Last Updated on March 6, 2025 by Angela Vaz
I love all things Studio Ghibli.
That’s why I wrote How to Live a Studio Ghibli Life and 11 Books that Give off Studio Ghibli vibes.
I also wrote a post on how to make your home more Studio Ghibli.
They’ve become so popular, that I decided to write this one!
There’s something about mornings in Studio Ghibli films that feel so warm and magical.
Whether it’s the soft glow of morning sunlight streaming through a window, the quiet ritual of preparing breakfast, or the way characters move through their routines with gentle purpose—there’s a kind of beauty in the simplicity of it all.
I used to rush through my mornings.
The blaring sound of an alarm, checking my phone before I even sat up, and frantically getting ready for the day—it never felt cozy.
It felt mechanical.
But then, I started thinking about how mornings are portrayed in my favorite Studio Ghibli films, like Kiki’s Delivery Service, Whisper of the Heart, or My Neighbor Totoro.
The characters don’t rush.
They take their time to wake up, prepare a delicious breakfast, and move through their morning with intention.
So, I made a change.
I started crafting a morning routine that felt like it was pulled straight from a Ghibli film—one filled with soft moments, delicious scents, and quiet joy. And let me tell you, it changed everything. I no longer dread mornings.
I look forward to them.
If you also want to start your day in a warm, cozy, and intentional way, here’s how to create a Studio Ghibli-inspired morning routine.
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1. Wake Up with Gentle, Natural Light
Instead of jolting awake with a harsh alarm, let your morning begin softly.
If possible, wake up with the natural light filtering into your room.
If you have blackout curtains, consider switching to sheer ones that allow the morning sun to gently wake you.
Tip: If you live somewhere that doesn’t get much sunlight in the morning, a sunrise alarm clock (like this one) can mimic the slow rise of the sun and wake you up in a much gentler way.
2. Stretch Like a Cat and Start the Day Slow
Think about the way Kiki or Chihiro wakes up in the movies—they stretch their arms above their heads, rub their eyes, and move slowly out of bed.
There’s no rush, no frantic energy.
Take a few moments to stretch your body and feel the morning air.
Even just a simple yoga stretch (a cozy yoga mat like this can make it more inviting) can help wake up your muscles and ease you into the day.
3. Slip into Something Soft and Cozy
A cozy Ghibli morning isn’t complete without the perfect outfit—think soft pajamas, an oversized cardigan, or a flowy linen dress.
Something breathable and comfortable that makes you feel at home in your own space.
4. Make a Comforting, Warm Drink
What’s a Ghibli morning without a steaming cup of something delicious?
Whether it’s a matcha latte, a cup of chai, or a warm mug of cocoa, taking time to prepare your morning drink adds an element of ritual to your routine.
Use a hand-frother (this one is great) to make your milk or matcha extra foamy, just like in a cozy café scene from a Ghibli movie.
Here’s a post on how to make a pink iced latte, that I love!
5. Cook a Simple, Wholesome Breakfast
In almost every Studio Ghibli film, there’s a scene where someone is making breakfast—flipping pancakes, frying eggs, or toasting thick slices of bread.
There’s something heartwarming about cooking a simple meal with care.
Here are some easy, Ghibli-style breakfast ideas:
- Thick buttered toast with jam
- A soft, fluffy omelet
- Rice with miso soup and a side of fruit
- Freshly baked bread (or warm croissants if you’re short on time!)
If you want to get fancy, you can even try making Japanese soufflé pancakes with this easy pancake mold set (find it here).
6. Open a Window and Let in Fresh Air
Studio Ghibli mornings are filled with the sounds of nature—birds chirping, a gentle breeze flowing through open windows, and the soft rustling of leaves.
Open your window and take a deep breath.
Let the fresh air in as you enjoy your morning drink.
If you live in a city and miss the sound of nature, a nature sound machine (like this one) can bring in the ambiance of birds and flowing water to make your space feel more serene.
7. Add a Touch of Ghibli Music or Ambient Sounds
To fully immerse yourself in the cozy, peaceful vibe of a Ghibli morning, play some Ghibli piano covers or lo-fi Ghibli-inspired music.
You can find entire playlists on Spotify or YouTube that capture the warm, nostalgic feeling of a Ghibli film.
Alternatively, light a soft-scented candle (like this one that smells like Lemon Vanilla), close your eyes for a moment, and just be.
8. Do Something Creative Before You Start Your Day
One thing I love about Studio Ghibli films is how much they celebrate creativity.
Whether it’s Kiki practicing her flying, Shizuku writing her novel, or Sophie working in her hat shop, mornings in Ghibli films are often spent doing something meaningful.
So before you dive into emails or social media, try:
- Writing in a journal
- Drawing or doodling
- Reading a cozy book
- Watering your plants
- Playing an instrument
- Doing a quick craft
Need a beautiful journal to start with? These ones are Stduio Ghibli themed (check it out here) has a soft, vintage aesthetic that fits the Ghibli vibe perfectly.
Final Thoughts: Slow Down and Savor the Magic
A cozy Studio Ghibli morning isn’t about doing a hundred things perfectly—it’s about slowing down, creating small moments of joy, and starting the day with warmth and intention.
The best part?
You don’t need a perfect setting to make it happen.
Even if your mornings are busy, incorporating just one of these things—whether it’s making a mindful cup of tea or stretching for a few minutes—can bring a little more coziness and peace into your day.
So tomorrow morning, instead of rushing, try waking up Ghibli-style—slow, intentional, and filled with small, magical moments. 🌿☕✨
Do you already have a cozy morning routine? What’s your favorite part of starting your day the Ghibli way? Let me know in the comments!
