Park gate near the Ghibli Museum
Fans of My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and other Studio Ghibli movies will enjoy the chance to visit this charming museum dedicated to animated films. It combines hundreds of tiny details into a fantastical gallery. The central atrium is especially beautiful with whimsical, lacy ironwork forming bridges, terraces, and staircases. Off this main area are other related exhibits, a gift shop, and a reading room.
Ghibli Museum
The Cat Bus from Totoro is recreated for children under the age of 12 to play in. The 80-seat Saturn Theater shows movies exclusive to the museum. Although they are only in Japanese, the see-through projection stand and fun animation is worth a visit. On the roof of the museum is a garden with a statue of the robot form Laputa Castle in the Sky.
Ghibli Museum stained glass
Next to the museum is a small restaurant with a limited menu called the Straw Hat Cafe, but the food is organically grown, fresh, and healthy, continuing the themes of harmony with nature prevalent in Miyazaki’s films. The Ghibli Museum is wheelchair accessible except to the roof, which can only be reached by stairs. There are diaper changing tables and quiet rest areas.
Laputa
Tickets are sold for specific entry days and staggered times. For those with a tight schedule or traveling at peak times, it is recommended to purchase the ticket voucher from a travel agent overseas. It is also possible to get ticket vouchers at Lawson stores in Japan. The voucher, which can be bought up to 3 months in advance, will be exchanged for a real ticket when you arrive at the museum. Hours are from 10 am to 6 pm every day except Tuesdays, though other days may be closed for maintenance. Ticket prices are ¥100 for 4-6 years old, ¥400 for 7-12 years, ¥700 for 13-18 years, and ¥1,000 for 19 years and over. Be aware that overseas vouchers may include service charges.
Ghibli Museum — Totoro ジブリ美術館〜トトロ
For more information on the Ghibli Museum: http://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/
Address: 1-1-83 Simorenjaku, Mitaka-shi,
Tokyo 181-0013
Ghibli Museum is not in the downtown Tokyo area, but it is still easy to get to. Take the JR Chuo line to Mitaka Station (from Shinjuku the Rapid Service lines takes about 20 minutes). From Mitaka Station, take the south exit. You can walk about 15 minutes along Tamagawa Josui waterway to the museum, or take the local bus. The bus departs from stop #9 and runs about every 10 minutes. The adult fare is ¥200 yen one way or ¥300 round trip. Children under 12 ride for half price. For more details on access and the bus schedule: http://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/howtogo/
