Mitaka no Mori Ghibli Museum

The Ghibli Museum, Mitaka, is an art museum located in the Nishi-en area of Inokashira Park in Mitaka City, Tokyo, where visitors can experience the world of Studio Ghibli. It's about a 15-minute walk along the Tamagawa Josui stream from the south exit of JR Mitaka Station. Opened in 2001, under the planning and supervision of director Hayao Miyazaki, the museum’s catchphrase is "Let's get lost together," and its structure offers a maze-like free space to enjoy.

Upon entering the museum, the first thing that catches the eye is the central hall, which extends from the basement level to the second floor. It features a spiral staircase and bridges suspended in the air, with a glass dome ceiling painted with the image of a yellow whale swimming in the sea and Ponyo, giving visitors the sensation of stepping into the world of a Ghibli film.

The permanent exhibition room "The Place Where Movies are Born (Tonko)" presents an environment modeled after the animation production studio. Work desks are cluttered with sketches, materials, and props, creating a sense of presence as if the creators are still there. Visitors can visually learn how animations are made.

In the video exhibition room "Saturn," located in the basement, original short animations exclusive to the Ghibli Museum are screened. The films change periodically, and each is about 15 minutes long, making them enjoyable for small children as well. The screening room is glass-walled, allowing visitors to observe the projection process.

On the second floor, children can enjoy the popular "Cat Bus Room," where only kids below elementary school age can actually sit on the Cat Bus from "My Neighbor Totoro." Its soft and fluffy texture offers an engaging experience.

On the rooftop, accessed via the spiral staircase, stands a large statue of the robot soldier from "Castle in the Sky." This robot serves as the museum’s "guardian spirit," watching over visitors, while a lush rooftop garden surrounds it. This nature-infused space is filled with the soothing and surprising qualities characteristic of Ghibli works.

Additionally, the museum features the reading room "Tryhawks," where visitors can freely read picture books and children's literature, the museum shop "Mamma Yuto" with exclusive merchandise, and the café "Straw Hat," serving handmade meals made from organic vegetables. There are plenty of highlights and ways to enjoy the museum.

At the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka, visitors can experience what feels like walking through a movie. Both adults and children can freely get lost and indulge their senses in the enchanting world of Ghibli.