Ghibli Museum, Mitaka
Quick answer
Ghibli Museum, Mitaka in Tokyo, Japan — the Ghibli Museum opened in 2001 to share the world of Studio Ghibli's animated films. Open Wednesday to Monday: timed entry slots; closed Tuesdays. Admission: ¥1,000 standard admission. Allow 2 hours and book a timed ticket ahead.
Visitor information last reviewed 30 June 2026. Check the official museum site for current details.
Ghibli Museum, Mitaka at a glance: hours, tickets and time needed
| Opening hours | Wednesday to Monday: timed entry slots |
|---|---|
| Closed | Tuesdays |
| Admission | ¥1,000 standard admission |
| Booking | Book a timed ticket in advance — peak slots sell out |
| Time needed | 2 hours |
| Best time to visit | Book any available slot — tickets sell out regardless of season. |
| Getting there | Train: JR Chuo Line to Mitaka station — 15-minute walk through Inokashira Park or community bus |
| Address | 1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan |
| Official website | ghibli-museum.jp |
Checked 2026-06-30 against the official website. Prices and hours change — confirm before you travel.
What is Ghibli Museum, Mitaka known for?
The Ghibli Museum opened in 2001 in Mitaka's Inokashira Park to share the world of Studio Ghibli's animated films. Hayao Miyazaki personally designed the building — a labyrinth of spiral staircases, hidden rooms, stained-glass windows, and rooftop gardens that feel like walking inside one of his films.
The museum does not follow a conventional layout. There are no set routes — visitors wander through permanent exhibits of animation cels, storyboards, and production materials, watch an exclusive short film in the Saturn Theater (never released elsewhere), and climb to the rooftop to find the five-metre Robot Soldier from Castle in the Sky.
Tickets are strictly limited and sell out months in advance — the museum itself is part of the magic, designed to reward curiosity rather than checklist tourism.
Best for: Families · Art Lovers
How long do you need at Ghibli Museum, Mitaka?
Allow 2 hours. A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at Ghibli Museum, Mitaka without museum fatigue. Follow the stops in order:
- 1
Saturn Theater Short Film
📍 Saturn Theater, Ground Floor
An original Ghibli short film screened exclusively at the museum — never distributed on video or streaming.
- 2
Robot Soldier (Laputa)
📍 Rooftop Garden
A five-metre-tall replica of the guardian robot from Castle in the Sky — patrolling a rooftop garden of wildflowers with the real Inokashira Park treetops as backdrop.
- 3
Catbus Playroom
📍 Upper Floor
A plush, child-sized Catbus from My Neighbor Totoro that children can climb inside — one of the museum's most beloved interactive spaces.
- 4
Animation Cel Exhibition
📍 Special Exhibition Room
Original hand-painted cels, storyboards, and background art from Ghibli films — revealing the painstaking craft behind each frame of animation.
What are the must-see works at Ghibli Museum, Mitaka?
4 highlights that define the collection: Saturn Theater Short Film, Robot Soldier (Laputa), Catbus Playroom and more.
Saturn Theater Short Film
Studio Ghibli · rotating exclusive
📍 Saturn Theater, Ground Floor
An original Ghibli short film screened exclusively at the museum — never distributed on video or streaming. A new film is produced periodically for the theater.
Robot Soldier (Laputa)
Studio Ghibli · 2001
📍 Rooftop Garden
A five-metre-tall replica of the guardian robot from Castle in the Sky — patrolling a rooftop garden of wildflowers with the real Inokashira Park treetops as backdrop.
Catbus Playroom
Studio Ghibli · permanent
📍 Upper Floor
A plush, child-sized Catbus from My Neighbor Totoro that children can climb inside — one of the museum's most beloved interactive spaces.
Animation Cel Exhibition
Studio Ghibli · rotating
📍 Special Exhibition Room
Original hand-painted cels, storyboards, and background art from Ghibli films — revealing the painstaking craft behind each frame of animation.
Collections and highlights
- • Saturn Theater exclusive short films
- • Catbus playroom
- • Robot Soldier rooftop garden
- • Animation cel and storyboard exhibitions
- • Strawhat Café
Tips for visiting Ghibli Museum, Mitaka
- 1.
Best time to visit
Book any available slot — tickets sell out regardless of season. Arrive at your exact timed entry. Closed Tuesdays.
- 2.
Tickets & booking
Tickets MUST be purchased in advance for a specific date and time — ¥1,000 for adults. Sold via Lawson convenience store ticket machines (Japan), official website, or designated overseas agents. Often sell out on the first day of each month's release.
- 3.
Accessibility
The building has many stairs and no lifts — not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
- 4.
Photography rules
Photography and video are prohibited inside the museum. You may photograph the exterior and rooftop garden.
How do you get to Ghibli Museum, Mitaka?
- train JR Chuo Line to Mitaka station — 15-minute walk through Inokashira Park or community bus
- bus Ghibli Museum community bus from Mitaka station south exit — ¥210 one way
- walk Pleasant walk through Inokashira Park from Mitaka station — follow signs
- train Keio Inokashira Line to Kichijoji station — walk through park from the east side
Address: 1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan
Ghibli Museum, Mitaka: frequently asked questions
Can I buy tickets at the door?
No — tickets must be purchased in advance for a specific date and time.
How do I reach Mitaka?
Take the JR Chuo Line to Mitaka station and the community bus or walk through Inokashira Park.
How long should I spend at Ghibli Museum, Mitaka?
Plan 2 hours for the highlights of Ghibli Museum, Mitaka. Our 4-stop route — Saturn Theater Short Film, Robot Soldier (Laputa), Catbus Playroom and more — is designed to fit that time. Add extra time for temporary exhibitions, the shop and the café.
What is Ghibli Museum, Mitaka best known for?
The Ghibli Museum opened in 2001 to share the world of Studio Ghibli's animated films. Hayao Miyazaki himself designed the labyrinth of stairs, hidden rooms, and stained-glass windows. Key highlights include Saturn Theater exclusive short films, Catbus playroom, Robot Soldier rooftop garden.
How do I get tickets for Ghibli Museum, Mitaka?
Admission: ¥1,000 standard admission. Book a timed-entry ticket on the official website before you go — popular slots sell out in peak season. Official site: https://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/
When do Ghibli Museum tickets go on sale?
Tickets for each month are released on the 10th of the preceding month at 10:00 AM Japan time. They typically sell out within hours. Use the Lawson Loppi machine in Japan or the official online portal for overseas visitors.
Can adults visit without children?
Yes — adults are welcome. The museum is designed for all ages. The Catbus playroom has a height limit, but most exhibits appeal equally to adult animation fans.
Is the Ghibli Museum the same as Ghibli Park?
No — Ghibli Park opened in 2022 in Aichi Prefecture (near Nagoya) and is a separate theme park. The Mitaka Ghibli Museum is the original, smaller, Miyazaki-designed building in Tokyo.
Is Ghibli Museum, Mitaka open on Tuesdays?
No — Ghibli Museum, Mitaka is closed every Tuesday. It is open Wednesday to Monday: timed entry slots. Plan a different museum for that day, and check the official website for holiday changes.
What are Ghibli Museum, Mitaka's opening hours?
Ghibli Museum, Mitaka is open Wednesday to Monday: timed entry slots, and closed Tuesdays. Hours can change for holidays and events, so check the official website before you go.
Is Ghibli Museum, Mitaka free to visit?
No — standard admission is ¥1,000 standard admission.
