Sight guide · Tokyo · Japan
Visiting Ghibli Museum
Designed by Hayao Miyazaki on the edge of Inokashira Park, this whimsical museum has recreated animation studios, a small cinema showing Ghibli short films seen nowhere else, a giant plush Catbus that young children can climb on, and a robot soldier from Castle in the Sky in the rooftop garden.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Fotointheworld, CC BY 4.0
Quick answer
Ghibli Museum is a museum in Mitaka, Tokyo. Allow 2–3 hours; it is low cost. Tickets are sold only in advance for set entry times and sell out quickly; none are sold at the door.
Key facts
- Type
- Museum
- Area
- Mitaka
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Book ahead
- Recommended
- Good for
- kids, art and rainy day
- Best months
- June–July and September
About Ghibli Museum
Designed by Hayao Miyazaki on the edge of Inokashira Park, this whimsical museum has recreated animation studios, a small cinema showing Ghibli short films seen nowhere else, a giant plush Catbus that young children can climb on, and a robot soldier from Castle in the Sky in the rooftop garden.
Tip: Walk to the museum through Inokashira Park from Kichijoji Station, about 15 minutes.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 2–3 hours.
- Cost: Low cost.
- Book ahead: Tickets are sold only in advance for set entry times and sell out quickly; none are sold at the door.
- Where: Mitaka.
Best time to visit Ghibli Museum
Ghibli Museum is indoors, which makes it a good plan for the wettest months:
- June: 26°C (79°F) highs, about 13 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- July: 30°C (86°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, busy crowds.
- September: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Tokyo has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Ghibli Museum is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen Senso-ji Temple and Meiji Jingu Shrine.
- No. 17 of the 20 sights in our Tokyo things-to-do list.
- A family favourite in Tokyo with kids.
If you like Ghibli Museum
- Tokyo National Museum — Ueno, 2–3 hours
- teamLab Planets — Toyosu, 1.5–2 hours
- Nezu Museum — Aoyama, 1.5 hours
Staying near Ghibli Museum
Where to stay in Tokyo compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Ghibli Museum?
Plan 2–3 hours.
+Is Ghibli Museum free?
No, it is low cost. Booking ahead is advised.
+When is the best time to visit Ghibli Museum?
June–July and September, the wettest months, when an indoor sight is most welcome. Walk to the museum through Inokashira Park from Kichijoji Station, about 15 minutes.
+Do I need to book Ghibli Museum in advance?
Tickets are sold only in advance for set entry times and sell out quickly; none are sold at the door.
+Is Ghibli Museum good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Tokyo. Tokyo is an easy big city for families: clean, orderly and full of convenience stores and baby rooms, with trains that run like clockwork.