Studio Ghibli (creators of popular animated movies such as My Neighbour Totoro, Princess Mononoke or Spirited Away) operate a fine museum in Mitaka, and it is a must-see for anyone remotely interested in their art. Tickets have to be bought online or at Lawson convenience stores well (weeks) in advance, but because of the restricted number of admissions it appears to be less packed than some other museums at weekends (though still far from empty), so overall this approach works out for everyone. You get to see an overview of the history and technology of animated films, not limited to Ghibli works. A main attraction is a spinning table with character models in different poses that when synchronized with stroboscopic flashes of light creates a very real illusion of movement. Other rooms show sketches, reference libraries, cameras, film frames, and other tools of the trade. The building is an attraction in itself, kind of like a Hundertwasser house with spiral staircases, low tunnels, and lots of greenery. Kids (only them, unfortunately) can climb into the Cat Bus, there is a cinema showing exclusive short films, a special exhibition about other artists (currently Tolstoy and the Three Bears), and of course a museum shop.