A blend of natural scenery and cultural attractions, Mitaka is home to picturesque parks, excellent museums and some of the country’s best research universities. Anime fans are lured in by Mitaka’s famous anime museum and its life-size robot exhibits, while an observatory offers stargazing.
Things to do in Mitaka
A must-see for anime lovers, the Ghibli Museum exhibits the history and techniques of animation and features a small theatre showing short movies by Studio Ghibli. This one-of-a-kind museum boasts a whimsical ambience, where you’ll find oversized contraptions, tiny doors, winding staircases and a rooftop garden.
Surround yourself with lush greenery at Nogawa Park, where picturesque No River views are highlighted by open grassy fields, tennis courts and athletic facilities. Go paddling in the summer or admire the diverse birdlife, while kids will love splashing about in the water features.
For a dose of culture, visit the Mitaka Yamato Yuzi Memorial Museum, housed in a Western-style home of the late Taisho era. It was once the home of famous author, Yuzo Yamamoto, and now showcases his life and work through a collection of exhibits. Afterwards, stroll through the museum’s beautiful garden.
Want to see the stars? Observe the constellations on a guided tour of The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan. An astronomical research facility built in 1988, it’s considered one of the greatest observatories in the world, housing one of Japan’s largest refractor telescopes.
Getting around Mitaka
The most convenient way to explore Mitaka is by taxi, bus or car. Mitaka sits an hour west of Tokyo, best reached by train or car, from where you can access Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport in around an hour.