Top Destinations in Japan for Anime Fans

Since its inception, anime has birthed some of the best works of art and fiction the world has ever seen. From the heart-wrenching character studies of Neon Genesis: Evangelion to modern-day hits like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Spy x Family, the anime genre has achieved a status of sacred reverence among otakus everywhere. While anime can now be easily enjoyed worldwide, nothing beats experiencing it from its cradle, the Land of the Rising Sun. Here’s a list of destinations for anime fans to visit in Japan!

Must-visit Japan destinations for anime fans

1. Ghibli Park, Aichi

Studio Ghibli fans from across the world consider the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo as a site of sacred pilgrimage; the ultimate haven for enthusiasts of Hayao Miyazaki’s beautiful work. However, another destination now ambitiously vies for that spotlight. 

Located at Expo Aichi Memorial Park, Ghibli Park feels like stepping into real-life settings from your favourite Studio Ghibli movies. The park is divided into five main areas, with the largest being Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse; an exhibition space that comes complete with a playground for children, shops, restaurants, and even a cinema.

The Hill of Youth is home to the Elevator Tower, built with a blend of 19th-century and sci-fi architecture that pays tribute to Howl’s Moving Castle and Castle in the Sky. Visitors will also be able to visit the World Emporium from Whisper of the Heart and the Cat Bureau from The Cat Returns.

Another zone, Dondoko, pays homage to My Neighbour Totoro. Visitors can check out a replica of Satsuki and Mei’s house from the movie and a cafe modelled after a rest stop from the movie. The highlight of this area is Dondoko-do a play area with a giant statue of Totoro that children can find after following a trail of acorns. Naturally, no adults are allowed inside Dondoko-do.

Ghibli Park’s most recent zone opened in March 2024 and is called the Valley of Witches. Here, visitors can enter the Okino Residence; the home of the protagonist in Kiki’s Delivery Service. There’s also a replica of the Guchokipanya Bakery from the same movie and a majestic recreation of the iconic castle from Howl’s Moving Castle.

2. Nijigen no Mori, Hyogo

My introduction to the world of anime began with a boundless fascination with the world of Naruto as a kid. For a fan like me, visiting Nijigen no Mori in Hyogo would’ve been a dream come true. This epic theme park is the best place to be for fans of the Naruto franchise, and more recently, Boruto too.

Anime fans can take pictures with the iconic Hokage Rock from the Hidden Leaf Village and undergo a series of ninja training missions that involve puzzle-solving, fun games, and much more. Besides that, there are also recreations of other famous Naruto characters like the Nine-Tailed Fox, the Akatsuki, and a night-only projection-mapping show at Hokage Rock.

Nijigen no Mori isn’t limited to one anime, however. There are sections of the theme park dedicated to classic animes like Bleach and Crayon Shin-chan, as well as newer entries like Spy x Family. Finally, the park also features a Godzilla-themed area, with one of the activities here being zip-lining right into Godzilla’s gaping maw. It doesn’t get any better than that.

3. Ashikaga Flower Park, Tochigi

Let’s dial things back a little for something a little more demure. Anime fans worth their salt in this day and age have most likely watched an episode of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. After all, what’s there not to like about a tragic army of teenagers fighting deadly demons with nothing more than swords and the strength of their breathing? In the anime, the demon antagonists are often repelled by a special type of flower; the lilac blooms of wisteria trees.

Ashikaga Flower Park is home to a 160-year-old Great Wisteria Tree that only blooms once a year during spring. During this time, anime fans who are lucky enough to witness the dangling purple flowers will find themselves transported to the fictitious, wisteria-covered mountain of Mount Fujikasane from Demon Slayer.

4. Fujiko.F.Fujio Museum, Kanagawa

Doraemon and Nobita have long been our childhood companions, alongside other characters from the Doraemon. In Kanagawa, there is a special museum dedicated to this well-loved anime and its creator, Fujiko.F.Fujio. Also known as the Doraemon Museum, the Fujio.F.Fujio Museum not only showcases original Doraemon artwork but also artwork from other animes created by the same author. Besides that, you’ll be able to find all the Doraemon merch you want here, alongside a cafe that serves Doraemon-themed meals.

5. Akihabara, Tokyo

A surreal neon sprawl born in fevered electric dreams, Akihabara is not only a mecca of electronics and gadgets, but it’s also a must-visit destination for anime fans in Japan. Take your pick of the many maid cafes scattered around the area, or visit the Square Enix Cafe and the Gundam Cafe instead. 

Swing by the world-renowned Animate Akihabara for a world-class experience of all things anime and manga-related. Expect eight floors stocked with otaku goodness ranging from popular anime titles to figurines, and accessories. For more unique finds, check Mandarake Akihabara; another multi-story complex specializing in reselling second-hand gems and collectibles.

6. The Life-Sized Unicorn GUNDAM Statue, Tokyo

Whether you’re a fan of the mysterious Evas from Evangelion or towering Gundams from Mobile Suit Gundam, mechs have always fascinated anime fans to no end. Leave it to Japan then, to make the dreams of every mech maniac come to life with this life-sized Gundam located at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza in Odaiba. The statue is a full-scale model of the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam from Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn and it is majestic!

Of course, there’s more to the RX-0 than just its looks. Four times a day (11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM, and 5 PM), the Gundam puts on a show for visitors by transforming from Unicorn mode to Destroy mode, complete with flashy sound and light effects alongside the glorious theme song from Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn. Beneath the giant robot, you can also visit the Gundam Cafe, a go-to spot for Gundam-themed snacks and cool souvenirs.

7. Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama

One of the most memorable scenes in Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away is when Chihiro first visits an enormous bathhouse filled with odd characters and manages to cleanse a giant, polluted river spirit. The essence of that bathhouse was inspired by Dogo Onsen. Located in Matsuyama, this hot spring resort has been around for more than 1,000 years with a local legend that speaks of an egret that healed its leg while bathing in the onsen. Anime fans can also check the Donguri no Mori souvenir shop, which sells all things Studio Ghibli. 

8. Pokemon Centre Mega Tokyo

Tokyo is home to many different Pokemon Centres, but this one is by far the largest of them all! Pokemon Centre Mega Tokyo is paradise for all Pokemon fans, whether you’re into the anime, collect trading cards, or got into Pokemon from video game series. Dive into what’s most likely the largest collection of Pokemon merch in all of Japan and discover everything from Pokemon plushies and figurines to arcade video games and Pikachu-themed snacks. Make sure you’ve got a good amount of time (and a stacked wallet), because as the saying goes, you gotta catch ‘em all!

9. Hita City, Oita

Image credit: @hita_tourism | Instagram

This one’s a little bit of an obscure find, but that’s all the more reason to pay attention. Hita City in Oita Prefecture is the hometown of none other than Hajime Isayama, the maestro mangaka behind Attack on Titan. If you’re not familiar with this particular anime, there’s no better time than the present to give it a watch. After the widespread success of both the manga and its resulting anime, Isayama’s achievements were honored in a rather unique way. 

Statues of the series’ three protagonists, Eren, Mikasa, and Armin, were built at the foot of Oyama Dam. When scanned with the Attack on Titan in HITA app, an augmented reality version of the Colossal Titan from the series appears and peers over the top of the dam. In addition to that, anime fans can also check out Attack on Titan in HITA Museum. This free-to-enter attraction showcases original artwork from Isayama.

10. Nakano Broadway

Nakano Broadway is yet another hub for anime fans in Japan. Its second and third floors are packed with all sorts of merchandise and collectibles. However, collectors with a keen eye know that Nakano has a certain unique appeal; it houses an extensive second-hand collection of treasures dedicated to specific animes. Visitors can explore rows and rows of shelves filled with vintage manga, rare anime posters, and a variety of keychains, plushies, and figurines. Fans of retro shows like Evangelion and Sailor Moon might be able to uncover truly special merch here.

Clearly, there’s no shortage of anime havens in Japan. It’s the best destination in the world for otakus who are looking to immerse themselves in their favourite worlds, stories, and characters. Anime plays a massive role in Japan’s contribution to pop culture and it’s a genre of art that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.