Tokyo is the heart of Japan’s anime industry, offering visitors a rare chance to explore legendary animation studios and production spaces. While many studios restrict access for safety and copyright reasons, several offer official museum tours, exhibition centers, or visitor experiences that reveal anime history, character design, and production techniques. Below are the top 10 Tokyo anime studio tours that anime fans should consider when visiting Japan.
1. Studio Ghibli Museum Tour – Magical Anime World Experience
Studio Ghibli is arguably the most famous anime studio in Japan, and its museum in Mitaka is a must-visit attraction for global anime lovers. The museum showcases beloved films like My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away through immersive exhibits, original sketches, and exclusive short films screened only onsite. Visitors can explore whimsical architecture inspired by Ghibli fantasy worlds, including stained glass art, cat bus displays, and hand-drawn animation demonstrations. Ticket reservations are required in advance and are usually released monthly. Photography is limited indoors, preserving the magic of the experience. The shop sells exclusive merchandise and art books.
2. Toei Animation Gallery – Classic Anime History Tour
The visitor gallery of Toei Animation offers insight into Japan’s longest-running anime production legacy. Famous for producing Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, and One Piece, the studio showcases character art, production history, and limited exhibition events. Although it is not a large public tour facility, anime fans can still enjoy the gallery displays near the studio headquarters. Special events sometimes feature animator talks and merchandise pop-up stores. Visitors should check seasonal exhibition schedules before visiting. This is an excellent stop for classic shōnen and magical girl anime enthusiasts who want historical context.
3. Bones Studio Exhibit Events – Modern Action Anime Showcase
Bones Inc. is famous for high-quality action animation such as Fullmetal Alchemist and My Hero Academia. While the studio does not offer permanent public tours, it occasionally participates in anime conventions and special exhibition events in Tokyo. Visitors may encounter production artwork, storyboard samples, and behind-the-scenes animation workflows during these events. Bones is well known for dynamic combat choreography and detailed mechanical design. Fans should monitor official announcements for limited-time public exhibitions. These events are excellent opportunities to learn about modern digital animation production techniques used in blockbuster anime series.
4. Madhouse Exhibition Pop-up Experiences – Legendary Anime Production Studio
Madhouse is responsible for critically acclaimed anime such as Death Note and Hunter × Hunter (2011). The studio occasionally collaborates with Tokyo exhibition spaces to present limited pop-up experiences featuring original production materials. Visitors may see animation cels, conceptual art, and character planning drafts. Although the studio itself is not open for regular tourism, seasonal exhibitions provide excellent opportunities for anime history enthusiasts. The company is renowned for psychological storytelling anime and high-detail character expressions. Checking Japanese anime event listings is recommended before travel.
5. Production I.G Museum Exhibits – High-Quality Sci-Fi Anime Showcase
Production I.G is famous for science fiction anime masterpieces such as Ghost in the Shell and Haikyuu!! animation work. The studio sometimes hosts collaboration exhibitions in Tokyo cultural venues where visitors can explore digital animation pipelines and character movement design. Fans of futuristic storytelling and sports anime production will enjoy learning about motion study techniques. The exhibits often include background art development, CGI integration, and storyboard planning. Although not a full studio tour, these events provide professional-level insight into Japanese animation workflow.
6. Shaft Animation Studio Exhibition Experience
Shaft (animation studio) is famous for its distinctive artistic style seen in Monogatari Series. The studio is known for experimental camera angles, symbolic background art, and unique character framing. Public tours are limited, but Tokyo anime events sometimes feature Shaft production art displays. Fans interested in modern artistic anime direction should watch for collaboration exhibitions. The studio’s work emphasizes storytelling through visual composition rather than action scenes. Visiting related anime galleries in Tokyo is the best way to experience Shaft-style animation culture.
7. MAPPA Studio Anime Production Insight Events
MAPPA is one of the fastest-growing anime studios, known for modern hits such as Attack on Titan Final Season and Jujutsu Kaisen. Although studio access is restricted, MAPPA frequently participates in Tokyo anime exhibitions showcasing digital animation production technology. Visitors can learn about 3D integration, modern shading methods, and high-intensity action animation planning. The studio represents the future of Japanese anime outsourcing and digital pipeline efficiency. Anime fans should check Shibuya and Ikebukuro event spaces, where MAPPA collaboration exhibitions are often held.
8. Sunrise Anime Showcase – Mecha Anime Legacy Tour
Sunrise (anime studio) is legendary for creating the Gundam franchise. Tokyo visitors can enjoy mecha anime culture through exhibitions featuring robot model displays and mechanical design sketches. While the studio itself is not open for standard tourism, Gundam-related attractions and collaboration events provide similar experiences. The studio’s animation philosophy focuses on detailed mechanical realism and large-scale battle storytelling. Fans of science fiction warfare anime should not miss the Gundam exhibition centers around Tokyo.
9. Pierrot Studio Anime History Gallery
Pierrot (animation studio) is famous for long-running anime series such as Naruto, Bleach, and Yu Yu Hakusho. The studio occasionally organizes exhibition events in Tokyo, showcasing character artwork and production materials. Fans of shōnen adventure anime will enjoy storyboard samples and costume design concepts. Pierrot’s contribution to global anime popularity is significant. Visitors should follow Japanese anime convention schedules because Pierrot frequently participates in public pop-up galleries.
10. TMS Entertainment Anime Heritage Tour
TMS Entertainment is one of Japan’s oldest anime production companies, known for works like Detective Conan and classic children’s anime series. The studio sometimes hosts heritage exhibitions displaying historical animation development in Japan. Visitors can explore character evolution, background painting techniques, and long-running franchise production history. TMS Entertainment plays an important role in preserving traditional anime production culture while supporting modern digital animation. Tour availability varies, so checking event listings is recommended before visiting Tokyo.
Conclusion
Tokyo offers incredible opportunities for anime lovers to experience the magic behind Japanese animation production. From the fantasy world of Studio Ghibli to modern action animation studios like MAPPA, visitors can explore history, artistry, and technology shaping global anime culture. Although full studio access is often restricted, exhibition centers and pop-up events provide meaningful insights. Planning ahead and checking official event schedules will help anime fans enjoy the best Tokyo anime studio experiences possible.