Anime

14 Locations in Japan You Must Visit If You're An Anime Fan

Leo Reyna
Updated August 31, 2024 139.5K views 14 items
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5.2K votes
1.4K voters
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Vote up the destinations that anime fans should visit when exploring Japan.

If you give an anime fanatic a free plane ticket to anywhere in the world, chances are they will end up in Japan. Japan is the birthplace of anime, manga, and video games, and hosts a variety of awesome locations you have to see if you're an anime lover. Western anime fans may not be familiar with the country — with so many anime-related spots to choose from, where should an Otaku start their pilgrimage? Look no further, because we've got you covered with a curated list of audience-ranked locations that every anime fan should visit in Japan.

Compiled here are some of the most popular, most visited, must-see attractions and sites for any anime fan visiting the Land of the Rising Sun looking for a fun time. Among the many things to do, there are so many great anime tourist locations to visit that deciding what to tackle first can be overwhelming for any first-timers. From bustling anime districts like Akihabara in Tokyo, where you can shop for all the latest merchandise and visit themed cafes, to other amazing places in the city like J-World Tokyo or the Pokémon Mega Center, Japan offers a plethora of opportunities to immerse yourself in the world of anime and enjoy a truly unique experience.

So anime lovers: Pack your bags, brush up on your Japanese phrases, and get ready for an adventure like no other, as these are truly the best places for the biggest anime fans. If you're afraid of wasting your time in Japan on wild goose chases, don't worry — this list of famous anime destinations in Japan will have you covered. Check out the awesome attractions below and vote up the locations that no anime fan should miss in Japan. If you think you might use this information later, let this list serve as a reference! Get ready to live out your fan fantasies and explore the vibrant, colorful world of Japanese animation in real life. Let the anime adventure begin!

  • 1

    Tokyo Anime Center

    Tokyo Anime Center

    Links: Official Website (in Japanese) / TripAdvisor

    About: The Tokyo Anime Center is the perfect place for tourists to indulge in their love of anime because it was designed with that mind. Located on the fourth floor of the Akihabara UDX building near JR Akihabara Station, the Tokyo Anime Center provides anime information and entertainment for foreigners and Japanese residents.

    It regularly hosts live radio interviews with anime creators and voice actors, and holds events like autograph signings. 

    555 votes
    Should fans visit?
  • 2

    Akihabara

    Akihabara

    Links: GoTokyo / TripAdvisor

    About: Akihabara goes by many names: “Electric City,” “Electric Town,” “Akiba.” For many anime fans dreaming of flying to Japan, Akihabara is simply known to them as the ultimate otaku destination. Akihabara is often characterized as the embodiment of anime culture and for very good reason. An insane amount of electronic shops and otaku-oriented venues are located here, welcoming you with its big and loud anime visuals.

    After buying all the anime and manga you can handle, you can unwind with a delightful meal at the various maid cafes and be treated like royalty, or simply enjoy a nice musical performance at AKB48's music theater. 

    459 votes
    Should fans visit?
  • 3

    J-World Tokyo

    J-World Tokyo

    Links: Official Website / Ticketing

    About: J-World Tokyo is like a small-scale Disney World of Shonen Jump anime characters. The indoor amusement park in Ikebukuro’s Sunshine City celebrates the biggest anime action franchises from the magazine like One Piece, Hunter X Hunter, and Dragon Ball Z. It's worth the price of admission for the amazing atmosphere alone. 

    You'll marvel at the real-life recreation of the Going Merry from One Piece, or the ninja ramen shop from Naruto. Any Toonami fan will jump for joy for thevisiting the J-World Tokyo amusement park and participating in all the fun activities based on their favorite show. 

    395 votes
    Should fans visit?
  • 4

    Tokyo Character Street

    Tokyo Character Street

    Links: GoTokyo

    About: Anyone eager to spend their hard-earned money on anime merchandise will want to take their wallets to the Tokyo Character Street. The underground shopping street right below Tokyo Station features numerous item shops dedicated to the biggest anime and gaming franchises in Japan.

    There's the Studio Ghibli Official Shop, Hello Kitty Shop, Rilakkuma Store, the Pretty Cure Shop, and so much more.

    288 votes
    Should fans visit?
  • 5

    Kyoto International Manga Museum

    Kyoto International Manga Museum

    Links: Official Website

    About: Any anime fan will be able to appreciate the the International Manga Museum in Kyoto. The facility strives to preserve, study, and research the culture of manga throughout history. You'll see heaps upon heaps of all kinds of different manga, exhibitions about influential manga artists, and seminars and workshops about manga. 

    238 votes
    Should fans visit?
  • 6

    Dogo Onsen

    Dogo Onsen

    Links: Official Website

    About: There's nothing more anime than partaking in a nice, warm dip in a hot spring. If you want a hot spring episode of your very own, visit the Dogo Onsen in Ehime Prefecture. Dogo Onsen's popularity with the locals and tourists surged once the critically acclaimed Studio Ghibli film, Spirited Away, used the place as inspiration for Yubaba’s bathhouse.

    You won't find any river gods or witches at Dogo Onsen, but you will find a rejuvenating experience that will refresh your mind and spirit. Any fan can indulge in a warm bath to rejuvenate the body. 

    261 votes
    Should fans visit?