The Battle for Ghibli: How to Get Tickets to Miyazaki’s World (And What to Do If You Fail)
You love Totoro. You dream of Spirited Away. So naturally, you want to visit the Studio Ghibli Museum in Tokyo.
But here is the hard truth your travel agent might not tell you: Getting tickets is a war.
They go on sale once a month. They sell out in 10 minutes. The website crashes. It is the “Hunger Games” of tourism. But don’t give up! As your friend, I’m here to arm you with the best strategies to enter Miyazaki’s world—and where to go if you can’t get a ticket.
Part 1: The Ghibli Museum (Tokyo)
- Location: Mitaka (20 mins from Shinjuku).
- The Vibe: It is NOT a theme park. It is a boutique, whimsical museum designed by Hayao Miyazaki himself.
- The Rule: NO PHOTOS allowed inside. You must experience it with your eyes, not your phone.
How to Get Tickets (The Strategy):
- Mark Your Calendar: Tickets for the next month go on sale on the 10th of the current month at 10:00 AM (Japan Time).
- (Example: Want to go in May? Be online on April 10th).
- The “Lawson Ticket” War: Go to the international ticket website. Refresh the page. Pray.
- The “Willer” Hack: If the normal tickets are sold out, look for “Willer Travel.” They sell bus tours that include a Ghibli ticket. It costs more, but it’s much easier to get.
Part 2: The Ghibli Park (Nagoya)
- Location: Nagoya (Between Tokyo and Kyoto/Osaka).
- The Vibe: This is the NEW (opened 2022) massive park. You can walk through Satsuki and Mei’s house, see the Catbus, and explore the Grand Warehouse.
- Tickets: Also very hard to get. They usually go on sale 2 months in advance (also on the 10th).
- Friend’s Advice: This is a full day trip. Plan to stop here if you are taking the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto.
Part 3: “Help! I Couldn’t Get Tickets!” (The Backup Plan)
You tried. You failed. The tickets sold out in 3 minutes. Don’t cry. You can still find Ghibli magic in Tokyo without a ticket.
1. Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory (Setagaya) This is the only bakery in the world officially licensed by Studio Ghibli to make Totoro-shaped Cream Puffs.
- The Food: They are adorable and delicious (Custard, Chocolate, Strawberry).
- The Vibe: The shop is tucked away in a quiet neighborhood. It feels like a Ghibli movie setting.
2. NTV Big Clock (Shiodome) Go to Shiodome (near Shimbashi). Outside the NTV Tower, there is a massive steampunk clock designed by Hayao Miyazaki. It looks like Howl’s Moving Castle. It comes alive (moves and spins) at specific times (usually 12 PM, 3 PM, 6 PM, 8 PM). It’s free!
3. Donguri Kyowakoku (Acorn Republic) These are the official Ghibli merchandise shops.
- Best Location: The one in Sunshine City (Ikebukuro) or underneath Tokyo Skytree.
- Why: They have huge statues of Totoro and the Catbus for photos, and you can buy all the plushies you want.
Summary: Don’t Let the Ticket War Ruin Your Trip
If you get a ticket, congratulations! You won the lottery. If you don’t, it’s okay. Go eat a Totoro cream puff, watch the steampunk clock, and buy a Jiji plushie.
The magic of Ghibli is finding wonder in small things—and you can do that anywhere in Japan.
Want to explore the “Anime Side” of Tokyo with a guide who knows where all the best photo spots are? Join our Pop Culture Tour. We can’t promise Ghibli tickets, but we can promise a magical day full of anime history.
