January 10, 2026 (1d ago)
Japan is known for a lot of things: deep traditions, craftmanship, cutting-edge technology, and incredible food. And for anyone into pop culture, anime and manga are absolutely part of the big draw.
If you’re wondering where to shop for anime in Tokyo—where the selection can feel endlessly dense—there are three famous anime shopping areas, and each one shines in a different way. Think of them like three different toy chests: you’ll have the best time if you open the one that matches what you’re hunting for.
Best for: Big figures, electronics, and first-time visitors Vibe: Loud, colorful, like stepping into a video game
Akihabara is Tokyo’s ( and even the whole of Japan's) most iconic anime area—multi-floor shops, bright lights, and merch everywhere you look. It’s the easiest place to find figures (new and secondhand), spot big series like One Piece and Gundam, and mix in arcades, retro games, and electronics while you shop. For quick hits, start at Radio Kaikan, detour to Mandarake Complex for rarer items, and try Akiba Cultures Zone if you prefer smaller booths.
You can also visit a Maid Cafe (opens at morning) for a wholesome (albeit somewhat cringey) unique Japanese experience. Not to be confused with Maid Bars (opens at night, rated 18+ for alcohol).
Every Sunday afternoon, the main street in Akihabara — Chuo-dori — is temporarily closed to cars so people can walk freely in the road. This makes the area feel even more festive and fun, like a big anime fan hangout where you can stroll, take photos, and explore without worrying about traffic.
Best for: Plushies, pins, keychains, acrylic stands, and character merch Vibe: Clean, modern, and easy to browse
Ikebukuro is where you go for cute, character-first shopping—acrylic stands, badges, clear files, plushies, and all the small collectible goods. It’s especially strong for shoujo, BL, and idol fandoms, but everyone shops here because it’s organized and stress-free. Start at Animate Ikebukuro Flagship, swing by Sunshine City (Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo + One Piece Store), and check K-Books or Lashinbang for used merch often sorted by character.
What makes Ikebukuro different is undoubtedly the Otome Road, street designed mainly for female anime fans. So instead of just Maid Cafes, offered by female servers, they also have Butlet Cafe, offered by male servers.
Best for: Old, rare, and secondhand anime items
Vibe: Quiet, retro, and a little mysterious
Nakano feels like stepping into the past. It’s not flashy like Akihabara, but it’s where serious collectors go to hunt—80s–90s toys, older figures, and sometimes even animation cels. Prices can be better than Akihabara if you’re willing to dig, and the area leans into broader collector culture too (posters, watches, and other niche finds).
The main stop is Nakano Broadway, a single mall packed with tiny shops, and the star attraction is Mandarake, split into multiple specialty stores—one for mecha, one for magical girls, one for vintage toys, and so on.
Apart from the anime shoppings, you'll also be greeted with several quirky retro cafes in the second floor.
| Feature | Akihabara | Ikebukuro | Nakano |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Big figures & tech | Character goods | Rare & vintage |
| Crowd Level | Very crowded | Busy but organized | Less crowded |
| Prices | Higher | Medium | Cheap to expensive |
| Easy for Beginners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
If you only have one day, start with Akihabara’s Radio Kaikan—it gives you a little bit of everything in one place. If you’re hunting for something rare, old, or specific, skip straight to Nakano Broadway. And if you love cute merch and clean, modern stores, Ikebukuro will probably become your favorite.