Ghibli Museum

The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, a district in the western part of the Tokyo metropolitan area, is a one-of-a-kind cultural center dedicated to the work of the Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli. Set in Inokashira Park, it blends elements of a children's museum, a technology museum, and an art museum to celebrate the art and craft of animation. Planning began as early as the late 1990s, and after construction started in 2000, the museum opened its doors in October 2001. Particularly remarkable is that the renowned director Hayao Miyazaki designed the building himself, inspired by European architecture such as the Italian hill town of Calcata. Using storyboards, much as he does for his films, he created a building with iron spiral staircases, indoor bridges, and balconies that is an exhibit in its own right. The goal was to create a place that inspires and relaxes visitors, so that they leave feeling more enriched than when they arrived. The motto "Let's get lost together" underscores the intention to immerse visitors in Miyazaki's imaginative world.

Inside, you'll find a mix of permanent and changing exhibitions. On the ground floor, an exhibit explores the history and science of animation, including a three-dimensional zoetrope called "Bouncing Totoro." On the second floor, the installation "Where a Film is Born" shows the creative process of making animation across five rooms filled with books, toys, and illustrations. Steps such as sketching, storyboarding, keyframing, and background painting are presented in detail. A highlight for families is the play room with a slightly scaled-down replica of the Catbus from "My Neighbor Totoro." In addition, the Saturn Theater on the lower level offers the chance to watch exclusive Studio Ghibli short films produced especially for the museum. The theater is designed so that automatic curtains open the windows before and after screenings, so that small children aren't frightened in the enclosed space.

Additional attractions make the visit a well-rounded experience. The rooftop garden is home to a life-size, five-meter-tall robot statue made of hammered copper, which comes from the film "Castle in the Sky," as well as a replica of the stone bearing Old Persian cuneiform. On the ground floor, the Straw Hat Café tempts you with homemade dishes and a specially created beer brand, while the Tri Hawks bookstore offers a selection of books recommended by Miyazaki. The souvenir shops and the numerous stained-glass windows depicting characters such as Totoro round out the offerings. Because the museum is meant to be a "portal to a fairy-tale world," photography is prohibited inside in order to preserve the immersion in its fanciful atmosphere.