Ghibli Museum (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Ghibli Museum?
What makes it 94% Kids-Friendly: The Cat Bus playground, short film, interactive zoetrope and child-height picture book room keep ages 0-12 engaged, while restrooms and stroller parking aid parents, making it almost perfect for children.
Positives:
- Child-friendly facilities: The museum offers stroller parking, nursing rooms, and child-height shelves.
- Interactive exhibits: Kids can handle early-animation tools in the “Where a Film Is Born” exhibit.
- Quiet breaks: The TRI HAWKS room is a calm corner for reading or feeding.
Challenges:
- No indoor photography: Central exhibits ban photos—explain rules to children in advance.
- Limited stroller access: Strollers stay at the entrance—use a carrier to reach upper floors.
- Peak-time crowds: The café and photo spots get busy around lunchtime and mid-afternoon.
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 with kids?
- Explore hands-on exhibits like the Cat Bus playroom
- Enjoy exclusive Ghibli shorts in the 80-seat Saturn Theater
- Climb to the rooftop garden for a family photo with the Robot Soldier
- Relax in the TRI HAWKS reading room with child-friendly picture books
- Recharge at Straw Hat Café with themed kid-size meals and drinks
- Use nursing rooms and stroller parking for family convenience
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 2-3 hour visit lets families explore exhibits, play areas, the short film, and rooftop without rush.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Ghibli Museum
Cat Bus Playroom:
Kids can crawl and play inside a life-size Cat Bus next to soot sprites.
Tip: Remove shoes before entering and supervise younger children.
Saturn Theater Short Film:
Watch an exclusive 10-15 minute Ghibli short included with admission.
Tip: Arrive early to choose aisle seats for quick restroom trips.
Rooftop Robot Soldier:
Climb spiral stairs to meet the 5 m Laputa Robot Soldier and snap a family photo.
Tip: Hold kids’ hands on steep stairs and bring a camera.
TRI HAWKS Reading Room:
Flip through child-height picture books handpicked by Miyazaki.
Tip: Let kids pick their favorite book and use it as a calm rest stop.
Straw Hat Café:
Enjoy themed kid-size sandwiches, ginger ale, or latte art.
Tip: Visit after 3 pm to avoid lunch queues and find deck seats for strollers.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Ghibli Museum
- Buy tickets in advance: Secure date-specific timed tickets weeks ahead as they sell out fast.
- Visit off-peak hours: Arrive at opening or after 3 pm to avoid lines at the café and theater.
- Pack light: Bring a baby carrier instead of a stroller for easier floor access.
- Plan the theater break: Time your exhibits to reach Saturn Theater halfway through your visit.
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...
When is the best time to visit Ghibli Museum (Tokyo, Japan)?
Spring brings cherry blossoms at Inokashira Park outside the windows. Summer offers shaded rooftop spots—bring hats. Autumn paints the walkways in gold leaves. In winter, warm up with hot soup or ginger ale in the café.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry tickets (2 adults) | JPY 2,000 |
| Entry tickets (2 children) | JPY 800 |
| Café snacks & drinks | JPY 2,400 |
| Souvenir | JPY 1,200 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 6,400 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Ghibli Museum
Address: 1-chōme-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-0013, Japan
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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.
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