Studio Ghibli has always held a special place in my heart. I love that their films, such as Spirited Away and Whisper of the Heart, capture a sense of nostalgia, blending the innocence of childhood with profound, meaningful themes. As a creative, I’ve always admired not just the stunning visuals but also the meticulous process that brings their enchanting worlds to life. So, when I planned my trip to Tokyo, the Ghibli Museum was at the very top of my bucket list.
Nestled in the gorgeous suburb of Mitaka, the Ghibli Museum brings the studio’s magic to life. From its playful architecture to exhibits that reveal the behind-the-scenes secrets, every corner feels like a tribute to Hayao Miyazaki’s storytelling genius. And while photography isn’t allowed inside (to preserve the mystery), I’ve captured some shots of the enchanting exterior to share with you.
How to get Ghibli Museum tickets
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How to get to Ghibli Museum
Getting to Ghibli Museum is fairly easy, and there are a few routes you can take. For our visit, we started at Shinjuku Station and caught the JR Chūō Line (Rapid) heading towards Kichijōji Station. The journey was pretty quick and only took about 20 minutes. We arrived at Kichijōji Station just before 11 a.m. and decided to explore the area before heading to the museum.
From Kichijōji Station, we made our way on foot to Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory, run by Hayao Miyazaki’s sister-in-law. There, we picked up some adorable Totoro-shaped cream puffs and headed to Inokashira Park to enjoy our treats by the pond. Afterward, we had some time to kill, so we visited the Inokashira Park Zoo, which is nearby and a lovely little detour.
Once we were ready to head to the museum, we simply walked about 10 minutes to the entrance.
While Mitaka Station is the easiest option for getting to Ghibli museum, I loved taking the time to explore Kichijōji and Inokashira Park before our 2 p.m. session. If you have some extra time, I definitely recommend adding a few extra stops along the way to make your journey even more enjoyable.
How long to spend at Ghibli Museum
You’ll want to allow 2-3 hours at the Ghibli Museum. We ended up spending about 30 minutes just in the gift shop alone! It’s a must-visit, and trust me, you’ll want to check out all the fantastic Ghibli goodies.
My favourite exhibit was “Where a Film is Born” which showcases the rich history and behind-the-scenes processes of Studio Ghibli’s iconic films. You’ll find everything from original sketches and concept art to intricate dioramas that bring the beloved characters and worlds of Ghibli to life.
There’s also an inspiring exhibit that offers a glimpse into Hayao Miyazaki’s creative process, featuring his personal sketches, drawings, and even the desk where the magic happens. It’s a must-see for any fan of his work and creative journey.
Don’t miss the Saturn Theatre either, which shows exclusive short Ghibli animated films you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a nice little bonus to your visit! When we visited, the short film that was showing was A Sumo Wrestler’s Tail.
If you find yourself needing a break, head to the rooftop garden via the spiral staircase. Here, you will find the massive Robot Soldier statue from Castle in the Sky—it’s perfect for a breath of fresh air.
The Straw Hat Café
No visit is complete without stopping by the Ghibli Museum’s Straw Hat Café. Tucked among Mitaka’s towering red pine trees, the café offers a cosy, welcoming atmosphere. We were lucky to find a seat on the deck, where we could relax and take in the surroundings.
The café offers a delightful selection of both hot and cold dishes, snacks, and desserts, all served with a homely touch that makes you feel instantly at ease. As I looked around, I noticed many people enjoying a bright blue drink, so I knew I had to try it too. It’s called the Noppara Cream Soda (or Blue Sky Ice Cream Soda)—a sweet, dreamy concoction straight out of childhood fantasies.
While we didn’t sample much of the food except fries (we weren’t hungry at the time), everything looked rustic and lovingly prepared, adding to the café’s warm, homestyle charm.
My Mamma Aiuto! Gift Shop Haul
I’m an absolute sucker for gift shops, and Studio Ghibli Museum’s Mamma Aiuto! gift shop did not disappoint. It’s everything you’d imagine a Studio Ghibli store to be—magical, whimsical, and packed with wonderful treasures.
Honestly, I’d go as far as to say the gift shop alone is worth the price of admission! I probably circled the shelves at least three times before forcing myself to leave to spare my wallet any further damage.
While they do have an online store, it currently doesn’t ship internationally, making these in-person finds even more special. I stuck to buying small items to avoid breaching my luggage restrictions, but if I lived in Japan, I’d be all over the dioramas and crockery.
Here’s a look at the goodies I picked up from the museum shop! While the Calcifer tote bag didn’t come from the Ghibli Museum itself—it’s actually from Donguri Republic at Tokyo Station—I couldn’t resist including it in the haul.
Final thoughts
The Ghibli Museum wasn’t exactly what I expected—maybe I was envisioning it to be more like Ghibli Park in Aichi. With almost no photos available of the museum’s exhibits online, I had no real sense of what to expect beforehand. But once I was there, I was pleasantly surprised and genuinely impressed. To get the most out of the experience, though, I think you’ll need to be somewhat familiar with Studio Ghibli’s works.
So, is Ghibli Museum worth the hype? Absolutely, especially if you’re a fan. I haven’t visited anything quite like it before, and the entire place evokes a beautiful sense of childhood nostalgia. If you’re lucky enough to secure tickets on the Lawson website, it’s definitely ¥1,000 well spent.
