Looking for the best places to buy anime merchandise in Japan? From massive multi-floor otaku malls in Tokyo to hidden secondhand treasure troves in Osaka, Japan is a paradise for anime fans. Whether you’re hunting limited-edition figures, manga, gachapon, or exclusive collaboration goods, this guide covers the top anime shopping destinations you shouldn’t miss.
1. Akihabara, Tokyo
No list of the best places to buy anime merchandise in Japan is complete without Akihabara. Known as the ultimate otaku paradise, Akihabara is packed with multi-story anime shops selling figures, manga, trading cards, cosplay outfits, and rare collectibles. Stores like Animate, Mandarake, and Gamers offer exclusive releases and tax-free shopping for tourists. You’ll also find entire buildings dedicated to gachapon machines. Whether you’re into classic series or the latest seasonal hits, Akihabara offers the biggest and most diverse anime merchandise selection in Japan.
2. Nakano Broadway, Tokyo
Located west of Shinjuku, Nakano Broadway is famous for rare and vintage anime merchandise. This indoor shopping complex houses multiple Mandarake branches specializing in secondhand manga, retro figures, cel art, and limited-edition collectibles. Prices can be more affordable than in Akihabara, especially for pre-owned goods in excellent condition. If you’re searching for discontinued items or nostalgic 90s anime merchandise, Nakano Broadway is one of the best hidden gems in Tokyo.
3. Animate (Nationwide)
Animate is Japan’s largest anime merchandise chain, with major branches in Ikebukuro, Osaka, Nagoya, and more. The flagship Ikebukuro store is especially popular for new releases, Blu-rays, character goods, and exclusive collaboration items. If you want official and authentic anime merchandise in Japan, Animate is a must-visit. They frequently host limited-time events and bonus campaigns tied to popular series, making it ideal for collectors seeking first-edition items.
4. Mandarake (Nationwide)
For secondhand treasures, Mandarake is one of the best places to buy anime merchandise in Japan. With stores across Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka, Mandarake specializes in rare collectibles, out-of-print manga, vintage toys, and limited-edition figures. Everything is carefully graded for condition, so you know what you’re buying. It’s the perfect spot for budget-conscious travelers or serious collectors hunting for hard-to-find anime goods.
5. Pokémon Center (Nationwide)
Fans of Pokémon shouldn’t miss the official Pokémon Center stores across Japan. Locations like Tokyo DX and Osaka offer exclusive plush toys, stationery, apparel, and seasonal limited-edition items you can’t find abroad. New product lines are released regularly, often selling out quickly. If you’re searching for authentic Pokémon merchandise in Japan, this is the ultimate destination for high-quality, official goods.
6. Jump Shop (Nationwide)
Operated by Shueisha, the Jump Shop focuses on Weekly Shonen Jump series like One Piece, Naruto, and Demon Slayer. These stores sell exclusive character goods, apparel, stationery, and limited-edition collectibles. Jump Shop locations can be found in Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka. For fans of mainstream shonen anime, it’s one of the best places to buy official merchandise directly from the publisher.
7. Den Den Town, Osaka
Often called Osaka’s version of Akihabara, Den Den Town in Nipponbashi is a hotspot for anime merchandise in western Japan. The area features specialty figure shops, retro game stores, manga retailers, and cosplay outlets. Prices can sometimes be cheaper than in Tokyo, and the atmosphere feels more local. If you’re traveling in Kansai, Den Den Town is the best place in Osaka to shop for anime collectibles.
8. Radio Kaikan, Tokyo
Located in Akihabara, Akihabara Radio Kaikan is a multi-floor building dedicated to anime figures, trading cards, and hobby goods. Many specialty shops inside focus on scale figures and limited-edition collectibles. If you’re a serious figure collector, this is one of the best concentrated locations in Japan to compare prices and find rare items all under one roof.
9. K-Books, Ikebukuro
Situated near Otome Road, K-Books specializes in character goods, voice actor merchandise, and female-oriented anime series. Multiple themed branches focus on idols, games, doujinshi, and rare collectibles. If you’re looking for niche or otome-related merchandise in Japan, K-Books offers one of the widest selections in Tokyo.
10. Village Vanguard (Nationwide)
Village Vanguard is a quirky bookstore-meets-pop-culture shop found across Japan. While not exclusively an anime store, it carries trendy character goods, manga, and limited collaboration items. The selection changes frequently, making each visit unique. If you enjoy discovering unexpected anime merchandise while exploring shopping malls, Village Vanguard is worth checking out.
Final Thoughts
Japan offers countless options for anime fans, but these are truly the top 10 best places to buy anime merchandise in Japan. Whether you’re exploring Akihabara’s electric streets or Osaka’s Den Den Town, you’ll find everything from budget-friendly secondhand treasures to exclusive limited-edition collectibles. Planning your anime shopping trip? Save this guide and start building your ultimate otaku itinerary!