Japan is a country with a long and rich history of animation, and it continues to be one of the leading countries in the anime industry today.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Naruto, Dragon Ball, or other anime series, there’s bound to be a place for you in Japan. Many will appreciate the different sites and events, but also the plentiful delicious local food.
Let’s dive into the top spots for you to visit on your next trip to Japan!
Odaiba
For fans of anime, there are many places to visit in Odaiba, from a variety of attractions, to fantastic places to go shopping at. If you are looking for a place to shop for a unique piece of anime merchandise, Odaiba is the place to go.
Odaiba is home to Tokyo Joypolis by SEGA, which is a gaming-themed indoor amusement park featuring Sonic The Hedgehog and Ace Attorney characters. You can try your hand at running races with these characters. Another attraction in Odaiba is the Tezuka Osamu Manga Museum, which pays homage to the famous manga writer himself. The museum also features an exhibition of Astro Boy, one of Japan’s first anime series.
The Gundam statue in Odaiba is another popular spot for anime fans. The statue looks over the Tokyo Bay and is lit up at night. This statue is part of one of the longest running anime series in history. Don’t forget to visit the Tokyo Teleport Station while in Odaiba. It is an impressive futuristic train station, so you can take a ride in one of its monorails. It is a great place to catch a movie if you’re an anime lover.
Nakano Broadway
If you’re an anime lover, Nakano Broadway should definitely be on your list. Its four levels of shops offer an assortment of unique anime goods. Although the second and third floors are probably the most popular, the lower levels are also great places to buy clothing and everyday necessities.
Nakano Broadway is the indoor equivalent of Akihabara, but it is not as busy. There are many interesting shops and hidden gems that you can explore. One can even find everything they need to fulfill their obsession with anime and manga.
The two-level Nakano Broadway has Gundam Base, a museum tracing its history. The museum offers plenty of anime-related merchandise for sale and even a place to draw.
Akihabara
This Tokyo neighborhood is known as “Electric Town” and it’s packed with all things anime and gaming. From huge electronics stores to small boutiques selling anime merchandise, Akihabara has it all. Also, don’t forget to check out the cosplayers in the area – you’re sure to spot some great ones!
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower is an iconic landmark that’s often featured in anime. It’s a great place to get a birds-eye view of the city, and you might even spot some familiar landmarks from your favorite shows.
Ghibli Museum
This museum dedicated to the work of the famed Studio Ghibli, is a must-visit for any fan of Hayao Miyazaki’s films. It’s located in Tokyo, the museum features exhibits on the history and making of Ghibli’s films, and you can even purchase exclusive merchandise that you can’t find anywhere else.
Pokemon Center
No trip to Japan is complete without a visit to an official Pokemon Center, where you can stock up on all the latest Pokemon merchandise. There are several locations throughout Japan, but the flagship store is in Tokyo.
Osaka Castle
This historic castle is yet another spot that’s often featured in anime. It’s a beautiful spot to visit, and you can even go inside to learn more about the castle’s history.
Special mention to Shinkyogoku-dori located in Kyoto, which you can drop by if you’re on Osaka as well. It has a wide range of merchandise and souvenirs that you can pick up to bring home for yourself or others.
In a nutshell, there are plenty of great spots to visit in Japan that are sure to please. Let us know which destinations is on your list next time you pay Japan a visit!
