Ghibli Museum: Fun Things
To Do In Tokyo With Kids

Ghibli Museum is as wondrous as you`d expect from Studio Ghibli, the famous Japanese anime studio headed by Hayao Miyazaki. 

Some of the studio`s most famous films include:

- Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind

- My Neighbor Totoro

- Spirited Away

- Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea

- The Borrower Arrietty

And my all time favorite, made in 1986: 

- Laputa, Castle in the Sky

Located in  Mitaka, Tokyo, the museum was Opened in 2001. 

It is designed in such a way as to make you want to explore and discover all of the fantastic displays it has on show. 

The first floor has an exhibit about the history of animation and its various techniques. In the 80 seat Saturn Theater, you can watch an original short animation. The second floor has exhibits that change annually which makes for a good excuse to visit again.

The museum also contains The Straw Hat Cafe, an awesome "Cat Bus" (from the film "My Neighbor Totoro") that kids can jump all over, bookstore, and a five meter tall Robot Soldier (from the film "Laputa Castle in the Sky").

There is so much to take in at Ghibli Museum and it is the small touches that really add to the experience.

Like aeroplane propellor shaped ceiling fans or characters depicted in stain glass windows, paw prints in the floor and entry tickets made of real 35 mm film which are given to you when you show your actual ticket (see below for more information).

Some of the highlights include: 

- 5 very cool rooms which show the process of how an animated film is made.

- The reading room which is full of books chosen by Hayao Miyazaki himself.

- The museum shop is a Miyazaki fan`s dream, just make sure you have plenty of money to spend.

Tickets for the museum must be purchased in advance, from either designated travel agencies outside of Japan or Lawson convenience stores in Japan. (click here for more information)

For the museums hours of operation schedule please visit the official website (after you`ve checked out the rest of FantasticJapan.com of course).