Top Places In Japan : Every Anime Lover Should Visit
- Lychee Lye
- Jul 6
- 3 min read
If you’re an anime fan, Japan isn’t just a country, it’s the dream destination. From the bustling streets of Akihabara to real-life spots featured in famous shows, Japan brings anime to life in the most magical ways. Whether you’re into Studio Ghibli, Demon Slayer, Naruto, or classic mecha anime, there’s something for every otaku.
Here’s a guide to the top places in Japan that anime lovers won’t want to miss:
Akihabara – Tokyo’s Anime Wonderland
Akihabara is the heart and soul of otaku culture. It’s packed with anime stores, figurine shops, maid cafés, and multi-floor arcades. You’ll find everything from rare manga to entire floors dedicated to your favorite anime.
Don’t miss:
Animate Akihabara – one of the biggest anime specialty stores.
Radio Kaikan – full of collectibles and model kits.
Gachapon Hall – capsule toy heaven!
📍 Akihabara Station, Tokyo
Ghibli Museum – A Magical World in Mitaka
If you grew up with Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, or Howl’s Moving Castle, the Ghibli Museum is a must. It’s a dreamy place where animation meets imagination. Expect whimsical architecture, exclusive short films, and original sketches from Hayao Miyazaki himself.
Tip: Tickets must be purchased in advance—they sell out fast!
📍 Mitaka, Tokyo
Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine – Real-Life Anime Scene
Anime fans will recognize the iconic red torii gates from countless series, including Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha and The Eccentric Family. The endless path of gates leading into the forest feels like walking into your own anime story.
📍 Fushimi Ward, Kyoto
Odaiba – Gundam Fans’ Paradise
Odaiba is home to the life-sized Gundam Statue, standing tall outside DiverCity Tokyo Plaza. It even transforms several times a day, with lights and moving parts. Inside the Gundam Base shop, fans can buy exclusive Gunpla (Gundam plastic models) and merchandise.
📍 Odaiba, Tokyo
Tokyo Anime Center – Ikebukuro Edition
Located inside the DNP Plaza, this space offers anime exhibitions, behind the scenes materials, and concept art from current shows. It’s quieter than Akihabara and a bit more polished, perfect for fans who want to go deeper into the creative side of anime.
📍 Ikebukuro, Tokyo
Kanda Shrine - For Love Live and Otaku Culture
Located near Akihabara, Kanda Shrine is a beautiful, historical spot that's become a fan pilgrimage site thanks to its regular appearance in the anime Love Live! You will often spot Emma (wooden prayer plaques) decorated with fan art and anime messages.
📍 Chiyoda, Tokyo
Real-Life Anime Locations (Seichi Junrei)
In Japan, anime fans love visiting “seichi” or sacred places—real-life spots featured in shows. Some popular ones include:
Lake Ashi in Hakone seen in Evangelion
Kamakura’s coast featured in Slam Dunk
Washinomiya Shrine known from Lucky Star
"Your Name" (Kimi no Na wa) Tokyo's Shinjuku ward and the Hida area of Gifu Prefecture, with specific locations like Suga Shrine in Yotsuya and Lake Motosu in Yamanashi Prefecture.
Hanasaku Iroha : Yuwaku Onsen in Ishikawa Prefecture, which served as the inspiration for the fictional Yunosagi Onsen.
Laid-Back Camp : Various locations in Yamanashi Prefecture, including Lake Motosu.
Tokyo Revengers : Unoki in Ota, Tokyo.
Jujutsu Kaisen : Shibuya Station and Shinjuku in Tokyo.
Bungou Stray Dogs : Yokohama.
Bunny Girl Senpai : Fujisawa Station.
These pilgrimages are a way for fans to walk in the footsteps of their favorite characters.
Themed Cafés – Eat Like an Anime Protagonist
Japan has tons of rotating anime cafés dedicated to everything from Attack on Titan to Jujutsu Kaisen. Menus, decor, and even waitstaff outfits change based on the anime theme. It’s immersive, fun, and Instagram-worthy.
To get further details on the pop-up theme cafes in Japan, please click this link : https://cakeswithfaces.co.uk/japan/pop-up-theme-cafes-japan/
📍 Locations vary (check Animate Cafe, Shibuya Parco, etc.)
Toei Animation Museum – Nerima, Tokyo
Toei is behind legendary series like Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, and One Piece. The museum offers exhibits, old storyboards, and a timeline of Toei’s history in anime. Great for fans who want to explore the roots of the industry.
📍 Oizumi, Nerima Ward, Tokyo
Nakano Broadway – Tokyo’s Hidden Otaku Gem
While Akihabara is flashy and crowded, Nakano Broadway is more of a treasure trove. It’s quieter but packed with second-hand manga, rare merch, and vintage collectibles. Some say it’s where real fans go hunting.
📍 Nakano Station, Tokyo
Final Thoughts
Anime is more than just entertainment in Japan, It’s part of the culture. Visiting these places will make you feel like you’ve stepped into your favorite shows, surrounded by the stories, characters, and creators that made them unforgettable. So pack your camera, grab your favorite anime tee, and start planning your dream anime journey in Japan. You won’t just watch anime, you’ll live it.
The Uncommon Breed
Comments