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Japan is the birthplace of anime, and for any true fan, a trip there is like stepping into your favourite shows. From iconic landmarks recreated in real life to character-themed cafes and museums dedicated to animation legends, Japan offers an unforgettable experience for anime enthusiasts. Here's a look at some of them.
Visiting the Ghibli Museum and seeing the Studio Ghibli movies coming to life is nothing less than a pilgrimage for an anime lover or even a film enthusiast. Located in the capital city of Tokyo, as soon as you enter the space, you will recognise the whimsical aesthetic of Hayao Miyazaki. A distinctive Totoro is waiting to greet you at the front entrance, and at the same time, a life-size robot from Castle in the Sky looms over your head.
Inside, you are bound to find a small theatre that plays short films by Studio Ghibli that you could find nowhere else. The first floor houses an exhibition on the history of Japanese animation and techniques, and the second floor hosts temporary exhibitions on various aspects of the movie.
It is important to note that getting tickets is not easy. In Japan, they can only be purchased at Lawson stores one month in advance; internationally, it is possible to buy tickets online,, but there are enough scamsters to defraud you worldwide.
It is no secret that the Akihabara district is the capital of all things anime. The entire district is decorated with shops dedicated to anime, manga, and video games. This is usually at the top of the bucket list of anime enthusiasts, but we recommend waiting till Sunday to make your visit. The roads are less crowded with traffic and the main street is closed to traffic of all kinds, making it extremely easy to walk around.
The area boasts everything, from tiny one-person stalls to the 9-floor Camera Yodobashi complex. Eat at the Square Enix Café or spend some time away at one of the many storied arcades.
The Meiji Period inspired the bathhouse in Miyazaki’s classic "Spirited Away." It is a popular and stunning attraction decorated with majestic wooden baths since 1894. The bathhouse is famous and regal, boasting of visits by even the Royal Family of Japan. It is enthralling to navigate the maze of hallways, stairs and rooms, all accessed easily by the staffers attending to the customers. This experience is nothing short of a movie scene; you can bathe in the warm waters and the layered history surrounding the space.
Popularly nicknamed the sacred place of Otaku culture, Nokano Broadway is essentially an indoor shopping mall dedicated to anime magazines, collector’s items, figurines, video games, and all things anime. The mall has over a hundred stores dealing with one aspect of otaku life, becoming niche spaces for you to fulfil your fantasy. The Mandrake store has eight small stores, and the Chico ice Cream shop sells eight layered ice cream cones. The mall is an anime heaven, from top floor to bottom, and will surely leave you mesmerised.
Situated right in the centre of Tokyo’s most colourful district, the Scrumble Crossing is surrounded by endless entertainment and shopping opportunities and packed with people. The Shibuya Station and the surrounding areas have been made into several anime productions and remain a trendy and touristy spot for locals and visitors alike. If you are uncomfortable in crowds, you may think twice before exploring the area. The Hachiko Exit is the most popular area, and live-action anime fans can easily spot their favourite destinations from here. So pack your bags and head out for a packed day at the Scrumble crossing in Shibuya.
