三鷹の森ジブリ美術館 – Studio Ghibli Museum

Rather than a museum, this place is more like a sight altogether.  Photography of the inside is prohibited, and they don’t have much in terms of exhibits (as in there aren’t many signs or explanation boards), but the building itself is wonderfully quirky and eccentric.  The stained glass windows painted in the image of movies like Princess Mononoke, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and more are always a delight.  And climbing up to the roof to snap a photo with life-sized Laputa robot is a must.

They also have a theater that shows Studio Ghibli shorts that are exclusive to the museum.  Seating is limited, but the short is shown at frequent intervals, and they also allow people to sit on the steps.  This time they were screening a short about a tiny puppy who ends up getting lost on an adventure.

None of the exhibits, nor the short, are in English, but if you are a fan of Studio Ghibli works it is still a pleasure.  I’ve been here before, but I was filled with so much nostalgia over the films that essentially made up my childhood that I didn’t really notice.  The museum itself is quite accustomed to accommodating foreign visitors and several of the staff can speak some English.

My favorite permanent exhibit is the “Where a Film is Born”, which occupies an entire floor and comprises of several rooms that are designed in the image of a studio where you can see the whole process involved in making one of their movies, from script and concept to story boarding, world building, and finally to cel painting and the actual film strips.  The walls are covered with sketches and art from all of Ghibli’s movies, and the atmosphere is just delightful.

The museum also has a nice cafe, but it can get crowded very quickly.  They do offer some of their foods for take-out from a side window.  The outside area is furnished with plenty of tables and chairs that visitors are free to use without ordering anything, so consider bringing a lunch if the weather is nice.

The Studio Ghibli Museum can be easily accessed by shuttle bus that takes you directly from the station, but if the weather is nice it’s quite a pleasant walk following the waterworks with plenty of nice (read: adorable) signs leading the way.

Vital Information: 

• Open: 10:00 to 18:00

• Closed: Tuesdays and New Year’s holidays

• 1000 yen Admission; Tickets are not sold at the museum and must be purchased in advance

• Information about how to buy tickets, etc. can be found in English on the Ghibli Museum Website

• Semi-English Friendly

• 5-10 minute bus ride from Mitaka Station on the JR Chuo Line, or a 15-20 minute walk from Mitaka Station following the waterworks.