The Studio Ghibli Museum in Mitaka is one of Japan's most coveted experiences — a fantastical building nestled in Inokashira Park filled with original animation cels, Hayao Miyazaki's storyboards, and the creative world of the studio behind My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away. Advance ticket reservation is essential: same-day purchase is impossible. The Saturn Theatre screens exclusive short films found nowhere else, and the rooftop robot soldier from Castle in the Sky watches over the forest below.
What to See at the Ghibli Museum
🎬 Saturn Theatre — Exclusive Short Film
¥1,000 includedThe Saturn Theatre screens original short animated films made exclusively for the museum — not available anywhere else in the world. One screening is included per admission, with a 12–15 minute film allocated at the entrance gate. Past exclusive films include Mei and the Kittenbus and Water Spider Monmon. The film showing is not announced in advance, making it a genuine first-time experience for every visitor.
🐱 Rooftop Garden — Life-Size Robot Soldier
Free with entryThe museum's rooftop garden features a life-size replica of the robot soldier from Castle in the Sky, standing atop the building and visible from Inokashira Park below. The garden also houses the Neko Bus play structure for children — a soft, climbable version of the iconic Cat Bus from My Neighbour Totoro. Photography of the exterior and garden is permitted.
🎨 Permanent Exhibition — The Birth of a Film
¥1,000 includedThe museum's permanent exhibition traces the process of creating an animated film from concept to screen — original storyboards, animation cels, background paintings, and handwritten production notes by Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli's directors are displayed in recreated studio environments. The exhibition emphasises the hand-crafted nature of the studio's work at a time when most animation has moved to digital production.
📚 Reading Room — Manga & Children's Books
Free with entryA dedicated reading room filled with manga, picture books, and children's literature selected by the Ghibli team provides a quiet space to browse while surrounded by natural light and forest views from Inokashira Park. The collection reflects Miyazaki's personal reading influences and the literary sources behind many Ghibli films. Visitors are encouraged to sit, read, and take their time.
🖼️ Rotating Special Exhibition
Included with entryAlongside the permanent displays, the museum hosts rotating special exhibitions that change throughout the year. Past exhibitions have explored the history of animation techniques, the work of specific animators, and the visual development of individual films. The special exhibition subject is announced on the museum's website and changes approximately once or twice annually — worth checking before booking tickets.
🛍️ Museum Shop Mamma Aiuto
Free to browseThe museum shop Mamma Aiuto (named after the villain's airship gang from Porco Rosso) sells Ghibli merchandise available exclusively at the museum — items are not sold online or at other retailers. Products typically include original illustrations, stationery, textiles, ceramics, and limited-edition character goods. The shop is accessible to ticket holders and tends to have queues during peak visiting periods.
Stay in Tokyo near the Ghibli Museum
The Ghibli Museum is in Mitaka, 15 minutes from Shinjuku by train. Most visitors base themselves in central Tokyo and day-trip to Mitaka. Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Harajuku offer the widest range of accommodation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I buy tickets for the Ghibli Museum?
Ghibli Museum tickets cannot be purchased at the door — they must be reserved in advance through the official Lawson ticket system (L-CODE 37561 in Japan) or via the Lawson Ticket international site (loppi.lawson.co.jp). Tickets go on sale on the 10th of each month for the following month and sell out within hours, often minutes. Each ticket specifies an entry time (10:00, 12:00, 14:00, or 16:00) and admits you to the museum for that session. International visitors can use the English-language Lawson Ticket website or book through authorised overseas agencies. Children under 4 enter free. If you miss the monthly release, check for cancellations on the release site close to your travel date.
Can you take photos inside the Ghibli Museum?
Indoor photography is strictly prohibited throughout the Ghibli Museum — this is enforced at the entrance and throughout all gallery spaces. The rule exists to preserve the intimate, personal atmosphere of the museum and to protect the original artworks and animation cels on display. Photography is permitted in the outdoor areas — the rooftop garden featuring the life-size robot soldier from Castle in the Sky and the exterior of the building. The museum strongly encourages visitors to experience the space directly rather than through a camera lens. Sketching and note-taking are welcome in most areas.
Is the Cat Bus attraction for all ages?
The famous Neko Bus (Cat Bus) play structure on the rooftop garden is designed for children up to approximately 12 years old — there is a weight/height limit and adult entry is not permitted. The Cat Bus interior is filled with soft material and children can climb inside freely, making it one of the most popular spots for young visitors. Adults can view and photograph the exterior from the rooftop garden. The rest of the museum is fully accessible and enjoyable for all ages — the permanent exhibitions, storyboard displays, animation technique demonstrations, and Saturn Theatre are not age-restricted.
How do I get to the Ghibli Museum from Shinjuku?
The Ghibli Museum is in Inokashira Park, Mitaka — approximately 15 minutes from Shinjuku by train. Take the JR Chuo Line (rapid or local) from Shinjuku Station to Mitaka Station (6 stops, 15 minutes). From Mitaka Station's south exit, the walk through Inokashira Park takes about 15 minutes and is signposted. Alternatively, a shuttle bus (Mori no Bus) operates between Mitaka Station south exit and the museum entrance every 10–20 minutes during opening hours — tickets cost ¥210 each way and sell out during peak periods, so the walk is often faster. From Kichijoji Station (one stop before Mitaka), it is a 20-minute walk through Inokashira Park.
What films play in the Saturn Theatre at the Ghibli Museum?
The Saturn Theatre screens exclusive short animated films produced specifically for the Ghibli Museum and not available for commercial release elsewhere. Each film runs approximately 12–15 minutes and is included with museum admission (one screening per visit, allocated at the ticket gate). The programme rotates throughout the year — which film is showing is not announced publicly in advance, making each visit a genuine surprise. Past exclusive films have included Mei and the Kittenbus, Water Spider Monmon, Mr. Dough and the Egg Princess, and Treasure Hunting. The theatre seats approximately 80 people in a small, intimate screening room designed to resemble an old European cinema.