Studio Ghibli

I'm travelling to Japan, more specifically Tokyo in later September. (Sep 20-28) I wanted to be able to visit Studio Ghibli, but, to buy tickets here in Canada is about 4x the cost.

$13 for ticket and $25 transaction fee
Where as admission in Japan has it listed at 1000yen.(roughly $10)

I've seen the Guided tour option via JAPANiCAN, but that's even more expensive.

So I guess my questions are as follows.
1. Is there another way to purchase tickets outside of Japan to avoid such a high fee?

2. Do you think there would be a decent chance of being able to purchase tickets while in country?

3. Is the guided tour worth 6000yen? Any good benefits or take-aways from it?

Appreciate any answers and I can add more info if needed. Thanks

you can try to contact your hotel and see if they are willing to help you, some family run hotel/ryokan will help you, other hotel has this kind of service.

in Sep weekday booking possible mostly
arrival day at air port LAWSON(Loppi machine) except 23(Mon).
(National holiday : Autumn Equinox)
http://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/?country=26

How to Loppi
http://www.lawson.co.jp/ghibli/museum/ticket/english.html

[Narita AP]
http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/shops/rest_shop/shop/floor_list/detail...

[Haneda AP] 24h open
http://www.haneda-airport.jp/inter/en/premises/tenant/5200100012200000...

I went on holiday last Oct and we just bought tickets at the local Lawson via the machine in there. However we did need to get the staff to help us as it's pretty confusing (and I speak Japanese).

However it sells them in date/time slots and the ones we wanted were sold out so don't leave it if you decide to do this, get them straight away. Obviously it would be better to be flexible with when you want to go but I think it is busy all the time.

In terms of the guided tour, I didn't know about this. The actual place is quite small so it depends on how much of a fan you are and how much you want to know. We were happy just wandering around and looking at things rather than gathering information. I think it would be worth it if you consider yourself a fan though.

Have fun!

Where to purchase the ticket for the loop bus from Mitaka Station South Exit to Ghibli Museum (as indicated here (http://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/howtogo/) ?

How long does the loop bus take to travel from Mitaka Station South Exit to Ghibli Museum bus stop?

�—Ng Jun Yan

South exit near designed bus stop.
http://youtu.be/U7n0oGXAjHo
http://www.ghibli-museum.jp/howtogo/

If need round ticket 300Y(200Y/oneway) by near bus stop machine or TIC.
http://pds2.exblog.jp/pds/1/201006/15/67/f0218967_23433276.jpg
http://www.inokashira-park.com/ghibli/access/mitaka01.html
http://www.mitakanavi.com/spot/street/images/mitakaeki_south02_ph16.jp...

bus : 5 min (Suica/PASMO possible)
walk : 15 min

Add google MAP(street view)/translate apps.

I've been to the museum twice and I bought my tickets there.

whatever you do, get them in advance.

tix always sell out!

Thanks for the responses. Looks like I'll be able to save the money and purchase while in country. I'll actually be in Tokyo on the 6th before moving on, so I'll try to pick up the tickets then.

I've also rented an apartment for the stay in Tokyo (rather then a hotel) So maybe I can ask the owner of the apartment to pick up the tickets, as she's been very accommodating so far.

I've been to the museum twice and I bought my tickets there.

Not sure if you mean you bought them in Japan or at the museum itself, so to clarify, tickets to the ghibli museum cannot be purchased at the museum itself. They MUST be purchased in advance from a loppi machine or designated seller.

1. Is there another way to purchase tickets outside of Japan to avoid such a high fee?

No, not unless you have someone in Japan that can get them for you.

2. Do you think there would be a decent chance of being able to purchase tickets while in country?

Maybe if you plan to go on a weekday and are flexible. Tickets do tend to sell out though, so I would not try this plan unless you are extremely flexible and/or in Japan long enough that you can purchase tickets several weeks in advance.

3. Is the guided tour worth 6000yen? Any good benefits or take-aways from it?

Not in my opinion. For that extra 5000 yen a head they basically meet you at the station and walk you to the museum (an easy 15-20 min walk). Everything else is on your own. Frankly, I think your local JTB's $25 processing fee is reasonable to get the tickets in advance (assuming that is a per order fee and not per ticket fee).

I agree with everyone about the flexibility. If you can move around a lot of activities in case tickets sell out, I think buying tickets there would be worth it.

I'll be in Japan the same week as you, but only in Tokyo a few days with only 2 days flexible. Took me a bit to decide, but I opted to get the tickets from JTB USA. Costed me $25USD a ticket after the fees and shipping.

I think 1 advantage of purchasing the tickets outside Japan is you only need to designate a day, not a time. How much that is worth is up to you.