tokyo : Ghibli Museum

The Ghibli Museum is the animation and art museum of Miyazaki Hayao's Studio Ghibli, one of Japan's most famous animation studios. They have produced many feature length films with worldwide distribution such as My Neighbor Totoro, Castle in the Sky, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away and Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea.

Located in Mitaka, just outside of central Tokyo, the museum is a must-see for fans of the films. The museum itself is whimsically designed in the distinct style of the studio's films, and many of their famous characters are there, including a life-sized robot from Castle in the Sky on the rooftop garden.

The first floor of the museum has a permanent exhibit on the history and techniques of animation as well as a small theater which shows Studio Ghibli shorts that are exclusive to the museum. The films are rotated monthly, and your entrance ticket gets you admission to one viewing.

The second floor houses special exhibits that change yearly. Previous exhibits include Laputa: Castle in the Sky; Pixar Animation Studios (Toy Story, Finding Nemo); and Aardman Studios (Wallace and Gromit). The museum also has a The Straw Hat Cafe, a Catbus children's play area, a rooftop garden and gift shop.

The museum can be reached from Mitaka Station on the JR Chuo Line (15 minutes, 210 yen from Shinjuku Station).

There are shuttle buses from the station to the museum (200 yen one way/300 yen roundtrip, children are half price). A taxi ride costs about 700 yen. Alternatively you can walk in about 20 minutes.

You can also reach the museum from Kichijoji Station, by walking through Inokashira Park for about 20 minutes.

Admission: 1000 yen for adults with discounted prices for children. Hours: Daily 10-18, closed Tuesdays and over the New Year's holidays

Tickets are not sold at the museum and must be purchased in advance; however, they can be bought from either inside or outside of Japan.

Purchasing online:
JTB offers the Ghibli Museum Afternoon guided tour for 6000 yen per person. Online reservation and purchase is possible.

Purchasing from outside of Japan:
Tickets can be bought from overseas offices of JTB. Tickets for a given month go on sale three months in advance on the 1st of the month. You will be given a voucher with a specified entry date printed on it. You can exchange the voucher at the museum for your ticket (passport required) at anytime during your entry day.

Purchasing from within Japan:
Tickets can be bought from Lawson convenience stores within Japan using their Loppi automatic ticket machines. Tickets for a given month go on sale on the 10th of the preceding month. A specific entry date and time slot must be selected when purchasing your ticket. While weekends and school holidays are extremely popular and are often sold out, weekday tickets are easier to get.