Japan is the home of anime and manga, the media form that has spread in popularity across the entire globe. Fans of the unique Japanese animated works have so many places they can visit to learn more about the artists behind them. There are also entire theme parks based on the many shows, movies, and books created in Japan, and they are truly a must-see.
If you love anime and are planning to visit Japan in the future, there are 10 specific spots you need to stop by. Whether you're a fan of Sailor Moon, Studio Ghibli, or Attack on Titan, you will love these incredible spaces in Japan.
10 Akihabara
The holy site for all anime faithful is Akihabara, a district in Tokyo that serves as the center for all things and everything anime, manga, and Japanese art. Fans from across the globe should take a trip to this area to find all kinds of merchandise, video games, clothing, trinkets, art pieces, and more, featuring both the most popular and the lesser-known anime shows, movies, and books. There are tons of anime-themed tours to go on and themed stores and cafes to indulge in. It's a marketplace that caters directly to otakus, what a dream!
9 Ghibli Museum
A large majority of anime watchers have seen at least one Studio Ghibli movie, and if even you haven't yet, the museum is still very enjoyable and delightful to walk through. Hayao Miyazaki gets well-deserved recognition in this scenic museum all about the Ghibli animation studio and films. The museum is located in Inokashira Park in Mitaka, a city west of Tokyo. You'll feel like a kid again as you walk through the maze-like museum with so many colors, fantastic exhibits, and beautiful displays.
8 Universal Studios Japan
Located in Osaka is the giant Universal Studios Japan, a 133-acre theme park with so many wonders waiting to be discovered. While there are more themed rides and areas based on non-anime movies, such as Jurassic Park and Nintendo World, there are rides solely themed on anime including Evangelion, Attack on Titan, Lupin the Third, and Godzilla.
Step into the worlds of your favorite films, shows, and stories in the most thrilling, heart-pounding, interactive way!
7 Gundam Base
Located in Tokyo is a gigantic, true-to-scale Gundam standing over the fantastic Gundam Base. Fans of the popular 1980s anime can explore colorful exhibits filled with art and models of the classic mecha suits, and they can even buy one of their own! After buying a Gundam model or just admiring the anime art, fans can head over to the Gundam-themed Cafe and enjoy a mecha themed snack or drink. Be sure to stick around to witness the 64-ft tall Gundam out front transform into its attack mode.
6 Harajuku
If you're headed to Tokyo, you have to find the premier shopping, dining, and entertainment across all of Shibuya and specifically Harajuku. This shopping district is known for its bright colors, street art, and wild fashion. There's tons of cosplay to discover and endless mouth-watering snacks to indulge in. Find merch from your favorite anime or stock up on the latest and greatest manga, then down a bowl of spicy ramen while sipping on sake. There are plenty of museums and art exhibits ready to be explored in this exciting area.
5 Pokemon Center
There are multiple Pokemon Centers across the country, but the biggest one is the MEGA Center in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. Purchase games, merchandise, home goods, figurines, trading cards, and more from this store that is all about the famous Pocket Monsters franchise.
It's fun to just walk through and window shop, as well. All Pokemon fans will want to stop by this fantastic spot during their Japan visit and pick up a new pack of cards or a Pikachu plushie.
4 Nijigen no Mori
Have you ever wanted to visit Naruto and his fellow ninja in the peaceful Hidden Leaf Village? Well now you can! Stop by Nijigen no Mori in Awaji Island park, where you can pose next to the Hokage heads, get lost in a magical forest, eat a variety of delicious local dishes, and zip-line into the mouth of a massive Godzilla! It's a fairly new park, having opened in just 2019, and it's eager to welcome you through its wondrous doors.
3 Suga Shrine Staircase
It's rare to be a big anime fan who hasn't seen the massively successful film Your Name by Makoto Shinkai. The two protagonists finally meet each other in Yotsuya, an area in Tokyo. Taki met eyes with Mitsuha while he was on the Yamanote Line and she was on the Sobu Line, before hopping off and running to meet her on the iconic red steps of the Suga Shrine. Located just 8 minutes down the road is Taki's apartment, where he lives on the 6th floor.
2 Dogo Onsen
The beautiful Dōgo Onsen is a hot spring located in Matsuyama, on the island Shikoku. It is one of Japan's oldest and most famous onsens, having been built back in 1894. Besides being a relaxing place to visit and soak in some local culture and history, it is also the bathhouse that inspired the one in Spirited Away.
Thankfully, you don't have to mop the floors and clean giant gunk spirits like Sen did in the acclaimed film, you can just sit back and soak your worries away.
1 Suginami
Suginami is the original center for anime, before Akihabara took the title, as it is home to over 130 animation studios and plenty of fan-approved stores and restaurants. The highlight is the Suginami Animation Museum, which highlights and honors the very beginnings of the Japanese art form and how it has developed over the years. The changing exhibits are very interesting and the huge chronological time chart will tell you all you need to know about the lifespan of anime. You can even attempt to record your own voiceovers and be a part of the animating process! Plus, it's completely free to visit.