Studio Ghibli is a well known Japanese animator which is famous for their attention to details from their detailed environment, and finger-licking looking foods as well for heartwarming stories, and fantastical characters. Until now, Studio Ghibli has produced a number of masterpieces that have become one of the most beloved animated films of all time. All of the well known movies such as My Neighbor Totoro where a story unfolds when two sisters meet a friendly forest spirit and befriend with it, Spirited Away, being one of the most famous masterpiece by Ghibli studios even getting Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, Princess Mononoke and their teaching about the nature of human being, Howl’s Moving Castle with it’s unique setting and breathtaking animation and Ponyo with it’s adorable little girl and her journey, each with their own unique story and iconic scene. And since 2001, a museum has been built dedicated to those works of Ghibli studios located in Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan.

The museum showcases the creative behind Studio Ghibli’s films through exhibits, displays and short films. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to delve into the world of Ghibli and appreciate the artistry and imagination behind their beloved movies.

Being one of the most popular attractions in Tokyo, Ghibli Museum tickets can only be bought in advance. By saying that, it means you literally can’t buy the Ghibli Museum tickets on site. The price would differ based on the age of the visitors. If you’re an adult over 19 years old, the price would be 1000 yen which is around 9 SGD. Kids around age 13 to 18 would be 700 yen, which is around 7 SGD, ages 7 to 12 would be 400 yen which is 4 SGD, 4 to 6 years old would be 100 yen which is around 1 SGD, and under would all be free.

1. Explore their exhibits

There are a number of exhibits in the Ghibli Museum that you can explore. Those exhibition includes the Ghibli World that showcasing the general overview of Studio Ghibli’s history, showing the key concept and exact themes of what they wanted to put in the movie, then they would also explain the birth of a film where they will guide you to a deeper part of the creative process on creating a Ghibli films, from storyboarding and concept art of animation production as well as the music composition. The other area is called “ The Cat Returns" where it takes its inspiration from the film with the same name that offers a variety of displays and interactive elements related to the story and the characters inside the movie.

2. Short Films

In this museum, they made short films specifically created for the museum use only and not publicly available elsewhere. These hidden gems offer a glimpse into the studio’s creative process and showcasing the talents of their animators. The short films will be shown at a specific theater named “Saturn Theater” inside the museum. The film would be shown throughout the day at various times. If you would like to see this exclusive film, it is preferable for you to check the schedule beforehand as it is one of the most-visited activities located in Ghibli Museum Tokyo.

3. Engage with the Interactive Displays

If you love the masterpieces made by Ghibli Studio’s, then you would love to engage with the Interactive displays spread over the Ghibli Museum Area. From the Catbus Play Structure where you walk into a replica of the iconic Catbus from “My Neighbor Totoro” films and explore its various compartments and feel the soft fur of this beloved character. There are also various miniature exhibits that are built based on the iconic scenes from various Ghibli films such as the Thematic Rooms where you can wander around the rooms and interact with elements within the room from opening the drawer to reveal hidden details or spinning wheels to trigger movement in miniature scenes.

For those of you who watch “Castle in the Sky”, in Ghibli Museum Tokyo you will be able to see the full-scale replica of the robot from the movie, and it is actually the only place where you can take a photo. Because most of the area in Ghibli Museum Tokyo prohibits visitors from taking a picture of their exhibition inside.

4. Enjoy Shopping at Ghibli Museum Shop

A Ghibli Museum Shop which is also known as “MAMMA AIUTO!” which translates as “Mama, help me” is an essential place where you could shop to your heart's content. In this shop you will be able to find a wide variety of Ghibli’s merchandise from plushies, shirts, dresses, hats, stationary, homeware, collectibles, even Museum-exclusive items which you can only get by visiting this museum.

5. Visit their Saturn Cafe

Saturn Cafe is an exclusive and exceptional cafe which they built based on Studio Ghibli’s films, implementing design elements and subtle references which makes visitors feel as if they’ve been transported into the Ghibli universe. The place has that calming and relaxing atmosphere, allowing the visitors to take their time and chill before continuing your exploration through the Ghibli Museum. The cafe offers a menus featuring lights meals, snacks, and beverages with Studio Ghibli’s movies themed such as Hot dogs with Totoro-shaped bun from My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service-inspired cream puffs and Meat pie that will reminds you of the food Spirited Away’s Chihiro serves at the bathhouse.

The Ghibli Museum in Tokyo is open from 10.00 AM to 6.00 PM on Daily basis except for Tuesday and certain national holidays. Due to the museum's high demand, it is highly recommended for you to book your tickets in advance especially if you plan on your visit during peak seasons or weekends

The Ghibli Museum is located in 1-1-83 Mitaka Shimorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo 181-0013, Japan. There are several ways to get to this museum either using a private car or public transportations. Here are some of the transportation that you might want to use during your visit.

1. By Train

The most popular option between visitors and tourists from either locals or international tourists. To get to Ghibli Museum you will need to take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Mitaka Station and the journey will take around 18 minutes. And from Mitaka Station, you will need to walk for about 15 minutes to the museum. But if you don’t want to walk, you can take the community bus that runs from the station to the museum every 10 to 20 minutes.

2. Taxi

It might not be the most budget friendly, but it is definitely the most efficient way to get to Ghibli Museum. By taking the taxi, it will take you from wherever you are and take you to the destination in no time. If you take the taxi from Shinjuku station, it will take around 20 to 30 minutes to get to the Ghibli Museum.

Here is all the interesting information about the Ghibli Museum. If you say that you are a fan of Studio Ghibli’s Masterpiece, then you must visit this museum at least once in your lifetime. And if you happen to plan on your visit to Tokyo, Japan, Traveloka will be glad to help you in booking the flight ticket, hotel as well as the attractions tickets above. What are you waiting for? Come and book your Travel needs with the best price only with Traveloka!