Top 10 Anime Things to Do in Japan

In addition to ancient temples, shrines, cherry blossoms, and fall foliage, anime and manga add a unique touch to your Japan tour, whether you're a dedicated fan or simply curious about otaku culture. From exploring Akihabara to immersing yourself in the Ghibli Museum, here are the top anime things to do in Japan to uncover the vibrant, creative side of this country with your family and friends.

Lose Your Way in Ghibli Museum With Totoro

Location: Ghibli Museum, Mitaka, Tokyo

A visit to the Ghibli Museum is a must for anime lovers who want to explore the enchanting world created by Hayao Miyazaki. It's also a fantastic, kid-friendly choice for a family holiday in Japan.

After greeting the giant Totoro at the entrance, step inside the green-covered 'castle' that will take you back to your childhood. You'll find Kiki riding her broom through the ceiling, and a robot soldier guarding the grassy rooftop garden. Though pity is that the Cat Bus ride is reserved for children under 12, there's also an exclusive animated short film in the theater to share.

Take a stroll through the rooms on the first floor to get an idea of how a Ghibli animated film is made, and be sure to hold your ticket up to the light - you might just catch a glimpse of the castle in the sky captured on your piece of film.

Characters in Ghibli Studio

Have Fun at Universal Studios Japan

Location: Universal Studios Japan, Sakurajima, Konohana, Osaka

As a country rich in anime and manga, visiting Universal Studios Japan is always worth something special. In addition to the famous Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the park offers a wealth of local anime-themed events, making it a paradise for everyone to jump into the fancy world.

There's no shortage of exciting anime things to do. You can solve puzzles in the real-life Death Note escape game, embark on an epic One Piece voyage with Luffy and Chopper, or relive the thrilling battles of Dragon Ball in 4-D. In the fall of 2024, the park will host a massive Pokemon and Demon Slayer-themed Halloween party - so if you're visiting Japan in October, don't miss it!

Monkey D. Luffy, One Piece

Meet Otaku Culture in Akihabara

Location: Akihabara, Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo

When it comes to top anime activities in Japan, exploring Akihabara must be the one on your to-do list. Even if you're not a die-hard anime fan, this district offers plenty to enjoy, but for true enthusiasts, there's never too long to stay.

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Located not far from Sensoji and Ueno Park, Akihabara is bustling with vibrant character posters, countless manga and video game shops, live houses to meet idols, and anime events where you can engage with the industry. No wonder it's known as the heart of Otaku culture.

While there, you can grab a meal at a maid café to get a glimpse of the otaku lifestyle, take photos with cosplayers, browse the latest manga, goods, and video games, or even start your anime pilgrimage by exploring real-life locations from Steins;Gate.

Akihabara, Tokyo

Gundam & Titan, Catch Something Huge at Odaiba

Location: Odaiba, Minato City, Tokyo

Just a 40-minute drive from Tokyo, you'll reach the artificial island of Odaiba, home to some exciting 'huge' to surprise your Japanese anime journey.

Begin with a visit to the Statue of Liberty replica, which adds a touch of New York flair (now you might understand why the statue appears in so many anime scenes stage on local Japan). Head to the life-size Unicorn Gundam Statue - best visited in the afternoon, so you can catch the stunning light show at night. If you're a mecha fan, you're in luck! With the Gundam Café and Gundam Base nearby, there's plenty to do after snapping your photos.

Also check out the indoor amusement park, Tokyo Joypolis, where you can experience Attack on Titan tie-in events. Or continue your Odaiba adventure by exploring real locations from Digimon.

Odaiba Seaside Park

Enjoy Daily Life in Ikebukuro

Location: Ikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo

Ikebukuro, the main setting of Durarara!!, tells stories about the 'daily life' of local urban legends and is a popular destination for anime fans seeking real-life locations.

Wander through its maze-like subway system to find the iconic Ikefukurou statue, enjoy a coffee on the bustling Sunshine 60 Street, and linger at East Ikebukuro Central Park to catch its stunning sunset, feeling as if you've stepped into the anime itself.

Another anime thing to do here is drop by the Otome Road (Maiden Road), known for its abundance of cosplayers and Akihabara-like atmosphere, making the encounter of anime cosplayers part of the daily routine. Most importantly, this street is especially female-friendly, offering plenty of shops dedicated to otome games, manga, and anime.

Omurice in the Café

Crossing Shibuya Scramble With Pokemon

Location: Shibuya City, Tokyo

The bustling Shibuya Scramble Crossing is likely familiar, even if it's your first time visiting Japan. Featured in anime and films like Biohazard, Tokyo Ghoul, and the recently finished Jujutsu Kaisen, this iconic spot is a must-visit on any anime things-to-do list.

Join the crowd crossing the scramble, or head to a nearby shopping mall for a bird's-eye view. A leisurely wander here is always recommended. If you're a Pokemon trainer, be sure to visit the Pokemon Center along with your best team to rekindle childhood memories.

For an after-dinner stroll, the vibrant night scene in Shibuya is a great choice, with colorful neon lights, cozy cafes, local izakayas, and lively nightclubs setting the atmosphere.

Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Wander Into the Garden of Words

Location: Shinjuku Gyoen, Shinjuku City, Tokyo

The French, English, and Japanese-style garden of Shinjuku Gyoen is a true oasis in the bustling Shinjuku City. It usually served as a popular hanami spot to admire the pink cherry blossoms from late March to mid-April, as well as the gateway to wander yourself into the vivid greenery, the Garden of Words.

In fact, it is quite an ordinary wooden pavilion, along the lakeshore and hidden in the lush verdant, waiting for a rest or shelter from rain.

Picture an early summer day with raindrops softly tapping on your umbrella. Cross the bridge, jump over the shallows, and sit on the pavilion's wooden bench with a piece of chocolate. The top anime thing to do here is just simple like that. Admire the garden from the pavilion, soaked in green, reflected in the calm lake, and waiting for the sun to peek out from behind the clouds.

Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo

Visit the Town of Your Name

Location: Lake Suwa, Suwa City, Nagano

Remember the tranquil lakeside village from Your Name? The place where Mitsuha grew up, with the long tail of the meteorite reflected on the mirror-like lake, and the large cracks in the frozen surface leading to the mysterious cave? Whether it left an impression or not, there is the opportunity to visit these real locations in Nagano.

Lake Suwa, the inspiration for these iconic scenes, is now a top anime destination. Head to Tateishi Park to capture the stunning sunset over Lake Suwa is always the top thing, which is also a perfect spot to watch summer fireworks. Or plan a winter visit to see the mystical 'God's Crossing' cracks that form on the frozen lake.

In Tokyo, another key location from Your Name awaits - the iconic staircase in Yotsuya, where Mitsuha and Taki finally meet.

Lake Suwa

Soak in Yubaba's Bathhouse - Dogo Onsen

Location: Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama, Ehime

Located just across the bay from Hiroshima (about a 3-hour drive), the wooden Dogo Onsen is an aging hot springs resort with over 3000 years of history. It is a three-floor building that features traditional bathhouses, maze-like corridors, and old-style Karakuri mechanism clocks, which are said to be a key inspiration for the main setting of Spirited Away.

So, why not be the guest of the real-life Yubaba's Bathhouse? Soak in the healing hot springs just like those various Japanese gods, and enjoy refreshing meals and desserts after your soothing bath. Don a yukata, and search for Kamaji's secret steaming room. Wander through the labyrinthine hallways where Chihiro once ran from No-Face - oops, it's not polite to run in the corridors!

Dogo Onsen

Hike the Real-Life Forest of Princess Mononoke

Location: Yakushima, Kumage, Kagoshima

Yakushima, the inspiration for the anime film Princess Mononoke, is a serene island escape from the hustle of city life. With breathtaking gorges, ancient cedar forests, stunning waterfalls, and relaxing hot springs, it's the perfect destination to begin your exciting nature adventure.

Hiking is the top anime thing to do here. When crossing through the forest, try to follow the sound of snapping twigs which may lead you to an encounter with curious Japanese macaques or graceful deer. Wander past towering moss-covered cedars, refresh yourself at a cascading waterfall, and explore the misty Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge, where snaking vines and an enchanting atmosphere may make you feel like you've stumbled upon the domain of a new mountain spirit.

Yakushima Forest

Experience Japan's Top Anime Activities With Odynovo

It is always a happy thing to see those manga and anime scenes in real life, or experience those activities to jump into the world created by imagination. For more top anime things to do in Japan or more ideas to plan your unique Japan tour, feel free to contact Odynovo at [email protected].