Experience Studio Ghibli in Los Angeles: The Ultimate Ghibli-Inspired Itinerary

If you aren't familiar with the work of Studio Ghibli and just happened to stumble upon this post, allow me to introduce you to a world that many have fallen in love with. Studio Ghibli is known to be one of the most iconic and beloved animation studios in the world. With 22 feature films, Studio Ghibli's work has been garlanded with prestigious awards from 5+ established film festivals and academy award organizations such as Oscars and Cannes. Since its founding in 1985, Hayao Miyazaki, has cultivated a deeply devoted audience and an enduring culture around their work. For many fans, it isn't enough to simply watch or rewatch these films. The emotional impact has inspired audiences to actively engage with them beyond the screen, creating art, memes, even entire aesthetics rooted in the world of Ghibli. It is so strong that even those who have never watched a Ghibli film have likely encountered its imagery or influence in some form.

From this vibrant culture, many Ghibli-inspired experiences, events, and destination have emerged around the world. Though, a majority of the most profound attractions, such as Ghibli Park, exist primarily in Japan. Still, Los Angeles would surprise you with the Ghibli-themed places it has to offer.

If you want the ultimate Studio Ghibli experience and live in Los Angeles, keep reading! I have the perfect niche itinerary for you ↓

1. Academy Museum of Motion Pictures — Studio Ghibli's PONYO Exhibit Located in the heart of Los Angeles, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is the largest museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to the history, art, and artists behind filmmaking. The museum is also notable for hosting the first major Studio Ghibli exhibition in Los Angeles, which debuted in September 2021 when the museum first opened. A few years later, Studio Ghibli fans can once again experience the magic of Hayao Miyazaki’s work at the Academy Museum. Ponyo: The Art and Animation of the Film, running from February 2026 through March 2027, features original animation drawings, concept art, and interactive activities inspired by the beloved film. If you want to make the experience even more immersive, the Academy Museum also regularly hosts film screenings, including Studio Ghibli films. While screening prices vary, general admission is currently $10 for adults, while students, children, and screenings before 4 PM are $5. The museum is open from 10AM to 6PM. You can find tickets here.

   
   

2. Yuko Kitchen

   After spending an hour or two immersing yourself in the history and artistry behind Studio Ghibli films, you may find yourself getting a little hungry. After all, Ghibli films are infamous for making fans crave the delicious food featured throughout their animations. Luckily, you won’t have to go far. Located in the heart of DTLA, just a few blocks from Little Tokyo (and about a ten minutes walk from the museum), Yuko Kitchen is a Japanese fusion restaurant that has been described as “stepping inside a Ghibli movie.” With plants filling nearly every corner, the cozy restaurant has a warm, rustic atmosphere that is said to be reminiscent of a Japanese countryside café. To top it all off, you may even catch a Studio Ghibli film playing on the TV while you enjoy your meal, making it the perfect place to continue your Ghibli-inspired day.

   
   

3. Studio Ghibli Fest After getting a behind-the-scenes look at Studio Ghibli’s artistry at the museum and catching glimpses of their classics over lunch, why not keep the Ghibli spirit going with a movie on the big screen? Studio Ghibli Fest is an annual celebration that brings the studio’s beloved films back to theaters across Los Angeles and nationwide. Launched in 2017 through a partnership between GKIDS and Fathom Events, the festival gives fans the opportunity to experience Ghibli films as they were intended to be enjoyed: in a communal setting surrounded by fellow Ghibli fans.

   From anniversary screenings to special theatrical events, Ghibli Fest offers the chance to revisit classics such as My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Ponyo on the big screen. In 2026, the festival continues with a lineup celebrating some of Studio Ghibli’s most beloved films and milestones. You can find tickets here

   
   

4. Studio Ghibli Merch Stop — Giant Robot Store

   After the movie, you might want to stock up on some Studio Ghibli merch. There are several pop-ups and shops throughout Los Angeles County where you can continue exploring the world of Studio Ghibli. One notable stop in the area is the Giant Robot Store in Sawtelle Japantown, where you can browse a selection of Studio Ghibli merchandise alongside the store’s collection of art, toys, and collectibles. It’s the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and keep your Ghibli-inspired itinerary going.

   
   

5. Joe Hisaishi Concert

   Joe Hisaishi is one of the most recognizable figures in the Ghibli world, best known for composing the music for many of the studio’s most famous and beloved films, including My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle. Hisaishi has completed three performances in Los Angeles in the past three years, and as he continues to tour internationally, his appearances in the city remain highly anticipated events for Studio Ghibli fans.

   While there is no set date for his next Los Angeles visit, you can still experience the magic of Hisaishi’s music through candlelight tribute concerts which are regularly held throughout Los Angeles. These performances offer fans a chance to hear some of the most iconic music from Studio Ghibli films in an intimate, atmospheric setting

You don’t have to go to Japan to have the ultimate Studio Ghibli experience and/or itinerary, instead you can have it right here in Los Angeles.

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