Studio Ghibli Museum in Tokyo

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Facts & Figures

As a fan of Hayao Miyazaki’s animated films, the Studio Ghibli Museum (Mitaka no Mori Ghibli Bijutsukan) in Tokyo located inside Inokashira Park is an absolute must-see. I am sure you have already watched masterpieces like Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, My Neighbor Totoro, Howl's Moving Castle, Castle in the Sky, Ponyo, or Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. The museum’s colorful building creates a fantasy-like world for both adults and children. Discover Tokyo’s Best Ryokans > Inside, you will find iconic Ghibli characters such as Totoro, along with impressive exhibitions of handcrafted objects and beautifully designed interiors (do not miss the painted ceiling) that reflect the look and feel of the films. A small theater even shows short films that can only be seen at this museum. Important: Tickets must be purchased in advance. The museum welcomes approximately 650,000 visitors per year.

• Buying Tickets Online
• A small number of tickets are available in English through Lawson’s l-tike.com website. The price is 1000 yen, and online availability is limited.
• Buying Tickets from Outside Japan
• If you are planning your visit from abroad, tickets can be arranged through JTB (Japan Travel Bureau) offices overseas. Sales begin three months ahead, on the first day of each month. You will receive a voucher with your assigned entry date, which must be exchanged at the museum for the actual ticket (bring your passport). Voucher exchange is possible at any time on the day printed.
• Buying Tickets Within Japan
• When you are already in Japan, tickets can be purchased at Lawson convenience stores via the Loppi ticket machines. Tickets for each month become available on the 10th of the previous month. You will need to select a specific date and time slot. Weekends and school holiday periods are usually the first to sell out, but weekday slots generally have more availability.

History

The studio itself was founded in 1985 in Tokyo by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata and producer Toshio Suzuki. In 1998 the planning phase for this wonderful museum began, and the design was created by Miyazaki himself. Construction took place from March 2000 until October 2001.

Sightseeing spots within Studio Ghibli Museum

Top:

First floor - Here you will find the beautiful Saturn Theater and five exhibition rooms that explore the history of animation and the techniques used behind the scenes. The central hall at the entrance is an architectural highlight with its spiral staircases and playful design.

Second floor - This level features rotating exhibitions, the fun Cat Bus area, a cozy kissaten (café) and a unique, very popular gift shop.

Rooftop garden - The main attraction here is the iconic five-meter-tall life-sized Robot Soldier from Castle in the Sky.

Festival & Events at the shrine (dates can change without notice)

May

Kichijoji Music Festival (3rd - 5th of May)
You can enjoy live music on many different stages across the area (including the Inokashira Park).

September

Kichijoji Music Festival (13th - 14th of September)
It is the grand annual festival of the Musashino Hachimangu Shrine. It is one of the highlights of the year, featuring a procession of eleven mikoshi (portable shrines). The food stalls are amazing, and the energetic atmosphere with huge crowds makes it a must-see event.