The Ghibli Museum (¥1,000) plus a Ghibli Park Standard or Premium pass (about ¥3,300–7,800). Trains are extra: the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya, the JR Chuo Line, the Nagoya subway and Linimo.
Best time to go
Spring and autumn, when the outdoor areas of Ghibli Park are most pleasant. Tickets, not the season, usually decide your dates.
Closing days
Both are usually closed on Tuesdays, with extra closures around holidays and for maintenance. Tickets are sold by date, in advance only.
Walking (our estimate)
Moderate to heavy: roughly 5–7 km on day 1 and 8–10 km across Ghibli Park.
This route links the Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Park. The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, on the edge of Tokyo, is the studio's own museum about how animation is made. Ghibli Park near Nagoya recreates places from the films, from Satsuki and Mei's House to the Valley of Witches. Both sell tickets only in advance and by date, so the tickets decide your dates. This route does the museum on day one, rides the bullet train to Nagoya in the evening and spends day two at the park.
Times, fares and opening hours are approximate. Check the official pages under Sources before you go (last checked September 18, 2026).
1
Day 1
Ghibli Museum, Mitaka → Nagoya
The museum and Inokashira Park, then the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya.
Morning
Shinjuku → Mitaka
JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku to Mitaka, about 20 min.
Late morning
Mitaka Station → Ghibli Museum
From the south exit it is about 15 min on foot, or take the community bus that runs every 15 min during opening hours (pay by cash or IC card). Arrive within your ticket's entry window.
1
Midday
Ghibli Museum
Allow 2–3 hours for the exhibits, the short film in the Saturn Theater and the rooftop garden. The museum asks visitors not to take photos inside the building.
A full day in the park, then back to Nagoya or on to Tokyo or Kyoto.
Morning
Nagoya → Ai-Chikyuhaku-Kinen-Koen
The park is just outside Exit 2. Meitetsu also runs a shuttle bus from the Meitetsu Bus Center at Nagoya Station.
2
Morning
Ghibli's Grand Warehouse
The wide indoor space is packed with devices that let you experience the worlds of the films, play areas and rare materials, plus a cafe and a shop. Entry is by a set time on your ticket, so plan the rest of the day around it.
Dondoko Forest, Hill of Youth, Mononoke Village, Valley of Witches
The outdoor areas are spread across the big Expo 2005 park, and walking between them takes time. Satsuki and Mei's House from My Neighbor Totoro is in Dondoko Forest. Some buildings in the Valley of Witches cost extra, paid on the day. Which areas you can enter depends on your pass.
Evening
Back to Nagoya
Head back to Nagoya, or continue by Tokaido Shinkansen to Tokyo or Kyoto.
About ¥7,300 (Premium, adult, weekday) / ¥7,800 (weekends and holidays); Standard about ¥3,300 / ¥3,800
Premium covers all five areas and includes a timed entry to the Grand Warehouse. Standard covers the Grand Warehouse, Mononoke Village and the Valley of Witches. Passes go on sale two months ahead, on the 10th at 2 p.m. Japan time. Children are half price.
Advance tickets only, for a set date and entry time; none are sold at the museum. Tickets for the next month go on sale at 10 a.m. Japan time on the 10th of each month through Lawson Ticket, which has an English site.
Some links here are partner links: we get a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.
Please note
Visiting with respect
Photos are not allowed inside the Ghibli Museum. Put your phone away and just take it in.
The museum's entry time is strict. Plan to arrive a little early.
Ghibli Park is inside a public park used by local families. Stay on the paths and take your trash home.
Inside the houses at Ghibli Park, follow the staff's instructions about touching furniture and taking photos.
Good to know
FAQ
Can I buy tickets on the day?
No, not for the Ghibli Museum, which sells advance tickets only. Ghibli Park also requires advance reservations. Get both tickets before you book trains and hotels.
Are they closed on Tuesdays?
The Ghibli Museum is closed every Tuesday. Check the Ghibli Park calendar for its closed days.
Premium or Standard pass?
Premium if you want Satsuki and Mei's House or the Hill of Youth, which Standard does not include. Standard is enough if the Grand Warehouse and the Valley of Witches are your priority.
Can I switch the order?
Yes. If your Ghibli Park date comes first, start in Nagoya and finish in Tokyo.
Transfer
Combine with nearby routes
Have more days? These routes start or end close to this one.
