#210🎭 Artist & Single-SubjectMitaka, Japan

Ghibli Museum

Step inside a Hayao Miyazaki film

About Ghibli Museum

Hayao Miyazaki himself designed this museum in Inokashira Park to honour Studio Ghibli — it includes original animation cels, the Catbus, a rooftop Laputa robot and an exclusive short film.

Founded in 2001, Ghibli Museum has been welcoming visitors for over 25 years. Today it draws approximately 650,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited artist & single-subject museums in the world. Located in Mitaka, Japan, the museum holds a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 7,500 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.

Why Ghibli Museum ranks #210

Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #210 in our composite ranking, Ghibli Museum represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice.

Must-see highlights

With a recommended visit time of 2.5 hours, planning your route through Ghibli Museum is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:

◆Saturn Theater short film
◆Catbus play area
◆Rooftop Laputa Robot Soldier
◆Animation studio reconstruction

Recognition & awards

Ghibli Museum has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:

TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice

Planning your visit

Opening hours: Wed–Mon 10:00–18:00. Closed Tue. Tickets sold in advance only.

How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 2.5 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.

Getting there: Ghibli Museum is located in Mitaka, Japan at coordinates 35.6960°N, 139.5704°E. View on Google Maps →

Visitor tips: Given the size of this museum, comfortable shoes are essential. Consider splitting your visit across two days if your schedule allows. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.

History of Ghibli Museum

Ghibli Museum was established in 2001, making it a relatively modern institution. Over the decades, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Mitaka. With 650,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in Japan's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important artist & single-subject museums in the Asia region.

Other top artist & single-subject museums

If you enjoy artist & single-subject museums like Ghibli Museum, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:

#20Musée RodinParis, France
#21Van Gogh MuseumAmsterdam, Netherlands
#22Picasso Museum (Musée Picasso Paris)Paris, France
#53Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul)Mexico City, Mexico
#54Munch Museum (MUNCH)Oslo, Norway

Frequently asked questions

What are the opening hours of Ghibli Museum?

Wed–Mon 10:00–18:00. Closed Tue. Tickets sold in advance only. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.

How long should I spend at Ghibli Museum?

Most visitors recommend spending 2.5 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.

Where is Ghibli Museum located?

Ghibli Museum is located in Mitaka, Japan. The exact coordinates are 35.6960°, 139.5704°. You can find directions via Google Maps.

What is Ghibli Museum known for?

Step inside a Hayao Miyazaki film. Key highlights include Saturn Theater short film, Catbus play area, Rooftop Laputa Robot Soldier. The museum holds a 4.7/5 rating from 7,500 reviews.