Studio Ghibli Museum: Tickets, What to See, Getting There

The Studio Ghibli Museum in Mitaka is one of the most sought-after attractions in Japan — and also one of the hardest to get into. Tickets for the Studio Ghibli Museum sell out within minutes of going on sale, often months in advance. Designed by Hayao Miyazaki himself, the museum is a whimsical, labyrinthine building that feels like stepping inside a Ghibli film. Every surface is decorated, every corridor leads somewhere surprising, and the Catbus room alone is worth the journey.

How to Buy Tickets

Tickets are sold exclusively via Lawson convenience stores in Japan (through Loppi terminals) and via the museum's official international lottery system. The Lawson lottery opens on the 10th of each month for entry the following month. International visitors should use the official overseas booking system run through authorized travel agents including JTB, Bunkamura, and others.

Admission is 1,000 yen for adults, 700 yen for college students, 400 yen for middle and high school students, and 100 yen for children aged 4-6. Children under 4 enter free. Tickets are timed-entry, issued for specific 30-minute arrival windows: 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, and 16:00. You must use the ticket for the date and time printed — no refunds or exchanges.

What to See Inside

The museum does not have a fixed route — you're encouraged to wander and discover. The permanent highlights include the recreation of Miyazaki's actual animation studio workspace, showing drawings, books, and tools exactly as they appear during production. The Saturn Theater screens an exclusive short film not available anywhere else; the short changes every few months.

The roof garden features a life-size Robot Soldier statue from Castle in the Sky — the most photographed spot in the museum. The Catbus room, accessible only to children under a certain height, is beloved by families. The gift shop carries exclusive museum-only merchandise including postcards, art books, and plush toys unavailable at any other Ghibli store.

Highlights Not to Miss

• Miyazaki's recreation studio with original drawings and storyboards
• Saturn Theater exclusive short film (included with admission)
• Robot Soldier statue on the rooftop garden
• Catbus interactive room (children under 12 only)
• Zoetrope animation display explaining pre-film animation techniques
• Straw Hat Cafe with Ghibli-themed food and drinks
• Museum-exclusive merchandise shop with items sold nowhere else

Getting There from Tokyo

The museum is located inside Inokashira Park in Mitaka, western Tokyo. The most convenient route is to take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku to Mitaka Station (about 25 minutes, 220 yen on IC card). From Mitaka Station's south exit, it's a 15-minute walk through Inokashira Park, or take the Ghibli Museum shuttle bus (210 yen each way, runs every 10-20 minutes).

The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and is closed on Tuesdays and for maintenance periods (usually two weeks in February and August). Arrive at least 10 minutes before your timed-entry slot. The experience typically takes 2 to 3 hours. Combine your visit with a walk around Inokashira Park, which is beautiful in any season.