So you are coming to/are in Japan and you say you are a die-hard anime/manga fan? I made a list just for you!
Obviously there is more to Japan than just subcultures, but I think it is important to recognize the subculture in the context of the country’s mainstream culture.
And besides…
Since you have come all the way out here you might as well see everything…(like giant robots)
Kyoto International Manga Museum
京都国際マンガミュージアム
HP: http://www.kyotomm.jp/english/
If you are a manga fan, your trip to Kyoto is not complete unless you set foot inside the International Manga Museum. The museum itself is inside of an old elementary school, giving the museum a warm, friendly feeling. There is a large playground area that is now covered with turf where people can lounge. There are about half a million books for you to read throughout the museum, including books in other languages besides Japanese. The environment is super laid back and there are exhibitions of original pages of manga.
I used to go to this museum literally everyday and read and look at the exhibitions. It is a magical place. You can even participate in how to draw manga classes, etc.
Admission: 800 yen, 300 yen for HS and JHS students, 100 yen for elementary
Access: Go out of exit No. 2 of Karasuma-oike Station. It is a 2 minute walk from there.
Hours: 10:00am - 6:00pm (admission until 5:30pm)
Address: 東京都三鷹市下連雀1丁目1-83
Suginami Animation Museum
杉並アニメーションミュージアム
HP: http://sam.or.jp/english_home
It’s embarrassing…Even though I live very close to this museum I have never been there. However! Suginami is known as being the hotbed of animation activity in Tokyo. It features exhibitions about the history of animation and animation in Japan. You can also try your hand at voice-acting here!
Admission: FREE!
Access: Get out of Ogikubo Station and walk for about 20 minutes
Hours: 10:00～18:00（admission until 17:30） Closed Mondays
Address: 東京都杉並区上荻3-29-5 杉並会館3階
Toei Animation Gallery
東映アニメーションギャラリー
HP: http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/tag/
Nerima is another Mecca for the making of anime. And Toei has been a big name in Japanese animation since the beginning. Notable animations they have produced: Dragonball, Sailor Moon, and the now famous magical girl series, Pretty Cure. Stop by to see the original storyboards and cells of the animations you know and love.
Admission: FREE!
Access: 15 minutes walk from Oizumi Gakuen Station.
Hours: 9:30～17:00（Admission until 16:30）Closed Mondays
Address: 東京都練馬区東大泉2-10-5
Tokyo Animation Center
東京アニメセンター
HP: http://www.animecenter.jp/
One of the new centers of anime information in Japan. And located right in the heart of world-famous, Akihabara! There is some animation information, a way to try voice-acting, things exclusively for sale only there, and more. It is a good way to start off your day in Akihabara.
Admission: FREE!
Access: 2 minutes from JR Akihabara Station
Hours: 11:00～19:00 Closed Mondays
Address: 東京都千代田区外神田4-14-1 秋葉原UDX4F
Ghibli Museum
三鷹の森ジブリ美術館
HP: http://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/
Also one of my favorite places, if not just for the atmosphere. This museum should be on everyone’s to-do list (if they love Ghibli, just assuming you do). There is the work desk of Hayao Miyazaki as well as an explanation on how the anime is made and exhibits showing the production sketches. You have to buy the tickets BEFOREHAND.
Admission: 1,000 yen, 700 yen JHS/HS students, 400 yen elementary school, 100 for toddler above 4 yrs old ****You need to buy the tickets ahead of time at a Lawson’s convenience store.
CLICK HERE FOR INFO ON HOW TO BUY YOUR TICKETS AT LAWSON’S
Access: 15 minutes walk from Mitaka Station
Hours: 10:00/12:00/14:00/16:00 (you have to pick one of those times to enter the museum) Closed on Tuesdays
Address: 東京都三鷹市下連雀1丁目1-83
Fujiko F Fujio Museum
藤子・Ｆ・不二雄ミュージアム
HP: http://fujiko-museum.com/english/
Doraemon fans, this place was made for you. Come celebrate your love of this famous manga artist in Kawasaki. See the “real” Doko-demo-door and other various reproductions from the famous series. There is a cafe with themed food and a gift shop to fulfill all your needs.
Admission: 1,000 yen, 700 yen for HS and JHS students, 500 yen for elementary
Access: There is a bus running to the museum outside of Noborito Station
Hours: 10:00/12:00/14:00/16:00 (you have to pick one of those times to enter the museum) Closed on Tuesdays
YOU NEED TO BUY TICKETS BEFOREHAND AT A LAWSONS INFO HERE
Address: 神奈川県川崎市多摩区長尾2丁目8番1号
