Studio Ghibli's whimsical museum in leafy Mitaka, designed by Hayao Miyazaki himself. Adults 1,000 yen, but strictly advance, date-and-time reservation only, released the 10th of each month for the next month. Open 10:00-18:00; closed Tuesdays. Magical, and worth the ticket scramble if you love the films.
Key facts
| Hours | Wed-Mon 10:00-18:00 (timed entries 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00) Closed Tuesdays and periodic maintenance (e.g. closed for renovation late June 2026) |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Mitaka Station (JR Chuo line), 15-min walk or shuttle bus; also near Kichijoji |
| Time needed | 2-3 hours |
| Best time to go | Any entry slot you can secure; weekday slots are slightly easier to book |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.3/10- Value8.0
- iconic8.0
- Freshness9.3
- excellence8.5
- Crowd level7.0
- Authenticity9.0
- Accessibility5.0
Frequently asked questions
- Is it good for adults or just kids?
- Both. Kids love the Catbus room and the play areas, but adults get the exclusive short film, the recreated animation studio, and Miyazaki's design details throughout. If you love the films, the craftsmanship alone justifies the visit regardless of age.
- Can I take photos inside?
- No, photography is prohibited indoors by design, to keep visitors present in the space. You can shoot the exterior, the rooftop with its life-sized Laputa robot, and the garden. Lean into being unplugged; it's part of the charm.
- Is there a restaurant and shop?
- Yes. The Straw Hat Cafe serves themed food but has long lines and limited hours, so eat light expectations. The Mamma Aiuto shop sells museum-exclusive merchandise you can't get elsewhere, which for fans is a highlight worth budgeting money and time for.
- What are the opening hours and closed days?
- Open 10:00-18:00 with timed entries at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, and 16:00. Closed Tuesdays and for periodic maintenance breaks; it was closed for renovation in late June 2026, so always check the calendar before booking a date.
- Ghibli Museum or Ghibli Park?
- The Mitaka museum is intimate, central, and Miyazaki-designed; Ghibli Park near Nagoya is a much larger, newer outdoor complex requiring a separate trip. If you're Tokyo-based with limited time, the museum is the practical choice. Doing both is only for serious fans.
- How do I get to the museum?
- Take the JR Chuo line to Mitaka Station, then either walk about 15 minutes along the Tamagawa canal or catch the dedicated yellow Ghibli shuttle bus. It sits on the edge of Inokashira Park, so you can combine it with Kichijoji easily.
- How much does it cost?
- Admission is 1,000 yen for adults (19+), 700 yen ages 13-18, 400 yen ages 7-12, 100 yen ages 4-6, and free under 4. It's remarkably cheap for what it is; the difficulty is getting a ticket, not the price.
- How do I get tickets and why are they hard?
- All tickets are advance-only, sold on the 10th of each month at 10:00 JST for the following month, and they sell out fast. Overseas visitors buy through Lawson's site or authorized agents. There are no same-day or door tickets, so plan your date weeks ahead.
Nearby in Ask Tokyo
- Inokashira ParkPark0.49 km · 6 min walk
- KichijojiNeighborhood1.15 km · 14 min walk
- Koenji Antique Fair (高円寺蚤の市)Market7.18 km · 90 min walk
- KoenjiNeighborhood7.24 km · 90 min walk
- ShimokitazawaNeighborhood9.63 km · 120 min walk
Where to stay near Ghibli Museum
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