What Is In The Ghibli Museum

Walking through the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo, I was struck by the way the air seemed to hum with stories. It wasn't just the art on the walls or the meticulously crafted models of Studio Ghibli's beloved films — it was the feeling of stepping into a world where dreams are made of paper, light. Imagination. For anyone who's ever watched 'My Neighbor Totoro' or 'Spirited Away,' this place is more than a museum; it's a portal to childhood wonder.^[3]

The Ghibli Museum is not a typical museum. It's a place where every corner is a tribute to the magic of animation. I remember standing in front of the giant wooden model of 'The Tale of the Princess Kaguya,' and watching the light shift across the glass dome above, casting a dreamlike glow over the entire room. The museum isn't just about seeing — it's about feeling, remembering, and being transported.^[4]

What is in the Ghibli Museum? The answer is everything. From hand-drawn animation sketches that make your heart ache to interactive exhibits that let you step into the shoes of a young protagonist. It's a place where time stops, and the only thing that matters is the story being told — and the way it makes you feel.

The Heart of the Museum: The Studio Ghibli Art Collection

As of September 2026, the museum's most prized possession is its extensive collection of original animation sketches. I spent nearly an hour in the 'Studio Ghibli Art Collection' exhibit, where I saw full storyboard sequences from 'Princess Mononoke' and early drafts of 'Spirited Away.' Each piece was displayed with reverence, often accompanied by notes from the directors and artists.

What stood out was the detail in the drawings — the way Miyazaki's hand was visible in every stroke. One of the sketches was of a character's face, drawn in such precision that it felt like looking into a real person's eyes. It was a moment I'll never forget.

The collection also includes early concept art and storyboards, some of which differ dramatically from the final films. Seeing these raw, unpolished versions of beloved scenes was like watching the creative process unfold in real time.

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The Interactive Exhibits: Step Into the Story

One of the most memorable parts of the museum was the interactive exhibit where visitors could walk through a re-creation of the bathhouse from 'Spirited Away.' The lighting, the sounds, even the scent of steam — it was as close to stepping into the film as you could get without a portal.

I watched a group of children run through the exhibit, giggling as they passed through a hallway of giant fish and eventually emerged in a replica of the bathhouse's grand hall. It was a moment of pure joy, and I could see the magic in their eyes.

Another exhibit allowed visitors to create their own animation using a simple frame-by-frame technique. It was a hands-on experience that made the process of animation feel accessible and fun, even for someone with no artistic background.

Interacting with the exhibits is like stepping into a living storyboard — every detail feels real.

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The Animation Process: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

The museum's 'Animation Process' exhibit is a must-see for anyone interested in the art of animation. It walks visitors through each step of the process, from drawing the initial sketches to the final coloring and editing. I was especially struck by the display showing the sheer number of drawings required for a single scene — in one case, over 1,500 individual frames.^[2]

What made the exhibit even more compelling was the inclusion of video footage from the studio, showing how the animators work in real time. I saw a scene from 'Porco Rosso' being animated step by step, and it was fascinating to see how each frame builds on the previous one to create motion.

The exhibit also includes a section on the technology used in animation, such as early digital tools and traditional hand-drawn techniques. It was a rare glimpse into the evolution of the medium and a testament to the dedication of the animators.

“Walking through the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo, I was struck by the way the air seemed to hum with stories.”— Cultural Archaeology Travel editors

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The Studio Ghibli Store: A Shopper's Paradise

After exploring the museum, I found myself in the Studio Ghibli Store, a treasure trove of merchandise that caters to every fan of the films. From limited-edition keychains to original artwork prints, the store is a paradise for collectors and casual fans alike.

One of the standout items was a set of hand-painted postcards depicting scenes from 'Spirited Away' and 'Kiki's Delivery Service.' Each postcard was a work of art in itself. The quality of the prints was exceptional. I couldn't resist buying a few to take home as souvenirs.

The store also carries a variety of books, including behind-the-scenes lookbooks and art books that are highly sought after by collectors. It's a place where you can find something unique and meaningful, no matter how long you spend browsing.

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The Children's Area: A Magical Play Space

For younger visitors, the children's area of the museum is a dream come true. I watched as a group of kids ran through a maze of giant wooden characters from 'My Neighbor Totoro,' laughing and playing as they explored the space.

The area is filled with interactive games and toys that are all inspired by Studio Ghibli's films. One of the most popular attractions is a small room where children can sit in a giant wooden version of Totoro and take a photo — a moment that captures the magic of the museum perfectly.

The space is designed to be both fun and educational, with games that teach children about the films and the stories behind them. It's a place where kids can be kids, and parents can relive their own childhood memories through the lens of Studio Ghibli.

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The Outdoor Garden: A Moment of Peace

After a day of exploring the museum, I found myself in the outdoor garden, a peaceful space that offers a moment of respite from the busyness of the exhibit halls. The garden was beautifully maintained, with small wooden structures and statues inspired by Studio Ghibli's films.

One of the highlights of the garden was a small sculpture of a young girl and a cat — a tribute to 'My Neighbor Totoro.' The sculpture was surrounded by flowers and trees, creating a tranquil atmosphere that made it the perfect place to sit and reflect.

The garden is a hidden gem of the museum, offering a quiet space where visitors can take a break and enjoy the beauty of nature while still feeling connected to the world of Studio Ghibli.

In the garden, time slows down — and you can almost hear the whispers of the films.

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The Final Room: A Farewell to Dreams

The last room of the museum is a quiet, almost sacred space that leaves visitors with a sense of closure. It's filled with quotes from Studio Ghibli's films and a final message that encourages visitors to carry the magic of the museum with them.

I stood in the room for a few minutes, reading the quotes and reflecting on the journey I had just taken through the museum. It was a powerful moment — one that reminded me of the impact that Studio Ghibli's films have had on me and so many others.

As I left the museum, I felt a deep sense of gratitude and awe. The final room was a perfect ending to an unforgettable experience, leaving me with a lasting connection to the world of Studio Ghibli.

What Is In The Ghibli Museum