The Magical Ghibli Museum

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above ©    Kim Ahlström   [/caption]

Totoro, Kiki, Chihiro, Haku, the Catbus - these are names that speak to me the way that Snow White, Ariel, and Nemo might to many an American Youth.  Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation institution, akin to Disney.

And if an American pilgrimage to Disney Land is necessary for some, then our trip to the Ghibli Museum was a destined moment in life.

The museum itself is designed as if you were in a movie.  You traverse a series of watercolour sketches and storyboards.  Spend time in both the animation studio and the worlds created there.  From the miniature to the larger-than-life, you are smiling the entire time.  From the basement dioramas to the external spiral staircase and the green roof where the iron Giant stands, across interior bridges and balconies, the Ghibli museum is a dream brought to life.

above © Ghibli Museum

The Studio Ghibli Museum is located in Inokashira Park.  Please note there is a strict no-photo policy inside the museum.  It is essential to purchase tickets in advance, ideally at least a month, as the museum is relatively small.  You can buy tickets online before arriving in Japan.  Once in the country, you can purchase tickets at any of Lawson's convenience stores.  Additionally, please note that tickets cannot be purchased at the museum itself.

Ghibli Museum 
(81) 57.005.5777
1 Chome-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-0013, Japan
 www.ghibli-museum.jp