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
• A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
• World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
• Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help

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Ghibli Museum & Ghibli Film Appreciation Bus Tour (Round Trip from Shinjuku)

per person USD 185 JG025S

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. Includes original merchandise exclusive to this tour! All tour participants will receive a Ghibli Museum teacup on board the tour vehicle. Feel free to bring it home as a souvenir.

• Optional Tour

Day 1: Tokyo

Meet Point: JTB Sunrise Tours Sales Office on the 3rd Floor of Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo's Main Tower in Shinjuku

Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo Main Tower 3F Check-in Counter

*Please show your reservation confirmation sheet at reception. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the departure time.

[Access to Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo]

- 5 min on foot from Shinjuku Station West Exit (JR lines).

- 5 min on foot from Shinjuku Station (Keio Line, Odakyu Line, and Marunouchi and Toei Shinjuku subway lines).

- Immediate access from Exit B1 of Tochomae Station (Toei Oedo Line)

The tour departs Keio Plaza Hotel by bus.

11:00  - 12:30

Hotel Gajoen Tokyo

Take a commemorative photo and enjoy a buffet lunch at a spectacular, historical hotel said to be the inspiration for a famous Ghibli film. *

13:45 - 15:00

Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum

The Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum is an outdoor museum featuring historical structures with high cultural significance which have been moved to the museum from their original sites, recreated and preserved for exhibit. Walk down streets lined with colorful and intriguing buildings which evoke an atmosphere just like in the Studio Ghibli film, "Spirited Away."

15:30 - 18:00

Gibli Museum

Enjoy freely walking around inside. The museum features a plethora of exhibits introducing animation and production processes, a reading room, as well as a Ghibli original short animated feature viewable only at the museum. A Studio Ghibli original teacup will be handed out on board the tour vehicle. *Please check the Remarks as well.

18:45 - 19:00

This tour ends upon arrival near Shinjuku Station West Exit. *Please head to your next destination on your own from Shinjuku. The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter will inform customers how to return afterwards.

Departure Date

2024: Jan.10 - Dec.19, Wed., Thu., (except Mar.20, May.15,16,22,23,Aug.14,15,Nov.6,7,13,14,20,21,Dec.25 & 26)

National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter, Lunch (buffet), Ghibli Museum ticket, Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum admission

Not include

Drinks at lunch

Meeting Place

JTB Sunrise Tours Sales Office on the 3rd Floor of Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo's Main Tower in Shinjuku

[Reception Method]

At reception, please show the reservation confirmation sheet or e-mail (printout/digital copy on mobile device) to staff.

[Operation Conditions/Tour Conditions]

This is a special tour for international visitors. Please understand that residents of Japan cannot make bookings for this tour.

If the minimum number of participants (1) is not met by 4 days before the scheduled date, the tour on that date may be canceled. The tour will be canceled if Ghibli Museum is closed due to unforeseen circumstances.

[Exemptions/Itinerary Guarantee: Itinerary/Destinations]

- 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.

[Important Notes/Supplements: Guide/Tour Conductor]

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.

[Important Notes/Supplements: Regarding Children/Infants]

Baby strollers cannot be taken into Ghibli Museum. Children 3 years of age and younger may join the tour, but they will not be provided with bus seats or meals.

[Important Notes/Supplements: Regarding Meals]

The meal is served buffet style. Please understand that there is no vegetarian option available.

[Important Notes/Supplements: Bus Company]

One of the following: Fuji Kyuko Kanko Co., Ltd.; Fuji Express Co., Ltd.; KM Kanko Bus Co., Ltd.; Hato Bus Co., Ltd.; Tokyo Yasaka Sightseeing Bus Co., Ltd.; Heisei Enterprise Co., Ltd.; Amore Kotsu Ltd.; Tokyo Bus Co., Ltd.; Toto Kanko Bus Co., Ltd.; Chuo Kanko Co., Ltd.; Tokyo Passenger Co., Ltd.; Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.; Izuhakone Kotsu Co., Ltd.; Kusakabe Sightseeing Bus; Asuka Motor Co., Ltd.; Hinomaru Limousine Co., Ltd.; or Teito Motor Transportation Co., Ltd

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Ghibli Park Guide: Tickets, Getting There and More (Updated)

Ghibli Park — the theme park for Studio Ghibli fans — is finally finished and from March 2024 all five sections will be open. So what are you waiting for? Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip to Ghibli Park in Nagoya.

But first, a disclaimer: You won’t find hair-raising rides and character meet-and-greets here. Ghibli Park is all about immersing yourself in the world of Studio Ghibli. Expect life-sized, realistic-looking exhibitions, impressive photo ops, and plenty of Easter eggs for hardcore fans.

Want to get your Studio Ghibli fix without leaving Tokyo? There’s the Ghibli Museum , plus plenty of other ways to indulge your love of Ghibli in Tokyo .

What is Ghibli Park?

Ghibli Park is the world’s one and only official Studio Ghibli theme park. It first opened on November 20, 2022, in the outskirts of Nagoya , Japan’s fourth largest city and the capital of Aichi Prefecture . Ghibli Park is located in Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park , also known as Moricoro Park.

Does one ticket cover all areas?

Ghibli Park has five sections, each with its own theme and unique attractions. Since the final section opened in March 2024, a single Ghibli Park ticket can now get you into all sections — there are no separate ticketing options for different sections anymore. However, there are three different types of entry passes to choose from, each giving you access to different attractions within the sections. Only the Premium Pass is truly all-access — more on that below.

Pro tip: Because of its convenient location in Nagoya, you can easily visit Ghibli Park when traveling from Tokyo to Osaka or Kyoto.

Does Ghibli Park have rides?

The park is all about immersive experiences, but don’t go expecting a Tokyo Disneyland or Universal Studios Japan kind of experience. Some parts of Ghibli Park have rides, but they are aimed more at children — think carousels and slides. You definitely won’t find any rollercoasters here.

Is Ghibli Park crowded?

Yes, despite the out-of-the-way location, Ghibli Park still gets very crowded — especially during weekends and holiday periods.

Ghibli Park tickets

Tickets go on sale 2 months in advance ¥ 3,500 to ¥ 7,800 (half-price for kids) Domestic sales (in Japanese only)/ International sales

We’re not going to lie, getting tickets for Ghibli Park requires patience and planning. At the moment, the only way to buy tickets is online or as part of a package tour (recommended) for example from JTB ( ¥ 27,700 ). You cannot buy them on the day at the park.

Pro tip: We recommend booking a hotel, train and ticket package to save yourself a lot of hassle.-->

There are two different official websites you can use to buy tickets for Ghibli Park: the domestic one (for those living in Japan) and the international one (for those living overseas). Each website redirects to a different ticket sales sites. The domestic site uses Boo Woo Ticket, which is only available in Japanese, while the international site uses Lawson Ticket, which is available in English.

Note: The domestic site has one ticket offering that is different to the international sales site. Otherwise, the prices and ticket types are the same. See the table below for full details on Ghibli Park tickets.

Ghibli Park ticket prices

Prices for some areas depend on whether you visit on a weekday or a weekend.

Note: Only the Ghibli Park O-Sanpo Day Pass Premium will allow you to enter the following buildings: World Emporium (Hill of Youth), Satsuki and Mei’s House (Dondoko Forest), The Okino Residence, Howl’s Castle, and The House of Witches (Valley of Witches).

Ghibli Park tickets for kids

Children’s tickets (for kids aged 4 to 12) are half price. Kids aged 3 and under can enter for free.

How to buy tickets for Ghibli Park

Tickets become available 2 months in advance on both websites, at 2 p.m. Japan time on the 10th of the month. So for example, tickets for September 2023 went on sale on July 10. On the domestic site you have the option to pay in a variety of ways including credit card, and at a convenience store. Meanwhile, the international site requires you to pay via credit card.

When buying tickets, you’ll need to choose a date and an entry time. But the entry time only applies to the Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, where you’ll need to enter within 1 hour of your chosen entry time. For all the other areas, you can enter whenever you like — but keep in mind that last entry for all areas is 4 p.m.

Our experience buying tickets to the Ghibli Park

You can get in queue before the launch time, and we suggest doing so. We got in queue on the domestic site at launch time and had to wait for nearly 2 hours before being able to buy tickets. By the time we got in, tickets for the beginning of the month were already sold out, but there were still a fair number of tickets left for the end of the month.

On the other hand, the international site has slightly shorter wait times, and is less likely to sell out.

Terms and conditions

Be sure to check the terms and conditions before you book; they’re the same on both sites (international and domestic).

Some important ones to note include:

• All members of your group must enter together
• Tickets cannot be resold or transferred (they may do random I.D checks)
• You can only enter Ghibli Grand Warehosue within an hour of the entry time on your ticket
• Re-entry is not permited, except for Valley of Witches
• There are no refunds or exchanges
• Discount tickets are not available

Ghibli Park travel packages

Buying tickets yourself sound like a bit much? Yeah, we get that. Luckily, there are travel packages available that will take care of everything for you.

Ghibli Park and Aichi Museum of Flight day tour

¥ 22,000 Book here

This day tour includes a combined entry ticket for Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse and Mononoke Village, as well as entry to the Aichi Museum of Flight, and private return transport from Nagoya Station. You’ll also receive a bento-box lunch. You could make it a day trip from Tokyo; you’ll just need to arrange your transport separately.–>

JTB Sunrise Tours: Park entry + hotel

From ¥ 27,700 per adult Book here

This popular package from JTB Sunrise Tours includes a Ghibli Park O-Sanpo Pass Premium ticket, and one night’s accommodation with breakfast. The Ghibli Park ticket is for day two of the tour, so you’ll have a good night’s rest before hitting up the park.

Note: A two-person minimum is required to book. Transport to Nagoya and between the hotel and Ghibli Park is not included, so you’ll need to organize Shinkansen or bus tickets yourself. Read about getting from Tokyo to Nagoya .

KKday: Park entry + hotel + train tickets

What to see at ghibli park.

Ghibli Park has five sections: Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Mononoke Village, Hill of Youth, Dondoko Forest, and the Valley of Witches. Each area has a different theme and is inspired by different Studio Ghibli movies. Let’s dive into more detail on each one.

Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse

Allow yourself 2 to 3 hours Photography is allowed in most areas

Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse is the star of the show. It’s the biggest area at the moment, so you’ll easily spend most of your time here. Throughout there are nods to Studio Ghibli classics like Spirited Away (2001), Arrietty (2010), and Castle in the Sky (1986), among many others.

Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse has a mixture of exhibitions, displays, and shops, as well as a kid’s play area, a cinema, and a café. There’s no right way to explore Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, you can wander around to your heart’s desire. Check the cinema’s timetable if you’d like to watch a short film, and if you plan to eat at the café try to avoid the lunchtime rush.

Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse is a good option for those who are casual Studio Ghibli fans. You’re sure to recognize some of the characters and references, but there’s nothing too specific. It’s especially good for families with younger children because of the play areas.

Our experience at Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse

For us, the highlight in Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse was definitely the Central Exhibition Room. That’s where you’ll find 14 interactive exhibits showing scenes from some of your favorite Studio Ghibli movies. You can get up close and personal with your favorite characters, and photos are definitely okay here — in fact, they’re encouraged.

The line to get into this area can be long, though. And if you’d like a photo with No Face from Spirited Away , you may have to line up again.

Hill of Youth

Allow yourself 30 minutes to 1 hour Photography is not allowed inside

Hill of Youth draws on the films Whispers of the Heart (1995) and The Cat Returns (2002).

The featured structure here is the World Emporium, the antique shop from Whispers of the Heart . You first enter from the back, into a small courtyard, where you’ll find the Cat Bureau from The Cat Returns . If you peer inside you’ll see the characters Muta and the Baron.

After the courtyard, you’ll enter the World Emporium, where there’s a lot to take in. However, keep in mind you can’t take photos inside here. Downstairs there’s the violin workshop from the same film.

Note: You can only enter the World Emporium if you have a premium pass.

Our experience at Hill of Youth

A lot of attention to detail went into designing Hill of Youth, and it shows. The World Emporium is really impressive, and there are so many interesting things to see. But, we wouldn’t recommend this area for people visiting with young children. It’s a bit cramped and has lots of smalls things that little hands might want to grab.

Hill of Youth — despite it’s name — is definitely more for adults. And it’s especially for fans of the two movies that inspired it; in fact, there are probably lots of details that casual fans (like us) would miss.

Dondoko Forest

Allow yourself 1 hour Photography is allowed

Dondoko Forest is where you’ll find all the My Neighbor Totoro attractions. Mei and Satsuki’s house is just as detailed as at the World Emporium but you can take photos.

Take your time to explore every part of the house, and we mean every part: open the draws and cupboards, look inside things, and in general enjoy the hands-on feeling. You will be asked to remove your shoes before you enter, and you can leave them in a shoe locker at the entrance.

Once you’re finished at Mei and Satsuki’s house you can head up to Dondoko-do. This is the large Totoro statute that you might recognise from early promotional material. Kids aged 12 and under can climb up inside and play, but it’s not for adults (unfortunately). It’s great for photo ops, although it can get a little crowded.

Note: You can only enter Mei and Satsuki’s House if you have a premium pass.

Our experience at Dondoko Forest

Dondoko Forest is another area that’s good for casual fans. Mei and Satsuki’s house is fun to explore even if you don’t know the movie well. This is a quieter part of the park and Dondoko Forest is less crowded than Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse.

Mononoke Village

Mononoke Village is inspired by, well, Princess Mononoke (1997). It’s designed to be like a mountain village, just like the one in the movie. There’s a slide modeled like Lord Okkoto (kids under 12 only, we’re afraid), a Demon Spirit statue, and, for an extra fee, a chance to try making mochi (rice cakes).

There’s a small building called the “Mononoke Village Rest Stop.” Inside they sell a small range of souvenirs and snacks.

Our experience at Mononoke Village

Mononoke Village is one of the simplier Ghibli Park sections. Kids will enjoy the Lord Okkoto slide and the mochi-making experience. But the theme in this area didn’t feel as strong as other parts of the park, and to be honest it felt like a bit of a missed opportunity for some great displays.

Valley of Witches

Allow yourself 1 to 2 hours Photography is allowed in most areas

The Valley of Witches section opened on March 16, 2024. It’s inspired by witchy Ghibli movies like Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989) and Howl’s Moving Castle (2004).

It’s easily the biggest Ghibli Park area, and there’s a lot to see and do here. There are a whole bunch of different buildings to explore, two rides, three different dining options, and three souvenir shops. A lot of effort was put into this area — we love that Guchokipanya, the bakery from Kiki’s Delivery Service, was bought to life as a real onsite bakery where you can buy baked goods like cream cornets and baguettes. The carousel is also delightful — but it does cost an extra ¥ 1,000 to ride.

Note: If you want to go inside Howl’s Castle, the Okino Residence (Kiki’s childhood home), or the House of Witches you’ll need to buy a premium pass.

Our experience at Valley of Witches

Valley of Witches is easily one of our favorite Ghibli Park sections. It strikes a great balance of easily recognizable things for casual fans, and easter eggs for the die-hard fans. The rides and interactive elements make it great for kids too. There’s also a good range of food options, although we suspect the bakery could get very crowded.

Getting around Ghibli Park

By now you might be wondering, just how big is Ghibli Park? Well, it’s hard to say exactly. It’s spread out all over Aichi Commemorative Park, so it feels bigger than it is. That being said, getting between the different areas will take up a large chunk of time.

It’s not too bad though. Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse and Hill of Youth are less than a 5-minute walk apart. Dondoko Forest is about a 10-minute walk from Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse along a lovely forested path. However, some of the signage along the path is only in Japanese, so we recommend taking a photo of a map to help you stay on track. Mononoke Village is a 10-minute walk from Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse. Finally, Valley of Witches is about a 7-minute walk from Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse.

Ghibli Park Cat Bus

Yes, we were excited when we found out too. In March 2024, Ghibli Park rolled out a small fleet of real-life cat buses. They run between Dondoko Forest and Mononoke Village, and a ride costs ¥ 1,000 for adults.

There is also a free shuttle bus running between the other Ghibli Park areas and other attractions in Aichi Commemorative Park. However, the bus only runs twice per hour on weekdays and three times per hour on weekends.

Where and what to eat at Ghibli Park

There several food options at Ghibli Park. Two are inside Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse. If you’re just in the mood for a snack, Milk Stand Siberi❆An has milk and red-bean filled cakes. For meals, head to Transcontinental Flight Café, which has a range of sandwiches, pizzas, and drinks. Inside Valley of Witches, there’s the Flying Oven (for sit-down meals), Guchokipanya Bakery, and a hotdog stand called “Hot Tin Roof.” Mononoke Village has snacks for sale at the Mononoke Village Rest Stop, and there is also the mochi-making experience.

There are also a few dining options in the wider Aichi Commemorative Park area. Close to the entrance, you’ll find a convenience store and a café. We also spotted a Mos Burger food truck set up near one of the rest areas, but we’re not sure how often they set up there. You could also pack your own food and eat in one of the rest areas. However, eating “external” food inside Ghibli Park areas is not allowed.

When it comes to drinks, it’s worth noting that there are no drink vending machines inside Ghibli Park. There are vending machines and water fountains outside though. You can buy drinks at the Transcontinental Flight Café and the Flying Oven.

Is there vegan food at Ghibli Park?

At the moment, the Flying Oven has one vegan-friendly option on the menu — a fried vegetable soup. Unfortunately though, that is the only vegan food we could find at Ghibli Park.

Ghibli Park souvenir guide

If you’re like us, you want to know about the souvenir situation. Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse has one main souvenir shop and several smaller ones. The main one, called Adventurous Flying Squadron, has a mixture of limited-edition Ghibli Park merchandise, plus stuff you can pick up at other places, like Donguri stores .

When we visited, there was a range of t-shirts, plushies, bags, stationery, prints, and postcards (to name a few). We recommend honing in on the limited-edition souvenirs. In particular, there was a range of tote bags and magnets that were popular. You can also pick up a small selection of souvenir snacks like cookies, cake, and chocolate. These souvenir snacks are also unique to Ghibli Park, and are easy to transport. Elsewhere in Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, there’s a bookshop, a model/figurine shop, and a candy shop.

Valley of Witches has three souvenir shops. The biggest one is Witches Coven 13. It has a different range of souvenirs compared to those in Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse — notably the ones here feature more of Studio Ghibli’s witchier movies. There’s also the Hatter’s Millinery that sells candy and hats, while upstairs there’s the Witches’ Book Stack that stocks all kind of witchy books.

Near Dondoko-do, there is also a small shop selling Studio Ghibli-themed omamori (good-luck charms). These especially make for good souvenirs because they combine Studio Ghibli with a traditional Japanese item. Mononoke Village Rest Stop also sells a small selection of souvenirs. Plus, you can buy postcards that feature antique items inside the World Emporium.

The surrounding area: Aichi Commemorative Park

Aichi Commemorative Park has a lot more going for it than just being the home of Ghibli Park. There are several other attractions, including a Japanese-style garden, an ice-skating rink, and a Ferris wheel. It’s entirely possible to spend an entire day there without even visiting Ghibli Park — stop by the Information Center near the entrance for some ideas on what to do. The Information Center also has a limited number of lockers if you need to store luggage.

When you’re at the park, don’t forget it is a natural space — don’t be surprised to see signs warning of wasps and snakes. Just stick to the paths and be aware of your surroundings.

Getting from Nagoya to Ghibli Park

There are three main ways to get to Ghibli Park from Nagoya Station: by train, bus, or taxi. Train is by far the best option, even though one transfer is required. Taxis and buses will take you there directly, but are also more expensive.

See how to get from Tokyo to Nagoya .

Train: Cheap and convenient

¥ 670 About 55 minutes + transfer time

From Nagoya Station, take the Higashiyama Subway Line to Fujigaoka Station (the last station on the line). This takes about half an hour.

At Fujigaoka Station, exit the station and transfer to Linimo — a Mag-Lev (magnetically levitated) train — to get to Aichikyūhaku-kinen-kōen (“Expo Memorial Park”) Station. Take Exit 2 from here and you’ve arrived at the entrance to Aichi Commemorative Park.

We recommend this route as it’s the cheapest, and has more regular departures than the bus.

Bus: Direct but less frequent

¥ 1,000 About 40 minutes

Meitetsu Bus operates a direct service from Nagoya Station to Ghibli Park, which you can catch from Meitetsu Bus Center. While it is direct, it costs more than the train and has fewer departures.

There are currently only five services between 8:50 a.m. and 1 p.m. on weekdays, and six departures between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. on weekends. Because of this, we recommend checking the timetable and pre-purchasing tickets on the Meitetsu Bus site (link in Japanese).

Taxi: Direct but expensive

¥ 7,970 About 55 minutes

While the bank of taxis waiting outside Nagoya Station may be tempting, we don’t really recommend taking one to Ghibli Park. Though they are direct, they take about the same amount of time as the train and cost a whole lot more. Plus, traffic is always a gamble. Taxis could be suitable for groups or families where the cost can be split, but in general they’re not a good option for this trip.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ghibli Park open to foreigners?

Yes, but you need to buy your tickets on the international ticket sales website, or as part of a package tour.

Are there rides at Ghibli Park?

No, there are no rides like rollercoasters. There are two rides in the Valley of Witches — a carousel and a small flying ride for kids. There’s also a children’s play area in Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse and a slide in Monoko Village, though.

Can Ghibli Park be a day trip from Tokyo

Yes, but we wouldn’t recommend it — it would make for a long and exhausting day. It’s better to make it part of a longer Nagoya trip, or a stop on a trip between Tokyo and Osaka or Kyoto .

How long do you need at Ghibli Park?

We recommend putting a whole day aside for Ghibli Park, especially if you splurge for the premium pass.

Is Ghibli Park worth it?

It depends. If you are huge Studio Ghibli fan, then you won’t want to miss it. Casual fans will enjoy it, too; it’s a nice add-on if you’re already going to pass through Nagoya. But if you are just a very casual fan and don’t want to spend the whole day there, then it’s probably not worth the effort.

I’m not a Studio Ghibli fan, should I still go to Ghibli Park?

Unless you’re already planning to go to Nagoya or pass through it, we wouldn’t recommend it for non-fans. If you’re curious, you can get a taste for Studio Ghibli without having to leave Tokyo .

Why is the Ghibli Park in Nagoya?

Way back in 2005, a World Expo was held at Aichi Commemorative Park. As part of the event, a life-sized replication of Mei and Satsuki’s house from the classic Studio Ghibli film My Neighbor Totoro (1988) was built. It proved to be very popular. Then in 2017, the plans for Ghibli Park were officially announced, although the opening date was originally meant to be 2020.

What is the difference between the Ghibli Park and the Ghibli Museum in Japan?

It’s easy to get confused between the Ghibli Park and the Ghibli Museum. They are totally different places, however! The Ghibli Park is the huge, new Studio Ghibli theme park in Nagoya, while the Ghibli Museum is a smaller, older spot in Tokyo. Both are popular and worth a visit, but the Ghibli Park is most recommended — especially if you are a big Ghibli fan.

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in May 2023. Last updated in March 2024.

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• Wander the Ghibli Museum: an imaginative wonderland based on the characters and settings from Studio Ghibli films.
• Visit real locations referenced in Ghibli films, such as Yamate Italian Garden Diplomat's House and Gajoen Hyakudan Kaidan.
• Discover the process behind Japanese animation with a tour of the Suginami Animation Studio.
• Taste a sweet, fluffy Ghibli-themed treat at Shirohige Cream Puff Factory.
• Step into Japan's ancient past as you visit the Tokyo Edo Architecture Open Air Museum.
• Hunt for that perfect souvenir in Akihabara Electric Town and Nakano Broadway.
• Behold the massive Unicorn Gundam of Odaiba, and the Nippon TV Ghibli Clock.

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Step into the beloved worlds of studio ghibli on these ghibli-themed tours. explore the ghibli museum, see real japan locations from the films, as well many other entertaining attractions..

Enter the magical world of Ghibli on our Ghibli Anime Tour. No animation studio has brought more Japanese animation into western culture than Studio Ghibli, and our tour offers anime fans a celebration of their work in a set of magical itineraries. Our Ghibli Anime Tour offers a look at the real-life Japan locations in Yokohama and Tokyo that either inspired or were featured in Ghibli Films. Explore Ghibli-featured architecture in Yokohama from the film, "From Up on Poppy Hill", wh... View More

Enter the magical world of Ghibli on our Ghibli Anime Tour. No animation studio has brought more Japanese animation into western culture than Studio Ghibli, and our tour offers anime fans a celebration of their work in a set of magical itineraries. Our Ghibli Anime Tour offers a look at the real-life Japan locations in Yokohama and Tokyo that either inspired or were featured in Ghibli Films. Explore Ghibli-featured architecture in Yokohama from the film, "From Up on Poppy Hill", which takes place in the city. Negishi Natsukashi Park and the Yamate Italian Garden Diplomat's House both served as references to the film. While in the city, we also include a relaxing stroll through Harbor View Park, and a fun experience making your own cup noodle at the Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama. Tokyo is known for it's anime-related points of interest, and Ghibli has its share of fascinating sights in the city. One of the highlights of the tour is undoubtedly the Ghibli Museum, where the visions of the animators, especially of famed director Hayao Miyazaki, come to life. It includes a movie theater with animation produced especially for the museum, imaginative rooms designed by Hayao Miyazaki, and preserved animator's studios that allow visitors a look at the process behind Ghibli animation. Guests will also visit other memorable anime must- sees - top locations in Tokyo that make for an immersive anime tour. Akihabara beckons anime fan boys and girls to its streets of signs and displays mercurially arrayed in a clash of color, light and sound. Nakano Broadway and the Pokemon Center are a similar stops for that rare anime souvenir that can only be found in Japan. Visit the Suginami Animation Studio and learn the process behind Japanese animation, and discover what inspires the setting in various anime as you browse the Tokyo Edo Architecture Open Air Museum. Additionally, our Ghibli Anime Tours offer a number of select options to make your time in Japan that much more memorable, including a Sailor Moon Dinner Show, Ninja Restaurant Akasaka, and a futuristic Robot Restaurant. Please browse our detailed itineraries for more information.

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Everything you should know about Ghibli Park, including how to get tickets

Opening dates, photos of completed attractions, plus how to get tickets – get ready to venture into the Ghibli universe

[Update November 25 2022] Now that the highly anticipated park is open, read our complete guide to Ghibli Park  and find out how you can get tickets from overseas.

The first Ghibli Park in Japan – and the world for that matter – has opened on November 1 2022 . It's located within the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park in Nagakute city near Nagoya, about three hours by train from Tokyo. 

We've compiled all the artist's impressions, photos and videos of the theme park that have been made public so far. So, if you're a big fan like us, here's what you can expect from the world-famous creators of the hit anime ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ (1988), ‘Princess Mononoke’ (1997) and the Oscar-winning ‘ Spirited Away ’ (2001).

Studio Ghibli has announced that its first theme park will be divided into five areas: Hill of Youth , Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse , Mononoke’s Village , Valley of Witches and Dondoko Forest . All these attractions are based on the studio’s most famous flicks and will blend in seamlessly with the existing nature in the park. Here's what we know so far.

Hill of Youth

Located close to the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park's north entrance, the Hill of Youth is the gateway to this Ghibli wonderland.

An old pedestrian overpass has been transformed into an observation tower that will double as the main gate. The elevator tower features fictitious 19th-century objects you may recognise from Ghibli films such as ‘Laputa: Castle in the Sky’ (1986) and ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ (2004).

Fans of ‘Whisper of the Heart’ (1995), which was set in the Seiseki-Sakuragaoka neighbourhood in Western Tokyo, will recognise this orange building. With the surrounding greenery, it looks exactly like the antique shop from the movie. You’ll also find a miniature version of the Cat Bureau from the movie ‘The Cat Returns’ (2002).

Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse

A former public swimming pool which closed down in September 2018 is transformed into Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, and it's three times bigger than the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo’s Mitaka neighbourhood. This part of the theme park will be shielded from the elements, so you can still enjoy the attractions inside regardless of the weather.

The indoor area features three exhibition rooms, a children’s playground, shops and restaurants, plus a small warehouse to store exhibits from previous events and exhibitions. There's also a small cinema with about 170 seats.

The vibrant and eclectic setting will incorporate Japanese and Western architectural designs.

You’ll also find a recreation of the iconic sky garden from the movie ‘Laputa: Castle in the Sky’, complete with a true-to-scale Laputian Robot, which was only available at Tokyo's Ghibli Museum until now.

There's even a 6.3m reproduction of the movie's airship, which hangs from the ceiling.

Kids will love the playroom based on ‘My Neighbor Totoro’, complete with a Cat Bus.

In the same room, you'll also find a sleeping Totoro.

A space resembling the mysterious cityscape from the Oscar-winning ‘Spirited Away’ is also in the works.

It will feature Yubaba's office.

The above photo reveals that Ghibli’s Large Warehouse will also boast an area resembling the setting of ‘Arrietty’ (2010). The garden will let visitors experience the world from the perspective of the movie’s tiny main protagonist, Arrietty.

You can even step inside the Borrowers’ family home and take a look inside Arrietty’s room.

Mononoke’s Village

Mononoke’s Village will include a real-life recreation of Tatara-ba, the Irontown depicted in the movie ‘Princess Mononoke’. Tatara refers to the traditional Japanese furnace that’s used for smelting iron and steel, while Mononoke means spirit or supernatural monster.

So you’ll find figures of the powerful god of destruction (otherwise also known as ‘tatari gami’ in the movie), the boar god Lord Okkoto and other mythical creatures within the premises. The scenery takes you back to a rural landscape from the Muromachi period (1336-1573), in which the movie is set. 

Valley of Witches

The design of the Valley of Witches draws inspiration from ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ and ‘Kiki's Delivery Service’ (1989) – both films feature protagonists with magic powers. 

This aerial-view illustration of a European townscape features restaurants, parks and rest areas.

You’ll be able to visit Kiki’s family home that’s surrounded by trees and a lavender garden.

Based on this artist's impression, visitors can even explore the inside of the house and spend time in Kiki’s room.

There will also be a recreation of the bakery where Kiki lives and works. Yes, you’ll be able to buy bread resembling the loaves in the movie.

On the upper floor, you’ll find the room where Kiki lives while working at the bakery.

There will be a real-life, 16-metre tall version of Howl’s Moving Castle, complete with moving cannons resembling eyeballs. Unlike in the film, visitors inside the castle are welcome to take a peek into the magician's quirky bedroom.

 The entrance and kitchen area will look exactly like what you see in the film.

This is the ‘Witch’s House’ set in The Valley of Witches.

The building and interior are a recreation of Bella Yaga's home from Studio Ghibli’s first computer-animated film ‘Earwig and the Witch’ (2020).

Dondoko Forest

Surrounded by lush nature, the Dondoko Forest resembles a rural landscape from the Showa period (1926-1989) and features Satsuki's and Mei’s house from ‘My Neighbor Totoro’.

The area’s name is derived from the dondoko dance, which the two sisters perform together with the spirit Totoro in hopes that the seeds they sowed will sprout.

The area is also be home to a wooden Totoro-shaped statue called ‘Dondoko-do’.

Located on a hill behind Satsuki's and Mei’s house, the structure is 5.2m tall and can accommodate up to five children at a time.

Free 'Spirited Away' Rest Area

Close to Ghibli's Grand Warehouse you’ll find this free ‘Spirited Away’ area complete with the movie’s red gate and stone monument. The gate itself used to be part of a Japanese restaurant in Nagoya city before it was relocated to the park.

Free 'The Cat Returns' Play Area

This play area near Mononoke’s Village is inspired by the film ‘The Cat Returns’ (2002). The adorable playground features slides, a maze and a ‘tarzan rope’ zip line. It will open in summer 2023 and the best part is, entry will be free as it’s built within a public section of the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park.

Looking at these preliminary visuals of the incredibly ambitious Ghibli Park, we can't wait to venture into the fantasy world of Studio Ghibli. But this is no ordinary theme park. You won’t find any Ghibli-themed roller coasters and rides here, or character greeting events and Ghibli movie music playing over speakers. Rather than treating you like a visitor, the park is designed to make you feel like you’re part of the Ghibli universe.

Unfortunately, not everything in the park will open at the same time. The Hill of Youth , Ghibli’s Large Warehouse and the Dondoko Forest opened on November 1 this year. Mononoke’s Village won't be ready until a year later in autumn 2023. The opening of the Valley of Witches, on the other hand, has been pushed back to March 2024.

How to get tickets

Via Lawson’s Boo-Woo Tickets service

The Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park is open to the public for free. However, each Ghibli-themed area has its own entry fee. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. To avoid overcrowding, Ghibli Park asks you to pick a specific date and time as well as your preferred area during the booking process. See here for tickets to the Hill of Youth area, here for Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse and here for Dondoko Forest . Note that Hill of Youth tickets will include entry to Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse for visits from February 2023.

Price overview:

Ghibli’s Large Warehouse Weekdays ¥2,000 (children ¥1,000), weekends and holidays ¥2,500 (children ¥1,250)

Hill of Youth For visits until January 2023: ¥1,000 (children ¥500) For visits from February 2023 with access to Ghibli’s Large Warehouse: weekdays ¥3,000 (children ¥1,500), weekends and holidays ¥3,500 (children ¥1,750)

Dondoko Forest ¥1,000 (children ¥500)

Via the travel agency JTB

The easiest way to get your hands on the coveted tickets is to book a package deal via JTB travel agency. There are two accommodation plans in Nagoya: one with entry to all three Ghibli Park areas and the other with just admission to Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse. The former package, which includes an overnight stay at the Meitetsu Grand Hotel , for example, starts at ¥14,500 per person per night. You can also add a flight or shinkansen ticket to your booking.

Note that if you book a JTB package, your entry time for the Ghibli Park is between 10am and 1pm.

Pro tip: The Hill of Youth area and Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse are separated by a five-minute walk, but you’ll need about 20 minutes to reach Dondoko Forest. Based on our experience, you’ll spend about an hour at the Hill of Youth area and two hours in Dondoko Forest. We recommend entering Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse before 12noon. Head straight to the special exhibition and the souvenir shop to avoid long wait times in the afternoon. Before you go, make sure to download this adorable Ghibli Park map.

We’ll keep you posted as we get more updates on Ghibli Park, but until then, check out Ghibli Park's website . In the meantime, visit the official Ghibli Museum in Mitaka to brush up on your Studio Ghibli knowledge.

This article was originally published on December 16 2019, and updated on November 25 2022.

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Extension of the time frame to change the admission date due to the announcement of the Nankai Trough Earthquake Extra Information (a megaquake advisory) and the approach of the typhoon

HOME ⁄ Extension of the time frame to change the admission date due to the announcement of the Nankai Trough Earthquake Extra Information (a megaquake advisory) and the approach of the typhoon

For those who were unable to visit Ghibli Park due to the Nankai Trough Earthquake Extra Information (a megaquake advisory) announced in August 2024 or transportation disruptions caused by the approach of the typhoon in August and September 2024, we have already announced that the admission date would be able to be changed to a date through October 31 (Thu) of this year. We would like to let you know that we have decided to extend the end date of the time frame by about one month.

The date to which admission can be changed depends on the tickets you have. Please check the following.

-Tickets dated August 9th (Fri), 13th (Tue), 14th (Wed), 15th (Thu), 16th (Fri), 29th (Thu), 30th (Fri) and September 2nd (Mon): Entry to the same areas as indicated on your tickets will be allowed on weekdays of operation through November 29th (Fri), 2024.

-Tickets dated August 10th (Sat), 11th (Sun), 12th (Mon), 17th (Sat), 31st (Sat) and September 1st (Sun): Entry to the same areas as indicated on your tickets will be allowed on operating days through December 1st (Sun), 2024.

These tickets are valid for one-time use by showing unused tickets. Please be sure to keep your tickets with you.

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Manga & Anime

The Asahi Shimbun

Theater dramas of Studio Ghibli classics win over London crowds

By AIKO MASUDA/ Staff Writer

September 13, 2024 at 07:00 JST

LONDON—The performers spoke in Japanese, but the British audience remained mesmerized throughout the play.

The daunting project of transforming one of Japan’s most popular animated movies into a theater production has proved a success.

In late June, a sold-out London Coliseum featured “Spirited Away,” originally an award-winning Japanese animation movie directed by Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli.

British director John Caird, known for “Les Misérables,” adapted and directed the theater version of “Spirited Away,” with Toho Co. as a producer.

Actors Kanna Hashimoto and Mone Kamishiraishi, who performed the main characters in stage performances in Tokyo, spoke Japanese on the stage in Britain.

The audience in London smiled when “Kaonashi” (No-face) and “Kamajii” (Boiler Geezer) appeared in similar form as in the original film.

An English translation of the dialogue was visible from all seats, but the audience seemed solely focused on what was happening on the stage.

Mercedez Ekanem, 28, a big fan of Studio Ghibli, praised the performance.

“I thought it was really good, really innovative, really exciting. And I thought it did a very good job of bringing a cartoon to stage,” she said. “You wouldn’t think it would work, but it worked really well.”

Local newspapers’ theater review sections gave the play four or five stars out of five.

Toho said ticket sales have increased since the first performance at the end of April. Almost all tickets were sold out until the run of “Spirited Away” ended on Aug. 24.

Initially, Toho did not have plans to offer an overseas theatrical performance of a Japanese animated film.

“International performances were not originally on our mind,” Atsuo Ikeda, managing executive officer of Toho, said.

In 2021, when Toho announced that a stage adaptation of “Spirited Away” would be performed in Japan, the company received many inquiries from overseas.

So, the company invited interested organizations from abroad to the first stage performances in Japan.

Iain Gillie, a producer at PW productions, was among them, encouraged by director Caird to make the trip.

Gillie suggested a stage performance of “Spirited Away” in London.

“We knew it didn’t matter who the audience would be, they were going to really love it,” he told The Asahi Shimbun.

Gillie also had no doubts about performing the play in the Japanese language in London, saying: “It is a 100-percent Japanese production. I think that adds to the experience for the audience.”

STREAMING SERVICES FUEL POPULARITY

Behind the success of the “Spirited Away” theater performance in London was the familiarity among foreign people of Japanese animation film.

The overseas popularity of Japanese manga and anime has spread through streaming services, soon after those were broadcast in Japan.

Netflix started streaming Studio Ghibli films worldwide in 2020.

“We couldn’t be able to create such a large audience only with theater fans,” Toho’s Ikeda said. “The popularity of the original film contributed to such a large number of fans.”

Toho has recently produced other stage adaptations of manga and animation pieces. And Ikeda said the company will increase such adaptations for its overseas operations.

Musical dramas performed in Japan are predominantly influenced by the productions of Western countries.

On the other hand, the British theater industry is paying increasing attention to Japanese productions.

In London, a theater version of “Death Note the Musical” produced originally by Horipro Stage was performed last year, while the stage drama “Your Lie in April” produced originally by Toho opened this summer in the British capital.

British companies joined in the production of both theater dramas. The performers were British actors who delivered their lines in English.

Foreign producers have also started to produce theater dramas of Japanese animation films.

MUSICIAN JOE HISAISHI’S IDEA

The famed Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) of Britain and Nippon Television Network Co. co-produced a stage adaptation of “My Neighbor Totoro,” another Studio Ghibli animation film directed by Miyazaki. It was performed in London for the first time in autumn 2022.

Music composer Joe Hisaishi was the first to suggest adapting the animation film into a theater drama overseas.

Hisaishi’s idea was to create it abroad to extract the “universalities” of the work, which has a huge fanbase around the world.

Nippon TV producer Kenichi Yoda then asked RSC if it wanted to produce the adaptation together.

Yoda chose RSC because of its dedication to detail, the same approach of Studio Ghibli. He also admired the high quality of RSC’s productions, including family-oriented works like “Matilda the Musical.”

When Yoda proposed a theater adaptation of “My Neighbor Totoro,” RSC directors said they were already looking into such a project.

The two sides began planning together in 2015.

“We were more interested in the creative opportunity than the business opportunity,” said Griselda Yorke, a producer at RSC.

The “My Neighbor Totoro” animation film was released in 1988.

Yoda said that when they started planning a theater version, the film was not widely known in Britain.

“RSC workers said they don’t create theater dramas that won’t last for more than 50 years,” Yoda said. “It inspired us to think that we had to make ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ a decent theater drama.”

They inserted conversational lines showing the characters’ growth, which was not directly featured in the film, as well as dialogue to describe certain animated scenes.

It took two years for them to complete the script.

“We took very seriously the details and the importance of the specifics,” Yorke said about describing Japanese life.

She conducted a detailed survey on life in the era shown in the animated film. Asian actors were hired for the play.

Ticket sales for opening day of the play in May 2022 set a record high for the theater.

“It was the latest drama from RSC, and ‘Totoro’ had become known among British people after Netflix started streaming the original films of Studio Ghibli,” Yoda said about the high ticket sales.

The theater production of “My Neighbour Totoro” was highly evaluated for its creativeness, including the stage art pieces that made the audience “feel the nature.”

Also praised were the “kazego” puppets used on the stage, inspired by traditional Japanese “bunraku” puppet theater, along with Hisaishi’s music.

The drama received six prestigious Olivier Awards, including for best director, in 2023.

The theater production was performed again from 2023 to 2024, and it will move to London’s West End theater in March 2025 to continue its long, uninterrupted run.

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