Studio Ghibli animated movies are magical and nothing less is expected of the museum based on works such as My Neighbour Totoro and Princess Mononoke. You need to buy the tickets for a particular date and timeslot at any Lawsons Convenience Store ticketing kiosk (not every Lawsons has the kiosk, I got mine conveniently at Lawsons, Haneda Airport). No worries about the language problem because advance ticket purchases for Studio Ghibli Museum have English translations (the only other being Universal Studios).
Studio Ghibli is situated in Mitaka, Tokyo, and it's a beautiful place come Autumn and December, awash in yellow and orange hues. I would recommend a morning trip to the museum and spending the afternoon at the adjoining Inokashira Park and/or Zoo (I just realised how near they were upon reaching).
Walking from Mitaka station, on the JR Chuo Line, a 15-minute scenic route (a themed bus is also available)
Very clear signs along the way
Mega Totoro
Unfortunately no photography is allowed in the premises, but it's truly magical and I enjoyed it (especially the strobe light Totoro display!)
A commemorative film strip which doubles up as your Short Animated Feature ticket. The Saturn Theatre was awesome and the Chu Zumo (sumo mice) feature was short, but conveyed so much emotion and ideas that even longer films fail to achieve. The shows are rotated and I will definitely come back for more!
On the roof top, stands a five-meter-tall Robot Soldier (from “Laputa Castle in the Sky”)
The Cafe
Rustic Lockers (free, I think!)
A scene out of any Ghibli's earlier works
Goodbye!
Other noteworthy mentions - the grand Central Hall, huge Cat Bus (for climbing, if you are young enough), and the museum shop "MAMMA AIUTO!"
The pretty park just outside the Museum
In preparation for the days to come
What's your favourite Ghibli movie?
Cost: ¥100 - ¥1000 (only advance purchase at Lawsons or email)
Access: JR Mitaka Station South Exit (Walk or use the community bus)
NB: Do pop by Inokashira Park Zoo, or enjoy a leisurely stroll around the Inokashira Park premises
Related Posts:
Japan Day 2 – Tokyo, Day 2:
- Studio Ghibli (magical but restricted photography)
- Inokashira Park Zoo 1 (Pet all the Guinea pigs!)
- Inokashira Park Zoo 2
Hi, it's not always possible for tourists to get tickets off Lawson or loppi machines in time as ticket sales open one month in advance.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your photos
Hi Chloe, thanks for the reminder! Yes, do get tickets as early as possible. Perhaps December was not the peak season so I managed to get tickets upon arrival, just 2-3 days before my visit :) I can't imagine missing out on the museum!
ReplyDeleteHello! Thank you so much for this post! I was worried I wouldn't be able to find a Lawsons near our hotel so it's reassuring to know I can get tickets at Haneda. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat to know that you found the information useful! I think it's called AIR LAWSON, on 1F Entrance Plaza of Haneda Airport. You've got to use the Loppi machine to buy the tickets with instructions in English (the other functions are in Japanese only). You can usually find Lawsons everywhere in Tokyo, but it's best to buy early at the airport, in case tickets run out!
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