Otaku Place for Anime & Manga Fans 2025: 10 Must-see Spots & 5 Must-Attend Pop Culture Events
Tokyo is the epicenter of Japanese pop culture, with areas like Akihabara, Ikebukuro, and Nakano showcasing the best of what Japan's pop culture has to offer. When I first visited Akihabara, I was overwhelmed by the electric atmosphere and the powerful presence of otaku culture. I'm writing this article because I want to share this incredible experience with international visitors to Japan.
In recent years, as anime and manga have gained popularity worldwide, there's growing interest in guided tours that let visitors explore otaku culture with local experts.
Magical Trip, which won TripAdvisor's #1 tour ranking across all categories in 2024, offers the "Akihabara Anime & Gaming Adventure Tour" where visitors can experience Akihabara's otaku culture alongside local guides. This hugely popular tour has attracted over 3,500 international visitors through 2024.
（Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku was ranked #1）
If you're interested in otaku culture, I recommend starting with this Akihabara tour to deepen your understanding of Japanese pop culture before visiting the otaku spots I'll introduce in this article!
For those who would like to check more tour options for Tokyo, please visit the tours listing page.
Now, let's begin exploring these amazing Anime & Manga spots!
Introduction
Tokyo is Japan's capital where everything converges, so you can experience Japanese traditional culture in various places. Tourist destinations are scattered throughout, including Shibuya, Asakusa, and Ueno, and there are so many tourist spots that you couldn't visit them all in a week.
Among Japanese traditional culture, anime and manga have long been popular with foreigners. Tokyo has an overwhelming number of spots related to anime and manga, which have produced many masterpieces, and these locations are always bustling with tourists. There are even tours specifically for foreigners that focus on anime and manga, which have been gaining a good reputation.
From here, we will introduce not only spots that Japanese anime and manga fans should visit, but also places that even those unfamiliar with them can fully enjoy.
We have also compiled recommended events that we highly recommend participating in if the timing is right, as well as recommended tours for enjoying Tokyo otaku places.
If you are an anime and manga fan, please use this as a reference and fully enjoy Otaku culture in Tokyo.
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
For those who want to visit many anime spots in Japan, using a Custom Tour that focuses on anime spots is also a recommended method.
Magical Trip offers completely Custom Tours that create plans tailored to guests' requests. By entering your preferences on the site, you can create a tour customized to your preferred Japanese city, schedule, and duration.
Of course, you can also build an itinerary centered around anime spots. You can actually visit locations that appeared in your favorite works, or tour places where related events and merchandise sales are held.
Even if you have a favorite anime but don't know specific related spots, please feel free to consult on the site. They will help you with consultations to create a plan that perfectly matches your requests.
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/
If you are visiting Asakusa, it is also recommended to participate in a tour where you can explore the city with a local guide who knows Asakusa well.
The guide is well-versed in Asakusa's traditions and culture, and will provide friendly and enjoyable explanations while walking through the city. Asakusa has a long history and has always been a particularly lively spot in Tokyo where many people gather throughout the ages.
It might be fun to ask about the streets of Asakusa in the early 20th century, which served as the setting for Demon Slayer. Together with the guide, enjoy visiting Sensoji Temple, shopping on the streets, and experiencing tea ceremony.
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Meeting point: In front of Kaminarimon Police Box, Senso-ji
Tour area: Asakusa
Start time: 11:00
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.
If you want to deeply enjoy the beautiful cityscape of Shibuya, have a professional photographer take pictures of the city and you.
With the Tokyo by Night Photography Tour, you can stroll through Shinjuku and Shibuya, Tokyo's representative entertainment districts, with a professional photographer and have your photos taken at your favorite spots and in your preferred style.
The photographer knows many photogenic spots that symbolize the city. If you want to take photos linked to your favorite anime, such as The Boy and the Beast, please consult with the photographer in advance.
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Meeting point: Lion Statue (Right in front of the East exit of Shinjuku Station)
Tour area: Shinjuku, Shibuya
Start time: 17:30
5 Must-Attend Events for Anime and Manga Fans When the Timing is Right
In Tokyo and surrounding areas, several major anime and manga-related events are held every year.
Here are five events we highly recommend attending if your Tokyo stay coincides with their schedules, including AnimeJapan, Comiket, and TOKYO GAME SHOW which is great for game fans. These Tokyo otaku places offer unforgettable experiences for fans visiting Japan.
AnimeJapan 2026
Source:Official website
AnimeJapan is a large-scale anime event where you can enjoy booth exhibitions and stage events featuring popular anime. There are Business Days for companies and Public Days for general participants, and in 2026 it will be held at Tokyo Big Sight, an event venue in Odaiba.
On AnimeJapan's Public Days, booth exhibitions for each work, stage events, and merchandise sales are mainly held.
When I participated last time, I was impressed by the lavishness of the exhibition booths. The exhibition booths for each anime work recreated buildings and caves that appear in the works, and allowed visitors to enjoy games and attractions.
The lavishness of the booths has been increasing year by year, and it's popular to take photos at elaborately decorated booths and post them on social media. If you love anime or want to take memorable photos during your Tokyo stay, please feel free to participate.
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Schedule: Public Days March 28, 29, 2026 9:00-17:00 *Last entry 16:30
Access: 2 minutes walk from Tokyo Big Sight Station [2B] Exit→Tokyo Big Sight
Admission: Advance tickets ¥2,500 / Same-day tickets ¥2,800
Website: https://anime-japan.jp/
TOKYO GAME SHOW
Source:Official website
TOKYO GAME SHOW is a large-scale gaming event held annually in the Tokyo area. There are Public Days when general participants can visit and participate in the event, and Business Days for companies, and it is scheduled to be held for a total of 5 days in 2026.
At TOKYO GAME SHOW, many game makers set up booths where you can try out new games. TOKYO GAME SHOW is an event where you can try out highly anticipated games, such as the latest titles in hugely popular series, earlier than anywhere else.
There are also smartphone game corners, indie game corners, and cosplay corners. What I always look forward to is the corner where the latest technologies related to gaming, such as audio and visual technologies, are exhibited.
If you love games, why not visit during your Tokyo stay?
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Schedule: September 17-21, 2026
Access: Approximately 5 minutes walk from Kaihin Makuhari Station on the JR Keiyo Line→Makuhari Messe
Admission: One-day admission ticket (junior high school students and above) ¥3,000
Website: https://tgs.cesa.or.jp/en (2025 version site)
Tokyo Comic Con
Source:Official website
Tokyo Comic Con is one of the world's largest pop culture events. Comic Con is an event held annually in San Diego, America, and various locations around the world.
Tokyo Comic Con maintains the original American style while holding events that collaborate with Japanese anime and games, allowing visitors to enjoy a uniquely Japanese atmosphere full of individuality.
At the event, there are exhibitions of popular American comics such as Marvel, exhibitions of costumes and props from globally popular American films, and sales of comic works by artists.
There are also many events that anime fans can enjoy, such as voice actor stages featuring performers active in Japanese anime and live performances of Japanese anime songs.
Additionally, in 2025, a special visit and talk show by Johnny Depp, a Hollywood star well-known in Japan, is scheduled and attracting attention.
If you want to enjoy an atmosphere where American and Japanese pop culture merge, be sure to visit Tokyo Comic Con.
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Schedule: December 5-7, 2025
Access: Approximately 5 minutes walk from Kaihin Makuhari Station on the JR Keiyo Line→Makuhari Messe
Admission: 1-day admission ticket (advance) ¥5,500 / (same-day) ¥5,700
Website: https://tokyocomiccon.jp/
JUMP FESTA
Source:Official website
JUMP FESTA is a manga event hosted by the popular manga magazine Weekly Shonen Jump. Weekly Shonen Jump is a manga magazine that has featured famous manga representing Japan, such as Dragon Ball and One Piece.
At JUMP FESTA, you can enjoy stages where voice actor events for animated manga works are held, merchandise sales, and booth exhibitions. What I enjoyed most last time was the Demon Slayer exhibition in the exhibition area.
There was an exhibition recreating the "Infinity Castle" that appears in the latter half of the work, and it was content that allowed you to realistically feel the worldview of the work. The exhibition where you can enjoy precious original drawings of various popular works is also worth noting.
If you love Japanese Shonen Manga, be sure to participate in JUMP FESTA.
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Schedule: December 20-21, 2025
Access: Approximately 5 minutes walk from Kaihin Makuhari Station on the JR Keiyo Line→Makuhari Messe
Admission: Free admission (advance application through app required - please check official website)
Website: https://www.jumpfesta.com/
Comiket
Source:DENGEKI HOBBY WEB
Comiket is known as an event that is the world's largest Doujinshi sales event. Doujinshi are self-published books containing fan art of commercial works such as anime, manga, and games.
Held at large event venues such as Tokyo Big Sight, in addition to Doujinshi sales, many anime and manga-related events and cosplay displays are held.
Comiket is a major event also called the festival of Otaku. Each time, many people gather to purchase Doujinshi featuring high-quality illustrations and novels.
It's also famous as a place to showcase cosplay, where many cosplayers dress up as characters from popular anime and game works. First-time visitors to Comiket can enjoy themselves just by carefully observing high-level cosplay or touring the venue full of excitement.
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Schedule: December 30-31, 2025
Access: 2 minutes walk from Tokyo Big Sight Station [2B] Exit→Tokyo Big Sight
Admission: Wristband ticket (morning entry) ¥1,210 / (afternoon entry) ¥1,000
Website: https://www.comiket.co.jp/
Comiket is Held Not Only in Winter but Also in Summer
Source:Sankei NEWS
Comiket is held not only in winter but also in summer. Comiket is held twice a year, in August during summer and in December during winter.
At both events, you can enjoy Doujinshi sales, various anime, game, and manga events, and cosplay by cosplayers.
For popular Doujinshi featuring fan art, there may be long lines to purchase them. Also, limited edition merchandise of various content sold at Comiket is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For this reason, there are many people who line up outdoors to enter the venue early. Those planning to wait in line at Comiket need to be careful of the harsh summer heat and winter cold. It's recommended to participate after taking proper measures, such as bringing a parasol or warm clothing.
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/
Recommended Tour to Fully Enjoy Otaku Culture in Tokyo
Discover a special tour by MagicalTrip designed for international visitors to fully experience Akihabara, Japan's pop culture mecca.
Akihabara Anime & Gaming Adventure Tour
This intimate 3-hour tour led by experienced English-speaking guides costs $82.44 and efficiently covers Akihabara's most fascinating spots. Visit retro game shops playing 8-bit music, where you can browse classic consoles and games from the golden age of gaming.
The tour includes a guaranteed maid cafe experience, complete with a commemorative photo with cute maids, live performances, and one complimentary drink. Vegan menu options are also available.
With your guide, you can confidently explore places that might be intimidating to enter alone, such as figure shops, cosplay stores, and game centers. The tour receives excellent reviews from a diverse audience - from anime and gaming enthusiasts to newcomers interested in Japanese pop culture, solo travelers, couples, and families.
Bookings are available up to 15 months in advance, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing for flexible travel planning. Why not create special memories in Akihabara with our experienced guides?
For more details: Akihabara Anime & Gaming Adventure Tour
