🗺️ Ghibli Museum, Mitaka (三鷹の森ジブリ美術館)

The Ghibli Museum, Mitaka is an animation museum located in Mitaka City, Tokyo, Japan. Its formal name is "Mitaka City Animation Museum" (三鷹市立アニメーション美術館), and it is overseen by Hayao Miyazaki, who is not only a writer and manga artist but also an animation director. Established in 1985, the Ghibli Museum mainly serves as an animation workshop for the productions and planning of animated films directed by Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki. Prominent works include "My Neighbor Totoro" (となりのトトロ), "Castle in the Sky" (天空の城ラピュタ), "Kiki's Delivery Service" (魔女の宅急便), "Spirited Away" (千と千尋の神隠し) (translated as "Sen to Chihiro"), and "Howl's Moving Castle" (ハウルの動く城) (translated as "Hal's Moving Castle"), all of which are renowned examples of Japanese animation. The museum's slogan is "Let’s have fun wandering around like lost children!" Inside the museum, there are no pre-set pathways; the space resembles a labyrinth filled with a childlike spirit and intricate designs. Unexpected and interesting passages will lead you to revisit childhood dreams and provide you with continuous surprises.

Totoro will appear at the entrance! Since this area is outdoors, you can enjoy it even without a ticket. By visiting the exhibition room "The Birthplace of the Movie," you can learn about the principles of animation and appreciate the production process of animation, gaining insight into the steps involved in creating an animated film. One of the most popular spots in the museum is the "Saturn Theater," which screens short animated films created by Studio Ghibli specifically for the museum. If you get tired from playing, you can take a break at the "Straw Hat Café." If you order a cold drink, the straws provided will be real straw. In the Ghibli Museum, there are various mechanical devices and intriguing elements in all the buildings. Photography is prohibited inside the museum.