Anime and Manga Pilgrimage Spots in Japan
The best places in Japan for anime and manga fans: Akihabara and Ikebukuro, the Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Park, Pokemon and Nintendo, and real-life locations from famous films.
Quick answer
- Best district: Akihabara in Tokyo for figures, games and maid cafes.
- Most wanted tickets: the Ghibli Museum. Tickets sell out, so book on the 10th of the month before.
- Beyond Tokyo: Ghibli Park near Nagoya, Super Nintendo World in Osaka, the Kyoto International Manga Museum.
- Real-life locations: the Your Name stairs at Suga Shrine and the Slam Dunk crossing in Kamakura.
- Respect locals: many pilgrimage spots are ordinary neighbourhoods. Keep the noise down and do not block roads.
Anime pilgrimage, or seichi junrei, means visiting the real places that inspired your favourite shows. Add Tokyo's shopping districts, character cafes and museums, and Japan becomes the best trip any fan could ask for.
Tokyo's anime districts
- Akihabara: the classic fan district, packed with figure shops, retro games, arcades and maid cafes.
- Nakano Broadway: an old shopping centre full of second-hand manga, figures and collectables, with less crowding than Akihabara.
- Ikebukuro: home to Otome Road, Animate's huge flagship store, the Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo and Sunshine City.
- Shibuya: Nintendo Tokyo and the Pokemon Center Shibuya in the Parco building.
- Odaiba: the life-size Gundam statue at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza.
Studio Ghibli
- Ghibli Museum, Mitaka: a small, magical museum in western Tokyo. Tickets cost 1,000 yen for adults and go on sale at 10am Japan time on the 10th of each month for the following month, through Lawson Ticket. They cannot be bought at the door.
- Ghibli Park, Aichi: a park near Nagoya with recreated scenes, including Satsuki and Mei's house and the Grand Warehouse. Book well ahead.
- Ghibli-inspired places: many fans visit Dogo Onsen, Yakushima's forests and old streets such as Kawagoe for the feel of Ghibli films.
Our tip: Set an alarm for the 10th of the month. Weekend and holiday slots at the Ghibli Museum often sell out within hours.
Pokemon, Nintendo and games
- Pokemon Centers in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and other cities sell exclusive goods.
- The Pokemon Cafe in Tokyo and Osaka needs reservations, released about a month ahead.
- Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka is a must for Mario fans. Buy an Expanded Entry Pass in busy seasons.
- Retro game shops such as Super Potato in Akihabara are full of old consoles and cartridges.
Real-life anime locations
| Place | Anime or film | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Suga Shrine stairs | Your Name | Yotsuya, Tokyo |
| Kamakurakokomae crossing | Slam Dunk | Kamakura, by the Enoden line |
| Hida-Furukawa | Your Name | Near Takayama, Gifu |
| Washinomiya Shrine | Lucky Star | Saitama |
| Toyosato school building | K-On! | Shiga |
| Mizuki Shigeru Road | GeGeGe no Kitaro | Sakaiminato, Tottori |
| Detective Conan town | Detective Conan | Hokuei, Tottori |
| Oarai | Girls und Panzer | Ibaraki |
Our tip: At busy spots like the Kamakura crossing, stay on the pavement, take your photo quickly and move on. Residents have complained about crowds blocking the road.
Museums and more
- Kyoto International Manga Museum, with a huge reading wall of manga.
- Fujiko F. Fujio Museum in Kawasaki, for Doraemon fans. Timed tickets needed.
- Tokiwa-so Manga Museum in Toshima, Tokyo, where great manga artists once lived.
- Sanrio Puroland in Tama, Tokyo, for Hello Kitty and friends.
- Toei and Bandai shops, and themed cafes that change with each new series.
Tips for anime fans
- Bring cash for small shops and second-hand stores.
- Shop tax-free when you spend 5,000 yen or more in one store, and keep your receipts.
- Check opening hours. Many shops in Akihabara open at 10 or 11am.
- Do not take photos inside shops or of staff at maid cafes without asking.
- Pack light so there is room for figures and manga on the way home. See our packing list.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place for anime in Japan?
Akihabara in Tokyo is the most famous, with Nakano Broadway and Ikebukuro close behind.
How do I get Ghibli Museum tickets?
Buy online through Lawson Ticket. Sales open at 10am Japan time on the 10th of each month for the following month.
Is Ghibli Park the same as the Ghibli Museum?
No. The museum is in Mitaka, Tokyo. Ghibli Park is a larger site near Nagoya in Aichi.
Can I visit anime locations on my own?
Yes. Most are public places, so just be respectful of people who live and work there.
We check this guide regularly. Prices, rules and services in Japan can change, so confirm with the official sources below before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
