Hands up if you’re a Studio Ghibli fan! Known for animation favourites like ‘Spirited Away’, ‘My Neighbor Totoro’, ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’, ‘Castle in the Sky’, ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’, ‘Princess Mononoke’ and many more, the wonderful world of Studio Ghibli was created by directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, as well as producer Toshio Suzuki.

Miyazaki, in particular, paid close attention to detail, which shows in all the films — he created worlds that were part elaborate, part fantastical; yet with a certain level of relatability that immersed viewers entirely. And now, fans have a chance to experience Studio Ghibli in real life at the Ghibli museum in Tokyo, Japan.

Nestled in the Mitaka district, the museum’s tickets are a highly coveted entity. More on that later! The museum has a colourful paddlepop exterior, partially shrouded by walls of greenery. This only adds to the mystery, as photography isn’t allowed inside the museum!

Snap a photo with this cute Totoro ticket collector; if only it was really functioning in real life!

What to expect inside the museum

You’ll first enter the Central Hall, the intricate architecture of which offers a prelude to what lies within the museum. 

Every ticket can be exchanged for a beautiful keepsake ticket to the Saturn Theater, where visitors can watch a short animation film that’s exclusive to the museum. The film changes every few months; check the website to see which will be playing, complete with short write-ups on what which film is about. During our visit, we were delighted to catch ‘Mr Dough and the Egg Princess’.

On the first floor, take your time to explore the various exhibits where you’ll be brought through the animation journey. You’ll also be able to check out a life-size replica of an animation artist’s workstation. There’s just so much detail in these rooms, from illustrations from the Ghibli films, as well as everyday items that inspired the animators.

Another exhibition features life-size reenactments of popular film scenes. We especially loved looking at the interior of Laputa’s flying ships (from the film ‘Castle in the Sky’). There was even an interactive element, where we could open drawers and cabinets.

The second floor houses exhibits that change every year — more information on the current exhibition can be found on the official website.

Here’s something for the little ones — seize the chance to climb inside the giant cat-bus from the film’ My Neighbor Totoro’! We would have loved to join in, but unfortunately only children aged 12 and under are able to climb into the structure.

Go up to the rooftop

Once you’re done with the museum, go up to the roof to see the robot soldier from ‘Castle in the Sky’. Photographs are permitted here, so snap away! You’ll also be able to enjoy a view of the nearby Inokashira Park.

If you’re feeling peckish, grab a bite from the Straw Hat Café. Don’t leave without a souvenir from the MAMMA AITUO! gift shop too.

Ghibli Museum ticket information

The tickets to the Ghibli Museum cost JPY2,000 (~SGD20) for adults, JPY1000 (~JPY10) for children aged 4 to 12 on weekdays. On weekends, tickets cost JPY2,500 (~SGD25) and JPY1,250 (~SGD12.50) respectively.

Tickets are available through the English website. The museum is incredibly popular, with tickets selling out easily a month in advance. Fastest fingers first, good luck!

How to get to the Ghibli Museum

Take a train to either Mitaka or Kichijoji station, followed by a 15-minute walk from either station. 

A bus is also available if you don’t feel like walking!

Address: 1 Chome-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-0013, Japan

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm, daily