18+ Best Attractions In Tokyo For Anime Lovers

Tokyo’s anime and manga culture is something that you’ll want to experience in Japan if the topic is remotely interesting to you at all! Being the birthplace of anime, there are plenty of fantastic anime stores, cafés, and video games to satisfy your curiosity.

Whether you’re a fan of Bleach, Naruto, Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, Grand Blue, Lovely Complex, or Sailor Moon, there are simply not enough hours in the day to enjoy all the attractions in Tokyo for anime lovers, let alone everything else that Tokyo has to offer!

In this post, we are going to help you discover some of the best anime attractions in Tokyo, Japan. Spoiler alert: there’s a lot. But that’s a good problem to have! Tokyo’s anime attractions are perfect for indulging your inner otaku!

Get ready for delicious anime-themed cafés and stores with every possible accessory you could ever need for your next cosplay, toys, plushies, cards, games, and lots of rare and shiny anime figures and manga books!

This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!

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Looking for a Tokyo itinerary for your trip to Japan? Check out our 2-day Tokyo itinerary and our 5-day Tokyo itinerary — they’re great for first-timers and repeat visitors alike!

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Map Of Anime Attractions Mentioned In This Post

Trip map created with Wanderlog, an itinerary planner on iOS and Android

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The History Of Anime Culture In Japan

Anime (アニメ) is a Japanese animation style produced with hand-drawn or computer-generated graphics. The name comes from the English word animation, shorted to anime, and its meaning varies slightly depending on whether you’re in or outside Japan.

Outside of Japan, anime refers to the animated version of manga, which is the comic book version. Typically, an anime starts as a manga; if it becomes famous, anime studios will consider making it an anime.

Inside Japan, or when speaking Japanese, the word anime describes every kind of animation, regardless of the style or origin. Someone outside  Japan may also create an animation in a style similar to anime, called an anime-influenced animation.

One of the most brilliant minds to contribute to the success of manga and anime was Osamu Tezuka (手塚 治虫). He was a Japanese manga artist, animator, and cartoonist who lived in the 1900s.

He had an impressive talent for innovation, and through his passion, he redefined many aspects of manga and earning him the title “the Father of Manga” (Manga no Chichi, マンガの父). He’s famous for manga like New Treasure Island, Astro Boy, Phoenix, and Princess Knight.

While anime was once only hand-drawn, technological advances allow for digital drawings, too.

In the 1960s, anime began to emerge as a distinct art form with the popularity of television shows like “Astro Boy” and “Gigantor.” Their secrets to success are an entertaining combination of cinematography, artistic style, attributes that appeal to an individual’s desires, and, most importantly, a solid & relatable bases for characterization.

Since then, anime has become a global phenomenon, with fans all over the world enjoying its unique storytelling, vibrant visuals, and diverse genres!

Anime focuses less on flashy movements, utilizing visual effects and camera angles, panning, and zooming to produce detailed settings and immerse the viewer in the anime’s universe.

Some anime characters have hyper-realistic graphics that aim to imitate real-life humanoid proportions, but most character proportions are varied. The most prominent feature is significant, emotive eyes that can quickly convey sadness, excitement, anger, or disappointment.

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Now that we’ve covered a brief history lesson on how anime turned into such a global phenomenon, let’s dive into some of the best attractions in Tokyo for anime lovers!

1. Pokemon Center

The Pokemon Center in Tokyo is a large retail store that specializes in all things Pokemon. The store is located in the Sunshine City shopping complex in the Ikebukuro neighborhood of Tokyo and is a popular destination for fans of the Pokemon franchise.

Thought Pokemon was a thing of the early 2000s? Think again. The Pokemon Center in Tokyo is the kind of place that makes you fall in love with Pokemon all over again!

You can expect to find your favorite plushies, figurines, toys and games, many of which are exclusive to this Pokemon Center and cannot be found anywhere else.

Apart from the merchandise that will likely make you fangirl, there’s a Pokemon Go lab if you’re in the mood to catch some Pokemon! After some successful catches, you can head to the arcade and enjoy popular games like the Pokemon Mezastar game.

There’s also an exciting Pokemon gashapon (gachapon) area where you can insert a small amount of yen, and the vending machine will dispense a random Pokemon toy to add to your collection! 

Fun Fact: The name “Gashapon” derives from the onomatopoeic sound “gasha” (gacha) the vending machine makes when you crank the hand to release a capsule and “pon” when it hits the collection tray.

Competitive Pokemon TCG (trading card game) players can head to the Pokemon card game area to test their skills in the Japanese player pool to see if they can earn a badge – but be warned, the Japanese take their gaming seriously, so bring you’re a-game!

Those with a sweet tooth will appreciate the Pikachu Sweets bakery next to the Pokemon Center,  while the Pokemon Café can satisfy a rumbly stomach. And before leaving, don’t forget to hit the photo booth where you can take pictures with your favorite Pokemon characters!

Address: Nihombashi Takashimaya SC East Building (5F) 2-11-2 Nihombashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-0027.

2. Anime And Manga Stores

There’s no better place to buy your favorite anime and manga merchandise than in Japan! There’s an ocean of wonderful anime/manga stores available, and among the four top stores are Nakano Broadway, Atrè 1, Mandarake, and Animate.  

Nakano Broadway

Nakano Broadway (中野ブロードウェイ) is a massive complex prized for its numerous stores that offer a wide selection of anime merchandise, idol goods, and a dozen Mandarake stores that sell unique anime & manga collectibles.

You can reach Nakano Broadway via a short walk from Nakano Station or catch a five-minute train from Shinjuku.

Floors two and three are the go-to floors if you’re interested in anime and idol collectibles. You’ll also find a lot of anime magazines, manga, unique collectible merchandise, games, stickers, and high-quality figures to satisfy your curiosity!

After sating your excitement and purchasing the figure or manga books you wanted, you can head down to the ground level, where you can shop for clothing, shoes, and other interesting second-hand goods. If you head even further down to the basement, you can browse a marketplace selling groceries.

Address: 5 Chome-52-15 Nakano, Nakano City, Tokyo 164-0001, Japan

Atrè 1

Atrè 1 is an exciting anime merchandise store directly connected to the JR Akihabara Station. The store has different anime collaborations every two weeks, and you should go inside because they have a pop-up shop where they give away cards of the featured anime for every bit of yen that you spend at any of the participating shops inside!

You can fill up your tank by grabbing your favorite sushi, trying the local Udon, getting a new piece of attire at the clothing store, buying manga and anime magazines, buying snacks & drinks, and picking up some souvenirs – all while getting anime cards for the current collaboration!

Past collaborations include:

• Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie – (Kawaii dake ja Nai Shikimori-san, 可愛いだけじゃない式守さん)
• JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean – (JoJo no Kimyō na Bōken Sutōn Ōshan, ジョジョの奇妙な冒険 ストーンオーシャン)
• Yu-Gi-Oh! – (Yū-Gi-Ō!, Game King, 遊☆戯☆王)
• KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! – (Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku o!, この素晴らしい世界に祝福を！)
• Heavens Burn Red – (Hebun Bānzu Reddo, ヘブンバーンズレッド)

Mandarake

Mandarake (まんだらけ) is the place where your anime figures probably come from, making it a paradise for those seeking figures!

There are eight exciting floors to explore, and if you’re hunting for a specific toy or figure, head up to floor 8, where you’ll find numerous glasses cases packed with figures. You’ll also find a lot of Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh cards, games, and much more.

Mandarake has many unique treasures, including old and rare DVDs, CDs, art books, games, manga, and cards. Floor 7, in particular, is full of cards, stickers, Cars, Trains, and Tokusatsu (live-action & TV drama).

Go to Floor 2 if you’d like to pick up anything related to Mahou Shoujo (magical girl), dolls, or something to complete your cosplay outfit!

Address: 3-chōme-11-12 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021, Japan

Animate Events

Animate (アニメイト) is one of Japan’s largest anime shop chains, with a presence in multiple prefectures across Tokyo covering Aichi, Chiba, Kyoto, Mie, Nagasaki, Osaka, Saitama, and many more! This specialty store sells all your favorite manga, anime, games, and other exclusive items!

One of the coolest features of Animate is its events. They host numerous events with large discounted sale campaigns, and you’ll get to attend a talk show where they interview voice actors and actresses from your favorite anime! 

Anime may host an event called Only Shop, which are pop-up shops overflowing with merchandise from your favorite anime series. You’ll also find areas decorated with anime characters in an immersive setting, allowing you to take photos and make incredible memories!

Address: 4 Chome-3-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021, Japan

3. Visit An Anime Theme Park

What’s better than spending an entire day laughing, riding rides, and having fun at an amusement park? Spending an entire day at an anime & manga-themed amusement park!

Among the most exciting are Joypolis, Fuji-q Highland, Senpario Puroland, and Universal  Studios Japan. There are plenty of things to enjoy for the entire family!  

Joypolis

Joypolis is a massive indoor theme park with a futuristic aesthetic. Created by Sega, it includes a lot of virtual reality opportunities and video-game-themed references. Being indoors, you can enjoy more than 20 types of rides, games, and a roller coaster without concern for the weather!

Joypolis is home to a variety of rides and attractions, including roller coasters, simulators, and virtual reality experiences. The park also features a variety of other interactive attractions, such as a laser maze and a haunted house.

And of course, a video game amusement park wouldn’t be complete without arcade games! There are many games to enjoy, like Sonic the Hedgehog, House of the Dead, a competitive PvP (player vs. player) virtual reality shooter, and popular anime-style games, including Attack on Titan.

One of the most popular attractions at Joypolis is Halfpipe Tokyo, a thrilling ride that combines elements of snowboarding and skateboarding. The ride takes visitors on a thrilling journey up and down a giant halfpipe, providing an adrenaline-pumping experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

After an energetic day of gaming, it’s time to indulge in some food and dessert (not necessarily in that order). You can enjoy a sweet snack by picking up your favorite flavor at the Dippin Dots ice cream store or sitting down for a warm meal at the D-Lounge or Frame Café.

Think you’re going to want to play a lot here? Opt for the Tokyo Joypolis passport — it gives you access to thrilling rides, including 3D attractions and over 20 games.

Why we love it: The Joypolis passport gives you unlimited readmission to the park during the day, so take the time to explore Odaiba then come back as you please!

There’s a shopping center directly connected to the amusement park, with the train station in front. The staff can speak conversational English.

Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park

Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park is an outdoor amusement park in Fujiyoshida at the base of Mount Fuji.

You can expect several adrenaline-filled roller coasters (including several that hold world records for their speed and height) and two haunted attractions for those who have always wanted to take the Test of Courage you see in many anime!

But beyond the rides, Fuji-Q Highland is also a popular destination for anime fans.

One of the main reasons anime fans should visit Fuji-Q Highland is that the park has several attractions based on popular anime and manga series. For example, there is a Naruto attraction where visitors can experience a virtual reality version of the series’ famous ninja battles. There is also a One Piece attraction where visitors can ride a roller coaster based on the series’ pirate adventures.

In addition to these anime-themed attractions, Fuji-Q Highland also hosts several anime-related events throughout the year. For example, the park has hosted Attack on Titan and Evangelion events in the past, featuring special exhibits, merchandise, and food inspired by the series.

Some other must-do’s while you’re at the park? Get scared! The Haunted Hospital holds the title of the world’s first & largest haunted attraction. The other attraction is the Hopeless Fortress, a maze where you’ll deal with innumerable doors, halls, and rooms designed to test your imagination, deducing ability, and wisdom – all within a time limit, of course!

Sanrio Puroland

The name of the game at Sanrio Puroland is all things kawaii (cute)! It’s an indoor theme park adored by kids and adults, where you can meet favorite Sanrio characters including Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Little Twin Stars, among others.

The park features a variety of attractions, including live shows, parades, and interactive experiences that allow visitors to meet and interact with their favorite Sanrio characters. Some of the most popular attractions include the “Kitty’s House” exhibit, which is a recreation of Hello Kitty’s home, and the “Sanrio Character Boat Ride,” which takes visitors on a journey through the world of Sanrio characters.

You can enjoy theme rides, cinemas, food that tastes as sweet as it looks cute (expect everything from Hello Kitty-shaped pancakes to My Melody-themed desserts), and live musical performances!

All in all, Sanrio Puroland is a must-visit destination for fans of Sanrio characters and anyone who loves cute and kawaii culture. 

Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan is a popular theme park located in Osaka, Japan that caters to kids and adults of all ages. While it is a bit further away from Tokyo, we thought we’d mention it because it is such a big draw for visitors to Japan!

The rides, merchandise, and other goodies refer to a wide range of blockbuster Hollywood movies, popular game characters in the Nintendo universe, and many more manga & anime contributions.

Perhaps the biggest draw to the park is its Super Nintendo World, perfect for video game lovers who want to reenact their favorite Super Mario games in real life.

Universal Studios Japan also has several attractions based on popular anime series! For example, there is a 4-D attraction mean to immerse you in the world of JUJUTSU KAISEN. There is also a Detective Conan attraction where visitors can solve mysteries and puzzles inspired by the series.

As many of these anime collaborations are limited-time only, events are always changing at the park! You can check out all the current attractions here.

4. Anime-Themed Cafés

There are plenty of anime-themed cafés to enjoy throughout Tokyo, each with its unique style and theme. You’ll discover maid cafés and character cafés that focus on a specific character in a manga or anime, and collaboration cafés that adopt the theme of a specific anime.

• Maid Café – meido kissa (メイド喫茶) or meido kafe (メイドカフェ) is a café where servers dress in maid costumes and serve customers.

• Character Café – a type of specialty café that collaborates with movies, games, anime, and manga to create a similarly themed menu. You can expect beautifully decorated items and even exclusive merchandise on sale!

• Collaboration Café – similar to how anime stores collaborate and host a specific theme around that anime or game for a set time, restaurants do that, too! Your snacks, desserts, foods, and beverages will have an exciting twist, including the central theme of the anime or manga!

There are numerous anime-themed cafés around Tokyo, with some like the Gundam Cafe, Pokemon Café and Sailor Moon Café garnering more popularity.

• Gundam Cafe is a collaboration cafe that is dedicated to the popular Gundam franchise. The cafe features a variety of Gundam-themed food and drinks, as well as merchandise and a futuristic interior design.
• At Pokemon Center’s cafe, you can expect Pokemon-themed utensils, Pikachu Omurice (Omu-raisu, オムライス), Pokeball snacks, Pokemon plates, cups, and desserts!
• The Sailor Moon Café is inside Roppongi Museum and offers several Sailor Moon-themed snacks and cakes. Fans of the series will recognize the dessert plates that mimic the  Cosmic Heart Compact.

If maid cafes are more your vibe, here are a few in Akihabara:

1. Maidreamin Akihabara: Maidreamin Akihabara is one of the most popular maid cafes in Tokyo, with a location in the heart of Akihabara. The cafe features cute and friendly maids who serve food and drinks, sing and dance, and play games with customers. You can also go to their other location, Maid Cafe Maidreamin Electric Town Store.
2. @Home Cafe: @Home Cafe is another popular maid cafe in Akihabara that features cute and friendly maids who serve food and drinks. The cafe also offers a variety of photo opportunities and interactive experiences for customers.
3. Cure Maid Cafe: Cure Maid Cafe is a maid cafe that features a variety of cute Victorian-themed maids who serve food and drinks.

While these are a bit less anime-themed, we thought we’d include them here as well:

• Monster Party: a truly quirky cafe where your severs have one cyclops-like eye instead of two! It’s located near Tokyo’s otaku mecca Akihabara. You’ll be able to choose what you want from a monster-themed menu. Similarly to other concept or maid cafés, guests are expected to order a food or drink item in addition to the entry fee.
• Pompompurin Cafe: a character cafe that is dedicated to the popular Sanrio character Pompompurin!

Animate Cafes

Then, there’s the Animate Cafés located all over Tokyo. This brand loves collaborating with game companies and anime/cartoons to create limited-time themed cafés.

The venues change their themes regularly, each one dedicated to a different anime and serving up themed menus and exclusive merch you can’t get from any other store.

Arrive early to reserve a dining slot for the day — they often get booked up fast! You can see what themed cafes are live at the moment here.

5. Ghibli Museum

The Ghibli Museum is a museum in Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan, dedicated to the works of the renowned Japanese animation studio, Studio Ghibli. The museum is housed in a whimsical, three-story building that was designed by Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki himself, and is surrounded by a beautiful park.

The Ghibli Museum combines elements of technology, fine arts, and children’s museums to bring you something truly unique in the name of appreciating Japanese animation!

Director Hayao Miyazaki designed Ghibli Museum with the help of storyboards which he utilized during his film career. He drew a lot of inspiration from European architecture like Calcata, Italy. The preparation of the museum took three years (1998 – 2001) before officially opening. It’s a sight to see!

You’ll get to gaze upon a Catbus replica from My Neighbor Totoro, dine at a small café, browse a quaint will bookstore, stroll through a rooftop garden, and watch a short film produced exclusively by Studio Ghibli.

Tickets often sell out quickly, so if you want to guarantee your entry, you can grab pre-order tickets here.

Address: 1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo 181-0013

6. Unicorn Gundam Statue

The Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn series fans will be in awe of the majestic, life-size version of RX-0 Unicorn Gundam outside Odaiba’s DiverCity Tokyo Plaza. The towering statue is 65 ft. (20m) high, making it super-cool and hyper-realistic for anime fans who want to take photos!

The statue is made of steel and features a variety of intricate details, including glowing LED lights and moving parts that simulate the mecha’s transformation.

Visitors can view the Unicorn Gundam Statue from various angles, both during the day and at night when it is illuminated with colorful lights. There is also a viewing platform located near the statue that offers a closer look at the details of the mecha.

In addition to the statue itself, there is also a Gundam-themed cafe and gift shop located inside the DiverCity Tokyo Plaza shopping mall, as well as a Gundam museum that showcases the history and art of the Gundam franchise.

7. The Gundam Base Tokyo

The Gundam Base in Tokyo brings together the dreams of every Gundam fan under one roof. You’ll be able to purchase any piece of Gundam merchandise you can think of,  including special editions and reprints, and read about their models.

There are Gundam models as far as the eye can see, like BB, SD, HD, and even some unique customized and limited edition models! It’s a must-see for Gundam enthusiasts!

8. Tokyo Anime Center

The Tokyo Anime Center (東京アニメセンター) is a neat establishment for anime enthusiasts of all types! The center is known for its live radio interviews with voice actors and actresses and its incredible selection of anime goods during its merchandising fairs.  

In the past, they hosted an event for the Rebuild of Evangelion movie, which included cool life-sized cardboard standups of Rei Ayanami from Evangelion and even enticing demos about what you can expect from the anime.

You’ll find an anime collaboration café on the first floor of the DNP plaza, which features themes about the current anime exhibition. Expect several tasty and well-designed items on the menu to match the anime’s themes!

The Special Exhibition Area is where you want to buy popular manga, anime, and games – some of which are exclusive to DNP – plus some cool content created by using virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).

The actual store area connects to the exhibition, where they sell high-definition anime DNP products, while the pop-up store has new and exciting items for sale every three weeks! 

Address: 150-0041 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jinnan, 1 Chome−21−3, Marui City Shibuya, 2F

9. Spend All Day In Akihabara

Akihabara is arguably the most exciting area you’ll visit in Japan regarding everything anime, manga, and games! The buildings in this district are splattered with posters, ads, and news about upcoming anime titles, manga volumes, and your favorite game releases!

There are also plenty of maid cafés to satisfy your curiosity and some of the coolest arcades with games that you have likely never seen before!

Akihabara aims to create the ideal atmosphere for anime fans by showcasing all the latest things related to anime, so expect maids and cosplayers to walk the streets! You may even attend events to meet your favorite anime voice actors and actresses and get their autographs!

You can expect to find the most extensive collection of manga, anime, figures, toys, games, cosplay items, and just about anything else you can think of – this is the place to get the best of it.

The Akihabara Radio Kaikan (Akihabara Rajio Kaikan, 秋葉原ラジオ会館) and Super Potato (Sūpā Poteto, スーパーポテト) are among the best stores for retro video games and anime goods!

While Akihabara Radio Kaikan used to sell an abundance of electronic components, they have since populated their shelves with manga and anime goods for die-hard fans!

Super Potato is worth a quick visit too. It’s a retro videogame store where you can pick up good ol’ consoles, figures, games, and other merchandise relating to dated games.

You can expect to find things relating to Super Mario, Metal Slug,  Zelda, Donkey Kong, and more! If you’re on the hunt for an old, working NES console, you can find one here, too!

👉 Looking for something outside of Akihabara? While Akihabara is geared more towards men, the ladies will feel at home in Ikebukuro, where many stores focus on the genres and series most popular with women. Finally, the Nakano Broadway Mall is where Mandarake’s secondhand goods empire is located. With dozens of shops, each devoted to a different genre, it’s the perfect place to hunt down rare merch.

10. Play arcade games at GiGO Akihabara

GiGO Akihabara (formerly SEGA) is a popular arcade complex located in the Akihabara district of Tokyo, Japan. The arcade is a must-visit destination for anime lovers and gamers and features a wide range of arcade games, many of which are based on popular anime and manga series!

The arcade complex is spread out over several colorful and bright floors, each with its own unique theme and selection of games. The first floor features a variety of crane games and prize machines, as well as a selection of rhythm games and arcade shooters.

The second floor is dedicated to fighting games, with a wide selection of games ranging from classic titles like “Street Fighter” to more recent releases like “Dragon Ball FighterZ.” The third floor features a variety of racing games, including popular titles like “Initial D” and “Wangan Midnight.”

One of the highlights of GiGO Akihabara is its selection of anime and manga-themed arcade games. The arcade features games based on popular series like “One Piece,” “Attack on Titan,” and “Love Live!,” as well as many other anime and manga titles.

In addition to the arcade games, GiGO Akihabara also features a variety of other attractions, including a virtual reality experience center and a karaoke room. You can easily spend hours upon hours in one of these arcades!

If you can’t get enough of the arcade goodness, TAITO Station Akihabara is another arcade game venue you can check out in the area.

There’s also a GiGo and a TAITO Station in Shinjuku as well!

11. Otome Road (Maiden Road)

Otome Road, also known as Maiden Road (乙女ロード), is a street in the Ikebukuro neighborhood of Tokyo, Japan, that is known for its many shops and cafes catering to female otaku, or fans of anime, manga, and video games aimed at a female audience.

While Akihabara has mostly anime that caters to a male audience, Otome Road exists as a shopping hub and cultural experience for women who adore anime and manga!

The street is located near the Sunshine City shopping complex and features a variety of shops that sell merchandise related to popular anime and manga series aimed at women, such as Sailor Moon, Cardcaptor Sakura, and K-On! These shops offer a wide range of products, including clothing, accessories, collectibles, and doujinshi, or self-published manga and novels.

In addition to the shops, Otome Road also features several cafes and restaurants that cater to female otaku! Specifically, there is a butler café in the basement of K-Books comics! Yes, REALLY! At Swallowtail Butler Café you are waited on hand and foot by handsome Japanese men dressed as butlers.

How to find Otome Road: At Ikebukuro Station take the Sunshine City exit. Walk past the Sunshine City complex, turn right, walk past the Toyota Amlux building, and continue until you see the Animate building sign. It’ll be on the road where you’ll find K-books, Lashinban, and Mandrake stores!

12. Tokyo Character Street

Tokyo Character Street is a paradise if you love cute characters like Rilakkuma, Snoopy, and Hello Kitty!

It also has plenty of great shops that feature popular anime characters from One Piece, Pokemon, Miffy, and even Domo-Kun! It’s one of the best places to grab a last-minute gift or souvenir.

Located in the extremely large and bustling basement of Tokyo Station, it can be a little tricky finding it, so here’s how to do it:

Character Street is in the First Avenue section of Tokyo Station, so look for signage that points you in the right direction. A staircase will lead down to First Avenue, which is on the basement floor.

It’s more accessible to go via the Yaesu Central side. You know you’re in the right place when you can see Okashi Land, Ramen Street, and Character Street.

You can expect to find a lot of interesting merchandise relating to characters like:

• Doraemon
• Ghibli
• Shin-Chan
• local TV station characters
• Anime & manga
• Gudetama
• LINE (trains)
• Sumikko Gurashi (cute & shy creatures on kids’ t-shirts)
• Lego
• Moomin

13. JUMP SHOP

Don’t miss the anime-lover favorite, JUMP SHOP, while you’re at Character Street in Tokyo Station!

The JUMP SHOP is a branch of JUMP manga that sells officially licensed goods and products of the characters featured in the Weekly Jump magazine. You can expect to find merchandise related to popular anime series like One Piece, Naruto, Dragon Ball, My Hero Academia, Haikyu!!, and Demon Slayer.

These jam-packed stores carry a wide range of goods, from clothing to keychains, stickers to stationery, as well as other great memorabilia that double as souvenirs for your anime-loving friends back home!

You can find JUMP SHOP’s in Tokyo Character Street, Tokyo Dome, Tokyo SkyTree, and Shibuya.

14. Suginami Animation Museum

The Suginami Animation Museum is a free museum (primarily for younger fans of anime) located in Suginami, Tokyo, Japan, that is dedicated to the art and history of Japanese animation. 

The Suginami Animation Museum offers a comprehensive look at the history of Japanese animation, from its earliest beginnings to the present day. Visitors can learn about the key figures and milestones in the development of Japanese animation, and see how the art form has evolved over time. You can also expect art from some of Japan’s most prominent animators!

The museum features a variety of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience the art and techniques of animation firsthand. Visitors can try their hand at creating their own animation, explore the process of voice acting, and learn about the technology behind animation production. It’s quite immersive to say the least.

The museum is mainly for kids, meaning there will be areas where they can draw and an exciting anime and manga library to browse!

Address: 3F Suginami Kaikan Building 3-29-5 Kamiogi, Suginami City, Tokyo

15. Fujiko F. Fujio Museum

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The Fujiko F. Fujio Museum is a museum located in Kawasaki, Japan (a 52-minute train ride from Tokyo), that is dedicated to the life and work of the manga artist Fujiko F. Fujio, who is best known for creating the popular manga and anime series Doraemon.

The museum is housed in a whimsical, three-story building that was designed to resemble Fujiko’s artwork. The museum features a variety of exhibits and displays that showcase Fujiko’s artwork and the history of his career, including original artwork, sketches, and animation cells from his many manga and anime series.

One of the highlights of the Fujiko F. Fujio Museum is the recreation of Fujiko’s studio, which features his original desk, tools, and other personal belongings. You can actually transport yourself to Fujiko’s world and learn about his creative process!

The museum also features a variety of interactive exhibits and installations that are designed to bring Fujiko’s artwork to life. For example, you can explore a recreation of the town from Doraemon and interact with exhibits that showcase the technology and gadgets from the series!

16. Go On An “Anime Pilgrimage”

Participating in an “anime pilgrimage” is a popular activity these days for anime lovers visiting Tokyo. An anime pilgrimage involves visiting real-life locations that are featured in popular anime series, as well as locations that are associated with the creators and studios behind the anime.

For example, fans of the anime series “Your Lie in April” might visit the Setagaya Ward in Tokyo, which is the real-life location of the school where the main characters attend. Fans of the anime series “K-On!” might visit the district of Toyosato in Shiga Prefecture, which is the real-life location of the high school that inspired the setting of the series.

Other popular anime pilgrimage destinations include the Tokyo Tower, which is featured in the anime series “Sailor Moon,” and the city of Kamakura, which is the setting of the anime series “Elfen Lied.”

This form of tourism has become so popular in recent years that there’s now an Anime Tourism Association, and they’ve released a list of 88 anime pilgrimage sites every year since 2018. Follow along if you’re a diehard anime fan!

Going on an anime pilgrimage is a great way to explore Tokyo and its surrounding areas while also experiencing the world of anime in a unique and immersive way! It allows fans to connect with their favorite series on a deeper level and appreciate the real-life locations that inspired them.

17. Experience Manga’s Roots In Toshima City

For starters, the area around Ikebukuro Station East Exit is where you can find a bunch of anime-related shops. This is just about where Maiden Road is, and you can find it often thronged with anime fans!

But if you make a little trip further to Minami-Nagasaki, you will find the Tokiwaso Manga Museum, a reconstruction of the Tokiwaso apartment building, where legendary cartoonist spent their youth.

Tokiwaso is a historic apartment building in Toshima City, that played an important role in the history of manga. In the 1950s and 1960s, Tokiwaso was home to a group of young manga artists who would go on to become some of the most influential figures in the industry, including Osamu Tezuka, Fujio Akatsuka, and Shotaro Ishinomori.

The artists who lived in Tokiwaso were part of a movement known as “manga gekiga,” which was characterized by a more mature and realistic style of storytelling. They were also part of a larger cultural movement that was challenging traditional Japanese values and embracing new forms of expression.

Today, Tokiwaso is recognized as an important site in the history of manga, and is designated as a cultural landmark by the Toshima City government. The building has been preserved and restored, and visitors can explore a small museum on the first floor that showcases the work of the artists who lived there.

Feel the manga and anime culture while strolling around this town!

18. Attend A Cosplay Event

Cosplay is the ultimate form for any anime, manga, or video game fan who wants to show their love and appreciation for their media of choice! Millions of cosplayers spend hours assembling the perfect costume and applying the right make-up to replicate their favorite anime character.

If you’re looking to add to your collection, Akihabara is a fantastic place to find the last matching part of your costume. Stores like ACOS, Bodyline, and Cosmate offer complete cosplay dresses, make-up, rings, shoes, hair products & accessories, and whatever else your cosplaying heart can think of – you won’t regret it!

As you’ll quickly see, cosplay is a big deal in Japan. In fact, Japan hosted the first World Cosplay Summit in Nagoya, Japan in October 2003, and the activity has since exploded in popularity all across Japan and the world.

Comiket and Wonder Festival, in particular, are some of the most popular cosplaying events to ever grace the borders of Japan! They go by a few names:

• Comic Market  (Komikku Māketto, コミックマーケット)
• Comiket (Komiketto, コミケット)
• Comike (Komike, コミケ)  
• Wonder Festival (ワンダーフェスティバル)
• Wonfes (Wanfesu, ワンフェス) 

Comiket happens semi-annually and describes itself as a doujinshi convention allowing people to sell their own published books. Since its inception, Comiket has exploded in popularity, with an impressive attendance of 750,000 in 2019.

Japan hosts Comiket at Tokyo Big Sight in August and December, and both events are differentiated according to the Summer Comic Market (, Natsukomi, 夏コミ) and the Winter Comic Market (Fuyukomi, 冬コミ).

Like Comiket, the Wonder Festival is also a semi-annual event, but it’s hosted in February and August. The host location is in the Makuhari Messe, in Chiba.

The event’s primary focus is to sell sculptures called garage kits, which represent popular manga and anime characters, plus sci-fi and mecha characters like Kuratas (ridable & user-operated mecha).

The models are incredibly detailed, so much so that they have minimal quantity and go for high bids from avid collectors. Creators also show off their creations during the WSC (wonder showcase), where they may get special attention for the works.

If you happen to be in town during one of these cosplay events, why not attend and elevate your experience in Japan that much more?

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Other Anime Events In Tokyo, Japan

Here are some of the top anime events and festivals that take place in Tokyo:

AnimeJapan (March): AnimeJapan is one of the largest anime events in Japan, featuring exhibits, stage shows, and panels from major anime studios and companies. The event takes place annually in March at the Tokyo Big Sight convention center.

Tokyo Anime Award Festival (March): The Tokyo Anime Award Festival is an annual event that celebrates the best of Japanese animation. The event features screenings, exhibits, and awards ceremonies for the best anime films and series of the year, and takes place in March at various locations throughout Tokyo.

Comiket (August and December): Comiket, short for Comic Market, is a biannual event that takes place at the Tokyo Big Sight convention center. The event is focused on self-published manga, doujinshi, and other fan-made works, and attracts thousands of attendees from around the world.

Tokyo Game Show (September): While not exclusively focused on anime, the Tokyo Game Show is a major event for anime and video game fans alike. The event features exhibits, demos, and panels from major video game companies and is held annually in September at the Makuhari Messe convention center.

Jump Festa (December): Jump Festa is an annual event that celebrates the popular manga magazine Weekly Shonen Jump. The event features stage shows, exhibits, and special guests from the world of anime and manga.

Anime Festival Asia: Anime Festival Asia is a traveling anime and manga event that takes place in several cities throughout Asia, including Tokyo. The event features exhibits, stage shows, and panels from major anime studios and companies, and attracts thousands of attendees each year.

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Planning Your Trip To Japan?

Here are some of our other Japan travel guides to help you plan an incredible trip!

Tokyo

• 15 Best Hotels In Tokyo Near JR Yamanote Line (With Map)
• 2 Days In Tokyo, Japan: Best Things To Do With Your Time
• The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary In Tokyo, Japan
• Tokyo Travel Tips: 50 Things To Know Before You Go
• 10 Other Cities Worth Visiting Near Tokyo, Japan
• 20 Best Things To Do In Tokyo At Night
• 18+ Best Attractions In Tokyo For Anime Lovers
• 20 Top Things To Do In Shinjuku, Tokyo’s High-Energy District
• Disney Tokyo vs. DisneySea: Which One Is Right For You?
• 10 Of My Favorite Cheap Eats In Tokyo, Japan
• 10 Best Tattoo-Friendly Onsens Near Tokyo, Japan

Kyoto

• The Perfect Kyoto Itinerary: 5 Days In Kyoto, Japan (+ Nara and Osaka)
• 2 Days In Kyoto: The Ultimate Kyoto Highlights Itinerary
• 7 Best Ryokans In Kyoto To Truly Feel Relaxed

Osaka

• Osaka Day Trip From Kyoto: Best Things To Do In Osaka, Japan
• Where To Stay In Osaka, Japan: Neighborhood Guide

Japan In General

• Japan On A Budget: 45 Essential Tips For An Affordable Vacation
• Best Of Japan: The Perfect 2-Week Itinerary For First-Timers
• 18 Popular Foods To Try In Japan
• 15 Amazing Onsen Towns In Japan To Visit On Your Next Trip

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