The Ghibli Museum, Mitaka, is one of Japan’s most beloved attractions. Located in the Mitaka area of Tokyo, it offers an enchanting experience for visitors of all ages. This museum celebrates the iconic works of Studio Ghibli, a renowned animation studio behind masterpieces such as Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Princess Mononoke. With its whimsical exhibits, immersive displays, and unique animation showcases, the Ghibli Museum is a must-visit for animation fans and art enthusiasts.
However, one key aspect of visiting the museum is purchasing tickets. Due to the museum’s popularity and limited entry numbers, tickets for the Ghibli Museum can be hard to come by if not purchased at the right time. In this guide, we’ll delve into the process of purchasing Ghibli Museum tickets, including the specific times when tickets go on sale, how to secure your entry, and ticket prices.
When Do Ghibli Museum Tickets Go on Sale?
1. Ticket Sales Opening Time
The Ghibli Museum has a unique ticketing system that requires advance reservations. Tickets are typically released three months before the desired visit date. For instance, if you plan to visit the museum in June, tickets will be available for purchase starting in March.
The tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM JST (Japan Standard Time), and this time is crucial. Due to the high demand and the limited number of tickets, the museum’s ticket sales open promptly at this hour, and tickets often sell out within minutes. Because of this, it is recommended that prospective visitors be prepared and ready to purchase tickets as soon as the clock strikes 10:00 AM.
2. Where to Buy Ghibli Museum Tickets
Tickets for the Ghibli Museum are sold through official channels. These are the primary ways to purchase tickets:
Via the Museum’s Official Website: The most reliable and direct method for purchasing tickets is through the museum’s official website. The site is in Japanese, so it is important to navigate with translation tools or have basic knowledge of Japanese to complete the purchase process.
Via Authorized Resellers: For visitors who are outside Japan, purchasing tickets from authorized resellers is the most common method. These include online platforms such as JTB, Lawson Ticket, or Rakuten Travel, which offer tickets in English for international visitors. These resellers typically allow you to purchase tickets on a similar schedule, i.e., starting at 10:00 AM JST.
Tickets are not available for purchase directly at the museum itself, making it essential to secure your tickets in advance.
3. Availability of Tickets
Tickets for the Ghibli Museum are usually sold in time slots throughout the day. The museum operates on a set schedule, with several entry slots each day. Each ticket grants you access to a specific time frame, typically in two-hour intervals. The available time slots are:
- Morning Time Slots: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Midday Time Slots: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
- Afternoon Time Slots: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- late Afternoon Time Slots: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Because each time slot is limited in capacity, the demand can vary depending on the time of day. Tickets for early morning and late afternoon slots tend to be slightly less competitive but are still in high demand.
4. Ticket Sales Period
Tickets for the Ghibli Museum are available for a three-month period. This means that once tickets are released, visitors can book their entry for any day within the next three months. However, this also means that tickets are only available on a first-come, first-served basis. Popular days, such as weekends, holidays, and school vacations, tend to sell out the quickest.
It’s important to note that there are no ticket sales at the door. Therefore, securing tickets as soon as they are released is the best way to guarantee entry. Additionally, the museum does not have a standby line for sold-out days, so pre-purchasing tickets is the only way to visit the museum.
Ticket Price Breakdown
1. Standard Ticket Prices
The price for entry to the Ghibli Museum is relatively affordable, though it can vary based on age groups. The prices are as follows:
Adults (13 years and older): ¥1,000 (approximately $7 USD)
Children (7-12 years old): ¥700 (approximately $5 USD)
Children under 7 years old: Free admission
Senior Citizens (65 years and older): ¥700 (approximately $5 USD)
Visitors with Disabilities: Free admission for the ticket holder, though a companion ticket may be necessary depending on circumstances.
Given the museum’s policy of providing free entry for children under 7, it’s a great destination for families. However, parents should note that children under the age of 7 must still have a ticket reserved for them, even though it is free.
2. Group Rates
For large groups, such as school groups or tour groups, the Ghibli Museum offers group rates. However, these tickets must be purchased in advance and are typically arranged through authorized ticket vendors. Group rates vary based on the number of visitors and the type of tour package selected. Be sure to contact authorized resellers or the museum directly for more information.
3. Special Events and Exhibitions
From time to time, the museum hosts special exhibitions or seasonal events. These events may have different ticket prices, often higher than the standard admission fee. For example, when a special exhibition is being held, there may be an additional fee to cover the exhibition costs. Tickets for these special events are usually released at the same time as regular tickets but may sell out quicker due to the exclusivity and limited nature of the event.
4. Annual Passes
For frequent visitors or those who plan to visit multiple times in a year, the Ghibli Museum offers an annual pass. The annual pass provides unlimited entry to the museum for one year from the date of purchase. The cost of an annual pass is:
Adults: ¥2,000 (approximately $14 USD)
Children (7-12 years old): ¥1,400 (approximately $10 USD)
Children under 7: Free admission
The annual pass is a great option for locals or those visiting Tokyo multiple times, as it allows for unlimited access to the museum and its exhibits during the year.
Best Tips for Securing Your Ghibli Museum Tickets
1. Be Ready at 10:00 AM JST
Tickets are released precisely at 10:00 AM Japan Standard Time. Given the high demand for tickets, especially during peak travel seasons, it’s critical to be online and ready to purchase tickets as soon as they go on sale. Make sure your payment details are pre-entered, and have multiple devices or browsers open to increase your chances of securing tickets.
2. Consider Alternative Dates
If you find that tickets for your desired date are sold out, try selecting alternative dates or time slots. While weekends and holidays are typically the most competitive, weekdays or off-peak seasons might have more availability.
3. Use Authorized Resellers for English Support
For international visitors, purchasing tickets through authorized resellers like JTB or Rakuten Travel can be a helpful option. These platforms offer English-language interfaces and make the ticket purchase process smoother, especially if you don’t speak Japanese.
4. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
It’s tempting to wait for tickets to become available on resale platforms, but it’s always better to purchase directly through official channels. Resale platforms may have higher prices, and you risk not getting the time slot you want.
5. Check for Ticket Availability Regularly
Sometimes, tickets become available again if others cancel their reservations. If you’re unable to secure tickets initially, keep checking the official website or reseller platforms regularly. This way, you may be able to grab a last-minute ticket.
Conclusion
The Ghibli Museum offers a magical experience for all who visit, celebrating the incredible works of Studio Ghibli in a way that immerses fans in the world of animation. However, securing tickets can be competitive due to the museum’s popularity.
Understanding when tickets go on sale and how to navigate the purchasing process is key to ensuring you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
