Ghibli Museum

Overview

The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka is a whimsical, enchanting museum dedicated to the animated films of Studio Ghibli. Designed personally by Hayao Miyazaki, it feels like stepping inside one of his fantastical worlds.

Highlights

• The Building: A deliberately maze-like structure with no fixed route, featuring spiral staircases, stained glass windows, and hidden passageways — designed for getting lost.
• Rooftop Robot: A life-size 5-meter Robot Soldier from Castle in the Sky stands guard on the rooftop garden, one of the most photographed spots in Tokyo.
• Saturn Theatre: A small cinema screening exclusive short films created by Studio Ghibli that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world.

History

Opened in 2001, personally conceived and designed by Miyazaki as a "place to experience, not just look at." He sketched every detail of the building himself, from the ceiling murals to the fake windows.

Visitor Tips

• Tickets: Sold online only through Lawson ticket machines, released on the 10th of each month for the following month. They sell out within minutes.
• No Indoor Photos: Photography is strictly prohibited inside the museum to encourage visitors to experience the art directly.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.