Japan is one of the best destinations for tourists as it offers unique experiences that are hard to find elsewhere. With a rich culture blending Eastern traditions with Western modernity and stunning scenery with breathtaking views and mountains, Japan appeals to tourists across the globe and makes for one of the best places to plan your next vacation that will allow you to build long-lasting memories.
When it comes to safety, Japan has a relatively low level of violent crime, especially when compared to other areas in the world, such as the UK, where criminal injuries are more common, with many victims using resources such as https://www.compensationcalculatoruk.co.uk/criminal-injuries-compensation-calculator/ to evaluate how much compensation they could receive for the physical and mental pain they suffer. Since safety is an important factor when travelling to a country, this adds to Japan’s appeal among tourists.
But besides its pristine natural scenery, beautiful temples and gardens, and delicious food, Japan is also famous for its popular spots for anime lovers, such as Akihabara and the enchanting Ghibli Park. So, if you are still enthralled with the stories of your favourite anime characters and have been dreaming for a while of immersing yourself in the Otaku culture, you’ve come to the right place. This blog lists the 6 must-see places in Japan for all anime lovers.
Akihabara
If you’re going to take an Otaku pilgrimage to Japan, you don’t want to miss out on the holy grail for anime lovers: Akihabara. This popular district in Tokyo is essentially synonymous with anime, video games, and manga and is home to numerous stores that sell cosplay costumes, action figures, and retro video games, to name just a few.
Besides, the streets in this location are lined with huge posters of anime characters, colourful billboards, and maid cafes, where tourists are welcomed by waitresses wearing frilly outfits. Many Otaku events happen in Akihabara, such as idol concerts, anime screenings, and video game tournaments, so get ready to be entertained and have lots of fun when visiting this fascinating spot!
The Ghibli Museum
When visiting Japan, you will want to take a trip to the enhancing world of Miyazaki at the Ghibli Museum, which was opened in Mitaka in 2001. Fans of Studio Ghibli films will adore this whimsical museum that displays original artworks, and interactive exhibits, and also has a screening room called the Saturn Theatre, where you can watch exclusive short films directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
Another interesting thing to do at the Ghibli Museum is explore the rooftop garden and grab some snacks at the Straw Hat Café. You’ll undoubtedly have a great time there, but be sure to reserve a seat in advance, because the museum is very popular and the tickets sell out really quickly!
Pokémon centres and café
Are you a Pokémon fan? If so, you’ll be delighted to find out that there are Pokémon Centres everywhere in Japan, where you can find everything from playing cards and exclusive Pokémon plushies to clothing and stationery, to name just a few items available at the stores. Moreover, you can also get the opportunity to participate in Pokémon giveaway events (which are usually rare) and even customise your own Pokémon card – now, aren’t these the dreams of every fan?
Another spot you should undoubtedly visit if you love Pokémon is the Pokémon Café —a themed restaurant that offers an unparalleled experience to all fans, regardless of their age. It delights the senses with its fun décor inspired by the iconic franchise and delicious food and drinks. Interestingly, the menu changes frequently, depending on the game releases and the seasons, meaning that each visit there will be unique.
Universal Studios Japan
If you’re looking to experience several attractions related to pop culture, a must-see spot is Universal Studios Japan. One of the main attractions there is the magical world of Harry Potter, where you can stroll through Hogsmeade’s cobblestone streets and savour a delicious Buttercup. But if you aren’t a fan of Harry Potter, don’t worry – there’s more to discover in this famous theme park. Suppose you’re a video game enthusiast; you MUST not miss the Super Nintendo World area, which was recently opened and takes visitors on a thrilling journey through the Nintendo world, where they can explore the Mushroom Kingdom in the colours of famous characters from the Super Mario franchise.
When visiting Universal Studios Japan, don’t miss the spots dedicated to other renowned licences like the Minions, Hello Kitty, Spider-Man, and Jurassic Park. You’ll also find temporary special events there that feature video game releases, the latest anime ( how cool is that?), and even signing sessions with creators and artists! These are all unique opportunities you get once in a lifetime and will undoubtedly turn your trip to Japan into one you will not forget!
Nakano Broadway
Perhaps you are the type of fan who seeks a more nostalgic Otaku experience, and if that’s the case, we recommend heading to Nakano Broadway, which is a shopping complex situated in the Nakano district of Tokyo. This hotspot is a four-story building where fans can find many small stores and stalls that sell manga, anime items, collectible figurines, and retro games and toys.
The atmosphere of this place is relaxed and warm, and you can spend your time here exploring the shelves and sparking a conversation with store owners. And if you’re like any other anime and manga fan, you likely don’t want to leave this place without buying a souvenir that will later remind you of this trip. Well, you can consider yourself lucky in that case because some stores in Nakano Broadway offer rare and vintage items, while others provide fan-made creations and custom items, and you can find something for your budget easily.
Den-Den Town
While anime geeks often flock to Akihabara, there’s another alternative to it, especially if your main Japan destination is Osaka and you don’t want to travel to Tokyo. Den-Den Town is, in fact, superior to Akihabara because it has shops concentrated along two main streets, making it easy to find what you are looking for and navigate the place.
Besides, you can do so many fun things in Den-Den town, from watching a cosplay parade and playing a card game to visiting a themed café or having a signing session at places like the Karaoke Rainbow Namco. Without a doubt, it’s a spot that should be on your Japan bucket list!
The bottom line
Although Japan is worth visiting for many reasons, as you can see, there are many exciting places you can explore there if you’re passionate about anime and manga. So, we hope this list has inspired you to book your ticket to Japan and go on a memorable adventure through the anime world!