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Tokyo, a journey into otaku culture: what to see in two days
Are you familiar with otaku culture? It is the term used in Japan to identify fans of manga, anime, technology and so on, much like Western nerds. There are so many places in Tokyo that can be considered temples of otaku culture. We propose a two-day itinerary.
By Redazione | 04/03/2025 19:12
Are you familiar with the otaku subculture of Japan? The term otaku is a Japanese word that refers to a person with a very intense and specific passion for certain hobbies, such as anime, manga, video games, modeling, and technology. The term has curious linguistic origins: initially, "otaku" simply meant "home" or "abode" and was used formally to refer to other people. However, beginning in the 1980s, critic Akio Nakamori used it to describe in an ironic and somewhat derogatory way people who spent a great deal of time immersed in their hobbies related to Japanese pop culture, often isolating themselves from the rest of society. In Japan, the word otaku has long had a negative connotation, often associated with solitary individuals with a reduced social life. Somewhat like the Western term nerd, in some ways: in the past it had a negative connotation, whereas now those who identify with this type of culture proudly identify as nerds.
In recent years, the image of otaku has also changed: it is now recognized that being an otaku does not necessarily mean being isolated, but rather having a deep passion for a particular field. In fact, Tokyo itself has several neighborhoods and attractions designed to accommodate and celebrate otaku culture.
Thus, in Japan as well as outside the country, the term has taken on a more neutral or even positive connotation, being used to simply mean one who is deeply passionate about Japanese pop culture. For many, being an otaku is a source of pride and a sign of belonging to a global community that shares the same interests. Tokyo is undoubtedly the world capital of otaku culture, offering countless attractions dedicated to fans of anime, manga and video games. So let's explore an itinerary through some important places that every otaku should visit at least once in his or her lifetime.
Start: the Gundam Unicorn statue
The itinerary can start from the Gundam Unicorn statue, one of the most famous and must-see attractions for anime lovers. Located in front of the DiverCity Tokyo Plaza shopping mall on the artificial island of Odaiba, this colossal statue stands 19.7 meters tall and is a faithful 1:1 scale reproduction of the RX-0 Gundam Unicorn, star of the Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn series. Every day, the statue is transformed by an incredible light show and mechanical effects: its head moves and armor parts open to reveal Destroy mode, just like in the anime. At night, LED lighting creates an even more impressive atmosphere, attracting numerous visitors. In addition to the statue, the complex houses Gundam Base Tokyo, a haven for Gunpla (model Gundam) enthusiasts, where exclusive kits can be purchased and construction demonstrations can be watched.
The Akihabara district, the mecca of otaku
From Odaiba Island, it takes about twenty minutes (the distance is 12 kilometers) to reach the center of the metropolis and in particular Akihabara district, universally recognized as the mecca of otaku. This district, located in the heart of Tokyo, is famous for its stores specializing in anime, manga, action figures, video games, and gadgets of all kinds. Akihabara is also the realm of maid cafes, themed establishments where waitresses dressed as maids greet customers with kindness and thoughtfulness. There is also no shortage of gigantic arcades, such as the SEGA Club, where you can compete in the latest arcade games or try out the latest in the industry.
The Pokémon Center Tokyo DX, a paradise for fans of the franchise.
The third stop on the trip, just three kilometers from Akihabara and reachable within a ten-minute ride, is the destination for all Pokémon fans: the Pokémon Center Tokyo DX. Located in the Nihonbashi district, this official store is the largest Pokémon Center in Japan and offers a unique experience for fans of the franchise. Inside you can find plush toys, collectible cards, accessories, clothing, and exclusive items available only at this store. One of the most fascinating aspects of Pokémon Center Tokyo DX is the presence of life-size statues of some iconic Pokémon, such as Pikachu, Charizard and Mewtwo, perfect for taking souvenir photos. In addition to selling merchandise, the center also hosts special events, including card tournaments, screenings of anime episodes, and meet-and-greets with Pikachu and other costumed characters. Also inside the store is the Pokémon Café, a themed restaurant serving dishes inspired by the pocket monsters, such as Eevee curry and Jigglypuff pancake. It is an experience that allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the Pokémon universe, enjoying delicious dishes while surrounding themselves with decorations inspired by the world of the pocket creatures.
A visit to the Tokyo Anime Center
Last stop of the day, the DNP Plaza shopping center in the Shibuya district: this is where the Tokyo Anime Center is located, a facility entirely dedicated to promoting the Japanese animation industry. The center also has a store where you can buy exclusive gadgets and collectibles related to the most beloved series. We can end our first day of immersion in otaku culture here.
Day two: Godzilla's head at Kabuki-cho
Around the world he is known as Godzilla, but here he is called Gojira: we are talking about the fearsome sea monster who, according to the story from the imagination of producer Tomoyuki Tanaka, was born as a result of contact with nuclear radiation. It first appeared in 1954, in Ishiro Honda's film of the same name. There are several Godzilla statues in Tokyo, but the most distinctive is undoubtedly Godzilla's head located in the controversial Kabuki-cho district, which has become world famous thanks largely to Ryu Murakami's book Tokyo Decadence . His large head peeps out of a Toho cinema amidst the buildings.
Otome Road, the female anime and manga area
From Godzilla's head, it takes only a few minutes by transportation to Otome Road, a name that identifies an area in the Ikebukuro district that has become famous for the presence of several manga- and anime-related attractions for the female audience. In particular, there are stores aimed at this type of audience that sell merchandise, gadgets as well as cosplay items, and it is also possible to come across butler cafés, which are the female equivalent of maid cafés, with waiters who treat ladies and girls with all kinds of consideration, making them feel almost like the protagonists of their favorite manga.
Nakano Broadway, the alternative to Akihabara
Not far from Otome Road is Nakano Broadway, another centerpiece of otaku culture. Located in the Nakano district, this mall is a kind of "alternative otaku town" to Akihabara, but with a more collected and less hectic atmosphere. Inside are dozens of small stores specializing in action figures, doujinshi (self-made manga), vintage gadgets, and memorabilia related to the world of animation and video games. Nakano Broadway's main landmark is Mandarake, a chain store that sells rare manga, anime on DVD and Blu-ray, and a wide range of collectibles, many of which cannot be found elsewhere. In addition to newer items, Nakano Broadway is famous for its vintage merchandise offerings: here you can find figurines, posters, and historical magazines dating back to the 1970s and 1980s. Another distinctive feature of Nakano Broadway is the presence of numerous arcade rooms and otaku-style clothing stores, where you can buy cosplay and accessories inspired by beloved anime characters. Visitors here cannot miss the numerous gashapons (capsule vending machines with surprise gadgets), which offer hundreds of exclusive mini-figures and accessories.
Oizumi Anime Gate, the park with statues of anime stars
We end the second day of our full-immersion of otaku culture in Tokyo with a couple of more decentralized stops. The Nerima district is considered the cradle of the Japanese animation industry, as many of the first anime production houses were located here. To celebrate this cultural heritage, theOizumi Anime Gate, an open-air area housing several statues of historical Japanese animation characters, has been created. Among the statues featured are Astro Boy, one of the very first anime protagonists; Joe Yabuki from Ashita no Joe; Maetel and Tetsuro Hoshino from Galaxy Express 999; and Urusei Yatsura's legendary Lamu. This place is a must-see for those who want to pay homage to the roots of anime culture and take photos with some of the most beloved figures in Japanese animation history.
The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka: the realm of Hayao Miyazaki's films.
Last in line for its more peripheral location, but certainly not last among interesting places, is the Ghibli Museum, a magical place that allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the fantastic world of Studio Ghibli. Located in Mitaka, a residential area of Tokyo surrounded by greenery, the museum was personally designed by the great director Hayao Miyazaki and offers a unique experience: from rooms decorated with original storyboards, to faithful reproductions of film settings, to unreleased short films screened exclusively inside the museum. Among the most famous attractions is the robot statue from Laputa - The Castle in the Sky, and the reconstruction of the famous CatBus from My Neighbor Totoro, where the little ones can climb on and play. Tickets for the museum are in high demand and must be booked well in advance.
