Buying tickets to the Ghibli Museum in Japan can be tricky because they sell out quickly and are only available online or at select locations. The best way to get tickets is to buy them in advance through the official Lawson Ticket website, which opens monthly sales at 10 a.m. Japan time on the 10th of each month for the following month’s visits.
This means planning ahead is key if you want to secure your spot. Tickets cannot be bought at the museum itself, so relying on convenience stores or third-party sellers can be difficult, especially if you don’t have a Japanese phone or address.
Knowing the exact ticket release date and time is the most important step to avoid missing out. If you are visiting Japan, understanding how the ticketing system works will save you frustration.
The process is straightforward once you know where and when to buy. I’ll guide you through each step to make it easier.
How to Buy Ghibli Museum Tickets in Japan
Understanding the Ghibli Museum Ticket Process
Buying tickets for the Ghibli Museum takes planning and some knowledge of its ticket rules. You must reserve your spot in advance, understand when tickets become available, and know the prices and ticket types before you buy.
Why Tickets Are Difficult to Obtain
The Ghibli Museum is small and very popular. Tickets sell out quickly because there are limited spaces each day.
Both Japanese and international visitors want to go, which creates high demand. Most Japanese people buy their tickets using Lawson convenience store kiosks or online, but this requires some Japanese language skills and a Japanese phone number.
For foreigners, the official online ticket site can be slow or crash when sales open, making it hard to secure a ticket. You need to be ready with all your information and act fast as soon as tickets go on sale.
Ticket Release Schedule
Tickets for the Ghibli Museum go on sale exactly one month before the date you want to visit. The sale always starts on the 10th of the month at 10:00 a.m. Japan time.
For example, if I want to visit on October 20, I need to buy my ticket on September 10 at 10 a.m. JST. This means setting alarms and knowing what time that is in my local time zone.
Tickets are sold in time slots to control the number of visitors each hour and avoid crowding inside the museum.
Ticket Types and Pricing
Ghibli Museum tickets are divided by age groups and all require advance purchase. Here are the prices as of mid-2025:
| Age Group | Price (JPY) |
|---|---|
| 19 and over | 1,000 |
| 13 to 18 | 700 |
| 7 to 12 | 400 |
| 4 to 6 | 100 |
| 3 and under | Free |
There is no option to buy tickets at the museum itself. Everyone must have a ticket with a fixed entry time.
If you lose your ticket, you cannot enter, so it’s important to keep it safe. Tickets are non-refundable, so make sure your plans are confirmed before purchasing.
How to Buy Ghibli Museum Tickets Online
Exclusive preview images of the GHIBLI PARK opening November 1 in Japan 😍 pic.twitter.com/BKt2n0BUoW
— Studio Ghibli (@TheGhibliFamily) October 19, 2022
Buying Ghibli Museum tickets online requires knowing the right websites and timing. You must plan ahead since tickets are limited and sold for specific dates only.
Some platforms are only in Japanese, while others cater to international buyers.
Purchasing Through Lawson
Lawson Ticket is the official Japanese platform for buying Ghibli Museum tickets online. The tickets go on sale on the 10th of every month at 10 a.m. JST for the following month.
For example, if you want tickets for October, you must buy them starting September 10th. You can only buy tickets for a single date and time slot.
The website is mainly in Japanese, so using a translation tool can help. Payments are made by credit card, and you receive an electronic ticket to show at the museum.
Because tickets sell out fast, I recommend logging in exactly at sale time. Once sold out, you cannot buy tickets directly from the museum.
Using International Booking Platforms
If you find Lawson difficult, international platforms like Klook offer Ghibli Museum tickets. These sites sometimes bundle tickets with tours or transportation.
While tickets on Klook may cost slightly more, they provide an English interface and easy payment options, including credit cards or PayPal. You also get clear instructions for your visit and the ticket is delivered electronically or by email.
Since these platforms buy tickets in bulk, there is a better chance of getting tickets after Lawson is sold out. However, you should still book early to avoid missing out.
Tips for Securing Tickets Online
Timing is key when buying Ghibli Museum tickets online. Set reminders for ticket release days and be prepared to purchase immediately at 10 a.m. JST.
Use multiple devices or browsers to improve your chances. If using Lawson, having a registered account and saved payment details speeds up checkout.
Avoid third-party resellers that are not official, as tickets are strictly non-transferable and may become invalid. Planning your visit at least one month ahead gives you the best chance to secure tickets.
Alternative Ways to Secure Ghibli Museum Tickets
I didn’t get selected to go to the Nintendo Museum, but I just scored tickets to the Studio Ghibli museum. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/b8cGNHeSGs
— Dustin Furman (@DustinCanFly) September 10, 2024
There are other options besides buying tickets directly. These include booking through tour operators or using personal shoppers and proxy services.
Both methods can offer some convenience but may come with higher prices or specific conditions to know.
Booking Through Tour Operators
One way I found useful was to book through tour operators like Klook or Get Your Guide. These companies sometimes offer tours that include Ghibli Museum tickets.
The tours usually cover transportation and sometimes add extra stops near Tokyo, such as the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Museum. The main benefit is that you don’t have to fight the ticket release rush online.
However, tours can be expensive, with prices around ¥26,000 or more per person. Also, tours often last many hours and might not suit everyone, especially families with young children.
Reading reviews carefully helps ensure the tour includes genuine Ghibli Museum admission and fits your schedule. Trusted companies like Japan Travel’s Sunrise Tours have good reputations and offer full legitimacy.
Personal Shoppers and Proxy Services
If you can’t buy tickets yourself, personal shoppers or proxy services in Japan are an option. These services buy tickets on your behalf using a Japanese phone number and online access, which most foreigners don’t have.
These services usually require an upfront fee, which adds to the ticket price. You need to make sure the service is reliable to avoid scams.
Trusted proxies often have websites or reviews on travel forums. Using a proxy means you won’t handle the purchase directly but get official tickets delivered to you or picked up in Japan.
It’s a good fallback if you miss the original sale or want to avoid the ticket queue system on Lawson’s site.
Visiting the Ghibli Museum: Essential Information
getting ghibli museum tickets is harder than i thought i just wanted to give vessel a lil kiss pic.twitter.com/04Ian4zt9D
— luna ˚˖𓍢ִ໋🦢˚ (@TNBTYiii) January 19, 2024
Visiting the Ghibli Museum means planning how to get there and understanding the rules for your ticket and entry time. The museum is in a quiet area of Tokyo, and the visit follows a strict schedule.
Knowing the details will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Location and Access in Mitaka
The Ghibli Museum is in Mitaka, west of central Tokyo, inside Inokashira Park. The full address is 1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-0013.
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Chuo Line towards Mitaka Station. The train ride takes about 20-25 minutes.
From Mitaka Station, you can either walk for 20 minutes along the Tamagawa Josui canal or catch a short loop bus that drops you closer to the museum entrance. Alternatively, you can also access the museum from Kichijoji Station, which is another 15-minute walk through Inokashira Park.
It’s a pleasant walk surrounded by nature, good for a calm start to your visit.
Ticket Usage Rules and Entry Times
Tickets to the Ghibli Museum are only valid for a specific date and entry time. You must enter during your assigned 1-hour time slot on your ticket.
Once inside, you can stay as long as you want, but no late or early entries are allowed. The tickets are non-transferable and must be presented along with valid ID, like a passport.
Last-minute sales or ticket purchases at the museum are not possible. It’s important to plan your arrival carefully.
Arriving too early or late can mean losing your chance to enter. The ticket times are made to avoid crowding and keep the visit comfortable for everyone.
Recommended Itineraries and Nearby Attractions
Visited Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo today.
— Yuri (@yurixlax) October 1, 2025
A ticket is a film strip from the movie.
You can watch the exclusive animated short film there.
Had a blast!
(Unfortunately no photos inside)#Ghibli pic.twitter.com/R3YbUoBTMp
When visiting the Ghibli Museum, there are several nearby places that add value to your trip. Each location offers a unique experience that fits well into a day or half-day itinerary.
Planning your visit with these spots in mind can make your trip more enjoyable and efficient.
Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum
The Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum is a short distance from the Ghibli Museum. It features around 30 historic buildings from the Edo to Showa periods.
These structures have been carefully relocated and restored for visitors to explore. Many buildings inspired scenes in Studio Ghibli films.
For example, the stationery store “Takei Sanshodo” connects to the look of Kamaji’s room in Spirited Away. Walking through the open-air space, you can see how old Tokyo life looked, which adds cultural context to the Ghibli visit.
You can spend about two hours here. There are interactive exhibits and gardens, making it good for both adults and kids.
The museum is reachable by bus from Mitaka Station or a short taxi ride from the Ghibli Museum.
Exploring Inokashira Park
Inokashira Park surrounds the Ghibli Museum and offers a peaceful natural setting. It has walking paths, a pond, and places to relax.
I recommend arriving early to wander the park before or after your museum visit. You can rent a boat and paddle around the lily-covered pond.
It’s a quiet way to enjoy the area. The park also has a zoo and small temples.
The natural beauty fits well with themes in many Ghibli films. Inokashira Park is about a 15 to 20-minute walk from both Mitaka and Kichijoji train stations.
It’s a great spot to stretch your legs and enjoy fresh air. The park is especially pretty in spring when cherry blossoms bloom.
Day Trips from Ueno
Ueno is a major transport hub about 30 minutes from Mitaka by train. From Ueno, you can plan day trips to several interesting places, including museums, parks, and shopping areas.
The Tokyo National Museum and Ueno Zoo are both nearby. If you have extra time, I suggest visiting Ameyoko Market for food and local goods.
Ueno Park also hosts temples and a pond with boats. It’s easy to combine a Ghibli Museum visit with time in Ueno.
You just need to check train schedules to ensure you have enough time to enjoy both areas without rushing. Ueno is a good place if you want more cultural experiences on the same day.
Additional Japan Travel Tips for Visitors
I actually got Studio Ghibli Museum tickets - So happy 🎉 pic.twitter.com/qNSKXgMJ5R
— Zoe (@darkroge) March 10, 2025
Traveling around Tokyo and visiting the Ghibli Museum can be smooth with the right preparation. Knowing how to use public transport and understanding polite behavior at the museum will help me enjoy my trip without stress.
Navigating Tokyo’s Transport
Tokyo’s transport system is large but very efficient. To get to Mitaka, where the Ghibli Museum is located, I usually start at Tokyo Station.
From there, I take the JR Chuo Line bound for Mitaka. The train ride takes about 20 minutes.
I make sure to check the train schedule ahead of time because trains run frequently but stations can be crowded during rush hours. For easy travel, I use a Suica or Pasmo card.
These rechargeable cards work on most trains, buses, and even some shops. They save time because I don’t need to buy a ticket for every ride.
When using public transport, I stand in line and wait for passengers to exit before boarding. It’s important to keep quiet and avoid talking on the phone while on the train.
These small habits help keep Tokyo’s system efficient and pleasant.
Cultural Etiquette for Museum Visits
When visiting the Ghibli Museum, I follow Japanese museum etiquette carefully.
First, I arrive on time. Entry is only allowed during the specific time slot printed on my ticket.
Late arrivals may lose their chance to enter.
Inside the museum, I avoid loud talking and keep my phone on silent.
Photography is not allowed inside most of the museum, so I respect this rule and only take pictures where it is permitted.
Eating and drinking inside the museum galleries is banned. There is a café area where I can enjoy refreshments.
I also pay attention to signs and staff instructions.
