Updated for July 2025 | Firsthand Visit Review
Visiting the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo, is a dream come true for fans of Studio Ghibli, anime, and whimsical storytelling. This magical place brings Hayao Miyazaki’s imaginative worlds to life in a way no movie ever could. After finally securing tickets for July 3rd, 2025, my wife and I experienced the museum firsthand — and we’re here to share everything you need to know before your visit.
Whether you’re a Ghibli superfan or a first-time visitor, this guide will help you plan your trip, avoid common mistakes, and make the most of your time inside this one-of-a-kind museum.
🎟️ How to Get Ghibli Museum Tickets (And Why It’s Tricky)
Getting into the Ghibli Museum isn’t as easy as walking up to the door — tickets are limited, highly in demand, and must be booked in advance. (similar to the Kirby Cafe).
- ✅ Tickets are sold via the official Ghibli Museum site
- 🕙 Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. JST on the 10th of every month for visits scheduled during the following month. Example: Tickets for all of February become available on January 10th at 10 a.m. JST
Our Experience
When we first tried to get June tickets from the U.S., we logged in right at 9 p.m. EST on May 10th — and immediately got placed into a queue that lasted hours. No luck.
Fortunately, because our trip spanned late June into early July, we got a second chance. We tried again on June 10th, and this time we succeeded! We secured two adult tickets for 4 p.m. on July 3rd for just ¥1,000 each (a steal for what you get).
Alternative: Book Through a Tour Package (Easier but Pricier)
If you’re unable to get tickets directly, or want a more convenient option, consider looking at third-party vendors like Klook. They sometimes offer tickets to the Ghibli Museum as part of larger tour packages, which may include:
- Transportation
- Meals
- Other Tokyo-area attractions
- And, of course, your museum ticket
Here’s an example one to check out!
These packages tend to be more expensive per ticket, but they’re a good option if you don’t want to stress about logging in right when tickets go on sale. They’re especially helpful for travelers on tighter itineraries or those booking last-minute.
Make sure to you’re booking Ghibli Museum in Tokyo and not Ghibli Park in Nagoya
🕓 Reservation Times and Entry Process
The museum offers four entry times each day:
- 10:00 a.m.
- 12:00 p.m.
- 2:00 p.m.
- 4:00 p.m.
We arrived just 5 minutes before our 4:00 p.m. slot, and were grouped in line with about 100+ other visitors (estimate). They don’t allow early entry, so you line up and wait until the exact time, when everyone in that slot is let in at once.
Tip: Arrive about 10–15 minutes early — no need to rush, but don’t be late!
🎥 What’s Inside the Ghibli Museum?
Once inside, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a real-life Ghibli film. The building is designed to not follow a set route — it’s intentionally maze-like, encouraging guests to wander freely, discover hidden details, and explore at their own pace. Every corner holds something charming, mysterious, or magical, making the entire experience feel like an adventure.
Here are some highlights from our visit:
🌀 First Floor: A Look Into Ghibli’s Animation Magic
- The Permanent Exhibition Room on this floor is called “The Beginning of Movement”, showcasing early animation principles and featuring vintage animation equipment used in hand-drawn film production.
- You’ll see beautiful displays that explain how animation works frame-by-frame, with physical demonstrations that are both nostalgic and educational.
- Art and storyboard samples from classic Ghibli films are scattered throughout.
🎬 Mini Theater (Exclusive Film Screenings)
This floor also includes a mini theater where they screen exclusive Studio Ghibli short films that can’t be seen anywhere else in the world. During our visit, they played a 15-minute Catbus short from My Neighbor Totoro — a whimsical treat that perfectly captured the spirit of Ghibli.
When we entered, we were handed small “film ticket” strips featuring scenes from random Ghibli movies. These were required for theater entry and made for a cool collectible.
🎨 Second Floor: Special Exhibits & Behind-the-Scenes Magic
- The Special Exhibition Room changes annually. During our visit, it featured artwork from various Ghibli films — some of the most stunning visuals in the entire museum. This was honestly one of my favorite parts.
- On the other side of the second floor is the Permanent Exhibit Room called “Where a Film is Born.” This area gives you a look at the animator’s creative process — with gorgeous props, sketches, concept art, and intricate desk setups that visually explain how Ghibli films come to life.
- You’ll also find the Straw Hat Café just outside, offering drinks and light meals with outdoor seating in a charming setting.
🐱 Third Floor: Play, Books & Shopping
- Catbus Room: A play area for kids under 12 featuring a life-sized, plush Catbus — fun, soft, and perfect for younger fans.
- “Tri Hawks” Reading Room: A quiet space filled with children’s literature and beautifully illustrated picture books — another nod to the importance of storytelling.
- Gift Shop “Mamma Aiuto!”: Possibly the most important stop — the official Ghibli shop is packed with exclusive merchandise, collectibles, books, toys, apparel, and more. We found so many unique souvenirs here!
🌳 Rooftop Garden: Iconic Finale
Don’t miss the rooftop garden, where the Robot Soldier statue from Laputa: Castle in the Sky stands guard. It’s a peaceful, elevated space with lovely views — the perfect spot for a quiet breather and a few outdoor photos.
📸 Can You Take Photos Inside?
Unfortunately (or fortunately), no photography is allowed inside the museum. This policy helps preserve the magic for future guests and encourages you to be fully present.
That said, you’re absolutely free to take pictures of the museum’s exterior, the gardens, and the giant Robot Soldier on the rooftop.
💡 Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Book early — Use a world clock and set an alarm for the ticket release time
- Bring your passport — You may need to show it when you enter
- Plan other Mitaka activities — Inokashira Park is nearby
- Shop smart — The gift shop has exclusive merchandise, but lines can be long
- Watch Ghibli films in advance — It deepens the appreciation for exhibits
- Don’t rush — You’ll need about 2 hours to see everything at a relaxed pace
- Respect the no-photo policy — Take mental snapshots instead
🏰 Is the Ghibli Museum Worth It?
Absolutely. If you’re a fan of Studio Ghibli, animation history, or just immersive storytelling, this museum is unlike anything else. Every room feels like a lovingly crafted scene from one of Miyazaki’s worlds. Even without being able to take photos inside, the experience sticks with you.
From the hand-drawn sketches to the playful details hiding around every corner, the Ghibli Museum is more than a tourist stop — it’s a living tribute to artistic imagination.
🤔 FAQ: Ghibli Museum Quick Answers
Q: How much are tickets?
A: ¥1,000 per adult (~$6.50 USD). Children and students get discounted rates.
Q: How long can you stay inside?
A: There’s no strict time limit, but most people spend 1.5 to 2 hours.
Q: Can you buy tickets at the museum?
A: No — tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Q: Is it okay if I don’t speak Japanese?
A: Yes! Most signs include English, and you can still enjoy everything without knowing the language.
