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Dive into the world of film at the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka Forest!
In Tokyo's Mitaka lies the Ghibli Museum, overseen by Director Hayao Miyazaki. Studio Ghibli, established in 1985, is a Japanese animation studio known for planning and producing films primarily directed by Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki. Its portfolio includes celebrated works like "My Neighbor Totoro," "Castle in the Sky," "Kiki's Delivery Service," "Spirited Away," and "Howl's Moving Castle," representing some of Japan's most iconic movies. The museum's slogan, "Let's lose our way, together," reflects its layout, which lacks a set route, encouraging both adults and children to wander and discover their own special spots within.
Where a Film is Born © Museo d'Arte Ghibli
The Saturn Theater © Museo d'Arte Ghibli
The Robot Soldier © Museo d'Arte Ghibli
Some reviews are AI-translated.
Fans of Studio Ghibli shouldn’t miss the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka! It feels like stepping into the world of Hayao Miyazaki’s animated films. From the exterior of the building to all the details inside, everything is full of childlike wonder and imagination, making you feel as if you’ve suddenly gone back to watching animated films as a child.
The museum has many cleverly designed features, with delightful little details to discover everywhere. Together with the colorful decorations, it really has Studio Ghibli’s unique style! Whether you like My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, or Princess Mononoke, you can experience the charm of these animated works and can’t help looking for familiar elements as you explore.
This isn’t just a place that displays animated works—it’s more like an imaginative fairy-tale world, and every corner is worth taking the time to appreciate. If you like Studio Ghibli films, I really recommend adding this museum to your Tokyo itinerary and experiencing the magical atmosphere of the films for yourself!
Located in the Tokyo suburbs, the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka is truly a dream destination that every Hayao Miyazaki fan should visit at least once in their lifetime. Before Ghibli Park opened in Nagoya, this was always at the very top of every anime fan’s list when traveling to Tokyo. I’ve even visited twice already, but every time I step inside, I’m still deeply captivated by the master’s meticulous creativity and wildly imaginative world.
From the adorable Totoro ticket booth welcoming visitors at the entrance to the huge, slightly mysterious gardener robot on the rooftop, and then inside, where you can get a close look at a wealth of precious original drawings and the animation production process. Every corner and every little detail is filled with childlike wonder and warmth. If you have the chance, be sure to give yourself an entire day to slowly and quietly enter this magical world created by the masters of Ghibli. It really is a dreamlike place that never gets old no matter how many times you visit, and one you should experience in person if you ever have the chance.
Before Ghibli Park opened in Nagoya, the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka in Tokyo was definitely a pilgrimage destination for every Hayao Miyazaki fan visiting Japan.
The entire museum was personally designed by Hayao Miyazaki around the concept of “Let’s get lost together.” There is no fixed route through the museum at all. It is filled with curved wooden staircases, stained glass, and geometric windows, creating the atmosphere of a dreamlike castle. The hand-drawn animation exhibit on the first floor recreates an animator’s work desk and displays countless sketches and sources of color inspiration. The exclusive Saturn Theater screens short animated films that can only be seen at the museum, while the giant God Warrior statue standing in the rooftop garden is a classic photo spot.
Even after all these years, what I treasure most is still that one-of-a-kind admission ticket stub! Made from actual 35mm film stock, each ticket has three randomly selected frames, making every one a unique surprise. I was lucky enough to get the classic scene of Yubaba’s office from Spirited Away. When light shines through it, the details are incredibly intricate. This utmost dedication to detail makes it something I can’t bear to put down!
The Ghibli Museum, Mitaka is full of childlike wonder and imagination, bringing Hayao Miyazaki’s animated worlds to life. The exhibits are beautifully crafted, and you can also enjoy a short film with your museum ticket. It’s a dreamy spot that Ghibli fans shouldn’t miss.
Before you even get to the entrance, you can see the huge lines of people. This museum requires a reservation to enter, so you can’t visit without one.
Even so, the surrounding forest is picturesque. Just walking from the station to the museum is a wonderful experience in itself. If you’re a traveler looking to experience the atmosphere of Japan, this place is well worth a visit.
