Recently, there has been an increase in people who love Japanese pop culture, such as anime and manga, and travel to Japan with this theme in mind. Don’t you think Japan, where you can indulge in your hobbies and also experience delicious sushi, ramen, historical shrines and temples, and traditional culture, is the ultimate travel destination?
For anime enthusiasts, Anime Tourism or Anime Pilgrimage, where fans visit real-life locations featured in their favorite anime, is gaining popularity. Many also visit towns like Akihabara and Nakano to buy anime merchandise that’s only available in Japan. The country is home to a multitude of anime shops. There’s also a globally renowned Ghibli-themed facility. Moreover, the number of events where theme parks and cafes collaborate with anime is on the rise.
In such a limited time, specifically, where should you go?
Here, I will introduce the best anime spots in Japan, not limited to just anime shops and theme parks. This list will surely be helpful for anime lovers planning their itinerary, which covers everything from famous locations to lesser-known attractions.
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1. Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Park
When discussing the anime that Japan takes pride in, Studio Ghibli films are indispensable. There are numerous official spots in Japan themed around Ghibli.
For fans of the globally renowned Studio Ghibli films, a visit to Ghibli Museum in Tokyo is an absolute must. Located just a bit west of central Tokyo, this enchanting destination can be found in the Mitaka area. One of the museum’s iconic features is the towering robot soldier from Castle in the Sky that stands on the rooftop. However, keep in mind that photography inside the museum is generally prohibited, so one truly has to visit in person to grasp its full charm and magic.
Another highlight is the exclusive Ghibli short films that are screened only at this museum. From time to time, there are also limited-time exhibitions that showcase different facets of the Ghibli universe. Beyond that, Ghibli enthusiasts will be thrilled with various rooms filled with intricate details from beloved films, unique souvenirs available for purchase, and a themed cafe serving delightful treats.
Remember, if you’re planning a visit, you’ll need to book your tickets in advance. Check out the following article where we’ve outlined the reservation process in detail.
▶︎Best Ways to Get Ghibli Museum Tickets for Foreign Tourists
In 2022, a new Ghibli-themed facility Ghibli Park was inaugurated within the Aichi Expo Memorial Park in Aichi Prefecture. This vast attraction presents a world where even the buildings and natural landscapes from the iconic Ghibli films have been meticulously recreated. Visitors can immerse themselves in emblematic locations from various Ghibli movies. Highlights include Satsuki and Mei’s House from My Neighbor Totoro, Mononoke Village from Princess Mononoke, and the Valley of Witches inspired by Howl’s Moving Castle.
The park is ambitiously expanding year by year, with new sections dedicated to different Ghibli masterpieces being added continuously. Much like its museum counterpart in Tokyo, you’ll need to book your tickets for the Ghibli Park in advance. Detailed information about the reservation process can be found in the article provided below.
For Ghibli enthusiasts, it’s well worth traveling to Aichi Prefecture in Central Japan just to experience the Ghibli Park. It promises an anime adventure like no other, enveloping visitors in the fantastical worlds of their favorite films.
▶︎How to Buy Tickets for Ghibli Park from Overseas
2. Akihabara
Akihabara stands as an iconic testament to Japan’s rich tapestry of pop culture, which is also known as otaku culture. From anime, manga, and games to idols, cosplay, and beyond, it is undeniably a sacred ground for enthusiasts of all things otaku.
The district boasts an unrivaled array of large-scale anime stores, the likes of which you won’t find elsewhere in Japan. Notable among these are stores such as Animate, Mandarake, and Toranoana. These hubs offer a diverse range of anime-related merchandise, spanning DVDs, books, action figures, stationery, and so much more.
However, the allure of Akihabara isn’t solely in its shopping experiences. It also entices fans with real-life locations featured in popular anime series. For instance, Kanda Shrine from Love Live! and the Radio Kaikan building from Steins;Gate can both be found here.
The vibrant streets, electric atmosphere, and a plethora of themed cafes further ensure that a visit to Akihabara is an immersive dive into the heart of Japan’s contemporary pop culture. Whether you’re hunting for rare merchandise or simply soaking in the sights and sounds, Akihabara offers an experience that’s truly unique in the realm of anime tourism.
▶︎Akihabara Shopping Guide: 10 Best Shops in Akihabara
▶︎15 Best Things to Do in Akihabara
3. Ikebukuro
While Akihabara often takes the spotlight as Japan’s premier anime district, in recent years, Ikebukuro has steadily gained traction as a favorite hub for anime and manga aficionados.
One major catalyst for Ikebukuro’s rise in popularity is the presence of the Animate Ikebukuro flagship store. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2023, this world-class anime store underwent a significant renovation. Occupying a nine-story building, it offers not only a diverse array of manga books and anime character merchandise but also features specialized floors dedicated to theaters and exhibitions.
Ikebukuro is also renowned for its appeal to female anime fans. The famed Otome Road, lined with anime-related shops, and the Mandarake Ikebukuro store, known as Lalala, are considered sacred grounds by many enthusiastic girls.
Furthermore, Ikebukuro boasts several giant electronics retailers, such as the Bic Camera Ikebukuro flagship store and LABI1 Life Select Ikebukuro, both of which offer a wide range of anime toys, games, and related merchandise.
Within the Sunshine City complex, visitors can find the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo & Pikachu Sweets, the Ghibli-centric Donguri Kyowakoku store, and the ONE PIECE Straw Hat Store, to name just a few. Adjacent to Ikebukuro Station, Ikebukuro PARCO houses the flagship store of the EVANGELION brand, the EVANGELION STORE TOKYO-01, ensuring fans of the iconic series aren’t left wanting.
In essence, Ikebukuro offers an expansive anime experience, from mammoth chain stores to niche shops focusing on specific anime genres, solidifying its status as a must-visit destination for anime lovers.