These days, being an otaku has gone global. Fans and hobbyists all over the world have proudly taken on the title, joining the online community of their particular special interest. But, what does otaku culture in Japan actually look like? And is it possible to find it, and maybe even join it, for yourself on a Japan trip?
In this guide, I’m diving into every otaku in Japan, so you have a much clearer picture of what to expect. Hopefully, this can also help with any Japan trip planning, so you have insight into when to go, where to visit, and what to do for the ultimate otaku experience.
What is Otaku Culture?
I’d be surprised if you clicked on this post without knowing, but just in case, an otaku (or おたく/オタク/ヲタク) is someone with an obsessive interest. Lots of people mistakenly think otaku only refers to manga/anime fans, but an otaku’s interest could be any one of a huge range of things.
Common otaku fandoms are:
- Anime and manga
- Video games
- Idols
- Trains
- Fashion
- Sports
Otaku culture is quite a specific thing to Japan (although you don’t have to be Japanese to be an otaku), and the closest concept in English might be a geek or a nerd. There can be a bit of a stigma around the word, with some using it in a derogatory way to label others, but at the same time, there are plenty of people who like and use the term to describe themselves.
The History of Otaku
The word otaku was originally used as a polite way to address another person, then at some point in the late 70s or early 80s, teenagers started to adopt it as a way to refer to each other. In 1983, columnist Akio Nakamori first wrote the essay ‘This City is Full of Otaku’ in reference to “gloomy, obsessive boys”, and so otaku culture was born.
For a time, outsiders used the term in a very negative way. The media dubbed otaku as an overly obsessive and potentially dangerous group, and it took years for the stereotype to be broken.
Then, Neon Genesis: Evangelion was released in the mid-90s. It was such a hit that it catapulted anime (and otaku culture) into the mainstream, showing the rest of Japan that being an otaku didn’t make you dangerous; it made you a fan.
Otaku Culture in Japan Today
Today, otaku culture has gone international. People all around the world claim the title and enter into their chosen fandom community. In Japan, there are plenty of otaku interest-specific groups, events, and experiences, and the term is no longer taboo.
Being an otaku might not necessarily make you “cool”, but I would argue that being one is cooler than ever. Subculture pockets can be found all over, but especially in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka. You can openly embrace idol culture, anime fandom, and video game obsessions, and you can even find an entire community doing it.
Where to Go for Otaku Culture in Japan?
Now, finally, the good stuff! If you’re planning an otaku-themed trip to Japan, or you’re an otaku already living here, there are a whole lot of places that I’d recommend checking out. Let’s break it down:
Akihabara, Tokyo
Before I can even think of diving into any other place, we have to first talk about Akihabara (or Akiba to locals). This is pretty much considered as THE otaku haven with the entire area dedicated to arcades, collectable shopping, themed pop-ups, and maid cafes.
You’ll find lots of other otakus in the area, as in Akiba, it actually is kind of cool to be otaku. That being said, Akihabara has also become more of a tourist destination in the past few years, meaning there can be crowds and lots of other foreign visitors trying to have their “unique” Tokyo experience.
If you want to really see and enjoy Akihabara, I think the best thing to do is book a walking tour, then explore on your own in the evening.
Check out our 1-day Akihabara itinerary:
Nakano, Tokyo
Another pretty famous destination for chasing otaku culture in Japan is Nakano Broadway. The shopping street is filled with vintage and second-hand stores where you’ll find some incredible treasures. If collectables like trading cards, figurines, or memorabilia is your thing, then you’ll love searching through the stores to find the perfect memento to add to your collection.
Ikebukuro, Tokyo
I will never understand why more tourists don’t go to Ikebukuro. The area has so many great shops, restaurants, and izakaya, and, of course, lots of otaku culture. As well as the arcades and themed cafes (including the Sanrio Cafe and Pikachu Sweets by Pokémon), you also have a ton of shopping spots like Lashinbang, Otome Road, and the famous Animate store.
Odaiba, Tokyo
Odaiba gets overlooked on these lists far too often. First and foremost, in Odaiba, you can see probably my favourite otaku attraction in Tokyo…the giant unicorn Gundam outside of Dive City. Then about 10 minutes away is Decks, a waterside mall with a very cool 90s arcade and retro candy stalls.
Hakone
Seeing as I’ve already established the importance of Evangelion to otaku lore, it’s only right to now bring up Hakone. Neon Genesis Evangelion features the city of Tokyo-3, and, well, that was based on Hakone! A fact that the locals have fully embraced. Beyond just the multiple opportunities to see the anime places in real life, you can also stop by the Evangelion store and buy Evangelion-themed treats all over the town.
Want to know our 1-day Hakone itinerary?
DenDen Town, Osaka
DenDen Town is sort of the otaku capital of Osaka. It’s literally translated to “Electric Electric Town” and is located very close to Namba. In DenDen Town, you can find pretty much anything an otaku might be on the hunt for. I’m talking, collectables, vintage games, rare anime and manga, trading cards, figurines, gachapon, it’s all there.
Shinkyogoku Street, Kyoto
Kyoto is definitely more known for history and traditional culture than otaku, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find it! Namely, in Shinkyogoku Street. The shopping street (called a shotengai in Japanese) is lined with a bunch of different small stores selling retro goods, and Animate Kyoto is also very nearby.
The Top Otaku Experiences in Japan
Obviously, otaku culture is a whole lot more than just where you go. It’s also so much about what you do, connecting with others in your fandom, and experiencing things you can really only do in Japan.
Anime Tours
From week-long ultimate otaku group trips to guided Akihabara tours or self-led walking tours to all the best anime places in Tokyo, tours are just a really convenient way to both see the sights and meet other tourists with the same interests as you.
Museums/Galleries
There are a bunch of ultra-specific museums and galleries in Japan dedicated to the many interests of otaku. Honestly, if you search your interest followed by “museum Japan”, I bet something amazing would pop up. But, to save you some time, here are a few that I would recommend in particular:
- Ghibli Museum: So magical and sweet, and only ¥1,000 (just remember to book in advance)
- Kyoto International Manga Museum: One of the largest manga collections in Japan, where you can also get a manga-style sketch of yourself
- Tokyo Anime Centre: Hosts loads of anime-themed exhibitions that change throughout the year
- Ishinomaku Manga Museum: A great place to learn about the evolution of manga
- Tobu Museum: One of the must-visit spots for any transport enthusiasts, where you can see real locomotives, buses, and trams from throughout Tobu’s history
- Kyoto Rail Museum: An amazing stop to learn about Japan’s rail history, with the opportunity to ride on a real steam engine
- Nintendo Museum: The place to learn about Nintendo’s history and future with lots of interactive exhibits (although you will need to enter a draw months in advance to get tickets)
Themed Cafes
I mentioned a couple of these earlier, but you can really find so many themed cafes up and down Japan to cover everything from the globally loved Pokémon to the more niche interests. There are also frequent pop-ups for new anime and classic favourite characters all the time, so it’s worth keeping your eyes peeled on Reddit groups for the things you love.
Theme Parks
Japan has no shortage of these, and some are especially tailored to otaku flavours. Don’t believe me? Check out the options below:
- Universal Studios Osaka: Specifically, the very cool Super Mario World
- Ghibli Park: It’s cool if you’re a superfan; otherwise, the museum in Tokyo is a great option
- Nijigen No Mori: An anime island nearish to Osaka with extremely cool experiences like a Godzilla zipline and VR rides
Otaku Events
If you’re lucky enough to be flexible with your trip’s timing, there are some great otaku events that you might want to plan around. Comiket is probably the largest and most famous of these. It’s a huge manga and comic con that happens in August and December in Tokyo. There’s cosplaying, cool booths, and a whole lot of manga/comics to trade.
Other events you might be interested in include the Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair in September, Nagoya’s World Cosplay Summit in spring, or AnimeJapan in March.
So, What is Otaku Culture in Japan Really Like?
Well… Otaku culture in Japan is a lot of things. It’s finding a community of people with the same niche interest, it’s being able to find the collectable or retro memorabilia of your dreams, and taking part in hands-on, real-life experiences straight out of your favourite anime.
Ultimately, your experience will depend on your interest and what you want to get out of an otaku trip to Japan. However, if you’re willing to put in the time to research, plan, and get out there, I know you’ll be able to not only understand the culture but also become a part of it yourself.
