Tokyo

    The World of Ghibli

    Ghibli Museum tickets are released on the 10th of each month at 10:00 AM Japan time (JST), and only for the month that follows — a November visit means the tickets go on sale on 10 October. Booking requests must reach me before the ticket release and at least 40 days before your requested tour date, so the calendar only shows dates I can still secure tickets for. No payment is charged until tickets are secured. If I cannot secure tickets for any reason, we can either arrange an alternative program for the day or cancel your request at no cost.

    The World of Ghibli

    Enter the world of Studio Ghibli for a full day. We begin among the trees of Inokashira Park, the very woods that inspired the films' landscapes, then continue to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka with Miyazaki's sketches, the miniature cinema and the rooftop robot. The day continues with the Ghibli Clock in Shiodome and the studio's own shops. Museum tickets are strictly limited and booked in advance.

    Who it suits

    Families and Ghibli lovers of every age who want to step into the films' world.

    Highlights

    The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Inokashira Park and the Ghibli shop Donguri Republic.

    Local flavors

    Cozy cafés in Kichijoji and the world's only Totoro bakery, Shiro-Hige's cream puffs.

    About tickets

    This day includes stops that must be reserved in advance (such as sumo, museums or workshops). I help you with the practical arrangements — you only pay the original price, with no markup or added fees on the ticket cost.

    Ghibli Museum tickets – how it works

    • Tickets are released on the 10th of each month, and only for the following month — it is not possible to book further ahead.
    • Book well in advance: booking requests must be submitted before the ticket release (at least 40 days before your requested tour date), with 1–3 date alternatives. The calendar only shows dates that are still possible.
    • No payment is charged until tickets are secured. You then reimburse the exact ticket cost of ¥1,000 per ticket at face value.
    • The guiding fee is paid later via a payment link — only once I have confirmed that your tickets are secured. Your chosen date is reserved in my calendar either way.
    • I can buy a maximum of 5 tickets. Need more? Contact me first.
    • Please give me several possible days in your booking. I cannot choose or guarantee entry times, only the day — and several options make it far more likely we get in.
    • I join you at the museum at no extra cost.
    • Tickets are only arranged in combination with a guided day — they cannot be bought separately.
    • If I cannot get tickets, we arrange an alternative program for the day or cancel your request at no cost.
    • If you cancel the guiding after the tickets have been purchased, the ticket cost is not refunded.
    Shinjuku Station

    Shinjuku Station

    We meet at Shinjuku Station, ready to embark on a journey into the imaginative world of Studio Ghibli. Our first destination is the leafy western suburbs where Miyazaki's vision comes to life.

    Inokashira Park

    Inokashira Park

    30 min

    We take the scenic forest path through Inokashira Park to reach the museum. This beautiful green space, with its ancient trees and tranquil pond, embodies the nature-loving spirit that permeates all Ghibli films. Street performers often play Ghibli melodies here, adding to the magical atmosphere.

    Ghibli Museum, Mitaka

    Ghibli Museum, Mitaka

    2.5 hours

    The crown jewel of our day. This museum, designed by Miyazaki himself, feels like stepping inside a Ghibli film. The building features organic architecture with ivy-covered walls, spiral staircases, and whimsical details at every turn. Inside, we explore original animation cels, the recreation of an animator's studio, and a giant catbus that children can climb. The rooftop garden features a life-sized Robot Soldier from Castle in the Sky. The museum also shows exclusive short films in the Saturn Theater—films you cannot see anywhere else in the world.

    Lunch at Corn Valley

    Lunch at Corn Valley

    1 hour

    A Ghibli fan's dream lunch spot. This European-inspired bistro offers a special 'Studio Ghibli Course' featuring iconic dishes recreated from the films—including Calcifer's bacon and eggs from Howl's Moving Castle and the herring and pumpkin pie from Kiki's Delivery Service. The whimsical interior features a secret room hidden behind a bookshelf and is filled with Ghibli plushies and figurines. Advance reservation required.

    Shiro-Hige's Cream Puff Factory

    Shiro-Hige's Cream Puff Factory

    40 min

    Time for a truly special treat. This bakery, officially licensed by Studio Ghibli, creates adorable Totoro-shaped cream puffs—each one handcrafted with chocolate ears, eyes, and whiskers. From the charming Kichijoji shop we pick up our freshly made Totoro cream puffs to enjoy at a scenic spot nearby (or visit the main café in Setagaya-Daita if we prefer sit-down table service).

    NTV Ghibli Clock (Ni-Tele Really BIG Clock)

    NTV Ghibli Clock (Ni-Tele Really BIG Clock)

    30 min

    This massive mechanical clock, designed by Hayao Miyazaki, adorns the NTV headquarters in Shiodome. Standing 12 meters tall and 18 meters wide, its elaborate steampunk design features gears, pipes, and fantastical creatures that come alive during scheduled performances. Several times daily, the clock awakens with music and movement—a mesmerizing spectacle that feels straight out of Howl's Moving Castle.

    Donguri Republic - Tokyo Character Street

    Donguri Republic - Tokyo Character Street

    45 min

    We visit Tokyo's premier official Ghibli merchandise store, located in the underground shopping arcade beneath Tokyo Station. Donguri Republic (Acorn Republic) offers an extensive collection of plush toys, accessories, home goods, and limited-edition items featuring beloved characters from every Ghibli film. This is the perfect place to find authentic souvenirs—from Totoro tote bags to Calcifer candle holders.

    Tokyo Station

    Tokyo Station

    Our Ghibli adventure concludes at Tokyo Station, one of Japan's most beautiful railway stations. Today we explored the imagination of Hayao Miyazaki through architecture, art, food, and the enduring magic of Studio Ghibli. Whether you fell in love with Totoro as a child or discovered Ghibli films as an adult, I hope today reminded you why these stories continue to enchant audiences around the world.

    Ready to experience this journey?