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Ghibli Movie Bus Tour & Museum
Ever since the phenomenal success of Miyazaki’s animated masterpiece Spirited Away, Studio Ghibli has become something of a household name across the Western world. This museum is an excellent introduction to the wonderful world of Ghibli, with plenty of interactive exhibits designed to delight younger audiences – including a climbing frame in the shape of the catbus from My Neighbour Totoro!
Founded by master animator Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli has produced some of the finest works of animation to come out of Japan including creations such as My Neighbour Totoro, Princess Mononoke and the 2003 Oscar-winning Spirited Away. Miyazaki didn't want the museum merely to be a showcase of his work but instead a place for discovery and enjoyment.
The building itself plays a pivotal role in realising the musuem's motto "Let's get lost together" by being a vibrant nonsensical maze-like structure with spiral staircases to clamber up and miniature doorways to stoop through. However it's also the attention to detail which sets this museum apart. If you look hard enough there is always something that everyone else has missed, whether it be a miniature Totoro hiding behind a plant pot or a forest spirit hanging from the ceiling, and when you do spot it you will smile quietly to yourself and hope no one else sees it too. You will become privy to even more secrets as you sit in the cosy Saturn Theatre to watch the screening of a Ghibli short that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Entry to the advance-reservation-only is included as part of a very special Ghibli-themed bus tour. As well as exploring the museum, you'll have lunch at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, said to be the inspiration for the Aburaya bath house in Spirited Away. You'll also visit the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum. Here historical buildings from across Japan have been reconstructed to create the atmosphere of feudal era Japan - it's like walking through a Ghibli set.
When to go:
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 61 7 3186 8800
A quick note about our experiences: Our experiences are designed to be part of a complete, tailor-made travel package and are not available to book individually. This allows us to ensure every detail – from accommodation to transport – is perfectly coordinated for you. If you're interested in one of these experiences, we'd love to help you build a full itinerary around it!
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