A sneak peek into Tokyo’s Ghibli Museum with videos and virtual tour

The whimsical Ghibli Museum was one of the first venues to close in an early effort to curb Covid-19 coronavirus in Japan.

Tourists and fans were distraught – the incredibly elusive tickets require reservations one month in advance, and they’re often sold out in just a few hours.

Missed out on your Totoro adventure? Don’t worry, the Ghibli Museum has uploaded behind-the-scenes ‘staff video journals’ onto its official Youtube channel, so you can get a glimpse of the magical museum from home.

Photos and videos inside the museum are strictly prohibited, so this might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the gorgeous, detailed interiors online.

The entrance to the museum alone will fill you with childhood nostalgia. After walking in, you’re greeted with stained glass and a giant painting of a friendly sun and colourful plant life – plus, it’s filled with all your favourite Ghibli characters. How many can you spot?

‘Where a Film is Born’, the studio of a young, aspiring filmmaker, is the first part of the five-room permanent collection that documents the process of animating a movie. Here you’ll find a crowded room filled with books, obscure knick knacks and hand-drawn illustrations – a nod to Studio Ghibli’s traditional animation techniques.

One of the best parts of the museum is spotting your favourite characters in the detailed decorations. This nighttime video is a behind-the-scenes look at the museum after closing hours, featuring the famous stained glass windows showcasing scenes from Ghibli movies, including the Catbus from ‘My Neighbour Totoro’.