Japanese anime, manga, and video games are very popular in many countries, and I am sure that some of you have already seen the movies, have the goods, read the manga, or have Japanese video game consoles.
Many foreigners, upon learning that I am Japanese, change the color of their eyes and start talking to me, and wanting to talk with excitement about “Anime” and “manga”. I feel very honored that Japanese anime, manga, and video games are known all over the world.
There are several places in Japan where you can feel closer to the world of these anime, manga, and games. Since you are here in Japan, I hope that you will visit these fans.
| 1 | 🍄 Super Nintendo World | Experience adventure with Mario at Nintendo World, a magical theme park where the world of Nintendo games has become reality! |
| 2 | 🎀 Sanrio Puroland | Sparkling lights and adorable Sanrio character shows lead visitors into the dream world of Sanrio. |
| 3 | 🎥 Ghibli Park | Where Studio Ghibli’s animated masterpieces are recreated as the real world and you can immerse yourself in their magical worldview |
| 4 | 🚉 Stations with Pokemon designs | A unique station that adds a touch of fun and surprise to regular travel. A special experience for Pokemon fans and all visitors. |
| 5 | 🏬 Pokemon Center | Pokémon Center is an official store where you can enjoy all the charm of Pokémon and a mecca for fans with exclusive products and events. |
| 6 | 🕳️ Pokemon manhole | Bringing surprise and enjoyment to ordinary city walks, the unique design provides fans and tourists with a special discovery in their daily lives. |
| 7 | 📚 Kyoto International Manga Museum | A place where the walls are filled with over 300,000 manga books from the Meiji era to the present day, and where visitors can freely read them and learn about the history and culture of manga through exhibits. |
1. 🍄 Super Nintendo World (Osaka)
Nintendo World is located in Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in Osaka. Visitors can actually go to Nintendo World through clay pipes and feel like Mario.
The park includes Bowser Castle and Peach Castle, where the world of the game is faithfully recreated. Visitors can take pictures with Mario’s friends and purchase wristbands in the area to collect coins just like Mario in the game.
There are two attractions:
🏎️ Mario cart
It is a kart ride where visitors can enjoy racing with Mario’s friends. After putting on a special helmet made with state-of-the-art technology, you find yourself standing at the starting line in front of you. Turn the handlebars and your cart moves in tandem, and you can even pick up and throw items.
🧭 Yoshi Adventure
You can ride on Yoshi’s back and explore the world of Mario. At this attraction, visitors can meet the cute character and get an up-close look at the Mushroom Kingdom. Best of all, you get to ride on Yoshi’s back.
These two attractions are designed to immerse you in the Mario world while you wait in line, making it a fun time.
Everyone will want to take pictures at this location. You will feel like Mario.
Please check my other page for more information about Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in Osaka, including recommended attractions and access.
2. 🩷 Sanrio Puroland (Tokyo)
Have you ever heard of Hello Kitty, My Melody, Pom Pom Pudding, and Cinnamoroll?
These Japanese characters are the perfect word for “cute”.
This is the magical place where all of Sanrio’s beloved characters come to life. The park is filled with attractions and shows based on each character’s story and worldview, light and sound entertainment, and restaurants and stores where you can enjoy original goods and character-themed cuisine.
Stepping inside, visitors are immersed in the magical world of Sanrio for an extraordinary experience that will make them forget their everyday lives. You can find more unusual and unique but exciting places in Tokyo here.
3. 🎥 Ghibli Park （Aichi）
”Spirited away” is probably well known to many people. It is the most popular Ghibli movie. It is located in Aichi prefecture, the center of Japan. Did you know that there are many other famous Ghibli films?
Well, in November 2022, a park that represents the world of Studio Ghibli’s films will open. If you have ever seen a Ghibli movie, you will surely be moved by the scene. If you have ever seen a Ghibli movie, you will surely be moved by the scene.
In the park, you can take many pictures as if you were in the world of Ghibli. There are also many wonderful limited-edition goods available only at the park, so be sure to check it out.
4. 🚉 Stations with Pokemon designs “Minato Mirai Station”（Yokohama）
Pokemon” is now popular even overseas. The most well-known Pokemon is Pikachu.
This summer, a new Pikachu ticket gate was opened at Minato Mirai Station in Yokohama City. This is “Minatomirai Station” in Yokohama City. This station is located near the Port of Yokohama, a popular tourist spot.
The entire station is designed with Pokemon, and when you touch your IC card at the ticket gate, Pikachu squeals. There are three different types of sounds, and they are very cute.
5. 🏬Pokemon Center
Pokémon Centers are currently located in various parts of Japan. There are of course Pokemon Centers in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, which you are likely to visit. There are many Pokémon cards, goods, and game software available for purchase. There is also a Pokémon Gacha-gacha (toy machine).
There is also a Pokemon café where you can enjoy cute dishes. Cute tableware and mugs are also sold. There are also limited-edition goods available only at each store, so be sure to visit the site.
6. 🕳️ Pokemon manholes
Have you ever heard of a manhole? It is an iron lid that closes a hole in the ground for access to a sewage pipe, which is generally found in every country. Due to their humble design, they have had no presence and no one has ever looked at the design of manholes.
Recently, however, manholes in Japan have begun to be designed with popular Japanese cartoons and characters, and their popularity is growing. These manholes are placed in certain locations and are not always found everywhere.
There are five manholes for Pikachu, a very popular Pokemon character, in the Yokohama Port area. The “Pokemon Station” I mentioned earlier is also located in this area, so you can visit it as well.
I myself have collected many designed manholes. Please check out my Instagram page where I have posted them.
This is 👉 my manhole Instagram account 👈
7. 📚Kyoto International Manga Museum
The museum houses over 300,000 comic books from the Meiji era to the present day, and visitors are free to read these “wall books” for an admission fee of 900 yen. Visitors can read them anywhere on the grounds. On sunny days, many people enjoy reading manga while lying outside on the lawn.
There are also a wealth of exhibits detailing the history and production process of manga, providing visitors with in-depth knowledge. Some exhibits provide information in English and other languages, making it easier for tourists to understand.
The museum has an assortment of materials not only on Japanese manga, but also on manga from around the world, allowing visitors to experience the diversity of manga culture.
Conclusion
Japan truly is the capital of the world for anime, manga and gaming related experiences. Me as a Japanese is honored to see the excitement on foreign people when we talk about it, i really hope you will have an amazing experience with these recommended spots if you ever visit!
On this page, we have focused on anime, manga, and characters. If you want more general tips for the best authentic experiences and places in all of Japan then please check that article out.
In the other pages, we have also listed “Best places to visit” for each city, so please check the page for the city you plan to visit.
