Museums

Ghibli Museum, Mitaka

A museum of animation, exhibitions, short films and playful architecture. All admission requires advance timed reservations.

Popularity · 205

Photo: Michael Reeve · CC BY-SA 3.0

Facts

Age	All ages; ages 3 and under free
Fee	Ages 19+ ¥1,000 / 13–18 ¥700 / 7–12 ¥400 / 4–6 ¥100 / 3 and under free
Duration	Allow 2–3 hours, with extra time for the short film and cafe
Language	Visitor information is mainly Japanese, while many displays communicate visually
Hours	10:00–18:00; closure dates vary, so check the calendar for your visit month
Access	Community bus from Mitaka Station South Exit, or about 15 minutes on foot
Booking	Advance timed booking is mandatory; no tickets are sold on site, with the next month released at 10:00 on the 10th

Secure a dated, timed ticket before fixing your Mitaka itinerary; do not travel hoping for walk-up tickets.
Focus on the short film, animation exhibits and architecture, then visit Inokashira Park afterwards.

There are no walk-up sales, and popular dates sell out. Check purchaser and companion details carefully.
Indoor photography and filming are prohibited; come to experience the animation and spaces, not for an indoor photo shoot.
Strollers stay in designated parking and re-entry is not allowed; plan meals and rest before entering.

My daughters loved the Catbus, even with the time limit.

I especially enjoyed seeing storyboards from my favourite films.

The galleries and museum shop were crowded when we visited.

Entry took an hour; once inside, we were told closing was only about ninety minutes away.

The cafe used to feel calmer with table service; the menu had changed considerably, which disappointed me.

Can tickets be bought at the museum on the day?

No. Admission is advance timed reservation only, with the following month released at 10:00 on the 10th.

Can visitors take photos inside?

Photography and video are not allowed inside. Follow staff directions and signs in outdoor areas as well.

Are strollers and re-entry allowed?

Strollers stay in designated parking and re-entry is not allowed, so plan food and children's breaks before entering.

What facilities are there for families?

Rainy days：Exhibits are mainly indoors; the roof and cafe deck may close in bad weather
Toilets and nursing：Accessible toilets and changing facilities are on every floor; ask staff to use the nursing room
Food：Food is limited to the Straw Hat Cafe and cafe deck; packed food is also eaten on the deck
Strollers：Strollers stay in the designated parking area; a carrier is useful for young children

Recheck current hours, prices and booking conditions on the official site before travelling.