Tokyo Studio Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Film Appreciation Tour

Exploring the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli is a must-do for any animation lover visiting Tokyo. The Studio Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Film Appreciation Tour offers a comprehensive experience, guiding you through the studio’s history and iconic works. You’ll witness the creative genius behind beloved films like "Spirited Away" and "My Neighbor Totoro" during a special screening. But the real magic lies in the museum itself, where you’ll step into the whimsical realms that have captivated audiences worldwide. Get ready to be swept away by the studio’s timeless artistry and the unique opportunity to delve deeper into its captivating universe.

Contents hide

1 Key Points

2 Overview of the Tour

3 Highlights of the Itinerary

4 Inclusion and Amenities

5 Meeting Point and Pickup

6 Additional Information

7 Experiencing the Ghibli Museum

8 Exploring the Edo-Tokyo Museum

9 Lunch at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo

10 Frequently Asked Questions

11 Recap

Key Points

Offers a comprehensive tour of the enchanting Studio Ghibli Museum, providing insights into the history and iconic works of the renowned animation studio.
Includes round-trip transportation, admission fees, and a delicious lunch, creating a hassle-free and immersive experience.
Features an original short film by the legendary director Hayao Miyazaki, giving visitors a unique opportunity to appreciate his mastery.
Visits the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architecture Museum or alternative temples on Mondays, allowing exploration of Japan’s cultural and architectural gems.
Provides a guided experience to fully appreciate the magic and wonder of the Studio Ghibli universe.

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Overview of the Tour

The Studio Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Film Appreciation Tour provides an enchanting experience for visitors to explore the magic of the renowned animation studio.

With 361 enthusiastic reviews, this tour offers the opportunity to gain insight into the history and iconic works of Studio Ghibli.

Conveniently departing from Tokyo, the tour includes transportation, entrance fees, and lunch, making it a hassle-free way to take in the studio’s captivating world.

Guests will visit the Ghibli Museum to learn about the anime masterpieces, as well as the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architecture Museum or alternative temples on Mondays.

The tour also features an original short film by the legendary director Hayao Miyazaki, promising a truly magical adventure.

Highlights of the Itinerary

Visitors on the Studio Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Film Appreciation Tour will first explore the Ghibli Museum, where they’ll learn about the studio’s iconic anime works.

After this, they’ll either visit the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architecture Museum or alternative temples on Mondays, providing a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage.

The tour also includes a delightful lunch at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo and a screening of an original short film by the legendary director Hayao Miyazaki.

The highlights of the tour include:

Taking in the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli
Discovering Japan’s architectural and cultural gems
Enjoying a special film screening by the master animator

Inclusion and Amenities

This tour includes round-trip transportation by air-conditioned coach, a professional guide (except during museum visits), and admission fees to the Ghibli Museum and Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architecture Museum.

Travelers will also enjoy a delicious lunch at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo.

Throughout the experience, visitors can expect to gain valuable insights into the history and magic of the beloved Studio Ghibli films.

The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness levels. However, it’s important to note that baby strollers aren’t permitted inside the Ghibli Museum.

Meeting Point and Pickup

For this tour, participants meet at the Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo, which serves as the designated meeting point. From there, an air-conditioned coach will transport them to the various destinations throughout the day, with the tour ending near Shinjuku Station.

The tour has a start time of 10:30 AM, ensuring plenty of time to explore the Ghibli Museum and other stops on the itinerary.

Participants can expect:

Convenient round-trip transportation from a centrally located meeting point
A guided experience with a professional guide (except during museum visits)
A seamless transition between the different attractions on the tour

This well-organized tour makes it easy for visitors to enjoy the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli without the hassle of navigating the logistics themselves.

Additional Information

The tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing guests of all mobility levels to participate. Public transportation is conveniently located near the meeting point and end location. Infants must sit on laps during the coach ride, and strollers cannot be taken into the Ghibli Museum. Travelers should have a moderate level of physical fitness, as there may be some walking involved at the various sites.

Additional Information
Wheelchair Accessible	Yes
Public Transportation	Near Meeting Point and End Location
Infant Seating	Lap
Stroller Policy	Not Allowed in Ghibli Museum
Physical Fitness	Moderate Level Required

Experiencing the Ghibli Museum

Visitors can explore the whimsical and enchanting Ghibli Museum, seeing the captivating world of Studio Ghibli’s beloved animated films.

The museum is designed to capture the studio’s unique aesthetic, with charming architecture, interactive exhibits, and hidden surprises around every corner.

Highlights of the experience include:

Wandering through the life-sized Cat Bus from the film ‘My Neighbor Totoro,’ where visitors can climb inside and experience the magic firsthand.
Discovering the museum’s rooftop garden, which offers stunning views and a glimpse into the creative processes behind Ghibli’s masterpieces.
Watching an original short film by the legendary director Hayao Miyazaki, providing a rare insider’s look at the studio’s artistry.

Exploring the Edo-Tokyo Museum

After exploring the enchanting Ghibli Museum, the tour proceeds to the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, where visitors can explore Japan’s rich historical architectural heritage. This outdoor museum showcases an impressive collection of meticulously preserved structures, offering a captivating glimpse into the architectural styles and living environments of bygone eras. Visitors can wander through reconstructed buildings, including traditional farmhouses, merchant shops, and samurai residences, gaining a deeper understanding of how people lived in the past. The museum also features several unique highlights, as shown in the table below, providing a well-rounded experience for those interested in Japan’s architectural history.

Highlight	Description	Significance
Shofuku-ji Temple	A wooden temple structure from the Edo period	Showcases the craftsmanship and design of traditional religious architecture
Nakamura-ke House	A large merchant’s residence from the Meiji era	Illustrates the lifestyle and living conditions of the urban elite
Asakura Familiy Storehouse	A well-preserved example of a traditional Japanese storehouse	Demonstrates the functional and architectural features of rural storage buildings

Lunch at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo

Midway through the tour, guests enjoy a delightful lunch at the renowned Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, a historic property known for its exceptional hospitality and Japanese-inspired cuisine.

The restaurant provides a tranquil respite from the bustling city, allowing visitors to savor an array of local delicacies in a serene setting.

The menu features:

An assortment of freshly prepared sushi and sashimi, showcasing the finest seasonal seafood
A selection of traditional Japanese dishes, such as miso soup, tempura, and grilled meats
Beautifully presented desserts, including delicate wagashi confections and seasonal fruits

This lunch break energizes guests, preparing them for the next enchanting stop on the Studio Ghibli tour.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos Inside the Ghibli Museum?

No, visitors aren’t allowed to take photos inside the Ghibli Museum. It’s strictly prohibited to maintain the museum’s tranquil atmosphere and protect the copyright of the artwork. Visitors can enjoy the experience without the distraction of cameras.

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour is generally suitable for young children, though they’ll need to be carried through the Ghibli Museum as strollers aren’t allowed. The included lunch and short film should appeal to kids, but the pace may be too slow for some.

Is the Guide Fluent in English?

The tour’s professional guide is fluent in English, according to the itinerary details. They’ll provide insights and narration throughout the day, ensuring English-speaking travelers can fully appreciate the Studio Ghibli experience.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Unfortunately, this tour doesn’t allow you to customize the itinerary. The schedule is fixed, but it covers key highlights like the Ghibli Museum and an architectural museum. You’ll need to book a private tour if you want more flexibility.

What Is the Refund Policy if I Need to Cancel?

The refund policy is flexible – travelers can typically receive a full refund if they cancel at least 24 hours in advance. However, last-minute cancellations may result in fees or no refund. It’s best to check the policy before booking.

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