Ghibli Museum (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Ghibli Museum?
What makes it 81% Couple-Friendly: Partners get whimsical photo spots, a cozy café, and short films for shared memories, yet tight spaces and no rooftop lift reduce relaxed strolling hand-in-hand.
Positives:
- Intimate Experience: Smaller crowds let couples enjoy exhibits side by side.
- Unique Exhibits: Permanent and special displays reveal Ghibli’s creative process.
Challenges:
- Advance Booking Required: Tickets sell out quickly and must be purchased online up to three months ahead.
- No Indoor Photography: Photography is only allowed in select outdoor areas.
What is Ghibli Museum?
- A Tokyo museum dedicated to the art and history of Studio Ghibli animation
- An architectural creation by Hayao Miyazaki, drawing on European village motifs to craft whimsical, storybook interiors
- A venue housing permanent and rotating exhibits of original sketches, storyboards and handcrafted animation models, along with an intimate short-film theater and a rooftop garden
What is so special about Ghibli Museum for couple trip?
- Exclusive short film in the Saturn Theater
- Rooftop photo opportunity with Robot Soldier
- Quiet stroll through Central Hall’s architecture
- Themed café and unique museum-only souvenirs
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Couples can explore exhibits, watch the short film, and enjoy the café at a relaxed pace.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Ghibli Museum
Saturn Theater Short Film:
Watch an exclusive 10–15 minute Ghibli short in the 80-seat Saturn Theater.
Tip: Arrive at your entry time to choose seats together near the center aisle.
Rooftop Robot Soldier:
Climb the outdoor spiral stairs to take photos with the 5 m-tall Robot Soldier.
Tip: Visit in late afternoon for softer light and unobstructed views of Inokashira Park.
Central Hall Walk:
Stroll hand-in-hand through the maze of bridges and stained-glass windows in the Central Hall.
Tip: Hold hands and pause at each archway to soak in the European-inspired design; no photos allowed inside.
Straw Hat Café:
Share a themed latte or cutlet sandwich at the museum café overlooking the park.
Tip: Go between screening times (11 AM or 2 PM) to avoid the lunch queue.
Mamma Aiuto! Gift Shop:
Browse limited-edition pins, jewelry, and Totoro models exclusive to the museum.
Tip: Set a souvenir budget before browsing to avoid overspending on collectibles.
When is the best time to visit Ghibli Museum (Tokyo, Japan)?
Spring (late March–early April) pairs the museum visit with cherry blossoms in nearby Inokashira Park. Avoid Tokyo’s rainy season (June) for clearer views from the rooftop.
Explore These Activities
Reviews of Ghibli Museum (Tokyo)
Glenn Goldman
Entertaining visit for anyone interested in animation but it’s especially focused on children. Adults will appreciate it as well. The building itself is playful and contributes to the overall feel of the visit. The artwork is simply stunning. It was also impressive to see the resources they used to design the movies. They had books about the anatomy of animals to architecture. It all helps to give...
mariam k
Very nice Small museum. We went at 5pm and was able to see everything and have time for the gift shop before closing at 6pm. It’s a little hard and out of the way to get to by public transport. You have to buy tickets online and they go on sale one day the month before. So look it up and plan ahead. No tickets sold at the facility. No photography or video allowed inside. There is a cafe as well bu...
Queen PushyCat
After 10 years of living in Japan, I finally visited the Ghibli Museum with my friends. We went towards the end of the day, and honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect given all the hype and praise it receives. As someone who enjoys Ghibli films but isn’t a die-hard fan, I found the experience pleasant but not mind-blowing. The museum is fascinating, especially for those interested in the mechanic...
JC
As everyone knows you must purchase tickets way ahead, one month before our trip I had to wake up at 4am and queue online for about 1h to get my tickets but it was worth it. The museum is not big and there's not much to see but what there is, it is beautiful and magical. The cafeteria and restaurant despite looking very good and high end could use some improvement, the food sucked. Also there's a...
Mort A
A place where you watch your favorite movies and your inner child cries with each chapter of their hard work, brought to life through animation. Studio Ghibli’s artists would rather lose money for the sake of art and entertainment than compromise their vision. Oh, how each scene makes my soul weep! Every moment feels so vivid, it’s as if my past life was Japanese. I love every minute of it. It’s b...
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Admission (per person) | JPY 1,000 |
| Café snacks and drinks (for two) | JPY 1,200 |
| Souvenir at Mamma Aiuto! | JPY 1,500 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 4,700 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Ghibli Museum
- Early Entry Slot: Book the first time slot to explore the museum before it fills.
- Off-Peak Café Visit: Plan café time between screenings to skip the lunch line.
Map of Ghibli Museum
Address: 1-chōme-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-0013, Japan
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Ghibli Museum (Tokyo)?
About Ghibli Museum
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official Website10 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities