Ghibli Museum, Mitaka

For Ghibli animation fans around the world, the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka is undoubtedly a dreamlike sanctuary. Designed by director Hayao Miyazaki himself, this museum is not just a place to showcase animation works but also a whimsical, artistic "maze" full of surprises. There is no fixed route inside the museum, encouraging visitors to freely explore and discover hidden gems in every corner. From the giant Totoro ticket booth, vintage screening rooms showing exclusive short films, to the iconic robot soldier on the rooftop and exhibition halls filled with animation production secrets and sketches, every spot exudes the warmth and charm unique to Ghibli. The museum's philosophy is "Let's become lost children together," and photography is prohibited inside, allowing visitors to focus on the present and immerse themselves in the magical world of Ghibli. It’s not only a paradise for children but also a place for adults to rediscover their inner child and appreciate the charm of animation art. A special note: tickets to the Ghibli Museum are strictly reservation-based and must be purchased in advance. They are often in high demand, so early planning is essential. Regarding transportation, the Ghibli Museum is located in Mitaka City, Tokyo. It’s about a 15-minute walk from JR Mitaka Station, with adorable Totoro signs along the way to guide you, making the walk itself enjoyable. Alternatively, there’s a dedicated community bus (Totoro Bus) from Mitaka Station’s south exit that takes about 5 minutes to reach the museum, which is convenient for those who prefer not to walk. Mitaka Station is a key station on the JR Chuo Line, offering direct access via rapid trains from major stations like Shinjuku and Tokyo. With short travel times and frequent services, this magical journey is made easy.