Ghibli Museum is 90% Kids-Friendly
What are the highlights at Ghibli Museum (with kids)?
- Watch exclusive Ghibli short films in a dedicated theater.
- Play inside a life-size Cat Bus playroom.
- Climb to the rooftop garden for a family photo with the Robot Soldier.
- Interact with magical exhibits like the Bouncing Totoro zoetrope.
- Enjoy themed snacks and quick bites at the Straw Hat Café.
- Browse kid-friendly books in the quiet TRI HAWKS reading corner.
How Kids-Friendly is Ghibli Museum?
Children up to 12 can crawl in the Cat Bus, watch 12-min shorts, and explore animated zoetropes; accessible toilets help, but steep rooftop stairs need close supervision.
Considerations for visiting Ghibli Museum (with kids)
Positives:
- Nursing and Changing: Use nursing rooms on each floor with diaper tables and hot-water dispensers.
- Quiet Corners: TRI HAWKS reading room offers kid-friendly picture books and a calm space.
Challenges:
- Advance Booking: Tickets sell out quickly; book online well before your travel date.
- No Strollers Indoors: Strollers must be left outside; bring a baby carrier for younger kids.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: 2-3 hours gives time to watch the short film, explore exhibits, play, and eat without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Ghibli Museum
Saturn Theater Short Film:
Watch an exclusive 10–15 min Ghibli short in the 80-seat Saturn Theater.
Tip: Choose aisle seats for quick exit if kids get restless.
Cat Bus Playroom:
Let kids crawl inside the life-size Cat Bus and play with Dust Bunnies.
Tip: Remove shoes at the door to keep the floor clean.
Rooftop Robot Soldier:
Climb the outdoor spiral stairs to see the 5 m Laputa Robot Soldier.
Tip: Hold younger kids' hands on the steep stairs.
Bouncing Totoro Zoetrope:
Watch the 3-D zoetrope bring Totoro and friends to life.
Tip: Stand back for the full spinning effect.
Straw Hat Café:
Share themed snacks like cutlet sandwiches and foam-art lattes.
Tip: Visit before noon to avoid the lunch queue.
Content Notice: Some content on this page may be written with the assistance of AI tools. We regularly update to ensure accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Admission (2 adults ¥1,000 each, 2 children ¥400 each) | JPY 2,800 |
| Café snacks (4 items, approx ¥450 each) | JPY 1,800 |
| Souvenirs (keychains or small plush) | JPY 1,000 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 5,600 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
When is the best time to visit Ghibli Museum?
In spring, combine your visit with cherry blossom viewing in Inokashira Park. In winter, bring a light jacket for the chilly rooftop garden.
How to Maximize Your Visit to Ghibli Museum
- Early Arrival: Enter at opening time to beat crowds at popular exhibits and café.
- Pack Snacks: Carry small snacks or drinks to avoid long café lines during peak hours.
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
Reviews of Ghibli Museum
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...
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 WebsiteSee available options
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!
See available options