Top 11 Things to Do on an Anime Trip to Japan

Step into the whimsical world of Hayao Miyazaki's imagination at the Studio Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo. As you explore this enchanting space, you'll feel like you've been whisked away to the fantastical realms of Oscar-winning masterpieces like Spirited Away or The Boy and the Heron.

But this isn't just any museum, it's a portal to the heart of Ghibli's creative process. You'll get an exclusive peek behind the curtain with interactive exhibits on animation techniques. The museum also screens short films you can't see anywhere else in the world. For the perfect finale to your visit, head up to the rooftop garden and visit a life-sized Robot Soldier from Castle in the Sky.

Akihabara is the neon-lit district in Tokyo known as the beating heart of otaku culture in Japan. This bustling area is a paradise for anime enthusiasts, packed with multi-story complexes filled to the brim with manga, anime merchandise, and collectibles.

Spend hours browsing through endless aisles of rare finds and limited-edition items that you won’t get anywhere else. Akihabara is home to maid cafés and themed restaurants that bring your favorite anime worlds to life. This district regularly hosts anime-related events and cosplay gatherings, and whether you’re hunting for a specific figurine or just soaking in the atmosphere, the neighborhood is a quintessential part of any anime tour of Japan.

Located in Nerima, Tokyo, the Toei Animation Museum is a shrine to the golden age of anime. This museum offers a behind-the-scenes look at how some of the most iconic anime series were brought to life. From Dragon Ball to Sailor Moon, Toei Animation has produced countless classics that have defined generations.

The museum is packed with exhibits showcasing original artwork, storyboards, and animation techniques that provide a fascinating insight into the classic anime production process. You can even try your hand at voice acting or dabble in the familiar animation techniques for a new way to engage with the stories, whether you're a long-time fan or new to the genre.

If you’re looking to learn more about the history and techniques of Japanese animation, the Suginami Animation Museum offers a comprehensive look at the evolution of anime. The museum features rotating exhibits from different anime studios, providing a fresh perspective each time you visit.

You’ll also find hands-on experiences that let you try out animation production tools that give you a taste of what it’s like to be an animator drawing your first frame or when exploring your curiosity about the magic behind your favorite shows.

Nakano Broadway is the ultimate shopping destination for anime and manga fans in Tokyo. This multi-story complex is a treasure trove of anime merchandise, including rare and vintage items that hardcore fans will appreciate. Home to several branches of Mandarake, a famous second-hand anime goods store, Nakano Broadway offers everything from old manga volumes to action figures and cosplay costumes.

If you’re a collector, this is the place to uncover those hard-to-find items that will complete your collection. Even if you’re not looking to buy, the vibrant atmosphere and eclectic mix of shops make Nakano Broadway an exciting stop on your anime tour in Japan.

The Kyoto International Manga Museum is a haven for manga lovers. Housed in a former elementary school, this museum boasts over 300,000 manga publications, making it one of the largest collections in the world.

The exhibits trace the history and cultural impact of manga, offering deep insights into the beloved art form. Whether you’re flipping through classic volumes or attending a manga drawing workshop, there’s something for everyone. The museum’s unique setting, combined with its extensive collection, makes every visit memorable.

Many anime series are set in real-life locations across Japan, offering you the chance to step into the world of your favorite show. One of the most iconic spots is the staircase from Your Name in Tokyo, a site that has become a pilgrimage destination for anime enthusiasts.

In Kyoto, you can visit the school from K-On! and other key locations from various anime series. These pilgrimages allow you to experience the settings of your favorite anime firsthand. So whether you’re tracing the footsteps of your favorite characters or just soaking in the scenery, these real-life anime locations can become a highlight of your time in Japan.

If you have dreamed of lending your voice to an anime character, an experience in Tokyo can make that dream a reality. Various locations, including a number of popular karaoke chains, offer this exciting activity, during which you can dub famous anime scenes with your own voice.

It’s a fun and interactive way to get a behind-the-scenes look at the voice-acting process in anime production. You’ll often get a recording of your performance to take home as a souvenir.

No anime tour of Japan would be complete without a visit to a themed anime café or restaurant. Tokyo is home to a variety of these establishments, each offering a unique dining experience inspired by popular anime series.

From the Gundam Café to a Pokémon Café, these venues serve up food and drinks that are as visually appealing as they are delicious. The decor and staff costumes are all based on anime themes, creating an immersive environment that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into your favorite show. Many of the cafés offer exclusive merchandise, along with collaborative menu items you can only get at each space.

For fans of One Piece, a visit to Kumamoto reveals the hometown of Eiichiro Oda, the creator of the world’s best-selling manga series. As part of a collaboration with Oda, Kumamoto has installed 10 bronze statues of the Straw Hat Pirates crew throughout the prefecture.

These statues were built to help the region recover after the 2016 earthquakes, with funding from Oda. You can join an organized One Piece tour which covers multiple statue locations or rent a car to couple your discovery of the statues with exploring rural areas at your own pace.

Your anime tour of Japan can take you on land, underground, or on an adventure in the skies with anime-themed transportation. One of the most iconic options is the Hello Kitty Shinkansen, which runs between Shin-Osaka and Hakata, featuring a pink and white exterior adorned with Hello Kitty decals. Inside, you’ll find themed carriages, including a Sanrio shop and the Kawaii Room, making your journey just as fun as your destination.

Another option is the Pokémon With You Train, which runs on the Tohoku Main Line, originally designed to cheer up children affected by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. With Pokémon-themed interiors and a playroom for kids, this train is perfect for families.

Whether you’re flying on the Pikachu Jet or taking a ride on the Doraemon Streetcar in Takaoka City, anime-themed transportation adds a unique touch to your tour of Japan.

From exploring the magical worlds of Studio Ghibli and Toei Animation to shopping for rare treasures in Akihabara and Nakano Broadway, Japan offers an unparalleled experience for any anime fan. Whether you're tracing the footsteps of beloved characters or diving deep into the art of animation, each stop on your anime tour of Japan journey is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Visit our Japan travel guide or explore our Japan tours and vacations for more inspiration and to create the perfect itinerary for your trip to Japan.