Top Things To Do In Ghibli Museum (Tokyo) In 2026 - 2027

Top 10 things to do in Ghibli Museum

1. 1. Permanent Exhibition Tour

   Visitors can enjoy a tour of the museum's permanent exhibition, which showcases the work of Studio Ghibli, one of Japan's most renowned animation studios. The displays include original sketches, storyboards, and animation cels from iconic films like 'My Neighbor Totoro', 'Spirited Away', and 'Princess Mononoke'. The tour often features life-sized recreations of memorable scenes from Studio Ghibli films, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the whimsical worlds created by Hayao Miyazaki and his team. Throughout the museum, visitors can appreciate the intricate details and the artistry that goes into each Studio Ghibli production. Exhibits also delve into the animation process, giving insight into the painstaking methods of traditional animation, including hand-drawn frames and elaborate painting techniques.

   Duration: 1-2 hours · Price: Included with admission

2. 2. The Saturn Theater

   The Saturn Theater is a cozy, intimate cinema located within the Ghibli Museum. It offers visitors the exclusive experience of watching original short films by Studio Ghibli that are not screened anywhere else in the world. These shorts rotate throughout the year and offer a range of tales, often reflecting the whimsical and heartfelt storytelling typical of Ghibli's more well-known works. The theater itself is adorned with beautiful stained glass windows featuring characters from the studio's films, which adds to the magical atmosphere. Attending a screening in the Saturn Theater is a must-do for any Ghibli fan and provides a rare glimpse into the breadth of the studio's creative endeavors.

   Duration: Approximately 15 minutes · Price: Included with admission

3. 3. Straw Hat Café

   After exploring the museum, guests can relax and dine at the Straw Hat Café, named after the famous accessory worn by the museum's whimsical robot statue outside. The café offers a variety of dishes, desserts, and drinks, many of which are inspired by scenes from Ghibli movies. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with an attention to detail that fans have come to expect from the studio. From the tableware to the décor, everything in the café is carefully curated to provide an enchanting dining experience. Visitors can enjoy items like the Totoro Cream Puffs or the Calcifer-inspired curry, making the Straw Hat Café a delightful stop for refreshment and a touch of Ghibli magic.

   Duration: Varies · Price: Food and drinks are separately priced

4. 4. Rooftop Garden

   The museum's rooftop garden offers a tranquil escape with a large, metallic sculpture of the Robot Soldier from 'Castle in the Sky' standing guard over the lush greenery. It's a perfect place for visitors to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the picturesque views of Inokashira Park. The garden also provides a unique vantage point to appreciate the museum's architecture, which is as fantastical and meticulously designed as the worlds in Ghibli's films. Surrounded by nature, visitors can find a moment of serenity as they pose for pictures with the Robot Soldier or simply relax in the surroundings, making it an essential part of the Ghibli Museum experience.

   Duration: 15-30 minutes · Price: Included with admission

5. 5. Children's Play Area: The Catbus Room

   Designed especially for younger visitors, the Catbus Room is a delightful interactive space tailored for kids. Here, children can climb aboard a soft, plush replica of the Catbus from 'My Neighbor Totoro'. With its friendly grin and inviting design, the Catbus Room allows little ones to explore and play in a setting straight out of the beloved film. The tactile and imaginative play area encourages children to engage with the Ghibli universe in a way that is both fun and safe. The room's cheerful atmosphere captures the sense of wonder and adventure that is a hallmark of Studio Ghibli's storytelling.

   Duration: Varies

6. 6. Tri Hawks Bookstore

   True to its dedication to literacy and art, the Ghibli Museum features the Tri Hawks Bookstore, a unique shop that tempts the literary enthusiast with a wealth of books and publications. While focusing heavily on children's literature, it also offers a range of materials that have inspired Studio Ghibli's creations, including works by the filmmakers themselves. Tri Hawks Bookstore is not just a place for purchasing rare Studio Ghibli memorabilia and reading material; it's an immersive experience where the shelves themselves are packed with the charm and creativity that define the studio. Visitors can find behind-the-scenes books, making-of collections, art books, picture books, and other related materials, all fostering the sense of wonder and inspiration that resonates with the Ghibli spirit.

   Duration: Varies · Price: Varies per item

7. 7. Special Exhibitions

   The Ghibli Museum also hosts special exhibitions that rotate periodically, often focusing on specific themes, films, or aspects of the animation process. These exhibits dive deeper into the world of Studio Ghibli, presenting rare artifacts, new insights into the studio's history, or explorations into the cultural impact of its work. Interactive elements may be included, providing guests with hands-on experiences related to animation and storytelling. These carefully curated exhibitions offer a fresh perspective and additional depth to familiar movies, ensuring that even repeat visitors will find something new and engaging. The special exhibitions reflect the museum's dedication to maintaining an inspiring, dynamic environment that honors the art of animation.

   Duration: 30-60 minutes · Price: Included with admission

8. 8. Mamma Aiuto Gift Shop

   Mamma Aiuto, the museum's gift shop, is named after the sky pirates in 'Porco Rosso'. It is a treasure trove for Studio Ghibli fans, offering an extensive selection of exclusive merchandise that cannot be found anywhere else. From limited-edition prints and figurines to clothing, stationery, and home décor, each item reflects the charming design and high quality associated with the studio. Shopping at Mamma Aiuto is not just about purchasing souvenirs; it's about bringing a piece of the Ghibli magic back home. Whether you're looking for a special memento or gifts for fellow enthusiasts, the Mamma Aiuto Gift Shop is sure to have something that captures the enchantment of the Ghibli universe.

   Duration: Varies · Price: Varies per item

9. 9. Animation Exhibit

   One of the museum's most immersive experiences is the Animation Exhibit, where visitors can delve into the mesmerizing process of bringing characters and stories to life. This space is designed to be interactive and educational, featuring hands-on displays that explore the various stages of animation production, including pre-production, keyframing, in-betweening, coloring, and post-production. Animations are broken down frame by frame, highlighting the incredible attention to detail and skill that goes into each second of a finished Ghibli film. Visitors can also try their hand at creating simple animations, giving them a small taste of the patience and precision required in the craft of animation.

   Duration: 30-45 minutes · Price: Included with admission

10. 10. Fairy-Tale Window

    The Fairy-Tale Window is a magical installation within the museum that brings Studio Ghibli's enchanting animation to life in the form of stained glass windows. These windows depict scenes and characters from various Ghibli films, casting colorful light into the museum and creating a storybook atmosphere. As visitors pass by these windows, they're transported into the worlds of their favorite films, with each pane serving as a snapshot of Ghibli's narrative artistry. This sensory experience is a testament to the museum's commitment to celebrating the visual splendor of animation and the tales that have captured the hearts of audiences around the world.

    Duration: Varies · Price: Included with admission