Anime and manga are two of the staples in Japanese culture, and Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, makes no exception. The city is full of hidden gems that are known by connoisseurs only. The first place to go to is Akihabara, also known as the mecca for anime and manga otaku, a place full of specialty stores with rich anime offerings. Those lucky enough might even catch the Comic Market (Comiket), which takes place twice a year and is the largest anime-related event and party. If you’re curious to understand otaku better, or you’re already an anime fan looking for the best shops in Tokyo, we’ve got you covered. Here are the best anime and manga stores in Tokyo, Japan.
Check out these guesthouses as well for your accommodation needs if you’re planning a trip to Tokyo soon.
1. Jump Shop
With several locations in Tokyo, Jump Shop has become a popular name among anime and manga fans both inside and outside of Japan. They sell anything from DVDs, stationery, illustrations, accessories, and sundries, totaling over 3,000 different items. The best thing, however, is that the shops often organize signing events where they invite popular voice stars.
Jump Shop
Address: multiple locations in Tokyo
Website: Jump Shop
2. One Piece Mugiwara Store
Named after one of the most popular anime and manga series, One Piece, the Mugiwara Store, is one of the best locations for anime and manga shopping in Tokyo. One Piece fans will be mesmerized by the countless memorabilia collections available. You’ll find anything from toys, plushies, and figurines to chocolates, clothing items, and even underwear.
One Piece Mugiwara Store
Address: Shibuya Marui 7th Floor, 1-22-6 Jinnan, Shibuya, Tokyo
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 11:00 a.m. - 09:00 p.m. and Sun/National Holidays 11:00 a.m. - 08:30 p.m.
Website: One Piece Mugiwara Store
3. Tokyo Character Street in Tokyo Station
Once at Tokyo Character Street, time will fly without realizing it. Prepare yourself to enter the anime and manga paradise, with 21 themed stores dedicated to some of the most popular characters, including Hello Kitty, Snoopy, Pokemon, Rilakkuma, and plenty more. There’s also an event space there, with shops available for a limited time.
Tokyo Character Street in Tokyo Station
Address: Tokyo Station Yaesu North Exit 1st Floor
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 10:00 a.m. - 08:00 p.m.
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4. Mandarake
Established back in the late 1980s, Mandarake is now one of the most popular anime and manga stores in Japan, with several locations in Tokyo, and the largest stores in the world. Mandarake opens its doors to many anime and manga fans from all over the world, not just Japan, as this culture is getting more and more popular every year.
Mandarake
Address: 150-0042 Shibuya BEAM B2 floor, Udagawa-cho 31-2, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 12:00 p.m. - 08:00 p.m.
Website: Mandarake
5. Gamers in Akihabara
Another place every anime and manga fan should definitely check out is the Akihabara Gamers main store, which is home to some of the latest merchandise. Get ready to explore a seven-story shop where you’ll find anything from magazines, DVDs, and CDs to character goods and some limited-time displays. You’ll be able to buy books and magazines as a souvenir, but also fun items like anime-themed keyboards, stationery, mugs, and even clothes.
Gamers in Akihabara
Address: Takarada Building, 1-14 - 7, Kotobuki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021
Website: Gamers in Akihabara
Do you want to explore Akihabara with a tour guide? Join this popular tour!
6. Akiba Culture Zone
Easy to spot from the streets due to its cool architecture and design, the Akiba Culture Zone is home to several floors of otaku-related goods. Here, travelers can buy anything from games and manga to clothes, character figures, and lots more. The first two floors are home to over 400,000 books, magazines, and games; the third floor sells clothes; the fourth floor sells toys and figurines; the fifth floor is for karaoke and buying souvenirs, and the sixth floor is home to a café where cosplay girls serve the customers.
Akiba Culture Zone
Address: 1 Chome-7-6 Sotokanda, Chiyoda, Tokyo 101-0021
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 11:00 a.m. - 09:30 p.m.
Website: Akiba Culture Zone
7. Animate
Animate is Japan’s largest retail chain for anime goods and it has several locations open in Tokyo. Whether you’re a fan, or you’re just getting started with the anime culture, this is a great place to visit. With seven floors of anime and game merchandise from clothing and figurines to magazines and collectibles, it will definitely be an experience to remember.
Animate
Address: multiple locations in Tokyo
Website: Animate
8. K-Books
There are several locations where you can find the K-Books stores in Tokyo, including the popular Akihabara neighborhood, an anime and manga fan’s dream. Get ready to step foot into a land of over 100,000 books in just one floor. Don’t expect your usual reading materials, but an anime and manga world where you’ll find anything you can possibly imagine.
K-Books
Address: multiple locations in Tokyo
Website: K-Books
9. Taco Che
Nakano is another popular name among anime and manga fans in Tokyo and worldwide. On the third floor of the Nakano Broadway shopping complex is a store called Taco Che, home to some limited-edition titles and out-of-circulation books. If you have a minicomic or a self-published work that you couldn’t find anywhere else, odds are you’ll be able to find it at Taco Che.
Taco Che
Address: 〒164-0001 Tokyo, Nakano, 5 Chome−52−15
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 12:00 p.m. - 08:00 p.m.
Website: Taco Che
10. Nakano Broadway
As mentioned before, Nakano Broadway is an otaku’s dream come true. The shopping complex spreads over five floors and it contains a large number of outlets specializing in second-hand manga and anime offerings. Anything from CDs, DVDs, magazines, books, and other rarities can be found here. If your time is limited, make sure you at least visit the second and third floors, as those have the best offerings.
Nakano Broadway
Address: 5 Chome-52 Nakano, Tokyo 164-0001
Website: Nakano Broadway
Akihabara Anime & Gaming Adventure Tour (67 USD)
In case one anime store is not enough, why not book a tour instead? Akihabara anime and gaming adventure tour is one of the best things to do while in Tokyo! The tour will take you to various highly recommended anime and game centers around Tokyo. Travel back into the past anime world with old school video game stores before heading over to a popular maid café where you can order a drink or two. After that, you are then free to wander around huge anime stores, with expert guidance and recommendations from your local guide. Also included in this three-hour tour is a Japanese photo booth experience called Purikura. The experience proves to be fulfilling and worth-it especially if you’re an anime or manga fanatic, make sure to bring a camera to capture unforgettable moments!
Akihabara Anime & Gaming Adventure Tour
Duration: 3 hours
Price: 67 USD
Tokyo, Japan - an anime and manga paradise
Anime and manga are, without a doubt, a significant part in the Japanese culture and history, so taking the time to discover them is essential. And what better place to start than Tokyo? The city is every otaku’s dream. Apart from the free tours and Taiyaki shops, the city also boasts stores for both anime and manga rookies and buffs. Make sure you check out at least a couple of these anime and manga stores in Tokyo, Japan.