Suginami Animation Museum
Run by Tokyo Polytechnic University in the Kami-Ogi area of Suginami ward, this museum isn't about one studio or one series. It covers Japanese animation production as a whole: the techniques, the industry's history, the way the craft evolved. Admission is free. It's five minutes by Kanto Bus from Ogikubo Station's north exit, or a 20-minute walk if you'd rather. Nothing here is flashy, which is the point; it's a place to slow down and look at how the work is done, with rotating special exhibitions on top of the permanent collection.
Schedule for the day
Overview map showing how the stops relate to each other (straight lines only). For real walking directions, use the "directions" button on each step.
Meet at Ogikubo Station, North Exit
JR Chuo Line, north side. The museum opens at 10:00, so meeting now gets you in right after the doors open.
Kanto Bus to Ogikubo Keisatsusho-mae
From the north exit take Kanto Bus route 0 or 1, about five minutes, get off at Ogikubo Keisatsusho-mae and walk two minutes. Walkers can do the whole thing from the station in about 20 minutes. From Nishi-Ogikubo Station's north exit, route 3 takes about seven minutes to the same stop.
Permanent exhibition: technique and industry history
The through-line is production: how Japanese animation has been made, and how that has changed. Because it's about method rather than a single franchise, people who draw, or who care about the crew behind the credits, tend to stay longest.
Special exhibition
There's a rotating exhibition alongside the permanent one, and what's on depends on when you visit. Hours are 10:00–18:00, last admission 17:30.
Back to Ogikubo for lunch
Retrace by bus or on foot and eat near the station. If you want to pair this with Nakano Broadway, it's a few stops down the Chuo Line.
Police: 110 · Ambulance/Fire: 119 · English-language help: JNTO Japan Visitor Hotline, 050-3816-2787 (24/7, multilingual). Don't hesitate to call if you need help.
Tipping isn't customary in Japan — no need to add extra at checkout. Cashless payment is widely accepted, though smaller shops, shrines, and temples are sometimes cash-only. Tax-free shopping (with your passport) is available at participating stores.
Frequently asked questions
How much is admission, and when is it closed?
Admission is free. Hours are 10:00–18:00, last admission 17:30. Closed Mondays (or the next weekday if Monday is a holiday) and over the New Year period, December 28 to January 4.
How do I get there from Ogikubo Station?
From the north exit, Kanto Bus route 0 or 1 takes about five minutes to Ogikubo Keisatsusho-mae; from there it's a two-minute walk. On foot it's about 20 minutes from the station. From Nishi-Ogikubo Station's north exit, Kanto Bus route 3 takes about seven minutes to the same stop.
What payment methods do you accept, and can I get a refund?
We accept credit card payments via Square. Because this is digital content, purchases generally aren't refundable, but if a duplicate charge or technical fault prevents you from accessing it, contact support@wayfinderjp.com within 7 days of purchase for a full refund.