The following originally was featured on travel blogger, Dennis A. Amith’s website. You can view his website here.
As a special for neo-tokyo2099.com, the following travel guide on “How to Get tickets for the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka” will be featured:
One of the biggest questions I get from those looking to travel to Japan is how they can get tickets for the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka (Tokyo).
For those not familiar with the Ghibli Museum, the museum is dedicated to Studio Ghibli animated films such as “My Neighbor Totoro”, “Nausicaa ~Valley of the Wind”, “Laputa – Castle in the Sky”, “Spirited Away”, “Kiki’s Delivery Service” and many more!
The museum should be in the bucket list for hardcore fans of Studio Ghibli films and one can watch how the animation is made, watch numerous Studio Ghibli shorts, the place is children friendly and has a Ghibli Museum Cafe and of course, a gift shop.
The only thing that may bum people out is that no photos are allowed indoor, but you can take many photos outside the museum.
The thing about the Ghibli Museum, you can’t just go there and expect to get in. In fact, you will need to purchase your tickets in advance.
The Museum is open from 10:00 to 18:00 (closed Tuesdays). There are four admission times per day:
First Admission: 10:00 (until 10:30)
Second Admission: 12:00 (until 12:30)
Third Admission: 14:00 (until 14:30)
Fourth Admission: 16:00 (until 16:30)
*Admission is possible up to 30 minutes after the Museum specified admission time.
*As there is no system requiring visitors to leave based on entry time, visitors may enjoy the Museum until closing time.
*The cafe opens from 11:00.
[Tickets (Entry Vouchers)]
Ages 19 and over: JPY1,000
Ages 13 to 18: JPY700
Ages 7 to 12: JPY400
Ages 4 to 6: JPY100
* Children under 4 are admitted free of charge.
*The above fees also entitle visitors to watch a short film.
*The Museum does not offer discounts.
*The above fees include consumption tax.
And you can get your tickets via:
- Lawson Online – For those not staying in Japan for a month, then you want to purchase tickets on the Lawson website. This is convenient because you can see what days are available and what are sold out. Same situation with the Loppi machines, you will need to check on the 10th of each month and the earlier you get a ticket, the better. Click here to purchase your ticket! REMEMBER, THE WEBSITE IS GOING BY JAPANESE DATE/TIME!
So, here is an example. On December 10th, the tickets went on sale for January 2019. As you can see, nearly every date has an “x” which means it’s sold out with the exception of January 30th and 31st. The 30th has a few tickets left for 4:00 p.m. on the 30th and tickets available for the 4:00 p.m. on the 31st.
- Japan Travel Bureau (JTB) – [NOTE: AS OF JANUARY 2019, JTB USA WILL BE DISCONTINUING THE SALES OF INDIVIDUAL TICKETS TO GHIBLI MUSEUM] The benefit of JTB USA is that if Lawson is sold out, you can go through this travel agency. Unfortunately, you will pay a bit more but considering that you have the opportunity to get tickets despite it being sold out, this is a good chance to get them. And the good thing is unlike Lawson, you can check with JTB 15 days before the selling month and get your tickets three months in advance. Once you purchase, they will send you vouchers that you exchange at Ghibli Museum. But it’s important to note, you must be a non-resident of Japan, you can only purchase a maximum of six tickets at a time and purchase your tickets at least 10 days before your departure date, so they have time to ship you the voucher. Also, there are no refunds! It actually works out if you want to purchase your JR Rail Pass and go to the Ghibli Museum, to go to JTB USA!
- Voyagin – Voyagin has a pre-order deadline on the 8th day of the month before your preferred date.The only thing is that you are paying over three times the amount for a ticket to the museum. But if you really want to go, Voyagin does make things easier.
- Lawson’s Online Shopping (Loppi) Machine – Inside a Lawson store, you can find a Loppi Machine. Tickets go on sale at 10:00 a.m. on the 10th day of the month. This is great if you are staying in Japan for over a month, so if you are going to Japan in a February, you will want to get it beforehand, if possible on January 10th or before. Tickets cost Y1000 for adults, Y700 for teens, Y400 for children, Y100 for toddlers and free for anyone under four years old. While this is very convenient and inexpensive, most people traveling to Japan are not staying over a month long. So, this may not factor in to your plans at all.
- Tour – TripAdvisor’s Viator offers a bit pricey Tokyo Studio Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Film Appreciation Tour including Lunch. If you want to go on a tour to the museum and the Edo-tokyo Open Air Architecture Museum (which you will go to lunch first, then the Open Air Museum and then the Ghibli Museum afterward). The price is over a $120 per person.
- Family/Friends living in Japan or Hotel Concierge – The last one is asking a family member or friend in Japan or the hotel concierge to help you out.
FAQ
Q: So, I can’t just go there and purchase tickets and go whatever time I want?
A: Yes, you need to purchase tickets in advance and select a time slot.
Q: Do I have to book tickets three months in advance?
A: Tickets sell quickly, so I would!
Q: Is it true I can’t take pictures inside the museum?
A: That is correct. You can’t take photos inside, but you can take pictures outside the museum (outdoors).
Q: I forgot the password and phone # I used, so I am unable to print the voucher/code?
A: Contact this e-mail and give them your e-mail, phone # (that you think you used) and also when you think you did the entry (date and time). If you know what time slot you booked, you can also get in line and you can have them take care of it. Just let them know what happened and give them your name and e-mail used.
Overall, I hope you are able to visit the Ghibli Museum during your vacation in Japan! And I hope this guide helps! Enjoy!
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