The Studio Ghibli Museum is an art and animation museum located in Tokyo, Japan. It’s a dream destination for fans of Ghibli films in Mitaka. But getting tickets can be challenging, especially if you’re planning your trip from outside Japan. This article explains how to book tickets and enjoy your visit.
Studio Ghibli Museum Tokyo
1. Top Attractions Inside the Ghibli Museum
- The life-size catbus: Kids can climb and play on a giant Catbus from My Neighbour Totoro. It’s soft, fluffy, and fun.
- Saturn theatre: There’s a small theatre inside the museum that shows exclusive Ghibli short films. These movies can only be seen here.
- “Where a Film Is Born” – Animation exhibits: The museum includes rooms that show how animation works. You’ll see original sketches, drawings, and displays that explain how scenes were made.
- Rooftop garden with the Laputa robot: On the rooftop, there’s a peaceful garden where a giant robot from Laputa: Castle in the Sky stands. It’s the perfect place for photos.
Laputa Robot in Studio Ghibli Museum
- Mamma aiuto gift shop: The museum shop sells unique merchandise. From notebooks and postcards to collectables and art books, you’ll find a lot of souvenirs here.
- TRI HAWKS reading room: A peaceful reading room curated with children’s books (in Japanese) selected by Hayao Miyazaki himself. This collection inspire imagination and creativity in kids — and grown-ups, too.
- Temporary exhibition room – Now showing: “The Boy and the Heron”: This features original background paintings from The Boy and the Heron, Miyazaki’s latest film masterpiece.
2. Why Are Tickets So Hard to Get?
Tickets to the Ghibli Museum are limited and in high demand. It’s not just tourists — even locals in Japan struggle to get them. The museum only allows a certain number of visitors per day to keep the experience calm and enjoyable. For that reason:
- Tickets must be booked in advance
- You cannot buy tickets at the museum
- Tickets usually sell out within minutes
3. How to Book Tickets
You can book tickets in one of two official ways approved by the Ghibli Museum:
- Lawson ticket website (Online sales): One option is Lawson ticket, which offers online sales in English. This platform allows travelers to choose tickets in advance and handle the entire process online without needing a local address or phone number.
- Sunrise tours JTB bus package: Another official option is Sunrise Tours by JTB, which offers a guided bus tour that includes Ghibli Museum entry. It is ideal for visitors who prefer group travel or want to explore more places in one day.
4. Important Tips for Booking
Keep these tips in mind before you start booking:
- Ticket release date: The 10th of each month at 10:00 AM (Japan time) for the following month.
- Entry time slots: There are four time slots available: 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, and 4 PM.
- Fastest selling slot: The 10 AM time is the most popular and usually sells out within seconds. It can also include a queue of up to 45 minutes.
- Best option: Aim for the 2 PM or 4 PM slots for a better chance.
- Create your account early: Sign up on the Lawson website ahead of time so you can act fast when ticket sales open.
- Use a world clock: Match Japan time to your local time to avoid missing the window.
5. Essential Things to Know Before You Go
Before you pack your Totoro plush and head to Mitaka, here are a few essential things to keep in mind:
- Ticket Rules: Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. Your name will be printed on the tickets, so bring your passport (or ID) to match the name.
- Timed Entry: Tickets come with a designated time to enter the museum. You can only enter during that time. Once inside, you can stay as long as you like (until closing).
- Photography: You can’t take photos or videos inside the museum. You can take pictures in the garden, on the rooftop, and in the entrance area.
The Studio Ghibli Museum is one of the most special places in Japan. With a little planning, you can secure your ticket and enjoy a truly magical experience. And while you’re there, you can explore more—Japan is full of incredible attractions.
