Otaku Place for Anime & Manga Fans: 10 Must-see Spots in Tokyo
Tokyo, as Japan's capital, is a convergence point for everything Japanese, allowing visitors to experience traditional culture in various locations. With tourist spots scattered throughout areas like Shibuya, Asakusa, and Ueno, there are too many attractions to cover in just one week.
Among Japan's traditional culture, anime and manga have long been popular with foreign visitors. Tokyo stands out nationwide for having the highest concentration of anime and manga-related spots, which are always bustling with tourists. Specialized tours focusing on anime and manga have garnered positive reviews from international visitors.
In this guide, we'll introduce spots that are must-visits for anime and manga fans, as well as locations that can be thoroughly enjoyed even by those unfamiliar with these media.
What is "Otaku Culture" Common Among Japanese Anime and Manga Fans?
Source: BS11
Are you familiar with "otaku culture" (otaku bunka) that's prevalent among Japanese anime and manga fans? "Otaku culture" is a Japanese-originated term referring to the culture created by people (otaku) who are well-versed in Japanese subcultures like manga, anime, games, and idols – elements that Japan proudly presents to the world.
People called "otaku" are characterized by their deep immersion in the worldview surrounding their interests. They find fulfillment in dedicating money and time to their passions, actively sharing information, following their interests, and participating in "seichi junrei" (pilgrimages to locations featured in anime or manga).
Introducing Three Tokyo Districts Known as Otaku Holy Grounds and Their Appeal
Akihabara
When asked about Tokyo's otaku holy grounds (seichi: places where specialty shops and information congregate), Akihabara immediately comes to mind. This area, stocking both popular and rare items, attracts otaku from around the world.
Upon exiting Akihabara Station, you'll find specialty shops dealing in anime, manga, and game merchandise lining the streets. Animate Akihabara Main Store is especially popular among tourists. It's easily accessible, just a 5-minute walk from Akihabara Station, and as a large-scale store, it offers an extensive selection where you're sure to find your favorite items!
During my visit, I found plenty of stock of the latest goods and limited editions of my favorite characters, making for a satisfying shopping experience.
Recommended: "Akihabara Anime & Gaming Adventure Tour" for the Full Otaku
For the ultimate otaku experience, we recommend the "Akihabara Anime & Gaming Adventure Tour." This tour efficiently covers insider spots in Akihabara, including specialized game and anime stores, and maid cafes.
Start by exploring retro video game shops featuring worlds of famous titles like Mario and Dragon Quest. After enjoying anime shops and capsule toy stores, proceed to the main attraction: a maid cafe (meido cafe: where female staff dress as maids). Becoming a "master" served by cute maids offers a unique experience you can't find anywhere else.
The tour guide provides deep insights, helping you discover new aspects of Akihabara. The content is so rich that three hours pass in no time.
Meeting Point
- Tour Area: Akihabara
- Start Time: 14:00
Ikebukuro
The second otaku holy ground is Ikebukuro. On the west side of Sunshine 60, there's a famous anime street known among otaku as "Ikebukuro Otome Road." This area has become one of Tokyo's must-visit otaku places for fans of female-oriented anime and manga.
Along this 200-meter street, you'll find specialty shops selling anime merchandise targeting female audiences, including BL (Boys' Love genre) and yuri (works featuring female couples) content.
The Otome Building, just a 30-second walk from Sunshine 60, is another unmissable spot. It's renowned for its theme of "Entertainment for Women" and is particularly famous for letting visitors immerse themselves in the characters and worlds of "Otomate," a gaming brand for female players. The building's interior design alone is worth seeing for its exciting atmosphere.
Nakano
The third otaku sanctuary is Nakano. Nakano Broadway, a shopping center immediately accessible from Nakano Station, houses numerous specialized shops selling anime figures, cosplay items, and vintage toys.
A highlight is "Mandarake," which started as a used bookstore in Nakano but gradually expanded to include anime-related merchandise, quickly becoming popular through word of mouth among otaku. They've grown to operate multiple related shops from the 1st to 4th floors, expanding their inventory to include rare items and various genres.
Nakano Broadway, packed with Japanese subculture beyond just anime and manga, is also popular for its nostalgic atmosphere. I personally felt the unique, passionate otaku energy when I first stepped inside. It's recommended for those who want to experience a deeper otaku culture than what you'll find in Akihabara or Ikebukuro.
5 Must-Visit Spots in Tokyo for Anime and Manga Fans
Ghibli Museum in Mitaka
Source: Tokyo Shimbun
The Ghibli Museum, supervised by Studio Ghibli, the creators of hit films like "My Neighbor Totoro," "Spirited Away," and "Kiki's Delivery Service," is one of Tokyo's premier otaku destinations.
Upon entering, you're greeted by a large Totoro. Inside, you'll find exhibitions of Ghibli film storyboards, frescoes, and a museum shop stocked with original items - a paradise for Ghibli fans.
My recommendation is the mini theater showing original short animations. These stories can only be viewed here, so don't miss out!
The admission ticket, made from actual movie film, shows the museum's playful spirit. You might get lucky and receive a film strip from your favorite Ghibli movie!
Store Information:
- Address: 1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka City
- Hours: 10:00-18:00
- Closed: Tuesdays (irregular)
- Phone: 0570-05-5777
- Official Website: https://www.ghibli-museum.jp/
Sanrio Puroland
Source: LINE
Sanrio Puroland is a theme park operated by Sanrio, the company that created beloved characters like Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, and My Melody. Visitors can immerse themselves in the magical world of Sanrio through character meet-and-greets, parades, shows, and various attractions, making it a prime destination for otaku culture enthusiasts.
My recommendation is the Character Food Court. This restaurant serves meals inspired by popular characters, with their signature dishes being curry and ramen decorated in adorably creative ways. The character-themed dishes are so meticulously crafted that they almost seem too beautiful to eat. Be sure to take photos before diving in!
Store Information:
- Address: 1-31 Ochiai, Tama City
- Hours: 8:30-18:00 (varies by date)
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 042-339-1111
- Official Website: https://www.puroland.jp/
Suginami Animation Museum
Source: Official X
The Suginami Animation Museum is a comprehensive museum dedicated to Japanese anime, attracting visitors from both Japan and abroad. It's highly regarded for its workshops where visitors of all ages can learn about anime history and production processes, making it a perfect spot for otaku tourism.
A notable highlight is the famous signature pillar near the entrance. The pillar features original autographs from renowned manga artists, animators, and voice actors, making it a precious spot to see many famous signatures at once. I got extremely excited when I found signatures of characters I knew!
Besides permanent exhibitions, they regularly host special exhibitions with corresponding theater screenings. Even if you're not an anime fan, this facility lets you reconnect with your inner child.
Store Information:
- Address: 3F, 3-29-5 Kamiogi, Suginami-ku
- Hours: 10:00-18:00
- Closed: Mondays, New Year holidays
- Phone: 03-3396-1510
- Official Website: https://sam.or.jp/
Pokémon Cafe & Pokémon Center Nihonbashi
Source: Official website
Pokémon Cafe & Pokémon Center Nihonbashi is a spot where you can purchase original Pokémon merchandise and enjoy the official Pokémon café. It's an irresistible destination for Pokémon fans, offering photo opportunities with Pikachu and Mew, along with special events.
The highlight is the character-designed dishes available at the Pokémon Cafe. I recommend the Pikachu Soufflé Pancake. Not only is the fluffy pancake delicious, but the Pikachu-shaped design is so cute that I couldn't stop taking photos.
Beyond sweets, they offer a wide variety of meals and drinks, making it perfect for lunch or a casual break.
Store Information:
- Address: 5F, 2-11-2 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku
- Hours: 10:30-22:00 (DX until 21:00)
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: (DX) 03-6262-6452 (Cafe) 03-6262-3439
- Official Website: https://www.pokemon.co.jp/shop/pokecen/tokyodx/
JUMP SHOP Tokyo Dome City
Source: Official website
The JUMP SHOP at Tokyo Dome City specializes in selling original merchandise from Shueisha's (a major publishing company that publishes Jump) popular works, mainly focusing on Weekly Shonen Jump series. The store features a wide range of products from figures and accessories to manga volumes and back issues.
Popular series merchandise like "ONE PIECE," "Jujutsu Kaisen," and "My Hero Academia" are densely displayed throughout the store, making the shopping experience enjoyable. Inside, you'll find a life-sized figure of Luffy, the protagonist of "ONE PIECE," which is a popular spot for commemorative photos.
Some items may require pre-ordering, so it's recommended to check their website in advance.
Store Information:
- Address: 1-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku
- Hours: 10:00-19:00
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 03-5842-6844
- Official Website: https://www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/shops/s-jumpshop.html
Two Famous Tokyo Spots Featured in Anime and Manga
Sensoji Temple (Demon Slayer)
Sensoji Temple appears in Demon Slayer, a hugely popular manga that began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump in 2016 and has exceeded 150 million copies in circulation.
In the series, the temple is depicted along Nakamise Street, lined with food and souvenir shops. Interestingly, the Kaminarimon Gate isn't shown, accurately reflecting the Taisho era setting when the gate had been destroyed by fire.
The temple has previously hosted special Demon Slayer events. Visitors enjoyed seeing mascot characters of Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke walking around. Even now, the temple remains a popular pilgrimage site for fans. Watching the anime's temple scenes beforehand can enhance your visit experience.
Store Information:
- Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku
- Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-3842-0181
- Official Website: https://www.senso-ji.jp/
Shibuya Scramble Crossing (The Boy and the Beast)
The Shibuya Scramble Crossing was featured in "The Boy and the Beast," a 2015 anime film that won the Japan Academy Prize for Best Animation. The film, set in Shibuya, frequently shows famous landmarks like Shibuya 109 and Center Street. The crossing appears in promotional posters showing Kumatetsu and Kyuta, and serves as a backdrop for crucial story moments.
The Impressive Gundam Statue in Odaiba Offers a Full Day of Entertainment
Source: Official website
Located at DiverCity Tokyo in Odaiba, the life-sized Unicorn Gundam statue is a must-see for mecha fans. During daytime, the Gundam transforms every two hours (11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00), while at night it features a music-synchronized light show.
Odaiba offers numerous attractions including DiverCity shopping mall, Odaiba Marine Park overlooking Tokyo Bay, the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, and the indoor theme park Tokyo Joypolis.
Store Information:
- Address: 1-1 Aomi, Koto-ku
- Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-6380-7800
- Official Website: https://www.unicorn-gundam-statue.jp/