## https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravelTips/comments/1amplnv/my_experience_of_buying_ghibli_museum_tickets/

1. **Plan and Book Tickets in Advance**
* The Ghibli Museum is very popular, and tickets sell out quickly. Make sure to book well in advance, potentially several months before your visit.
2. **Consider the Experience Type**
* Understand that the Ghibli Museum is more like a well-curated museum rather than an amusement park. It offers a relaxing afternoon with unique exhibits, not thrills and rides.
3. **Visit Alternative Ghibli Exhibits**
* If you're in Los Angeles, check out the Miyazaki exhibition at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which offers a similar experience on a smaller scale. Note that this exhibition may close soon, so check availability.
4. **Combine Ghibli Visits with Other Activities**
* For a comprehensive experience, plan to visit both the Ghibli Museum and the upcoming Ghibli Park near Nagoya, opening in November. This way, you'll get both the museum and amusement park experiences.
5. **Budget for the Gift Shop**
* Prepare to spend money at the gift shop. It offers exclusive Ghibli merchandise that is hard to resist for fans.
6. **Mind the Photography Rules**
* Be aware that photography is usually not allowed inside the museum. This policy helps maintain the atmosphere and encourages visitors to experience the exhibits directly.
7. **Enjoy the Café**
* Don't miss out on dining at the Straw Hat Café within the museum. The food, especially the cakes, comes highly recommended and features charming Ghibli-themed details.
8. **Explore Nearby Areas**
* Utilize your visit to Mitaka (where the museum is located) as an opportunity to explore the beautiful surrounding area. It's less crowded and can provide a peaceful experience compared to larger parks.
9. **Be Prepared for Emotional Experiences**
* Some visitors mention emotional connections, especially with rooms that display Miyazaki’s sketches and photo albums. Be ready for a nostalgic and possibly emotional experience if you're a die-hard Ghibli fan.
10. **Check for COVID-19 Updates**
* Be aware of any changes or restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic that might affect your visit. Check the museum’s official website for the latest updates.

Implementing these recommendations will help ensure a memorable and enjoyable visit to the Ghibli Museum or related Ghibli-themed destinations.

## https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravelTips/comments/174olra/for_approx_100_is_ghibli_museum_worth_it/

Based on the wealth of information gathered from the Reddit thread, here are some actionable recommendations for successfully buying Ghibli Museum tickets through the Lawson English site:
1. **Join Waiting Room Early**: Access the Lawson site and join the waiting room at least 30 minutes before tickets go on sale (typically at 10 am JST on the 10th day of each month for the following month). Aim to join around 9:30 am JST.
2. **Ensure Page Loads Properly**: Make sure the waiting room page loads correctly. If it doesn’t, try accessing the site again through the Ghibli Museum's main website.
3. **Do Not Refresh After Joining Queue**: Once in the waiting room, you will be assigned a queue number automatically after 10 am. Refrain from refreshing the page once you have your queue position as it might affect your place in the line.
4. **Use Multiple Devices**: Utilize a variety of devices and browsers to increase your chances of getting a good queue spot. This can include laptops, mobile phones, tablets, etc. Each device should join the waiting room separately for a chance at different queue positions.
5. **Prepare Essential Information**: Have the required booking details ready:
- Leader's name
- Nationality
- Arrival airport
- Departure airport
- A short 4-digit login password for ticket access
6. **Cookies and Browser Compatibility**: Ensure cookies are enabled, especially third-party cookies. Some users reported issues with Firefox, so consider using other browsers like Chrome or Safari.
7. **Preferred Time Slots**: Target morning or noon time slots for the best experience, including the chance to watch films. Be flexible as the most popular slots (earlier in the day and the start of the month) sell out fast.
8. **Backup Payment Methods**: Be prepared with multiple credit cards, especially considering that Mastercard and Amex may have higher success rates compared to Visa in Japan.
9. **Rapid Decision-Making**: When your turn in the queue comes, quickly select your preferred date and time slots. Have a few alternatives ready in case your first choice is sold out.
10. **Monitor for Reopened Slots**: Refresh the slot selection page periodically, as sometimes tickets become available again due to cancellations or other users' failed transactions.
11. **Utilize Tours and Third-Party Services**: If you are unsuccessful through the Lawson site, consider booking a Ghibli Museum ticket through a reputable tour company or third-party service. Some users suggested tours on websites like Klook or Willer Express, which can be more expensive but may offer availability.
12. **Print or Have a QR Code Ready**: Ensure you have a printout or digital version of the QR code and the confirmation email with you, along with the group leader’s passport when visiting the museum.
13. **Check Japanese Site if Applicable**: If you have access to a Japanese mobile number, consider using the Lawson Japanese site or in-store ticket machines in Lawson convenience stores for potentially more availability.
14. **Perform a Dry Run**: To familiarize yourself with the process, attempt a trial run during a previous month to understand the mechanics and possible issues you might face during the actual purchase attempt.

By following these recommendations, you can significantly enhance your chances of securing tickets for the Ghibli Museum. Good luck!

## https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravelTips/comments/1c0vhn5/the_ghibli_museum_is_very_popular_is_it_really/

Based on the Reddit thread, here are actionable recommendations for securing tickets or enjoying a Ghibli-related experience if you encounter difficulties with the Ghibli Museum:
1. **Check Third-Party Ticket Websites:**
- **Klook:** You may find package deals that include a museum ticket along with other tours.
- **Trip.com:** Occasionally offers ticket packages that might be more affordable.
- **Viator:** Look for packages that may include the Ghibli Museum along with other attractions.
2. **Look for Tours:**
- Consider tours that might include museum tickets. These often provide transportation and other guided activities, which can be a substantial but sometimes worthwhile investment.
- **Willer Travel:** Offers packages that include museum entrance.
3. **Contact Your Hotel Concierge:**
- Request assistance from your hotel’s concierge. Note that some users reported that this is becoming more challenging due to strict regulations, but it's still worth trying.
4. **Explore Other Ghibli-Related Attractions:**
- **Ghibli Park in Nagoya:** This is a larger amusement park and offers a comprehensive Ghibli experience.
- **Ghibli Exhibition in Yokosuka Museum of Art, Kanagawa:** Check if there are any temporary exhibitions during your visit.
- **Shirohige Cream Puff Factory:** Enjoy Totoro-themed cream puffs as a consolation.
5. **Timing and Preparation:**
- Try to queue up as early as possible on multiple devices to increase your chances.
- If you're within traveling distance, purchasing tickets through a Lawson machine in Japan might be an alternative.
- Use VPN to access the domestic ticket purchasing site, although this method may require a Japanese phone number for verification.
6. **Practice Runs and Patience:**
- Do a practice run to familiarize yourself with the ticket purchasing process.
- Remember that persistence and patience are key, as the demand for tickets is incredibly high.
7. **Backup Plan:**
- Plan other enjoyable activities in Tokyo, such as visiting the Ghibli Store in Character Street at Tokyo Station for exclusive merchandise.
- Consider TeamLab exhibits, which are highly recommended and provide a unique experience.
8. **Community and Connections:**
- Engage with communities on platforms like Reddit and inquire about last-minute cancellations or tickets.
- Monitor forums and social media for people selling unused tickets (be cautious of potential scams).

The thread highlights that while obtaining Ghibli Museum tickets can be challenging and stressful, there are still ways to enjoy Ghibli-related activities and the overall trip to Japan.

## https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravelTips/comments/1bbhtvg/ghibli_museum_mitaka_tickets_drama/

Based on the Reddit thread about the Ghibli Museum, here are some actionable recommendations:

### Before Your Visit
1. **Assess Interest Level**:
- **Hardcore Fans**: Prioritize the museum visit as it will be meaningful for you.
- **Casual Fans**: Consider if the effort to obtain tickets and the focus on the technical side of animation justifies the visit for you.
2. **Ticket Procurement**:
- **Plan Early**: Be prepared for intense competition for tickets. Use multiple devices and log in exactly when tickets go on sale.
- **Alternate Methods**: Ask a friend in Japan to buy tickets for you or check Lawson convenience stores for local availability.
- **Avoid Scalper Prices**: Do not pay inflated prices for tickets; stick to official channels.

### During Your Visit
3. **Time Slot Selection**:
- **Weekdays Preferred**: Visit on weekdays to avoid the peak weekend crowds.
- **Timing**: Consider early afternoon slots to avoid midday rush.
4. **Explore Nearby Areas**:
- **Mitaka and Kichijoji**: Combine your visit with exploring nearby areas like Inokashira Park and the Kichijoji district for a full day trip.
- **Local Delicacies**: Try Shiro Hige’s cream puffs and enjoy them at Inokashira Park.
5. **Inside the Museum**:
- **Translation Packets**: Ask for English laminated guides from museum staff to understand the exhibits better.
- **Strategic Visits**: Prioritize popular spots like the rooftop, the Catbus area, and the gift shop early on.
- **Interactive Exhibits**: Engage with interactive exhibits that demonstrate animation techniques.
- **Short Film**: Do not miss the exclusive short film; it's often a highlight for many visitors.
6. **Photography Policy**:
- **No Indoor Photos**: Respect the no-photography rule inside to keep the experience immersive. Photos are allowed outside the museum.

### Alternative Options
7. **Ghibli-Themed Activities**:
- **Ghibli Park**: Visit Ghibli Park in Aichi for a more immersive experience if you can't get museum tickets.
- **Donguri Republic Stores**: Visit Ghibli merchandise stores across Japan for memorabilia (e.g., Tokyo Station, Skytree).
- **Film Locations**: Visit real-life locations that inspired Ghibli films, such as Dogo Onsen.
8. **If Unable to Get Tickets**:
- **Explore Other Attractions**: Allocate your time to explore other unique cultural or historical sites in Japan.
- **Enjoy Merchandise**: Pick up Ghibli merchandise from official stores without the museum visit.

### After Your Visit
9. **Reflect on Experience**:
- **Share Insights**: If you enjoyed the visit, share detailed experiences and tips with others planning to visit.
- **Revisit with Context**: Consider revisiting if future exhibits particularly interest you or if it fits better in a subsequent trip's itinerary.
10. **Document Your Journey**:
- **Journal**: Write or film a personal journal of your visit to capture the details and feelings since photos inside are restricted.
- **Social Media**: Share outdoor photos and narratives to help others decide on their visits.

By following these recommendations, you can have a more enriching and less stressful experience at the Ghibli Museum and related attractions.

## https://www.reddit.com/r/ghibli/comments/uqornh/do_you_guys_want_to_go_to_ghibli_museum_in_japan/

Based on the Reddit discussion about whether the Ghibli Museum is worth approximately $100 for two tickets, here are some actionable recommendations:
1. **Avoid Overpaying for Tickets**:
- **Standard Ticket Prices**: The standard cost is approximately $10 per ticket, making the $50 per ticket option significantly overpriced.
- **Alternate Options**: Various users suggested better-priced alternatives, including:
- **Willer Express Tour**: Includes museum tickets, costing around 4,000 yen ($27) per person. [Willer Express](https://willerexpress.com/en/theme-park/ghibli-museum/)
- **Ticket-Japaaan Service**: Offers a service to obtain Ghibli tickets at around $30 per ticket. [Ticket Japaaan](https://www.ticket-japaaan.com/)
- **Fiverr Liaison**: A Fiverr seller named Seann_E offers ticket purchasing services starting from $34 per ticket but recently mentioned rates around $92 due to added complications.
2. **Booking Strategies**:
- **Timing and Persistence**: Tickets go on sale on the 10th of each month for the following month. They sell out fast, so be ready to purchase as soon as they become available.
- **Using Multiple Browsers and Devices**: To increase success, consider using several browsers across multiple devices.
- **Hotel Concierge Assistance**: Some users have had success by asking hotel concierges to help with booking and SMS verification.
3. **Alternative Activities if Tickets are Unavailable or Too Expensive**:
- **Exploring Other Attractions**: Consider visiting the Mori Museum or other related exhibits. An example is Ambient Kyoto, an art exhibit that some found enjoyable.
- **Shopping for Ghibli Merchandise**: Instead of visiting the museum, you can explore the various Ghibli stores in Japan, such as those in Akihabara or Miyajima, known for having a broad range of Ghibli-themed merchandise.
4. **Manage Expectations and Budget**:
- **Besides the Cost**: Consider whether the experience aligns with your budget and interest level. Ensure the purchasing process is secure if using a third-party service.
- **Avoid Disappointment**: Since the museum is relatively small and perceived by some as more suitable for children, managing expectations regarding the experience can help avoid feeling underwhelmed.

5. **Important Considerations**:
- **Avoiding Potential Scams**: Only use reputable services and ensure the third party assisting with the purchase provides clear information and has good reviews.
- **Name Matching on Tickets**: Be aware that tickets bought via a Japanese site will have the buyer's name in Japanese. Ensure you can show proof of identification if needed.
- **Photo Policy**: No photos are allowed inside the museum, so focus on enjoying the experience rather than capturing it digitally.
6. **Fun Extras**:
- **Short Films**: The museum offers exclusive short film screenings in the Saturn Theater, which many visitors found a valuable aspect of the visit.
- **Exhibitions**: Check ahead for any special exhibitions aligned with your visit dates to enhance your experience.

By considering these recommendations, you can better plan your visit to the Ghibli Museum and make an informed decision on whether the cost and effort involved are worth it for you.