How to buy Tickets for Ghibli Museum, Tokyo?

Visiting the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo, is a dream come true for fans of Studio Ghibli’s enchanting world. Established in 2001, the museum has welcomed millions of visitors from around the globe. Known for its intricate recreations of Ghibli film worlds and unique exhibits, it’s more than just a museum—it’s an experience that immerses you in the magic of Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpieces.

Studio Ghibli’s films are beloved worldwide, with hits like Spirited Away (which won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature), My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle. The studio’s reputation for breathtaking animation and compelling storytelling attracts millions of fans. This universal appeal makes the Ghibli Museum one of Japan’s most sought-after attractions. However, due to its limited capacity, securing tickets can be challenging—tickets often sell out within minutes of going on sale!

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the different options for purchasing tickets, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free journey into the world of Ghibli magic.

Option A: Official Tickets for Travelers from Overseas

This pool of tickets is reserved specifically for international visitors who don’t reside in Japan. It’s an excellent option for tourists planning their trip ahead of time. Tickets for the upcoming month become available at 10 AM (Japan Standard Time) on the 10th of every month.
 

Where to Buy

You can purchase these tickets online via the English-language site: https://l-tike.com/st1/ghibli-en/sitetop

Ticket Prices:

• Ages 19 and over: JPY 1,000
• Ages 13 to 18: JPY 700
• Ages 7 to 12: JPY 400
• Ages 4 to 6: JPY 100

Important Details

• High demand: Tickets sell out extremely fast, and the website often experiences heavy traffic. A 30–45 minute wait is common, so plan accordingly.
• Availability: Your preferred date or time slot may already be sold out by the time you get through.
• Ticket Limits: You can buy up to 6 tickets, all under the same name. The individual named on the tickets must be present at entry.
• Ease of Purchase: You only need a valid email address to create an account and receive QR code tickets. A Japanese phone number is not required.
• Payment: Credit card payments are accepted.

Option B: Official Tickets for People Living in Japan

This pool is for Japan residents with a valid Japanese phone number. Tickets are also released at 10 AM on the 10th of every month, but they are sold through the Lawson Ticket system.

Where to Buy

The Japanese-language site is: https://l-tike.com/ghibli/

Why Consider This Option

• Better Availability: Compared to overseas tickets, this pool tends to have more availability. Tickets may still be accessible a few days after sales open.
• Less Website Congestion: Lawson’s website typically handles less traffic, making the process smoother for residents.

Important Details

• Account Requirements: You’ll need to create a Lawson Ticket account, which requires a Japanese phone number for verification.
• Ticket Limits: Similar to overseas tickets, one account can purchase up to 6 tickets. The ticket name is tied to the name registered with the Lawson account.
• Help Needed for Tourists: If you don’t have a Japanese phone number, you’ll need a local friend’s help to purchase tickets.

Option C: Tickets for Local Residents

Residents of Mitaka City (where the museum is located), Musashino City, and neighboring municipalities have access to a special pool of tickets. This perk ensures locals can enjoy the museum without competing with broader demand.

Why It’s Easier

• Flexible Entry Times: Unlike other ticket pools, local residents can select general time slots (morning or afternoon) instead of specific hours. This provides greater flexibility.
• Higher Availability: Tickets in this pool are more abundant, as demand among local residents is typically lower, especially during weekdays. This often allows for securing tickets even a week prior to your desired visit.

How to Buy

• Eligibility: You must be a registered resident of an eligible city.
• Purchase Location: Tickets must be purchased in person at the tourist information office near Mitaka Station. A valid Residence ID must be presented at the time of purchase.
• Ticket Limits and Price: Each buyer can purchase up to 6 tickets, priced the same as other pools.

Option D: Contact Call Butler

Here at Callbutler, we specialize in helping tourists secure Ghibli Museum tickets through guided group tours. Our team has access to tickets from both the B and C pools, simplifying the process for overseas visitors.

How It Works

• Group Tickets: We organize tours for groups of up to 6 people (5 visitors plus 1 guide).
• Convenience: The tickets are under the tour guide’s name, and they’ll meet you just before your entry time to guide you into the museum. Our tour guide will personally escort you inside to ensure the validity of your ticket and provide assistance as needed.
• Limited Availability: Since we access local ticket pools, slots are still limited, so contact us well in advance to secure your spot.

Contact Call Butler

If you’re interested in this service, feel free to reach out via [email protected], text, or our website for more information.

Getting tickets for the Ghibli Museum can feel like an adventure in itself. Depending on your situation, you can choose between official overseas tickets, local resident options, or professional help from Call butler. Each method comes with its own pros and cons, but with careful planning, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the whimsical world of Studio Ghibli.

Remember, whether you’re marveling at a giant Totoro, exploring the museum’s detailed exhibits, or discovering the hidden rooftop garden, the experience is well worth the effort. Start planning today, and let the magic of Studio Ghibli transport you to another world!