Dreaming of stepping into the whimsical world of Studio Ghibli? ✨
Visiting the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo is pure magic — but booking tickets can be a little tricky if you’re not prepared.
Here’s your gentle, step-by-step guide to booking Ghibli Museum tickets in 2025, so you can focus on soaking up the wonder — not the stress.
🎟️ 1. Understand the Basics
- You must book in advance. No tickets are sold at the museum.
- Tickets are date and time specific.
- There’s a strict limit on how many people can enter each day — which keeps the experience peaceful and uncrowded.
📍 Location: Mitaka, a quiet Tokyo suburb (about 30 mins from Shinjuku)
🕰 Closed: Tuesdays and occasional maintenance days
📆 2. When Do Tickets Go on Sale?
Tickets become available on the 10th of each month for the following month.
So if you’re visiting in May, book your ticket on April 10th.
They often sell out fast, especially weekends — so mark your calendar and plan ahead!
🗓️ Tip: Try for a weekday slot for a quieter experience.
🌍 3. Booking from Outside Japan
If you’re booking from abroad, use Ghibli Museum’s official partner: Lawson Ticket’s international site.
Here’s how:
- Visit the Lawson Ticket site (international version, in English).
- Create an account in advance.
- Choose your date, time, and number of tickets.
- Pay online (credit card).
- Receive an e-ticket or QR code for entry.
💡 Have your passport details ready — they’re required during booking and may be checked at the entrance.
🏪 4. Booking from Within Japan
If you’re already in Japan, you can book at:
- Lawson convenience stores using their in-store “Loppi” machines (Japanese only)
- Or via the Japanese version of the Lawson website (requires Japanese address & phone)
🧾 You’ll get a paper ticket printed at the store.
⏰ 5. Choose Your Time Slot Wisely
There are usually four time slots:
- 10:00
- 12:00
- 14:00
- 16:00
You can enter only at your assigned time, but once inside, you can stay as long as you like (until closing time at 6pm).
🎨 Earlier slots give you more time to explore slowly.
👜 6. Day of Your Visit: What to Bring
- Your passport (or ID that matches your ticket)
- Your QR code or paper ticket
- A sense of childlike wonder 💫
No photography is allowed inside, but the courtyard and garden areas are photo-friendly.
Don’t miss:
- The short Ghibli film (screened only at the museum)
- The giant Catbus (for kids only!)
- The rooftop garden with the Laputa robot
- The gift shop + cozy Straw Hat Café
✨ Final Thoughts
Booking Ghibli Museum tickets can feel like a bit of a quest — but much like a Miyazaki film, the reward is worth it.
Plan ahead, breathe through the steps, and let your visit unfold like a gentle daydream.
You’re not just seeing a museum — you’re stepping into a story 🍃🕊️
