Ghibli Museum in Mitaka: Enter the Fantastic World of Hayao Miyazaki
#Tokyo Attractions
The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo, is a pilgrimage site for fans of Ghibli animation. As an animation-themed art museum carefully created by Studio Ghibli, it not only displays the art and production process of classic animations, but also provides an immersive fantasy journey, suitable for the whole family.
Highlights of the exhibition hall
1. Entrance to the animation world
Before entering the museum, you will find a huge model of the "Totoro reception desk". This iconic entrance immediately makes people integrate into the world of Ghibli. The overall design of the exhibition hall is like a maze, full of fun to explore, and Easter eggs from Ghibli movies are hidden in every corner.
2. Exhibition and behind-the-scenes revelations
• Hand-drawn manuscripts and production process: Hand-drawn storyboards, concept designs and production notes of classic animations such as "My Neighbor Totoro", "Spirited Away" and "Castle in the Sky" are displayed here, allowing people to understand the ingenuity behind the animation.
• Dynamic display device: Through unique lighting and mechanical devices, the process of animation characters moving is reproduced, showing the combination of animation technology and art.
3. Limited short animation theater
There is a mini theater "Saturn" in the museum, which specializes in showing original short animations produced by Studio Ghibli, such as "Water Spider Wen Wen" and "Caterpillar Boro". These short films can only be viewed in the museum and are very special.
4. Rooftop and Garden
• "Castle in the Sky" Giant Soldier Statue: A giant soldier statue that looks like it came out of an animation stands in the roof garden of the museum, which is a popular spot for checking in and taking photos.
• Combination of nature and art: The lush green garden is integrated with the architecture, providing visitors with a quiet place to relax.
5. Shops and cafes
• Mamma Aiuto! Souvenir shop: Sells limited items such as picture books, postcards, plush toys, etc. It is a great place to bring back gifts.
• Straw Hat Café: Serves specialty desserts, handmade juices, sandwiches, and more. It is recommended to try the latte art with cartoon character patterns, which is very memorable.
Practical information
1. Ticket booking
• Purchase tickets in advance: The museum implements a reservation system, and tickets must be purchased in advance through the official website or designated agent platform. The specific entrance time will be marked on the ticket, so please be sure to arrive on time.
• Price: Adult tickets are around 1,000 yen, and children's tickets are lower, making it a great value for money.
2. Opening hours
• Time: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
• Closed days: Usually Tuesdays and the end and beginning of the year. It is recommended to check the official website for announcements in advance.
3. Transportation
• From Tokyo Station: Take the JR Chuo Line to Mitaka Station and walk for about 15 minutes, or take the dedicated bus connecting to the museum (about 5 minutes).
• Bicycle: There is a bicycle rental service near the art museum. You can ride there and enjoy the greenery and tranquility along the way.
4. Recommended Visiting Time
• It is recommended to allow 2-3 hours to fully experience the exhibitions, cinema and roof garden.
Tips
1. Suitable for the whole family: The museum is designed with childlike fun, and many displays can attract children and make adults feel nostalgic and moved.
2. Photography is prohibited: Photography is prohibited in most areas of the museum to protect the artworks, so please cherish every moment of the on-site experience.
3. There are more people during holidays: it is recommended to visit on weekdays to avoid crowds.
4. Plan ahead: The museum is clearly marked, but spread out over a number of areas, so familiarizing yourself with the floors and highlights ahead of time will help you to tour more efficiently.
Recommended places to visit
After visiting the art museum, you can take a stroll in the nearby Inokashira Park to experience the natural beauty of Tokyo’s suburbs; you can also try delicious food or go shopping in the Kichijoji business district to add more excitement to your trip.
Summary
The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka incorporates the warmth, fantasy and art of Ghibli animation into every detail. It is not only a must-visit place for animation fans, but also an ideal choice for family tourists and art lovers. Here, the boundaries of animation are broken, and everyone can become a child and immerse themselves in the unique world created by Hayao Miyazaki.