7th time visit! The ultimate guide to Ghibli Museum

2023年7月29日2023年11月18日 Panda, Chief Editor

As a Ghibli enthusiast visiting the Ghibli Museum for the 7th time, I will introduce you to its charm and the things not to miss!

Contents

What is the ‘Ghibli Museum’?
Just 5 min by bus from the nearest station
Admission starts from 10:00 AM
Photography is prohibited inside the museum
Short films are a must-watch!
Convenient Coin Lockers

1. What is the ‘Ghibli Museum’?

The Ghibli Museum was opened in 2001. It is located in Inokashira Park in Mitaka, Tokyo, and is an art museum that seamlessly blends into nature. Apart from Ghibli-related exhibits, it is a place where you can feel the creators’ deep passion for movie-making, and you can enjoy watching unique short films in the mini-theater. There are also special shops and cafes!

#1 Just 5 min by bus from the nearest station

For first-time visitors, taking the bus is recommended. You can board the bus from JR Mitaka Station South Exit and arrive in approx. 5 minutes!

Cute markers guiding you from Mitaka Station to the bus stop

2. Admission starts from 10:00 AM

The museum’s opening hours are from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and the admission is divided into seven time slots: 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 4:00 PM (subject to change). If you have the flexibility, it’s best to choose the 10:00 AM entry slot! Once you enter, you can stay until closing time, so there’s no disadvantage to entering early. As the day progresses, the number of visitors increases, making it harder to see the exhibits and requiring longer waiting times for purchasing souvenirs or having a meal. If possible, try to arrive by 9:30 AM!

Announcements of special exhibitions and short films on the gatepost lamps outside the museum

35 min before the admission starts, there are already early birds!

The colorful exterior of the museum is delightful

At 9:50 the bell rings and the gates finally open!

To the right of the entrance door, there’s Totoro

and to the left, there are Satsuki and Mei!

3. Photography is prohibited inside the museum, but allowed outdoors.

The museum’s intention is for visitors to enjoy the space and keep memories in their hearts without the need for photographs. However, there are specific areas where photography is permitted. If you want to capture a memorable shot, head up to the rooftop!

Climbing the spiral staircase outside the museum,

You’ll find the Robot Soldier standing there!

Faithful reproductions of the stones from Laputa

4. Plan your visit to the café carefully

After enjoying the rooftop photography, explore the museum as you like. There are two important points to keep in mind. Firstly, be conscious of the timing to visit the café. The outdoor café ‘Straw Hat Café’ is located on the museum’s grounds, and there are different menus available for indoor and outdoor dining. To ensure a dining experience with the full variety of menu options, head to the café right at its opening time at 10:30 AM (indoor dining opens at 10:30 AM, outdoor dining at 11:00 AM). The café can get quite busy, and even after the peak lunchtime, you might have to wait for over an hour, so it’s best to go by 11:00 AM at the latest! (Please note that photography inside the café is prohibited, but you can take pictures of your ordered menu items.)

Pass through the courtyard with the hand pump well,

and as you climb the stairs, you’ll find the café!

Here are the menu options for outdoor dining

You can get your order right away after the café opens! (Outdoor dining area)

On the other hand, the indoor café can get crowded (around 11:00 AM on Saturdays).

Here are the menu options for indoor dining.

Foreground: Chicken Rice, Hot Dog, Pork Cutlet Sandwich / Background: Apple Juice, Cream Soda, Omelette

If you’re hungry, I’d recommend the Pork Cutlet Sandwich, and if you’re just stopping by for a short break, try the Cream Soda! Additionally, on weekends and holidays, there are food stalls set up outside the café.

Which of these foods will tempt your inner child?

Ramune bottles with every color of its mysterious signature marble!

Also available only on weekends and holidays.

5. Short films are a must-watch!

The next delight and an important thing to note is the short films. With each admission, you can watch an approximately 15-minute original anime at the mini-theater inside the museum. Screenings take place every hour at 15, 35, and 55 minutes past the hour (with the last screening at 5:35 PM as the final one). Since the films change on a monthly basis, you would need to visit the museum ten times to watch all the films that are announced.

When entering the theater, present your admission ticket. The randomly distributed tickets are made using real film cells!

6. Convenient Coin Lockers

Coin lockers for storing personal belongings and large souvenirs are available in the courtyard. These lockers are recommended for those who want to move around the museum freely without carrying heavy bags.