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21 Must-Visit Spots for Anime Fans in Tokyo

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21 Must-Visit Spots for Anime Fans in Tokyo

Tokyo is home to a multitude of popular spots, including shops, museums, cafes, and theme parks which are dedicated to anime, manga, and games. As a result, it has become a top travel destination, especially for those who are a fan of these products of Japan.

From Pokémon, One Piece, Dragon Ball and other Shonen Jump titles, to Captain Tsubasa, Studio Ghibli, Sailor Moon, and Nintendo classics like Super Mario and Splatoon, Tokyo is a must-visit for fans of Japanese anime, manga, and games!

This article introduces 21 must-visit spots in Tokyo for anime, manga, and game enthusiasts.

Contents

1.Tokyo Anime & Manga Guide

Tokyo is a top spot for experiencing Japan’s anime and manga culture. While Akihabara is famous for its concentration of anime and manga shops, similar attractions are also scattered throughout the city.

Among these are stores selling anime and manga merchandise, themed cafes, and museums dedicated to otaku culture.

Tokyo’s vibrant otaku scene makes it perfect for fans looking to immerse themselves in this unique subculture.

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2. 21 Must-Visit Spots for Anime Fans in Tokyo

Tokyo is home to many attractions dedicated to anime, manga, games, and even specific movie franchises. Many of these also host special events, making them dynamic spots for fans to enjoy Japan’s otaku culture deeply. Be sure to check ahead for any unique happenings before you go.

Here are some of the places we think anime lovers shouldn’t miss!

2-1.Pokémon Center Tokyo

The Pokémon Center is the official shop for all things Pokémon, where fans can purchase merchandise and enjoy the Pokémon card game.

Tokyo hosts five Pokémon Centers, with the standout being Pokémon Center Tokyo DX & Pokémon Café, which combines shopping with a themed dining experience. A reservation is required to visit the café, which offers exclusive Pokémon themed dishes and drinks.

2-2.JUMP Shop

The JUMP Shop is a must-visit for fans of Weekly Shonen Jump, and features merchandise from popular series like One Piece, Dragon Ball, and My Hero Academia.

This official Shueisha store offers original manga-themed items, including comics, apparel, and snacks, making it an essential stop for JUMP enthusiasts.

2-3.Captain Tsubasa Town

“Captain Tsubasa” is a soccer-themed manga which began in the 1980s. The series has influenced many professional soccer plays worldwide and also inspired anime and video games. Fans can embark on a pilgrimage to “Captain Tsubasa Town,” which refers to Katsushika City in Tokyo.

Katsushika City is the hometown of Yoichi Takahashi, the creator of Captain Tsubasa. Walking through the area, you’ll find various spots decorated with Captain Tsubasa posters, and bronze statues of the characters are placed throughout different parts of the district. This is a must-visit for fans wanting to experience the world of Captain Tsubasa firsthand.

2-4.Ghibli Museum

The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka offers fans a chance to immerse themselves in the magical world of Studio Ghibli, known for iconic works like My Neighbor Totoro, Castle in the Sky, and Spirited Away.

Totoro greets visitors as you enter the museum. Inside, you’ll find stunning stained glass windows featuring Ghibli characters and exhibits such as the robot soldier from Castle in the Sky. Another highlight is shopping for exclusive Ghibli character merchandise that you can only find at the museum.

Please note that reservations are required to visit the museum, so it’s recommended to check availability as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.

2-5.Sailor Moon Store

The Sailor Moon Store is dedicated to the beloved anime and manga series. There are only two stores in Japan, with one located in Tokyo.

The shop offers a variety of themed merchandise, including hair clips, bag charms, and keychains, all designed to resemble items from the series.

The Harajuku flagship store in Tokyo was renovated and reopened in April 2024. It sells exclusive merchandise and features a beautifully decorated interior inspired by the Sailor Moon universe, making it a must-see for fans.

2-6.Sanrio Store & Sanrio Puroland

The Sanrio Store and Sanrio Puroland are must-visit spots for fans of Sanrio characters like Hello Kitty and My Melody.

With 151 Sanrio Stores across Japan, 30 of which are in Tokyo, fans can purchase a wide range of character goods.Some stores even have cafes where you can enjoy exclusive food and drink with Sanrio character themes.

Sanrio Puroland, located in Tokyo, is an indoor theme park featuring attractions, live shows, and character meet-and-greets.It’s a dream destination for Sanrio fans, offering the chance to meet Hello Kitty and other beloved characters in an immersive and magical setting.

2-7.Nintendo Store

The Nintendo Store offers fans the chance to buy exclusive merchandise and enjoy special gaming experiences related to Nintendo’s iconic games. The store sells consoles, software, and a range of items that are only available in-store.

Popular game titles featured in the merchandise include:

  • The Legend of Zelda
  • Pikmin
  • Splatoon

The store also offers a variety of Super Mario goods, including plush toys, towels, and bags. Additionally, the “Super Mario Family Life” collection features items perfect for family time and everyday use at home, making it a must-visit for Nintendo fans of all ages.

2-8.Capcom Store

The Capcom Store offers merchandise from popular games developed by Capcom, such as Monster Hunter and Resident Evil.

One of the three locations in Japan is in Tokyo, where fans can purchase a variety of goods featuring characters from Capcom’s popular games. There are also limited-edition items for sale, depending on when you visit. The store frequently introduces new products that are only available in-store, making it a must-visit for Capcom enthusiasts.

2-9. Namja Town

Namja Town is one of Japan’s more unique theme parks, offering an eclectic experience as you explore its various themed streets filled with attractions and immersive landscapes.

One of the highlights is “Fukubukuro 7-Chome Shopping Street,” a recreation of a 1950s Japanese town. With meticulously crafted details, including pharmacies and movie theaters, visitors can experience the nostalgic charm of retro Japan.

Another popular area is the “Namja Gyoza Stadium,” where you can taste and compare gyoza (dumplings) from different regions of Japan. The park also features exclusive eateries that can only be found at Namja Town, making it a distinctive spot for visitors.

2-10. Suginami Animation Museum

The Suginami Animation Museum is a free museum dedicated to the history and production of Japanese anime.

The exhibits feature a timeline of Japanese animation, insights into the production process, and demonstrations of both traditional and modern animation techniques. One standout feature is the anime production experience corner, allowing visitors to gain hands-on insight into how anime is made.

The museum also has a theater that hosts screenings of classic anime films and talks with directors and industry professionals. It’s a comprehensive destination for fans of all ages to explore and appreciate the world of Japanese animation.

2-11. Toei Animation Museum

The Toei Animation Museum offers a look into the history of Toei Animation, the studio behind iconic anime like One Piece and Sailor Moon. The museum is free to enter and is located within the Toei Studio grounds.

Visitors can explore exhibits that showcase Toei’s extensive works, including concept art, production materials, and displays about the animation process. The museum also features photo spots where you can take pictures with characters from Toei’s beloved series.

There are also cozy reading areas where fans can sit and enjoy books related to various Toei Animation titles, making it a valuable experience for anime enthusiasts.

2-12. Tokiwa-so Manga Museum

Tokiwa-so was an apartment complex where legendary manga artists like Osamu Tezuka and Fujio Akatsuka spent their formative years. The Tokiwa-so Manga Museum faithfully recreates this historic building, which was demolished in December 1982.

The museum meticulously replicates the exterior and interior of Tokiwa-so as it was in the 1950s, complete with details like the surrounding telephone booths. You’ll find rooms inside modeled after the living spaces of the manga artists, filled with period-appropriate household items and drawing tools, offering a glimpse into the daily life of these iconic creators.

The museum’s is dedicated to authenticity and is a fascinating destination for manga fans.

2-13. Nakano Broadway

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A multi-purpose shopping complex, Nakano Broadway offers everything from groceries and clothing to anime and manga merchandise. With numerous specialty stores, the seconds to fourth floors are particularly popular with anime and manga fans.

One of the key attractions is the presence of over ten branches of “Mandarake,” a well-known chain specializing in collectible anime and manga goods. The shops offer a wide array of merchandise, including rare items from popular series. You may even come across out-of-print and hard-to-find items, making Nakano Broadway a treasure trove for collectors.

2-14. Tokyo Anime Center

The Tokyo Anime Center is a hub where visitors can learn about Japanese animation, explore its techniques, and engage in hands-on production experiences. Activities include creating illustrations using digital tablets and drawing animations. The center also allows visitors to step into the worlds of popular anime by offering immersive experiences with VR technology.

The center occasionally hosts events where aspiring creators can receive guidance on manga creation directly from professional manga artists. This makes the Tokyo Anime Center not just a tourist attraction but also an ideal spot for those aspiring to work in the anime or manga industry.

2-15. Otome Road

Otome Road is a shopping street that caters specifically to female fans of anime and manga. Similar to other popular spots, it features numerous stores selling anime and manga merchandise.However, it stands out for its focus on boys’ love (BL) works, otome games, and unique cafes where male staff dressed as butlers welcome customers.

The street is also known for its cosplay shops, offering a variety of costumes and accessories. Cosplay events are frequently held in nearby parks and plazas, so cosplayers are often found in the area. Otome Road is a must-visit for those interested in this vibrant and unique subculture.

2-16. Tokyo Character Street

Tokyo Character Street is located within “Tokyo Station Ichibangai,” directly connected to the JR Tokyo Station Yaesu Underground Central Gate.This bustling street is lined with a wide variety of stores selling official merchandise from anime, manga, Kabuki, and TV networks.

Specialty shops include those dedicated to popular characters like Pokémon and Hello Kitty, as well as Donguri Republic, which offers merchandise from Studio Ghibli films. Some items are exclusive to Tokyo Character Street, making it a must-visit for collectors.

The “Ichiban Plaza” within the street often hosts pop-up shops and events, providing unique and limited-time shopping experiences.

2-17. Yoshihiro Yonezawa Memorial Library

The Yoshihiro Yonezawa Memorial Library is a manga-focused library established by Meiji University.It houses over 140,000 books from the collection of Yoshihiro Yonezawa, a manga critic and Meiji University alumnus.

The seven-story building features permanent and special exhibition spaces, as well as reading rooms where visitors can freely browse the library’s extensive collection. It also contains approximately 70,000 rare books that can only be accessed upon request.

The library’s collection includes manga and magazines published during the Showa era, which provides valuable insights into the early days of manga culture. This makes it an essential destination for anyone researching the history of Japanese manga.

2-18. Akihabara

Akihabara is a must-visit location in Tokyo for experiencing Japan’s anime and manga culture. Often referred to as the “otaku mecca,” Akihabara is packed with niche shops specializing in anime, manga, and related merchandise.

The district is also known for its wide array of specialty stores, from electronics shops to maid cafes where waitresses dressed as maids serve customers. It is also a hub of Japanese idol culture, and there are theaters where fans can even meet their favorite idols in person.

The unique atmosphere of Akihabara, filled with diverse stores and facilities, creates an experience unlike any other. Even those with little interest in anime or manga will find exploring Akihabara’s vibrant scene a memorable adventure.

2-19. Odaiba

Known for its variety of shopping complexes, dining options, parks, and beaches, Odaiba is a popular tourist destination in Tokyo. Visitors can enjoy shopping, dining, and leisurely strolls along the waterfront.

For those interested in anime and manga culture, attending Comiket (Comic Market) at Tokyo Big Sight in Odaiba is highly recommended. Comiket, short for Comic Market, is a major event where fans buy and sell doujinshi (self-published works). The event features a wide range of genres, with numerous doujinshi of various anime, manga, and game titles on display.

Comiket is held twice a year, in summer and winter, for two days each time. The exact dates vary annually, so it’s important to check the schedule before planning your visit.

2-20. Kinokuniya Bookstore

Kinokuniya Bookstore is known for its wide selection of books, CDs, DVDs, and stationery. The store often hosts special events, such as talks and autograph sessions with authors.

Among the 13 Kinokuniya locations in Tokyo, the Shinjuku Main Store is highly recommended. With around one million books available, it is one of the largest bookstores in Tokyo. The first floor features a dedicated section for foreign tourists, offering books on Japanese culture and guidebooks with information on various regions of Japan.

The Shinjuku Main Store is conveniently located within a five-minute walk from Shinjuku Station, making it easily accessible and a great spot for tourists to visit.

2-21. Book Off Akihabara Ekimae Store

Book Off is a popular chain store known for selling both new and second-hand manga, as well as used anime merchandise, clothing, and accessories. It attracts not only those looking to buy manga but also collectors seeking rare items related to their favorite anime, manga, or popular brands.

Among the many Book Off locations in Tokyo, the Akihabara Ekimae Store is highly recommended due to its prime location—just a one-minute walk from Akihabara Station. This large store offers a vast selection of manga, various books, DVDs, game consoles, and video games, and spans six floors, making it a haven for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Conclusion

Tokyo is a must-visit for lovers of Japanese anime, manga, and games. The city is filled with exciting spots, from shops selling character goods from iconic anime, manga, and game franchises to museums where you can learn about anime culture.

Whether you’re a Pokémon fan visiting the Pokémon Center Tokyo, a Jump manga enthusiast exploring the JUMP Shop, or a Studio Ghibli lover enjoying the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo offers themed shops and attractions that cater to every anime and manga lover’s interests.

*This article is based on information available as of September 2024.

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