where is the anime district in japan

by Prof. Nathan Ziemann 8 min read
image

Akihabara

Where do anime fans go in Japan?

Akihabara Akihabara, nicknamed the Electric Town of Tokyo, is the undisputed center of anime culture in Japan. Most major anime, manga and gaming stores have a branch here, including the iconic Animate for all things anime and Yodobashi for your techie odds and ends.

Where can I find animate in Tokyo?

Ikebukuro Ikebukuro is one of Tokyo’s best otaku districts. Here you’ll find two separate Animate stores, one for the merchandise you expect to find there and the other exclusively for costume play (it also houses their café). Sunshine City Mall 1-1-3 Higashi-ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, Japan

What is the best place to watch anime in Tokyo?

3 Best Otaku Towns in Tokyo for Anime and Manga 1 Akihabara. It is Akihabara to embody Japanese pop culture and Otaku culture. ... 2 Ikebukuro. Ikebukuro is a hidden town for Otaku in Tokyo, located near other popular tourist towns such as Shibuya and Shinjuku. 3 Nakano. ...

Are there any anime theme parks in Japan?

Whether it’s been a longtime dream to see one or just something that crossed your mind once, there are actually several anime theme parks in Japan that you can visit today. In this list are full-scale amusement parks as well as more literally, anime-themed parks, so there’s something for everyone.

image

What is the anime district in Japan?

AkihabaraAkihabara (秋葉原), also called Akiba after a former local shrine, is a district in central Tokyo that is famous for its many electronics shops and has also gained recognition as the center of Japan's otaku (diehard fan) culture.

Where is the anime street in Tokyo?

AkihabaraGeography. The main area of Akihabara is located on a street just west of Akihabara Station, where most of the major shops are situated. Most of the electronics shops are just west of the station, and the anime and manga shops and the cosplay cafés are north of them.

Where does most anime take place in Japan?

The incredibly popular anime movies Your Name and A Silent Voice both feature several Gifu locations, causing the number of anime spots in Gifu Prefecture to rise around 3.2 times to an impressive total of 149.

Is there an anime land in Japan?

Ghibli Park, a new anime theme park destination in Japan, to open in November. (CNN) — Fans of "My Neighbor Totoro," "Kiki's Delivery Service," and other films from director Hayao Miyazaki of the legendary Studio Ghibli, will have a new destination to add to their travel bucket list later this year.

Is Akihabara still alive?

We are sorry to announce that this branch, Sega Akihabara Building 2, will be closing. Our last day of operations will be Sunday, August 30.

What is Shinjuku known for?

Shinjuku (新宿) is one of the 23 city wards of Tokyo, but the name commonly refers to just the large entertainment, business and shopping area around Shinjuku Station. Shinjuku Station is the world's busiest railway station, handling more than two million passengers every day.

Where is demon slayer located?

JapanThe story takes place in Taishō-era Japan, where a secret society,known as the Demon Slayer Corps, has been waging a secret war against demons for centuries.

Are anime locations real?

Art often imitates life, so naturally, many books, films, manga and anime are set in real places all across Japan. Perhaps most iconic of all, Japan's capital is popping up in countless manga and anime. These real-life locations in Tokyo have in turn become like anime pilgrimage sites for dedicated fans.

What anime is based in Okinawa?

“The Aquatope on White Sand” is a completely new original anime by director Shinohara Toshiya, series composition Kakihara Yuko, and production P.A. WORKS, known for “Iroduku: The World in Colors”. The story is set in a small aquarium in Okinawa Prefecture.

Where is the AOT theme park?

Universal Studios Japan2020's Attack on Titan XR Ride, a virtual roller coaster set in the world of the hit series, was back in March 2022. Dive headfirst into the world of Attack on Titan with a limited time attraction at Universal Studios Japan.

Can you visit anime studios in Japan?

The Anime Studio Visit and Workshop with Japan Awaits is a 4-hour experience at a local Anime Studio in Tokyo, where guests will be able to visit the anime studio and attend a short workshop to learn how to draw anime and manga characters. This is the perfect tour for anime/ manga lovers.

Is there a Naruto theme park?

FINALLY, AN ACTUAL NARUTO THEME PARK IS NOW OPENED!! (Well, it's actually NARUTO x BORUTO collaboration theme park…) It's called Shinobi-zato, and it is located in a huge park called Nijigen-no-mori, which translates to '2-D forest' in Japanese. Nijigen-no-mori is in Awajishima, an island near Kobe.

What is the name of the shrine in Tokyo?

One of Tokyo's frequent fires destroyed the area in 1869, and the people decided to replace the buildings of the area with a shrine called Chinkasha (now known as Akiba Shrine ( 秋葉神社, Akiba Jinja) ), meaning fire extinguisher shrine, in an attempt to prevent the spread of future fires.

What district is Akihabara in?

As mentioned above, the area called Akihabara now ranges over some districts in Chiyoda ward: Sotokanda (外神田, the west of the station including electric town), Kanda-Hanaokachō (神田花岡町, the east of the station), and Kanda-Sakumachō (神田佐久間町, the south and southeast of the station). There exists an administrative district called Akihabara in ...

What is Akihabara's influence on the anime world?

The influence of otaku culture has shaped Akihabara's businesses and buildings to reflect the interests of otaku and gained the district worldwide fame for its distinctive imagery. Akihabara tries to create an atmosphere as close as possible to the game and anime worlds of customers' interest.

What is the coordinates of Akihabara?

Coordinates: 35°41′54″N 139°46′23″E. /  35.69833°N 139.77306°E  / 35.69833; 139.77306. Akihabara ( Japanese: 秋葉原) is a common name for the area around Akihabara Station in the Chiyoda ward of Tokyo, Japan. Administratively, the area called Akihabara mainly belongs to the Sotokanda (外神田) and Kanda-Sakumachō districts in Chiyoda.

Where is Doujinshi from?

Doujinshi (amateur or fanmade manga based on an anime/manga/game) has been growing in Akihabara since the 1970s when publishers began to drop manga that were not ready for large markets. Comiket is largest spot sale of Doujinshi in Japan.

Where is Akihabara located?

Administratively, the area called Akihabara mainly belongs to the Sotokanda (外神田) and Kanda-Sakumachō districts in Chiyoda. There exists an administrative district called Akihabara in the Taitō ward further north of Akihabara Station, but it is not the place people generally refer to as Akihabara.

When was the Akihabara Station built?

After Akihabara Station was built in 1888, the shrine was moved to the Taitō ward where it still resides today. Since its opening in 1890, Akihabara Station became a major freight transit point, which allowed a vegetable and fruit market to spring up in the district.

Where is the Tokyo anime center?

Formerly located in Akihabara, the Tokyo Anime Center can now be found in the basement of the DNP Plaza near Ichigaya Station. Besides a small shop featuring anime-related goods and an event space, the center hosts rotating temporary exhibitions about works of anime.

Where is the Japanese anime museum?

This museum is located in Suginami City Ward, a center of Japanese anime production. It features hands-on activities such as a dubbing booth and a digital workshop where you can bring your own creations to life.

How many Pokemon centers are there in Tokyo?

There are five Pokemon Centers in Tokyo, one in Nihonbashi 's Takashimaya, one in Ikebukuro 's Sunshine City, one in the Lalaport Tokyo-Bay shopping mall in the eastern suburbs of Tokyo, one in Tokyo Skytree Town and one in the Parco building in Shibuya. Additionally, there are Pokemon Stores at Tokyo Station and Narita Airport.

What is the name of the museum in Tokyo?

Fujiko F. Fujiyo Museum (aka Doraemon Museum) The Fujiko F. Fujio Museum , informally known as the Doraemon Museum, show the work of manga artist Fujiko F. Fujio, creator of the influential and long running Doraemon series.

What is Akihabara in Japan?

Akihabara. Akihabara is the center of gaming, manga and anime culture in Japan. With its electronics shops, maid cafes and anime stores, it is a paradise for any self-proclaimed otaku.

Where is the Gundam statue in Tokyo?

DiverCity Tokyo Plaza. This shopping, dining and entertainment complex opened in 2012 in Odaiba and features attractions related to the Gundam anime series, including a large, "life-size" Gundam statue in front of the building and Gundam Base Tokyo, a shop dedicated to plastic models.

What is the name of the mall in Mandarake?

Nakano Broadway. Nakano Broadway is a shopping mall with a large concentration of stores specializing in anime goods, including numerous specialized branches of the Mandarake store. Items on offer include a wide selection of figures, toys and costumes.

WHAT TO DO IN DEN DEN TOWN

When you arrive, it might be hard to decide your first stop. The good news is, it won’t take long for you to find something! No matter how you spend your time in Den Den Town, don’t leave without trying at least one of these activities.

Play Crane Games

Nearly every arcade in Japan has claw machines on their first couple of floors. The prizes inside might include snacks, blankets, and even bags. However, what everyone looks for are the plushies featuring their favorite characters.

Eat at a Den Den Town Maid Cafe

Osaka is a food lover’s paradise, but if you want your visit to Den Den Town to be extra Otaku-themed, walk into one of the many maid cafes. Every meal comes with a side of kawaii at one of these places, and your server will sing, dance, and talk to you to make sure you leave with a smile.

Buy Cosplay Gear

If you’re looking to pick up a few things for your next convention, stop by Assist Wig. They’re known for their smooth and silky hair and offer 501 different colors. In addition to wigs, you can also find accessories, makeup, and props.

Nipponbashi Street Festa

All that shopping at Assist Wig will come in handy if you’re in Den Den Town during the Spring Equinox. Both amateur and professional cosplayers come out by the thousands and hold a parade. In addition to the procession, there are also live music and street performances to enjoy.

Collect Gashapon Toys

Outside of nearly every storefront, you’ll see small machines dispensing toys inside of capsules. Insert your money, give the handle a turn, and get delighted or disappointed with what you receive. Every Gashapon features a variety of figurines that come from manga and anime franchises, or have familiar shapes like snacks, plants, and animals.

Participate in a Card Game Tournament

If you love games like Magic: The Gathering and Yu-Gi-Oh, bring your favorite deck with you on your trip! In Japan, card shops aren’t just places to beef up your armory. Many have areas where you can battle it out with friends or strangers. Some also hold weekly tournaments with small prizes for the champions.

Where is Radio Kaikan in Tokyo?

One of the most well-known shots in anime is that of the time machine crashed into Radio Kaikan in Steins;Gate. The building is located in the Akihabara area in Tokyo, which is itself a pretty popular spot for anime fans and tourists in the area.

What anime is Laid Back Camp?

8 Minobu – Laid-Back Camp. Laid-Back Camp is a stunning, fun and heartwarming anime that’s popularity really helped the Yamanashi prefecture fill up its camping grounds. The series inspired a ton of travelers to check out Minobu’s camping sites, and things have been very beneficial for the area’s tourism.

What is the anime spirited away?

10 Dōgo Onsen – Spirited Away. Spirited Away is one of the most well-known anime films out there. Many fans saw it while they were getting into anime, and, as a result, it’s left a pretty big mark on people. One location in the film, the Dōgo Onsen, has become a particularly popular pilgrimage site. The onsen is located on the island of Shikoku in ...

What is the Washinomiya Shrine?

The Washinomiya Shrine is a pilgrimage location that really helped start the trend. It appears in the hit slice of life series Lucky Star, where the main characters’ father is the shrine's chief priest. The shrine is an incredibly popular pilgrimage site that sees many anime fans visit it every year.

What is Radio Kaikan?

Radio Kaikan is filled with stores selling anime merchandise and memorabilia. You’ll find anything from figures, games, CDs, cards, Blu-rays and all sorts of other stuff. The scene in question was even recreated as a promotional campaign, which would’ve made it the ultimate pilgrimage site at the time.

What is anime pilgrimage?

Comment. "Anime Pilgrimage" is a term that not all fans may be acquainted with, but it’s something every anime fan should try out for themselves given the time and money. It's basically all about fans visiting real-life locations that their favorite anime were either inspired by or directly based in. This can range from big cities like Tokyo and ...

Where is the Onsen located?

One location in the film, the Dōgo Onsen, has become a particularly popular pilgrimage site. The onsen is located on the island of Shikoku in the south of Japan. You’ll find it in the city of Matsuyama. After taking some pictures, be sure to go and take a nice bath.

Where to see anime in Tokyo?

Nerima City is the birthplace of Japanese animation. At Oizumi-Gakuen Station, you’ll see statues of characters from classic shows like Astro Boy and Tomorrow’s Joe. A short walk from here is the Toei Oizumi Animation Studio, the masterminds behind Dragonball, Sailor Moon, and One Piece.#N#The studio opened a museum in 2018, where you’ll see precious Toei-related materials, including storyboards and celluloid pictures. The centerpiece of the museum is a panel with icons from shows and films stretching back sixty years. Tapping them brings up information about a particular series and sometimes video clips.#N#In other parts of the museum, you can take pictures with life-size statues and cutouts of your favorite characters. The courtyard also has blackboards that invite you to draw pictures before you leave to explore the rest of Tokyo!

Where can I find Evangelion in Japan?

Despite it being such a big hit, there’s only one official shop in Japan. You can find the Evangelion shop inside of the P’Parco department store in Ikebukuro.#N#The items range from subtle keychains to full-on NERV logos. You can find t-shirts featuring eye-catching and detailed designs that feature Tokyo-III’s scenery. Or, get some school supplies with images of the pilots. There are also umbrellas, backpacks, and pillows that have the same color schemes as the units!

Where is the mascot of the Tokyo Skytree?

The Solamachi shopping center is at the bottom of Tokyo SkyTree. Rayquaza is this location’s mascot, which is appropriate since SkyTree is Tokyo’s tallest structure! There are over 2500 Pokemon products to browse, including an exclusive plushie of Pikachu riding Rayquaza.

Where is Ultraman in Shuwatch?

Tsusburaya Productions, which released the first Ultraman series, used to be in the Kinuta area, near where you’ll find the Ultraman Shopping District.#N#Stepping out onto the plaza outside of Shoshigaya-Okura Station, a statue of Ultraman will greet you. Shoshigaya Minami, Shoshigaya, and Shoshigaya Shoshinkai are shopping streets that boast shops dedicated to Ultraman merchandise. As you walk around, you’ll see more statues of Zoffy, Ultraman, and Ultraman Jack in mid-flight over your head.

Where is Tokyo Bay?

Technically speaking, the Tokyo Bay location is in Chiba Prefecture, and it’s within a reasonable distance from Tokyo Disneyland. If you love playing arcade games, this is the place for you. Here, you can play Pokemon Ga Ole, where you battle and capture wild Pokemon. If you win, the machine spits out a disk of the associated Pokemon, which you can use in future games.

When will Shibuya Parco reopen?

The newly renovated Shibuya Parco reopened in November 2019. Pokemon Center Shibuya debuted alongside the Tokyo Nintendo, CAPCOM, Tokyo Otaku Mode, and other digital and subcultural stores. Featuring an animatronic Mewtwo and a Pokedex display, it’s the most high-tech Pokemon Center yet!

Where does Kimetsu no Yaiba take place?

As a whole, Kimetsu no Yaiba takes place in many cities in Japan, but there’s only one location in Tokyo —and it’s a big one. When Tanjiro heads to Tokyo for work, he winds up in the Asakusa neighborhood. It’s here where he finds Muzan Kibutsuji passing through Nakamise road.#N#Nakamise is a long shopping street that leads to Asakusa Sensoji —Tokyo’s most splendid temple. People from around the world come here to seek blessings of success and fortune, as well as shop for souvenirs. Nakamise is home to a 400-year-old market that sells traditional Japanese toys and sweets.

Where are the Otaku stores in Tokyo?

Today, I’d like to introduce 3 major Otaku towns in Tokyo where numerous stores for Otaku stand: Akihabara, Ikebukuro and Nakano. Akihabara is already famous and popular town for foreign visitors, however, there are some less-known towns in Tokyo for Otaku. Let’s explore Tokyo deeper with the Otaku culture.

What is the capital of Otaku culture?

The capital Tokyo is the city which is filled with the Otaku culture including Anime, Manga, idol pop singers groups, video games, computers, high-tech devices and so on. Characteristics differ from one town to the next in Tokyo, and there are some towns Otaku people like in Tokyo. Each Otaku town is also different in fields of expertise ...

What are the best places to visit in Tokyo?

Japanese pop culture including Otaku culture and subculture is one of the hottest trends for tourists to Tokyo, and it’s strongly recommended to travel those three towns in Tokyo: Akihabara, Ikebukuro and Nakano. For more info about Japanese unique culture, you might like these articles below, too.

How many floors does Ikebukuro have?

Animate Ikebukuro has 9 floors selling books, CDs, DVDs, character goods, video games and so on related to various Anime from classic Studio Ghibli to hot ongoing works. For Sanrio lovers, hit Sanrio Gift Gate Ikebukuro and which provides various items of Hello Kitty and other Sanrio characters.

Where is Otome Road in Ikebukuro?

Yaoi fandom) who like comic books and novels with the theme of Boys Love (male/male slash). Otome Road (which means maiden road) is located in the east of Ikebukuro Station.

Where is the AKB48 Theater?

AKB48 Theater is located on the 8th floor of Don Quijote Akihabara where they regularly give a live performance.

What is subculture in Japan?

Subculture in Japan: the other culture different from mainstream and things which have been not looked on as lofty or highbrow. Now, Japanese Otaku culture including Anime and Manga is popularized and familiar to anyone, but those cultures had not been accepted by everyone.

What is the name of the town in Japan that is known for anime?

Akihabara, nicknamed the Electric Town of Tokyo, is the undisputed center of anime culture in Japan. Most major anime, manga and gaming stores have a branch here, including the iconic Animate for all things anime and Yodobashi for your techie odds and ends.

Where to find the Shinjuku Robot restaurant?

Kabukicho is where you’ll find the famed Shinjuku Robot restaurant along with the Capcom Bar. Game developers Atlus ( Devil Survivor) and Square Enix ( Kingdom Hearts) have their headquarters here, and while you can’t go in, you can check out Square’s Artnia café for Dragon Quest or Final Fantasy refreshments.

Where is Nakano Broadway?

Nakano Broadway is a popular shopping center on the radar of every geek, gamer and otaku in Tokyo. Find everything from gaming memorabilia and manga to electronics and antique anime cels. There’s also 16 different Mandarake stores, each one focusing on a different aspect of anime and otaku culture. Nakano Broadway is a bit out ...

Where is Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo?

The Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo is the perfect compliment during your stay in Tokyo. Located in Sumida, this hotel includes thoughtful touches to make your stay as comfortable as possible. During your stay, enjoy free Wi-Fi in your rooms, or venture off to popular close by spots to see the culture Japan has to offer.

Can you walk in Japan?

Traveling and visiting sights in Japan includes a good amount of walking. To fully enjoy the tour, please be prepared to keep up with the pace of the group, climb stairs with no difficulty, and wear comfortable shoes for all day use. Guests with tattoos may not be able to use the hot-springs or onsens while in Japan.

image

Overview

Akihabara (Japanese: 秋葉原) is a common name for the area around Akihabara Station in the Chiyoda ward of Tokyo, Japan. Administratively, the area called Akihabara mainly belongs to the Sotokanda (外神田) and Kanda-Sakumachō districts in Chiyoda. There exists an administrative district called Akihabara in the Taitō ward further north of Akihabara Station, but it is not the place people generally refer to as Akihabara.

Geography

The main area of Akihabara is located on a street just west of Akihabara Station, where most of the major shops are situated. Most of the electronics shops are just west of the station, and the anime and manga shops and the cosplay cafés are north of them.
As mentioned above, the area called Akihabara now ranges over some districts in Chiyoda ward: Sotokanda (外神田, the west of the station including electric town), Kanda-Hanaokachō (神田花 …

History

The area that is now Akihabara was once near a city gate of Edo and served as a passage between the city and northwestern Japan. This made the region a home to many craftsmen and tradesmen, as well as some low-class samurai. One of Tokyo's frequent fires destroyed the area in 1869, and the people decided to replace the buildings of the area with a shrine called Chinkasha (now know…

Otaku culture

The influence of otaku culture has shaped Akihabara's businesses and buildings to reflect the interests of otaku and gained the district worldwide fame for its distinctive imagery. Akihabara tries to create an atmosphere as close as possible to the game and anime worlds of customers' interest. The streets of Akihabara are covered with anime and manga icons, and cosplayers line the si…

See also

• Akiba-kei
• Akihabara Trilogy
• Kanda Shrine, Shinto shrine near Akihabara
• Nipponbashi, in Osaka
• Ōsu, in Nagoya

External links

• Akihabara Area Tourism Organization
• Akihabara Electrical Town Organization website
• Go Tokyo Akihabara Guide
• All the Maid Cafes within a ten-minute walk of the Akihabara station.