It is easy to imagine One Piece fans forgetting their photo opportunity as they become ecstatic walking into the world of manga. So, let’s go over the photo spots so that there will be no regrets later. Whether or not you plan on cosplaying, try practicing a few poses at home. This way, you can feel confident in front of the camera as you take as many wonderful photos as possible.

That said, don’t miss the photo spot at the entrance on the third floor of Tokyo One Piece Tower where you can get shots with figures of Luffy and Chopper. But watch out, because this photo spot will look different from the picture below during the Halloween event. Wondering how? Well, you shall find out when you get there!

Speaking from my experience wearing the outfit of a female marine, I can guarantee that you will have double the fun and your time will be more memorable if you cosplay during the Halloween event! By doing so, you can blend into the background of each photo spot and take fantastic photos. And, you’ll have even more fun communicating with other characters! For example, when I visited Tongari Island inside Tokyo One Piece Tower, islanders greeted me by asking: “Are you patrolling the island? Keep up the good work!”

By simply putting on a costume and some accessories, you can not only get a conversation rolling with the inhabitants of Tongari Island but also receive one of nine exclusive stickers—each printed with a different One Piece characters in Halloween costumes—upon entering the venue during the event. There are. Please note that you will not be able to choose.

Additionally, there will be a free jumbo clear sticker for those who pretend to be one of the Whitebeard Pirates on Marco’s birthday (Friday, October 5) or if you portray a member of the Heart Pirates on Saturday, October 6, which is Trafalgar Law’s birthday.

You can, of course, participate in a competition for best One Piece cosplay, including of pirates, marines, and animals. The first round of the adult division contests (junior high school and over) for individual contestants will be held on Saturday, October 13. The second round—for contestants in groups of two or three—will take place on Saturday, October 20. The kids division contest, open to students in elementary school or younger, is set for Saturday, October 27. If you aspire to take home the prize, start preparing your costume now!

At this year’s Cosplay Contest, a professional photographer will take photos of all contestants upon their entry. These images will be mounted on pasteboards and given to the contestants at the end. Anime voice actors and creators of One Piece will serve as judges, and winners will receive original prizes.

This photo spot renders a very realistic shot and it looks as if you are actually partying with members of the Straw Hat crew. But, considering the fact that these figures are life size, look how gigantic Luffy’s favorite food—meat on the bone—is! Here, challenge yourself to make exaggerated facial expressions and various poses. If you are into acting, there’s no doubt that you will get hooked.

On the fifth floor, a figure of the very popular One Piece character Ace can be found inside a walkthrough attraction entitled Luffy’s Endless Adventure. For die-hard fans of Ace, this is a chance to take a commemorative photo in front of a background that recreates a famous scene in which Ace and Luffy—after the former was rescued—fought together at the Battle of Marineford. It is sure to make people emotional and cause tears to be shed.

This is one of my favorite photos taken on the day of my visit! Dressed as a female marine, I needed to go to the Marine Headquarters. Look how my pink marine coat complements the purple chair! I must admit that the photo looks a bit empty, since I went alone, but it made me want to bring friends along next time so we could take a lot of fun photos and make memories together.

This is a new photo spot that opened on July 21! Here you can get an illusory shot with Marco the Phoenix, former first-division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. What’s more, you can watch projection mapping of everyone’s favorite scene from the Battle of Marineford. The amazing two-minute-long visual experience takes place every hour on the half-hour and the 55-minute mark. Photography is allowed, but please note that recording and use of flash are prohibited!

Log Gallery, on the fifth floor, is hosting a special exhibition that features various original illustrations. When I visited, a huge hole created by Kaido—one of the Yonko (Four Emperors)—was replicated, so I got a photo in it, which came out very humorously with manga blurbs all around!

This photo greeting is a must for those who want a group shot with the main characters of One Piece. As soon as the venue opens at 10:00 a.m., rush to the fifth floor and get a ticket to secure your spot! Be warned that there is a limited number of tickets, and only those who have a ticket can take a group photo with the “Straw Hat” Pirates. If this is your thing, be prepared and think about who you want to cosplay during the Halloween event to best blend into the photo!

As for snacks and drinks, three types of donuts inspired by Perona and a second series of juice bags that were popular this summer will feature illustrations of the “Ghost Princess.” Keep an eye out for them at One Piece Halloween 2018 in Tokyo One Piece Tower!

P.S. Multilingual maps and pamphlets are available at the entrance, so look through them before you start your journey to Tongari Island!

So that’s all from my experience in July – be sure to join in all the fun in September and October!