Anime in Japan | Hey Japan!

Anime is one of Japan's most beloved cultural exports, and its home country is full of ways to experience it: themed cafes, flagship stores, exhibitions, pop-up events, and entire neighborhoods devoted to the fandom.

Where is the best place for anime in Japan?

Tokyo's Akihabara is the world's anime and manga hub, packed with stores, arcades, and themed cafes. Osaka's Den Den Town and Nakano Broadway in Tokyo are other favorites, and pop-up shops and exhibitions appear year-round.

Can I visit real-life anime locations in Japan?

Yes. Many fans go on anime pilgrimages (seichi junrei) to the real places that inspired their favorite shows, from shrines and train stations to entire towns. Themed exhibitions and character parks also bring series to life.

When do anime events happen in Japan?

Major events like AnimeJapan (spring) and Comiket (summer and winter) anchor the calendar, but themed cafes, exhibitions, and pop-up stores run all year. Check our events for what is on now.

Interactive Experience

Haikyuu!! On the Court

Immersive volleyball experience event where visitors participate as players on a real court guided by characters from the anime series.

27 Jun – 2 Aug 2026Osaka · Kansai

Exhibition

"ALL OF EVANGELION" 30th Anniversary Exhibition – Morioka

An exhibition celebrates the 30th anniversary of Evangelion with rare production materials from the original TV series and Rebuild films.

17 Jul – 23 Aug 2026Iwate · Tohoku

Anime is one of Japan's most beloved cultural exports, and its home country is full of ways to experience it: themed cafes, flagship stores, exhibitions, pop-up events, and entire neighborhoods devoted to the fandom.

Where is the best place for anime in Japan?

Tokyo's Akihabara is the world's anime and manga hub, packed with stores, arcades, and themed cafes. Osaka's Den Den Town and Nakano Broadway in Tokyo are other favorites, and pop-up shops and exhibitions appear year-round.

Can I visit real-life anime locations in Japan?

Yes. Many fans go on anime pilgrimages (seichi junrei) to the real places that inspired their favorite shows, from shrines and train stations to entire towns. Themed exhibitions and character parks also bring series to life.

When do anime events happen in Japan?

Major events like AnimeJapan (spring) and Comiket (summer and winter) anchor the calendar, but themed cafes, exhibitions, and pop-up stores run all year. Check our events for what is on now.

Interactive Experience

Haikyuu!! On the Court

Immersive volleyball experience event where visitors participate as players on a real court guided by characters from the anime series.

27 Jun – 2 Aug 2026Osaka · Kansai

Exhibition

"ALL OF EVANGELION" 30th Anniversary Exhibition – Morioka

An exhibition celebrates the 30th anniversary of Evangelion with rare production materials from the original TV series and Rebuild films.

17 Jul – 23 Aug 2026Iwate · Tohoku

Exhibition

Dr. STONE × Space Travelium TeNQ: Special Exhibition "ROAD TO THE MOON"

Space Travelium TeNQ in Tokyo hosts a Dr. STONE anime collaboration exhibition timed to the series final arc, featuring exclusive photo spots and themed merchandise.

18 Jul – 18 Oct 2026Tokyo · Kanto

Interactive Experience

Haikyuu!! On the Court

An interactive volleyball experience where visitors participate in jumping and spiking activities on a full-scale court, guided by anime characters throughout.

7 Aug – 13 Sep 2026Tokyo · Kanto

Interactive Experience

JUJUTSU KAISEN WORLD

JUJUTSU KAISEN WORLD brings attractions, mini-games, and newly drawn artwork to Bandai Namco Cross Store Tokyo in Ikebukuro, before touring to three more cities.

7 Aug – 27 Sep 2026Tokyo · Kanto

Exhibition

Arina Tanemura 30th Anniversary Exhibition: Sparkling Dream Stories of Girls (Kyoto)

Original artwork highlighting the distinctive style and creative evolution of manga artist Arina Tanemura marks her 30-year career anniversary.

21 Aug – 21 Sep 2026Kyoto · Kansai

Exhibition

Fist of the North Star

Anime Tokyo Station hosts a special exhibition on "Fist of the North Star", featuring production materials and a character quiz.

22 Aug – 8 Nov 2026Tokyo · Kanto

Exhibition

Bonobono Exhibition

Bonobono, the gentle manga about a curious young sea otter, turns 40 – celebrated with a Shibuya exhibition of original art, rare manuscripts, and more.

27 Aug – 27 Sep 2026Tokyo · Kanto

Exhibition

"ALL OF EVANGELION" 30th Anniversary Exhibition – Nagoya

This exhibition celebrates Evangelion's 30th anniversary with production materials from the original TV series and Rebuild films.

4 Sep – 12 Oct 2026Aichi · Chubu

Exhibition

Spice and Wolf 20th Anniversary Exhibition – Tokyo

The flagship Spice and Wolf 20th anniversary show in Tokyo, with the series' biggest-ever illustration display and new spring and summer artwork.

9–13 Sep 2026Tokyo · Kanto

Exhibition

MAPPA EXPO 15th Anniversary

Animation studio MAPPA marks its 15th anniversary with a retrospective exhibition in Tokyo, running 16 September – 7 December 2026 at the YURAKUCHO MUSEUM.

16 Sep – 7 Dec 2026Tokyo · Kanto

Music

NAGANO ANIERA FESTA 2026

Nagano's largest anime song festival celebrates the genre through live performances by voice actors and musicians, alongside regional food and cultural showcases.

19–20 Sep 2026Nagano · Chubu

Expo & Convention

Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair

Premier manga and anime fair in western Japan attracting 40,000 visitors annually to explore exclusive announcements, live performances, and merchandise.

20–21 Sep 2026Kyoto · Kansai

Exhibition

Spice and Wolf 20th Anniversary Exhibition – Osaka

The Osaka leg of the Spice and Wolf 20th anniversary show, with newly drawn autumn and winter artwork and the series' largest illustration display.

26 Sep – 4 Oct 2026Osaka · Kansai

Exhibition

Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo Exhibition: DIVE INTO THE BO-BOBO WORLD

An exhibition celebrating the absurdist manga Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo through immersive zones themed around its protagonist's battle techniques and surreal world.

30 Sep – 17 Oct 2026Tokyo · Kanto

Music

Evangelion Wind Symphony 2026

The Evangelion Wind Symphony performs the anime's celebrated soundtrack through wind ensemble, conducted by arranger Masamichi Amano and featuring vocalist Takahashi Yoko.

4 Oct 2026Tokyo · Kanto

Expo & Convention

Yupiteru presents Odaiba Itasha Heaven

Japan's largest itasha and cosplay festival returns with around 1,000 character-wrapped vehicles, live entertainment stages, and collaborative displays of car culture.

18 Oct 2026Tokyo · Kanto

Festival

Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival

A large Halloween cosplay festival centered on Ikebukuro's East Exit features stage performances, parades, and gathering spaces for participants of all ages.

24–26 Oct 2026Tokyo · Kanto

Museum

SUGINAMI Animation Museum

Japan's pioneering animation museum with immersive exhibits where visitors learn animation fundamentals, participate in dubbing, create animations, and explore industry insights.

Tokyo

Museum

Toei Animation Museum

The Toei Animation Museum celebrates the prolific Japanese studio behind Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, One Piece, and other iconic anime series.

Tokyo

Interactive Experience

Attack on Titan in Hita

A regional revitalization initiative in the hometown of Attack on Titan creator Hajime Isayama, featuring two museums dedicated to the manga series.

Hita · Oita

Amusement Park

Nijigen no Mori

Anime and video game theme park on Awaji Island with permanent attractions based on Naruto, Godzilla, and other franchises plus rotating exhibits.

Awaji · Hyogo

Museum

Ghibli Museum, Mitaka

Museum showcasing Studio Ghibli's animation history through permanent exhibitions of techniques and artifacts, designed by Hayao Miyazaki.

Tokyo

Amusement Park

Crayon Shin-chan Adventure Park

An adventure zone themed to the Crayon Shin-chan anime within Hyogo's Awajishima Park, offering obstacle courses, ziplines and interactive challenges inspired by the series.

Awaji · Hyogo

Museum

Kinnikuman Museum

Japan's first permanent museum dedicated to the Kinnikuman manga series, opened in 2024 in Numazu, featuring original art and life-size replicas.

Numazu · Shizuoka

Museum

Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall Anpanman Museum

A museum dedicated to Anpanman, the superhero character created by Yanase Takashi, featuring original illustrations and interactive exhibits.

Kami · Kochi

Amusement Park

NARUTO & BORUTO Shinobizato

Immersive ninja-themed attraction featuring seven training missions, an 11-meter Hokage Rock projection show, and augmented reality ninjutsu experiences.

Awaji · Hyogo

Shopping

Nakano Broadway

Tokyo shopping mall specialising in anime, manga and pop-culture collectibles, featuring rare items, vintage toys and cosplay costumes across multiple floors.

Tokyo

Amusement Park

PARCO Enta Park

Shopping destination reopening September 2026 with one of Japan's largest entertainment zones, featuring 40 character and franchise shops.

Nagoya · Aichi

Amusement Park

Ghibli Park

This 7.1-hectare theme park immerses visitors in the enchanting worlds of Studio Ghibli films across five themed zones with restaurants featuring character-inspired cuisine.

Nagakute · Aichi

Story

Anime

Haikyuu!! On the Court

"ALL OF EVANGELION" 30th Anniversary Exhibition – Morioka

Haikyuu!! On the Court

"ALL OF EVANGELION" 30th Anniversary Exhibition – Morioka

Dr. STONE × Space Travelium TeNQ: Special Exhibition "ROAD TO THE MOON"

Haikyuu!! On the Court

JUJUTSU KAISEN WORLD

Arina Tanemura 30th Anniversary Exhibition: Sparkling Dream Stories of Girls (Kyoto)

Fist of the North Star

Bonobono Exhibition

"ALL OF EVANGELION" 30th Anniversary Exhibition – Nagoya

Spice and Wolf 20th Anniversary Exhibition – Tokyo

MAPPA EXPO 15th Anniversary

NAGANO ANIERA FESTA 2026

Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair

Spice and Wolf 20th Anniversary Exhibition – Osaka

Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo Exhibition: DIVE INTO THE BO-BOBO WORLD

Evangelion Wind Symphony 2026

Yupiteru presents Odaiba Itasha Heaven

Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival

SUGINAMI Animation Museum

Toei Animation Museum

Attack on Titan in Hita

Nijigen no Mori

Ghibli Museum, Mitaka

Crayon Shin-chan Adventure Park

Kinnikuman Museum

Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall Anpanman Museum

NARUTO & BORUTO Shinobizato

Nakano Broadway

PARCO Enta Park

Ghibli Park

2026 Anime Guide: New Seasons, Finales & Must-Watch Debuts

Frieren Café 'Flower Garden'

Step Into the World of Conan

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