Tokyo's Ghibli Museum Mitaka Is Finally Reopening... Gradually

Since mid-February 2020, the Japankuru team has been keeping track of Tokyo facility openings and closures, like when Tokyo Disneyland and Sanrio Puroland closed their doors to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Japan. One of the very first museums to take the initiative, truly consider the safety of visitors (especially children), and close temporarily was the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo. The museum has now been closed for a full 5 months, which is entirely understandable when looking at the current state of the world, but undeniably disappointing for all those who had been hoping to visit this massively popular attraction.

The patient but anticipatory waiting of all the Ghibli lovers in Tokyo is what makes this new July news update on the museum's website so exciting. Two months after the Japanese state of emergency ended and other sightseeing attractions like Tokyo Tower reopened for visitors, the Ghibli Museum is planning to reopen and welcome guests back onto the premises!

But the plan isn't so simple. Many other museums are controlling the reopening crowds by implementing new reservation systems, but this is something the Ghibli Museum already does, and they're going even further. For the first month in a half, the Ghibli Museum will only be open to visitors who live in the museum's local area of Mitaka, Tokyo. On top of that, tickets will only be available via a lottery on the official Mitaka governmental website! Starting in September, regular visitors will finally be allowed back in... probably. The website announcement says that that decision will depend on the current situation, but they are aiming to allow visitors back in September. Unfortunately, throughout November and December the Ghibli Museum will again be closed! This time for planned maintenance. Hopefully, by the time the museum is ready to reopen in January 2021, things will be somewhat back to normal, and visitors will be allowed back in. The Japankuru team is certainly excited for the chance to once again visit the museum. We look forward to seeing you all there! (From a safe two meter distance!!)


Ghibli Museum Reopening Plan:

July ~ August, 2020: Lottery tickets for local Mitaka residents.
September ~ October, 2020: Open to the public, with ticket reservations.
November ~ December, 2020: Closed for maintenance.
January, 2021 and onwards: Open to the public, with ticket reservations.


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