The Ghibli Museum is mainly geared for children, but it can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The adventure starts at the front gate, where a large furry Totoro will greet you. Once past the building's tunnel-like entranceway, you will find yourself in a bright, lofty hall topped with a glass dome. The whole building is a fantastic labyrinth of rooms and staircases. The permanent exhibition area, titled "The Birthplace of a Film," consists of five contrasting rooms. The first room is scattered about with books, glass beads, and all sorts of other odds and ends, and the desk in the corner looks as though Miyazaki might have been working on it until just a few minutes ago. Touring all five rooms should give you a good idea of the processes involved in the production of an anime movie, from the first seeds of inspiration to the tremendous effort put into its completion.

Advance tickets are required, as the museum is very popular. Reservation tickets are available outside Japan at designated travel agencies in several countries; visit the museum's ticket information page for details.