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Ghibli Museum

, Mitaka, Tokyo

Description

The Ghibli Museum showcases the work of Studio Ghibli, a Japanese animation studio known for productions such as Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, and My Neighbor Totoro from which several of the museum's features are directly drawn, including a replica of the Catbus and of Totoro at the ticket counter. The 5m metal statue is that of the Robot Soldier featured in Castle in the Sky. The ground floor runs visitors through the history and science of animation and the first floor stages a mock-up studio exhibiting the creative and illustration processes. There is also a café, a bookstore, and a rooftop garden. FYI, Studio Ghibli was founded by directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, and producer Toshio Suzuki.

Access & Transport

The museum is located in Inokashira Park in Mitaka, in Tokyo's western suburbs. Mikata Station is on the JR Chuo Line, a 20mins ride from Shinjuku Station. From there it is a 15mins walk or, alternatively, you can use the community bus that runs on average every 15mins (round trip is 320/160 yen). Accessibility info: https://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/accessibility/

Instructions & Recommendations

Entrance to the Ghibli Museum is strictly by advance purchase of a reserved ticket which specifies the entry date and time of the reservation. No photography allowed inside the museum

Meta review

The museum is one of the best-known attractions in the outskirts of Tokyo but online reviews are quite inconsistent with many visitors assessing it as being a little over-hyped. The main drawbacks are the challenge in getting tickets (best is to use Lawson stores), that it gets too busy (lots of children), and that it isn't very large. The lack of translation from Japanese is only deemed to be a minor inconvenience by foreign tourists. On the positive side, those with a keen interest in animated production, and children in general, should definitely enjoy the content, including the gift shop, and the nostalgia value (that's reserved for adults...).

Environmental & Social

Environmentally and socially neutral

Conclusion

One for the Ghibli Studio fans without a doubt, and parents with children interested in the secrets behind the animated production process. Nowhere close to a must see otherwise, unless you have already explored Tokyo extensively.

Key positive

Good family activity

Playful architecture and visually colourful

Key negative

Out of the way and not easy to get tickets

Small size and average content

Suitability

Suitable for all ages. Accessible for wheelchair users (lift) except for the rooftop

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 45m

est. visit time:1h 20m

Regulated hours

Monday10:00 - 18:00

Tuesday -

Wednesday10:00 - 18:00

Thursday10:00 - 18:00

Friday10:00 - 18:00

Saturday10:00 - 18:00

Sunday10:00 - 18:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
JP¥1,000
Adult
19 - 64
JP¥1,000
Teen & Young
13 - 18
JP¥700
Child
7 - 12
JP¥400
Infant
0 - 6
JP¥0
Price for 4-6 yr old is 100 yen

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