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5 places to Experience Rich Anime Culture

Last updated: 18 August 2020

Akihabara is an area known to be the ultimate spot for anime culture, abundant with manga, anime-related figures and items, and cosplay shops. Here are the five best spots to make the most of your anime experience!

Akihabara Radio Kaikan is a shopping building with many shops focusing on anime-related products. A lot of shops sell a range of comics and figurines, others offer a variety of doll costumes, and some shops sell niche items. Visiting Akihabara Radio Kaikan will definitely show you the many facettes of anime culture.

"Gacha-gacha" are machines in which small items, such as key chains, will come out at random in an egg-shaped capsule after inserting coins. At the Akihabara Gachapon Kaikan, there are unique gacha-gacha machines with rare anime figurines and elaborate miniatures. Get your favorite character goods in this shop that offers 480 different gacha-gacha machines!

This shop sells replica weapons and armor such as swords and model guns, the same that can be found in various anime and games. From Japanese swords to throwing knives and Western swords, the inventory of Busou Shoten is amazing. How about buying a replica of a tsuba (the brim of a Japanese sword shaped like an oval coin) as a souvenir? Be careful, however, when purchasing the replica of an actual weapon as a lot of countries have strict laws concerning such replicas - even taking them on a plane can be a crime. Be sure to check the regulations of your home country beforehand and settle for something small and unique like said tsuba, should a full replica be not allowed.

Nail Salon Venusrico is a unique shop that specializes in character-themed nail art. Make a reservation, bring a picture or some merchandise of your favorite character and show off your fandom on your fingernails! A full session for all nails takes around three hours.

Various exhibitions related to anime are held in the Tokyo Anime Center. Depending on the event, valuable original images, such as concept art, may be on display, and goods limited to this particular venue are usually sold as well. Both diehard fans and anime beginners will be able to enjoy themselves at the Tokyo Anime Center, since currently popular shows are generally in the spotlight.