Best Anime Places in Japan

Best Anime Places in Japan: Where to Watch Anime, Locations & Costs.

Dive into the best anime places in Japan. Discover where to watch anime in Japan, including themed cafes, studios, and screenings. Learn about costs, schedules, and top anime spots for tourists.

Japanese anime is loved worldwide for its captivating storytelling, unique animation styles, and diverse genres. Whether you’re a die-hard anime fan or a casual viewer, Japan offers various exciting places to experience anime culture firsthand. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best locations to watch anime, including cafes, studios, theaters, and shops, along with entry fees, schedules, and tips for visitors.

Top Best Anime Places in Japan to Watch and Experience Anime in Japan

Akihabara (Tokyo): Anime and Manga Heaven

Akihabara, often referred to as the “mecca of anime”, is the heart of anime and manga culture in Tokyo. With its multi-story shops, themed cafes, and arcades, it’s the ultimate destination for anime lovers.

Location: Akihabara, Chiyoda, Tokyo
What to See:
- Anime Shops: Visit famous stores like Animate Akihabara and Mandarake for rare and limited-edition anime merchandise, manga, and anime DVDs.
- Maid Cafes: Enjoy themed experiences at Maidreamin or @Home Cafe, where staff dressed as anime characters serve food and drinks.
- Anime Themed Arcades: The Taito Station and SEGA Akihabara offer arcade games based on popular anime franchises.
- Anime Screenings: The Akihabara UDX Theater sometimes hosts special anime screenings.
Cost:
- Shopping at anime stores: Varies (merchandise from ¥300–¥10,000)
- Maid Cafes: ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person
- Arcades: ¥100–¥500 per game
- Anime screenings: ¥1,000–¥1,500 per ticket
Schedule:
Shops: Open daily from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Maid Cafes: Usually open 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Arcades: Open from 10:00 AM – late evening
UDX Theater: Check event schedules on the theater’s website.

Why Visit: Akihabara offers the full anime experience, where you can immerse yourself in shopping, dining, and entertainment, all revolving around anime culture.

Ghibli Museum (Mitaka, Tokyo)

For fans of Studio Ghibli’s iconic works like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Howl’s Moving Castle, the Ghibli Museum is a must-visit. This museum showcases the magic behind Hayao Miyazaki’s beloved films.

Location: 1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo
What to See:
- Exhibits about Studio Ghibli films, animation techniques, and behind-the-scenes processes.
- A life-sized Totoro statue in the museum’s outdoor garden.
- Special short films exclusive to the museum, only shown here.
Cost:
- Adult tickets: ¥1,000
- Children (4–12 years): ¥700
- Children under 4: Free
- Tickets must be purchased in advance through the official website or ticket vendors (tickets are often sold out well in advance).
Schedule:
Open daily, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closed on Tuesdays, and during maintenance periods)

Why Visit: The Ghibli Museum is an immersive, magical experience for fans of Studio Ghibli’s films, with interactive exhibits and exclusive screenings.

Ikebukuro (Tokyo): Otaku District and Anime Paradise

Ikebukuro is another great area in Tokyo to explore anime culture, specifically in the Otome Road area. It is famous for catering to both anime and otaku (geek) culture, with a particular focus on anime and video games.

Location: Ikebukuro, Toshima, Tokyo
What to See:
- Ikebukuro’s Animate Ikebukuro: A flagship store with everything anime—from manga to anime DVDs, video games, and collectibles.
- Otome Road: Visit shops like K-Books for anime, manga, and cosplay merchandise.
- Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo: A paradise for Pokémon fans, offering exclusive Pokémon goods and games.
Cost:
- Merchandise: Varies (from ¥500 to ¥10,000)
- Entrance to the Pokémon Center: Free (except for limited edition events and purchases)
Schedule:
Shops: Open daily, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Why Visit: Ikebukuro offers a more diverse anime experience compared to Akihabara, with additional focuses on video games, manga, and Pokémon.

Odaiba (Tokyo): DiverCity Tokyo Plaza and Fuji TV Studios

Odaiba is a futuristic entertainment hub that combines high-tech attractions with anime-themed entertainment, making it a great spot for anime lovers.

Location: Odaiba, Tokyo
What to See:
- DiverCity Tokyo Plaza: Visit the life-sized Unicorn Gundam Statue at the entrance, and explore the Gundam Base Tokyo inside the mall, offering Gundam model kits and exclusive products.
- Fuji TV Studio: Fuji TV, one of Japan’s largest television networks, frequently airs popular anime shows. You can check out their studio tours and visit themed events.
Cost:
- Gundam Base: Free admission
- Studio Tour: ¥1,500–¥2,000
Schedule:
Gundam Base: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Fuji TV: Studio tours and events are scheduled depending on availability.

Why Visit: Odaiba offers the perfect blend of high-tech anime attractions, including Gundam, anime screenings, and live TV studios.

Anime Cafes & Themed Cafes Across Japan

Themed cafes are a unique way to experience anime culture while enjoying food and beverages. These cafes often feature popular anime characters, menus inspired by anime series, and merchandise.

Location: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and other major cities
What to See:
- Maidreamin (Akihabara, Tokyo): Maid cafes where waitresses are dressed in anime-inspired outfits and serve food in a playful style.
- Pokémon Café (Tokyo): A café dedicated to Pokémon, serving cute Pokémon-inspired dishes.
- Final Fantasy Eorzea Café (Shibuya, Tokyo): A café dedicated to the Final Fantasy game series, offering themed food and drink.
Cost:
- Themed cafes: ¥1,000–¥2,000 per person (varies based on the café)
- Pokémon Café: ¥1,500–¥3,000 for a meal (depends on menu choices)
Schedule:
Most themed cafes operate daily, typically from 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

Why Visit: Themed cafes are perfect for anime lovers looking to engage with their favorite series in a fun and interactive setting.

Anime Film Theaters and Special Screenings

Japan offers multiple theaters where you can watch anime movies and special screenings, such as:

Toho Cinemas (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto): A major movie theater chain that frequently screens the latest anime movies.
- Cost: ¥1,800 for regular screenings.
- Schedule: Varies by film and location.
Shibuya Cinema (Tokyo): A venue where you can watch exclusive anime screenings and premieres.

Tips for Visiting the Best Anime Places in Japan

Plan Ahead: Some anime events, cafes, or screenings may require reservations or tickets in advance, especially in busy locations like Tokyo.
Language Barrier: While some cafes and shops offer English-language services, it’s helpful to know a few basic Japanese phrases.
Budgeting: Anime-themed cafes and events can be pricey, so plan your budget accordingly.

Conclusion

Japan offers a treasure trove of anime experiences, from bustling districts like Akihabara to immersive museums and anime-themed cafés. Whether you’re watching the latest anime film, shopping for anime merchandise, or enjoying a Ghibli movie, there’s something for every fan. Make sure to plan your visit to these iconic anime destinations, and immerse yourself in Japan’s vibrant anime culture!