Japan: Ghibli Museum, Mitaka 日本語も

If you're a fan of animation then you've probably heard of Studio Ghibli, and if not, you should! Seriously, these guys are often referred to as "the Disney of Japan" and for very good reason! 

Stunningly detailed imagery drips from every frame, lush in all of their films and their iconic characters have become beloved icons the world around. Primarily focusing on a hand-drawn aesthetic, everything from the minutae of everyday life to resplendent scenes of mythological beings or nature are rendered and exaggerated with loving detail until every scene oozes with atmosphere and life.

Pretty legit stuff, guys.  

ギブリの映画を見ましたか？どちがすきな？

あたしの一番すきなは風の谷のナウシカともののけ姫です。

キキもかわいいですね？＾＾

トトロはとてもかわいいでもその映画ぜんぜん見ませんでした。

ほんとう！びっくりしたか？

友達たちの一緒に三鷹の森 ジブリ美術館を行きました。

すごい楽しかったよ！

So it was with great excitement that I agreed to go to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka with some of my friends. Tickets had to be purchased in advance through a kiosk in either Lawson or Family Mart, and they could sell out quickly if you didn't plan ahead! We found a date that worked best for everyone and set our calendars.

One of these things is not like the others… ^^; 

あらららら。。。いっぽんは違うな？「笑」

More photos below!

ここの下で写真がある！

After leaving Mitaka station, you'll have to catch a bus to get to the museum but it's a short ride and the bus is hard to miss!

三鷹市駅の出口のあとでかわいいスペシャルバスが気ます！

Approaching the building, you may notice a tall figure looming atop the roof…

he's friendly! ^_^ and if you've seen Laputa, he (or she?) may even look familiar~

えー？！上はだれ？

This small little tent area is where we gave them our tickets to officially enter into the museum.

この場所にチケットを挙げて下さい。

Buildings swaddled by vines, giving them a whimsical look reminiscent of their films.

建物と植物がきれいな〜？

Mitaka literally means "Three Hawks" in Japanese, so this flag is a lovely visual representation and nod to the area the museum is located in.

三鷹市！

After this point, we were entering a no photo-zone. :( 

Sorry guys, no photos allowed inside the building! 

I did snag some photos in the exterior areas, though!

ここのあとで写真はダメー！

Girls waiting for lunch and goofing off~ there was quite a line for the restaurant, but it moved efficiently. 

みんなチーズー！

Menu options for the day! Cute sign, huh? 

本日のおすすめは。。。笑

If you weren't up for the long wait to get into the restaurant, you could opt for a hot dog, grape or peach juice, beer, or ice cream!

レストランのお待ち時間むり？

ホットドッグどうぞ！＾＿＾

Hey pal! Smile! D'aww. I hope he was genuinely pleased and not plotting our murder…

アラー！そのスミルはどんなかんじ。。。？

Kaze no Tani no... brew? Even the beer bottles have custom artwork relating to one of their films. Check out the girl picking her nose behind me. BUSTED! Muahahaha! X3 Yay!

風の谷の。。。ビール？！え？！まじで！ヤッター＾＿＾

も。。。そんの女性の顔。。。・＿・

Hand-washing sink for the wee-ones, including handy blocks for the extra-itty-bitty to stand upon. I think the tile work is really pretty! ^-^

The interior of the restaurant was very pretty~

I don't think we were actually supposed to be taking photos in here ^^;

レストランの中ではきれいね〜？

でもこの場所は写真だめじゃないのか？

A pork katsu (fried pork cutlet) sandwich. Yummy! Cute plates and decorations. :)

とんかつサンドイッチ！

My friend ordered this lovely plate with a hamburger served with a side of pasta, salad and rice. 

友達たちの昼ごはんはハンバーグスペシャルセート

A tiny little lass and a large robot!

大きいロボートと小さい女の子

Ever-standing in his lonely vigil…

一人一人

Down a narrow path…

狭いな。。。

We found a mysterious landmark we were unable to decipher. ;)

不思議なこれ？

I picked up a couple of books while there~

２人本買いました~

I had a lot of fun with everyone there!

みんなさん一緒に楽しかった！

ありがとうございました！

Have you ever been to the Ghibli Museum?

It's a wonderful place! If you get the chance, you should definitely check it out!