Top 11 Must-Try Tokyo Anime Experiences

An Otaku's Guide to Top 10 Anime Experiences in Japan's Capital

Dattebayo! Like Naruto's famous catchphrase echoes, believe it when many of us say that we fell in love with Japan because of the colourful world of anime. From Dragon Ball to Jujutsu Kaisen, anime has gone from a niche hobby to a global trend and fans of all ages are hooked. And for the true “otaku”—those deeply into anime, manga and all things geeky - Tokyo is your ultimate playground. Whether you’re looking for rare anime-related goods from your favourite movies or want to step into the world of your favourite characters in real life, this city has it all.

Begin at Gundam Base Tokyo where giant plastic models bring your favourite mecha to life, or head to the Pokemon Center to catch them all from trading cards to cuddly Pikachu plushies. Love Sailor Moon? Otome Road has you covered for all things related to your beloved magical girl. Then don’t miss the Toei Animation Museum near Oizumi Gakuen Station - a must for fans of Dragon Ball and other classics. Want more? Go to Tokyo Big Sight for the latest anime goods and temporary exhibitions or shop ‘til you drop at the Jump Shop overflowing with anime merch from your favourite series.

Ready to hit up the best anime spots in Tokyo? Pelago by Singapore Airlines has you covered with more info about the top anime experiences for some fun things to do in Japan!

Exclusive Experience: Tailored Anime & Culture Tour in Akihabara

If you are looking for unique experiences in Tokyo, brace yourselves for an epic adventure in Tokyo’s electric town - Akihabara! This is the ultimate destination where the worlds of anime and tech collide, all while you munch on Japanese delicacies. Whether you’re a hardcore Sailor Moon fan or have an entire wardrobe of One Piece t-shirts, Akihabara has something for every otaku. Start your day at the iconic Akihabara Radio Kaikan, a mecca for anime merchandise. From exclusive Gundam figures to limited edition Demon Slayer collector's items, you'll find all your favourite characters waiting for you. And don’t miss Yodobashi Akiba, Tokyo's gadget paradise, where tech lovers can dive into a multi-story maze of electronics, gadgets, and geeky goodness.

Need a break? Pop into Maidreamin, one of Akihabara’s famous maid cafes, where you’ll be served food with a side of cuteness and anime magic. Your whimsical dining experience will leave you with unforgettable memories (and maybe even a song or two from your maid waitress!). For plastic model fans, the Surugaya Akihabara Plastic Model Hall is your stop for exclusive model kits and figures. And with many events hosted year-round, Akihabara offers endless excitement, from cosplay events to anime-themed pop-up cafes. So, whether you’re shopping for Gundam t-shirts or diving into arcade games, this tailored anime and culture tour in Akihabara will satisfy all your anime cravings!

Anime Studio Experience in Tokyo

Get ready to go behind the scenes and into the world of anime production with the Anime Studio Experience by Japan Awaits! This 3-hour tour in Tokyo is a dream come true for any anime lover. From drawing the iconic frames to learning the details of animation editing, you’ll see how your favourite shows like One Piece and Gundam are made. You’ll even get to participate in a hands-on workshop where a professional animator will teach you how to draw your favourite anime characters - yes, you can finally draw Luffy from One Piece or your favourite Gundam mech!

And that’s not all. You’ll also visit the Suginami Animation Museum, a secret spot in the city that anime fans must see. On the 2nd floor, explore a permanent exhibition that takes you through the history of anime from 1917 to today. Want more? Don’t miss the opportunity to take pictures and learn about the key moments that shaped the anime industry. With behind-the-scenes access and exclusive events throughout, this is the ultimate way to geek out in the city where anime was born! Just check the opening hours before you head out for your anime adventure.

Akihabara Walking Tour with Otaku and Photography

Create an itinerary that suits your interests to explore Akihabara’s anime streets. Take a 3-hour guided Akihabara walking tour to experience the perfect blend of culture, technology and art.

Cross the pedestrian bridge south of Akihabara station to reach Yagamori Shrine, an oasis of peace in the midst of chaos. This 17th-century temple is dedicated to a small animal god called "Tanuki", a raccoon-like creature that appears in Japanese folklore as a mischief maker.

Take a break at one of the cafes or breweries at mAAch Ecute in Kanda Manseibashi, a mall underneath the old JR Chuo line. If you’re a train enthusiast, you’ll love this place especially the Platinum Fish Cafe built around the old Manseibashi Station.

After shopping in the alleys of Akihabara, visit Kanda Myoujin. The ancient shrine was once visited by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the 17th-century overlord on whose life the Shogun series is based.

Next up, you will love Akihabara Gigo, an arcade full of unique gaming stations. When you are done, visit a Tokyo anime store with rare collections - Kotobukiya Akihabara - and pick out stuff from various franchises. To end off, enjoy retro games at Super Potato Akihabara and visit Japan’s smallest shrine, Hanabusa Ishari. Your guide will take pictures of you throughout the day and give them to you for free at the end!

Tokyo Studio Ghibli Museum and Film Appreciation Tour

Enchanting animation and heartwarming stories are what Studio Ghibli is famous for. If you grew up with movies like Princess Mononoke or My Neighbour Totoro, you will love this half-day bus tour.

Buffet lunch at Hotel Gajoen, a beautiful restaurant opened in 1928 with intricate woodwork and a 100-step staircase called Hyakudan-Kaidan. It is said that Hayao Miyazaki was inspired by the red lobby of this restaurant for the design of Spirited Away.

Visit the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum located in the peaceful Koganei Park. See old buildings from Japan’s Edo and Showa eras (17th century to post-war days) that have been relocated, preserved and laid out in a theme village. It is well known that some of these buildings have been architectural inspirations for their stories.

The museum in Mitaka is a wonderland of artistic fantasy themed on the unique art style of the production house. A life-size robot from Castle in the Sky, No-Face from Spirited Away on a photo bench, Totoro through a glass window and many other familiar characters are here. You can also watch their monthly short film originals (15-20 minutes long) at The Saturn Theater. Book this Studio Ghibli Museum and Film Appreciation Tour for a dreamy, fun-filled experience starting from SGD 235.

Gotta Catch 'Em All: Visit All the Tokyo Pokemon Centers

For any Pokémon fan, exploring all the Pokémon Centers in Tokyo is like stepping into a dream come true—an electrifying journey through Pokémon paradise! Whether you're after exclusive merch or want to take cute pictures with life-sized Pokémon statues, Tokyo’s got you covered. Start your adventure at Pokémon Center TOKYO DX on the fifth floor of Nihonbashi Takashimaya S.C., where you'll find a giant Snorlax lounging with Pikachu and Mew. Don’t forget to make a reservation for the Pokémon Cafe, where Pokémon-themed dishes are served with a side of cuteness and yes, the mugs and plates are exclusive!

Next, head to Pokémon Center MEGA TOKYO on the second floor of Sunshine City in Ikebukuro. With Mega Charizard Y as its mascot, this store has a wide range of Pokémon products. Exclusive to this shop? A Pikachu plush donning a Charizard hoodie! Over at Pokémon Center SKYTREE TOWN found on the ground floor, the mascot Rayquaza keeps watch over rare, sky-themed toys like Pikachu plushies riding Rayquaza.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. Swing by Pokémon Store Tokyo Station on Character Street for limited-edition items, including the Pikachu stationmaster plush, perfect for collectors! And with the Pokemon Center SHIBUYA in Shibuya Parco, your Tokyo Pokémon adventure is about to hit the next level. With all these spots, each filled with unique toys and events, you’ll need to plan your day well—and maybe make multiple trips from Shinjuku Station to catch 'em all!

Stroll Down Otome Road

Otome Road in Tokyo is like a treasure chest for anime fans, especially if you're into otome games, manga, and anime catered toward a female audience. Tucked away in the bustling Ikebukuro district, Otome Road is a true paradise for all things anime—think endless shops, rare toys, and the kind of merch you can’t resist! You can spend hours strolling down this vibrant street, popping into stores packed with exclusive character goods and collectables. Whether you’re on the hunt for a limited-edition figure or an adorable plush, Otome Road has something for every anime enthusiast. And the best part? You can walk around and explore for free!

A must-visit on Otome Road is the Animate Ikebukuro flagship store, which has multiple floors dedicated to anime, manga, and Otome game merch. Need a break? Stop by one of the themed cafes for a cute latte featuring your favourite characters. Don't forget to snap pictures of the street's colourful storefronts—perfect for your Instagram feed!

With regular events and pop-up shops, there’s always something new happening on Otome Road. If you're an art buff, check out the museum exhibitions nearby.

Manga Lesson with a Professional Japanese Manga Artist in Nakano

Often overlooked in the shadow of Akihabara, Nakano is a charming neighbourhood in Tokyo, right next to Shinjuku. It’s home to Nakano Broadway, a mall with dozens of modern and vintage anime shops, gaming parlours, collectables and manga stores and more. Just be sure to check their opening hours before you visit!

Explore the neighbourhood before joining a 2-hour class where you will learn the skill and secrets of drawing manga from a professional artist in Japan. Tools will be provided, guidance will be in English. Have a stress-free time, unleash your inner creativity and take home what you draw in a manga lesson with a professional manga artist now!

Jujutsu Kaisen and Meiji Shrine Tour

If you are suffering from Jujutsu Kaisen hangover, here's your excuse to soak in some more of it. Go on a four-hour tour to explore the real-life locations of the anime, such as the Harajuku Station or the Shibuya crossing, and strike the iconic poses of your favourite Jujutsu Kaisen characters. Next, visit Meiji Shrine, a Shinto temple dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his consort Empress Shoken. Book your Jujutsu Kaisen and Meiji Shrine tour today!

Akihabara Audio-Guide Tour

Do you love travelling solo with only your earphones keeping you company but do not want to miss out on the best experiences? Fret not.

This self-guided Akihabara audio tour will ensure you hit the top spots in the anime wonderland of Akihabara. Shop at Radio Kaikan, explore anime at Kotobukiya and Animate and enjoy retro games at Super Potato.

Full-Day Tokyo Manga Anime Tour

For the true otakus, this full-day Tokyo Manga anime tour is for you! Pop by Takeshita Street in Harajuku, Nakano Broadway Mall before visiting a maid cafe, anime stores in Akihabara, and Pokemon Mega Center Tokyo. If anime defined your childhood and teenage years, this is a must-visit in Tokyo. As the largest Pokemon enterprise in the world, it has food, entertainment, collectables and photo zones based on the show. Don't forget to try the cute yellow Pokemon sweets or meet with fellow Pokemon Go players at the centre.

Private Tour for Anime Fans Enjoy Japanese Subculture and Gaming

If you want to avoid the hustle-bustle of Akihabara but still want to explore Japan's otaku culture, there is nothing better than Nakano, Tokyo. The craze around manga, anime, and video games is primarily centred around Nakano Broadway, a mall that is the nerve centre of the neighbourhood.

Shop for clothes, thrift items, and accessories in the basement and first floor, while the second and third levels are where most of the anime stores are. There are also several shops selling video games, vintage gadgets, and old comic books that you can purchase as souvenirs.

As part of the tour, learn to play "Pachinko", a Japanese game similar to pinball with slightly different mechanisms. It can be hard to get accustomed to at first, with chances of winning the game being around one out of 200 or 300 tries. It would still be an exciting experience, especially with the game coming in the style of different anime characters like Evangelion or Godzilla. Join this private tour for anime fans now!

Your Tokyo Anime Adventure Awaits

And there you have it - 10 Tokyo anime experiences every otaku wants! Whether you’re shopping for the latest goods in Tokyo’s shops, sipping a latte in a themed cafe or strolling through a theme park dedicated to your favourite anime, Tokyo is the ultimate anime playground. Ready to enter your beloved anime worlds?

From museums to hidden stores, Tokyo has a mix of old and new that will keep you coming back. And the best part? Many of these are free or cheap so you can do it all without breaking the bank. For more info, check each venue’s website for its opening hours and plan ahead.

Pack your bags, fellow otaku, because your Tokyo anime adventure is waiting!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tokyo known for anime?

Yes, Tokyo's Akihabara and Nakano neighbourhoods are hotspots for manga and anime lovers.

What is the famous anime street in Tokyo?

Akihabara is the most famous anime location in Tokyo. Ikebukuro, Shibuya, Nakano, and Odaiba are some of the others.

Why is Akihabara famous?

Akihabara is famous for its lines of anime stores, and gaming arcades.

Is Nakano Broadway worth visiting?

Yes, it is a lively mall that is worth visiting if you are a manga or anime fan.

What is Nakano Broadway known for?

Nakano Broadway is known for being a mecca for otakus. Each level of the mall is a paradise for niche anime and manga collectables and souvenirs.