Hayao Miyazaki is the world-renowned creator of several internationally acclaimed animated films (such as Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, Ponyo) and the co-founder of the animation company, Studio Ghibli. Over the years he has won many awards and nominations for his works, many of which deal with how humanity affects the natural environment. All through his works, Hayao Miyazaki seeks to reach out to his audience through honest and simple story-telling combined with strikingly grandious and beautiful animations. The wonder of the animated worlds he created has been captured and may be explored in the Ghibli Museum.
Ghibli Museum is a medium-sized private company-owned museum open to the general public that showcases the incredible art and animation of Studio Ghibli. Located in Inokashira Park, the museum may be accessed by train from Shinjuku Station on the JR Chuo line followed by a short local bus ride from Mitaka Station (¥200 one-way, ¥300 return). Entry is via advanced reservations only, and tickets may be purchased up to 3 months prior to the appointed date of the visit. Each visitor is given a map of the museum and a ticket upon entry, which grants them access to the whole museum as well as to a special screening of an original short film (at the museum only). Remember that NO photography is allowed inside the museum.
There is a room recreating Hayao Miyazaki's workshop where he painstakingly animated his many works; there's another containing the original machines used to bring his artworks to life on film; then there's another featuring many hands-on displays of techniques and effects used in his animations; and there's also one shaped like a simple maze with more physical artworks that ends in a large open room with a huge neko-bus (of course, much to the delight of the many children visitors and their parents). Don't forget to visit the open-air rooftop garden where one can take souvenir photos with a life-sized sculpture of the giant robot guardian from Laputa. There is also an outdoors cafe on the ground floor, and a souvenirs shop on the top floor of the museum.
I've only been to the museum once and can still recall vividly the beauty, wonder, and excitement of the experience. I felt like a child again, thrust into that visual wonderland of giant beings, never-before-seen machines, incredile artworks, and endearing characters. It is a serious contender in the travel itinerary of anyone visiting Japan, and is definitely well-worth a visit!
Ghibli Shops
There are a number of Ghibli shops scattered around Tokyo and Yokohama where one can purchase Ghibli-related goods. Here's one I found at Solamachi ("Sky Town") on the far side from the Sky Tree. There is a wide selection of goods here to thrill the young and old alike. Whilst there are many memorable things to be found (and are, of course, purchasable) in the shop, my personal favourite has to the giant plushie of Totoro and Mei that "moves/breathes" at the touch of a button! Unfortunately, however, that isn't for sale.
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