When it comes to anime, there’s no places to visit in tokyo. The city breathes and thrives on pop culture, making it a paradise for anime lovers. If you are a fan of action-packed shonen, heartwarming slice-of-life, or fantasy-filled isekai, Tokyo has a spot that caters to your passion.
Here’s what to expect:
- Iconic anime districts filled with merch and collectibles
- Themed cafes featuring your favorite characters
- Interactive anime attractions that make you feel part of the story
- Unique museums dedicated to legendary animators
- Must-visit shops with exclusive and rare anime goodies
So, if you’re planning a trip to Tokyo and want to dive into the anime culture, here are 10 must-visit places to check out by Tourist Attractiveness.
1. Akihabara – The Mecca of Anime & Gaming
If anime had a capital city, it would be Akihabara. This neon-lit district is where anime, manga, and gaming collide, offering an overwhelming number of stores selling everything from figures to limited-edition Blu-rays. Don’t miss:
- Mandarake Akihabara: Rare and vintage manga & figures
- Animate Akihabara: Your one-stop shop for anime merch
- Super Potato: Retro gaming heaven
- Akihabara Radio Kaikan: Multi-floor shopping experience for hardcore fans
2. Ghibli Museum – A Magical Experience
Located in Mitaka, this museum is a love letter to Studio Ghibli’s iconic films. Designed by Hayao Miyazaki himself, it’s a mix of art, imagination, and nostalgia.
- Watch an exclusive short film you won’t find anywhere else
- Walk through life-sized sets from movies like My Neighbor Totoro
- Explore the rooftop garden, home to a giant Laputa robot
Note: Tickets must be reserved in advance!
3. Nakano Broadway – A Hidden Treasure Trove
If Akihabara feels too mainstream, Nakano Broadway is your underground alternative. This multi-story shopping complex is packed with niche anime stores and collector’s items.
- Mandarake Nakano: A massive collection of rare manga and figures
- Anime cel shops: Original production art from classic anime
- Dojinshi (fan-made manga) heaven
4. Pokémon Center Tokyo DX & Café
Pokémon lovers, this one’s for you. This flagship store has an extensive lineup of exclusive Pokémon merchandise and a themed café that serves adorable Pokémon-inspired dishes.
- Special edition plushies only available here
- Life-sized Pokémon statues for the perfect photo op
- Pokémon TCG & games to test your skills
5. Odaiba – Digital Anime Wonderland
Odaiba is home to several anime attractions, including:
- DiverCity Tokyo Plaza: Houses the life-sized Unicorn Gundam that lights up at night
- Tokyo Joypolis: Sega’s arcade paradise with anime-themed VR rides
- TeamLab Borderless: A digital art museum that blends futuristic visuals with anime aesthetics
6. J-World Tokyo (Jump Theme Park) [Closed in 2019, but Jump fans still have options]
While J-World shut down, anime fans can still enjoy Jump Shop locations around Tokyo. These stores are dedicated to Shonen Jump titles like One Piece, Naruto, and Dragon Ball.
7. Ikebukuro – The Female Anime Fan’s Paradise
While Akihabara is geared towards male fans, Ikebukuro is a haven for female anime lovers.
- Otome Road: Specializes in BL (Boys’ Love) manga & merch
- Animate Ikebukuro: A larger store with tons of exclusive anime goods
- Butler Cafés: A charming experience where you’re treated like royalty
8. One Piece Tower (Closed in 2020) [But there’s still hope for One Piece fans]
Although the official One Piece theme park is no longer around, fans can visit:
- Tokyo Tower One Piece Exhibit: Occasionally holds events
- One Piece Mugiwara Store: Located in Shibuya, this store is packed with exclusive Straw Hat Crew goodies
9. Shibuya Parco – The New Anime Hub
A modern anime paradise that opened in 2019, featuring:
- Nintendo Tokyo Store: Official Nintendo merch
- Capcom Store: Resident Evil, Monster Hunter, and more
- Jump Shop Shibuya: More Shonen Jump merch
- Pokémon Center Shibuya: Unique, futuristic store design
10. Fujiko F. Fujio Museum – Doraemon’s Home
A dream come true for Doraemon fans! This museum is dedicated to the legendary creator of the blue robotic cat.
- See original sketches and artwork
- Play with life-sized Doraemon props
- Enjoy a themed café with adorable Doraemon-inspired dishes
Comparison Table: Which Anime Spot Suits You Best?
| Place | Best For | Key Attractions |
| Akihabara | Hardcore collectors | Anime merch, gaming, maid cafés |
| Ghibli Museum | Studio Ghibli fans | Exclusive film, Totoro exhibits |
| Nakano Broadway | Retro & niche collectors | Rare anime goods, vintage manga |
| Pokémon Center DX | Pokémon lovers | Exclusive plushies, Pokémon café |
| Odaiba | Sci-fi & tech fans | Life-sized Gundam, VR rides |
| Ikebukuro | Female anime fans | Otome Road, butler cafés |
| Shibuya Parco | Gamers & modern anime | Nintendo & Capcom stores |
| Fujiko F. Fujio Museum | Doraemon fans | Artwork, interactive exhibits |
Final Thoughts
Tokyo is a dream come true for anime lovers. So if you are hunting for rare collectibles, diving into immersive experiences, or just soaking in the anime culture, the city is waiting for you. Be sure to plan ahead, as some places require reservations or have limited-time exhibits. And, most importantly, have fun exploring the anime wonderland that is Tokyo!
Also Read: 8 Best Things to do in Tokyo at Night