Book Ahead: Tokyo Tickets That Sell Out (Ghibli, teamLab, Harry Potter)

Some of Tokyo's most famous experiences don't sell tickets at the door. If you wait until you land, they're often gone. Here's what to book before you fly.

Ghibli Museum (Mitaka)

  • Entry is by advance reservation only, with a set date and time slot.
  • Tickets for the next month go on sale on the 10th of each month at 10:00 a.m. Japan time. Weekend slots can sell out within minutes.
  • Buy through the official Ghibli Museum website. Tickets are issued in your name, so bring ID.

teamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets

  • Both digital art museums use dated tickets with a set entry time. Once inside, you can stay as long as you like.
  • Borderless is at Azabudai Hills; Planets is in Toyosu.
  • At Planets you walk barefoot through water, so wear shorts or pants you can roll up above the knee.
  • Buy on the official teamLab websites. Prices change by date, so book early for weekends.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo — The Making of Harry Potter

  • Tickets are sold only online on the official website. You can't buy at the entrance.
  • You choose an entry time, tickets can't be refunded, and you can't leave and re-enter.
  • It's next to Toshimaen Station (Seibu Ikebukuro Line and Toei Oedo Line) in Nerima.

Hard-to-book restaurants

Top sushi counters, omakase and famous yakiniku places can be fully booked weeks ahead, and many only take reservations in Japanese.

  • Use an English booking platform for Japanese restaurants, or ask your hotel concierge.
  • Expect a cancellation fee. No-shows are a serious problem for small restaurants in Japan.
  • Arrive on time. A 10-seat counter often starts everyone at once.
  • Tell them about allergies when you book, not at the table.

John's tip

Set an alarm for ticket release days in Japan time, not your home time. And always have a plan B for the same day: Tokyo has more great places than you can visit in one trip.

Words that work

  • Yoyaku shiteimasu — I have a reservation
  • ___ no namae de yoyaku shimashita — I booked under the name ___
  • Arerugii ga arimasu — I have an allergy

Sale dates and rules can change, so always check the official site before you book. Questions? Ask John. Also see Where to Stay in Tokyo.

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