Ghibli Museum

The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka is, without exaggeration, one of the most beloved family attractions on the planet. Designed by Hayao Miyazaki himself with the philosophy that visitors should feel as though they've stepped inside one of his films, the museum eschews conventional exhibition logic in favor of exploration and discovery. There are no prescribed routes, no numbered display cases, no audio tour telling you where to look next — instead, families wander through spiral staircases, duck through small doors, and stumble upon treasures in every corner.

The permanent exhibitions include a stunning display of original animation cells and storyboard artwork that reveals the painstaking craft behind films like My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Princess Mononoke. A dedicated children's room filled with Totoro-scaled reading nooks and picture books creates an environment so enchanting that parents find themselves reluctant to leave. Every visit includes a ticket to an exclusive short film screened in the museum's small cinema — films not shown anywhere else in the world.

The rooftop Garden Terrace features a life-size replica of the robot soldier from Laputa: Castle in the Sky, which has become one of Tokyo's most iconic photo spots. The museum shop and Straw Hat Café round out the experience. Tickets sell out months in advance and must be purchased through specific channels — planning ahead is essential.