Are Reservations Required?
Yes!! They can be difficult to get, but not impossible.
Can I Purchase Tickets at the Museum?
No!
When Do Tickets Go on Sale?
If you plan on visiting, tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM Tokyo time on the 10th of every month for the following month. You are only able to book tickets up to one month in advance.
How Much do they cost?
As of March 2023:
Converted to US Dollars, there are roughly 120 Yen to 1 USD.
What are the admission times slots?
As of March 2023
What Days and Times is the Museum Open?
The museum calender is located here.
It is updated one month ahead of time. Generally, it is not open on Tuesdays. Generally it is open 10:00 am to 17:00 pm.
Where Do I Buy the Tickets?
They may be purchased on the Studio Ghibli’s website here.
Not that this is operated by the Lawson Ticketing service. You will be prompted to enter the desired date and time, your name, phone number, and credit card information.
The only other option is to try too go through a JTB authorized travel agency.
How Many Tickets Can I Buy at a Time?
6 Tickets.
Will I Be E-mailed Tickets?
No. You will be emailed a confirmation page and barcode. You must print the ‘My Page Details’ from your confirmation page and present it at the Museum with your passport.
QR codes will not be accepted. The museum wants the physical paper copy.
What Is the Entry Procedure?
Is There an Exit Time?
Technically speaking, no. It is all by honor system, you’re allotted 90 minutes.
How Much Time Should I Allow?
2 hours is the recommended time.
What Else Should I Know About the Tickets?
Where Is the Museum Located?
The museum is located on the outskirts of Tokyo in Mitaka.
How Do I Get There?
If you are taking public transit, the train is your best option.
To JR Mitaka Station, take the JR Chuo Line, approximately 20 minutes from JR Shinjuku Station. From the south exit of JR Mitaka Station, it’s a 15-minute walk to the Museum.
If you are taking a bus…the studio Ghibli museum website recommends allowing at least 30 minutes of travel time.
Are Photos Allowed Inside the Museum?
No
Can I Bring a Cell Phone Inside?
Yes, but you will be asked to turn it off.
What About Food and Drinks?
There is a small cafe on site, but food and drink are not permitted inside.
Are There Lockers for Storage?
There are small coin operated lockers, but they fill not fit luggage. You will have to ask the museum staff to store large bags for you.
Are the Museum Display Signs In English?
No! Most are in Japanese. You will have to rely on just enjoying the atmosphere if you do not read Japanese.
Are There Audio Guides in Different Languages?
No.
Is There a Museum Shop?
Yes, but the items can be pricey.
What If I Can’t Get There?
You can visit the Museum’s You Tube Page for clips of a virtual tour, here.
Wrapping Up
If you’re able to get to the museum, it’s a wonderful place to visit. I went in 2008 and had a great time. Again… 99% of the museum signs were in Japanese. So keep in mind when you visit, that that may not have changed.
Also, I remember that many members of the staff were very kind, but did not speak much English. Please be patient with them and take a dictionary or have an app that can translate for you if you have any questions.
Hope this helps you!