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Tokyo’s Anime Tourism and Anime Pilgrimage [2021 Guide]
Due to Japan being the birthplace of anime and manga, it is no surprise that it has become a hub of all things anime and manga. This has lead to many people visiting certain areas of Tokyo and Japan because it has become famous for something relating to anime, this is often labelled as anime tourism. A big part of anime tourism is anime pilgrimage, the act of visiting real life locations that have appeared in anime. In this article, we will be explaining these concepts in further detail whilst, at the same time, giving some insight into the best places to visit in Tokyo relating to anime tourism and anime pilgrimage. So if you’re an anime and manga lover who is planning on visiting Tokyo soon, make sure to keep reading this article to find out all you need to know about Tokyo’s anime tourism and anime pilgrimage.
What is Anime Tourism?
‘Anime Tourism’ is an umbrella term that describes the act of visiting somewhere for anime attractions. If you don’t know much about Japan’s anime scene, this may seem like a small part of Tokyo’s tourism industry, but this is quite incorrect. In fact, many areas of Tokyo actually rely on anime tourism to generate most of their income. For example, you have probably heard of Akihabara and Ikebukuro, both of these areas in Tokyo rely heavily on anime tourism to generate money. This can be through many anime attractions with the main ones being anime merchandise shops, anime cafes and anime events.
The term anime tourism can be used for both tourists who come to Japan to partake in anime activities or for people within Japan who travel to Tokyo, or certain parts of Tokyo, for the anime attractions there. Due to Tokyo being the main place where anime shops, real life anime locations and anime events are located, many people flock to Tokyo every year to partake in these anime attractions.
What Are Some Areas in Tokyo Famous For Anime Tourism?
Akihabara (秋葉原)
As previously mentioned, Akihabara is a famous area in Tokyo known for anime tourism. Akihabara, also known as Akiba, is famous for its anime merchandise shops, maid cafes, arcades and anime events. Akihabara is often labelled the hub of all things anime in Tokyo.
Ikebukuro (池袋)
Like Akihabara, Ikebukuro is another area of Tokyo that is famous for all things anime and manga. Ikebukuro is most famous for its Pokemon center and Pokemon cafe located in Sunshine City. On top of this, there are also multiple anime merchandise stores and other anime attractions.
Nakano (中野)
Nakano is famous for its amazing shopping center, Nakano Broadway. Nakano Broadway is full of anime merchandise stores and figure shops. On top of this there are also independent shops selling anime collectibles. This is the perfect place for people who want to go anime shopping in tokyo.
▶︎ READ THE FULL LIST OF ANIME AREAS IN TOKYO HERE!
What Are Some Anime Tourism Activities in Tokyo?
Anime Merchandise Shopping
One of the most popular anime tourism activities in Tokyo is going shopping for anime and manga merchandise! Tokyo has tons of shops that sell authentic, good quality, fairly priced anime merchandise!
Anime Cafes
There are both temporary and permanent anime cafes in Tokyo. The temporary ones are usually held for a few months and are constantly changing. Two main permanent anime cafes include the Pokemon Cafe and Sailor Moon Cafe.
Anime Museums and Theme Parks
There are many anime museums in Tokyo as well as anime theme parks! Some of the most popular museums include the Ghibli Museum and Toei Animation Studio. These are the perfect day out for all anime and manga lovers!
▶︎ READ THE FULL LIST OF ANIME ATTRACTIONS HERE!
What is Anime Pilgrimage?
Anime pilgrimage and anime tourism are often confused with one another but they are not the same thing. Rather, anime pilgrimage is a part of anime tourism. Anime pilgrimage involves anime fans visiting the real life locations that featured in their favourite anime. You may be thinking that the term ‘anime pilgrimage’ is quite a strange thing to call it. The reason it is called this is due to it being translated from the Japanese term for such an act. In Japanese it is known as ‘Seichi Junrei’ (聖地巡礼). ‘Seichi’ means sacred place, whilst ‘Junrei’ roughly translated to pilgrimage. This term is often used in Japan and is so influential that it has affected the English too. It is nice to think of these locations as ‘sacred places’ as it really is amazing to see locations that you’ve seen in your favourite anime in real life!
Tokyo is absolutely full of anime real life locations from various anime that are spread out throughout the city. They are really fun to visit and take pictures at due to them looking so similar to the anime! Many people like to go in cosplay to recreate scenes from the anime at the location or simply go to visit and take a picture of themselves there.
What Are Some Real Life Anime Locations in Tokyo?
Suga Shrine Steps
The Suga Shrine steps are located in Yotsuya and featured in the anime film ‘Your Name’ (Kimi No Na Wa). The steps have become famous for being featured in ‘Your Name’ and receive visitors from fans of the anime every day.
Radio Kaikan
Radio Kaikan featured multiple times throughout ‘Steins;Gate’. It is actually the building that the time machine crashed into during the first season. Radio Kaikan is full of anime merchandise shops which is another reason to visit the location.
Hikawa Shrine
Hikawa Shrine featured throughout Sailor Moon and is even the location that one of the characters lived and worked out. This location is located in Azabu-Juban, where the author of the manga supposedly got inspired for many of the anime’s locations.
▶︎ READ THE FULL LIST OF REAL LIFE LOCATIONS HERE!
Where Can I Find Out More About Anime Tourism and Anime Pilgrimage?
Our website, Otaku in Tokyo, focuses mainly on anime tourism and anime pilgrimage, so if you’re wanting to find out about either, make sure to check out the rest of the articles on our website! We focus on introducing people to Tokyo’s real life anime locations, anime events and anime tourism attractions.
On top of our website we also run an instagram that keeps people updated on the latest anime tourism attractions, anime events and real life anime locations in Tokyo. If you’re wanting to keep up to date with these things, make sure to check out our instagram!
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