When we think of otaku life in Japan, Akihabara—the Otaku Lair—immediately comes to mind. And while Akihabara does have tons of amazing stores and spots to visit, from retro gaming to unique merch, otaku in Japan don’t just hang out there. So today, we’re bringing you 7 otaku experiences that’ll make your next trip to Japan truly unforgettable.
At Flip Japan, we’ve got our own team of proud otaku, so we can guarantee these experiences have been tried, tested, and made our days here even more special.
1. Get your anime-style sketch at the Kyoto International Manga Museum.
The Kyoto International Manga Museum is a must-visit if you’re into manga. Sure, most of the manga there is in Japanese, so we don’t recommend going with the sole purpose of binge-reading your favourite series again. But with its massive collection—from vintage to modern titles—and amazing displays of manga magazines, it’s the perfect spot to fully immerse yourself in one of Japan’s greatest art forms.
The museum also has a shop with merch from various series, but the real highlight is definitely the manga-style portrait drawn by Japanese artists.
How does it work? Buy your museum ticket, then head straight to the portrait corner to register. Heads up—this experience is super popular, so it’s best to go early, as registration opens at 10 AM.
Want a portrait of someone who isn’t with you? No worries! For an extra fee, they’ll draw anyone as long as you’ve got a picture. Want to do it with one or two friends for that iconic trio vibe? Totally possible—each portrait can include up to three people! Didn’t dress up for it? No problem—they can even draw you in a different outfit for an additional fee. It’s perfect as a souvenir or a little “treat yourself” moment.
Whether you’re after a nostalgic 90s shoujo-style version of yourself, a less traditional look, or a full-on shounen battle upgrade, these artists will totally deliver.
More info about pricing and available artists can be found here.
2. Go to an animation or manga exhibition.
Have you ever thought about being in the same room as the original drawings of your favourite manga, where you can see every line, splash, or dot of ink bringing your favourite characters and motions to life? How about seeing all the detail and effort that went into animating that breathtaking battle scene? That’s now possible with the growing popularity of animation exhibitions and manga art exhibitions in Japan.
These exhibitions are by far the most rewarding experiences you can have during your stay in Japan. Some have life-size props of weapons and items you see in the series, some turn famous battle scenes into entire rooms—making you feel like you’ve been teleported into the story—and some even include sound effects to make you feel like you’re marching into war. Others show insights from the mangaka about certain scenes or characters, while some are simpler and let you quietly admire the mangaka’s artistic skills. You’ll probably leave the venue ready to rewatch or reread the entire series—so beware!
For these sorts of events, you’ll need to stay alert and regularly check the right websites, as some exhibitions are announced as early as a year in advance, or just four months ahead. Websites like https://collabo-cafe.com/ have all the info and let you filter specifically for exhibits, plus keyword search if you know what series you’re looking for. You’ll need to use Google Translate, but if you check regularly and spot one you like, it’s bound to be an amazing experience. Just keep in mind that these tickets are often only available for purchase within Japan—so don’t be afraid to call in your Wild Card (that’s us, Flip Japan!) to help you score them!
These exhibitions usually have exclusive merchandise, and the tickets often come with a postcard or a random bonus goodie—so if you’re a collector, be sure to check some of them out!
If you’d rather spend less time worrying about which exhibitions will be on and where, a visit to the Shueisha Manga-Art Heritage in Tokyo is a perfect alternative! There’s always something going on here, as it’s a permanent gallery. Check their website for upcoming showcases, or just walk in with no research and let yourself be surprised! Who knows—maybe you’ll end up discovering your next favourite read. And if you’re more into anime, the Tokyo Anime Center also holds exhibitions on various anime series across different genres!
If you’re stepping outside the usual tourist cities and heading up north, the Ishinomaki Mangattan Museum will take you through the evolution of manga, while the Yokote Masuda Manga Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions. (Both of these also have themed cafés inside—but more on that in a minute!)
3. Hunt for your favourite pop-up stores.
Just like manga or animation exhibitions, pop-up stores are super common now. You might stumble upon them by accident while visiting a department store, but you can also prepare in advance by searching for them on https://collabo-cafe.com/. Usually, these don’t require registration to enter, but sometimes—especially on busy weekends—they might hand out entry tickets to manage the crowd. The same can happen at Jump Stores, so be sure to check ahead before you go.
The merchandise here isn’t always as exclusive, but it can sell out quickly. These stores usually follow a specific theme, like kimono style, Christmas, etc., so if there’s a character you absolutely love and want to collect in a unique outfit, don’t miss out on these limited-time shops!
4. Go to an anime cafe.
If you’re a foodie and an otaku, then these cafés will definitely entertain you—and your taste buds. Anime cafés aren’t just restaurants with life-size posters of your favourite characters on the walls; they craft entire menus based on the key visual themes of the series, with dishes, desserts, and drinks that match the aesthetic of the main characters! The inside doesn’t just look amazing—it sounds amazing too, with the OST usually playing in the background, or sometimes special videos (and in rare cases, recordings from the voice actors) showing on the TVs!
It’s not just a meal—it’s a whole vibe centred around one specific series! The lunch mats often feature exclusive artwork of characters in themed outfits, and there’s also special merch you can only buy if you eat at the café. If you’re into collectables, these cafés usually throw in a free random coaster with every order, and you might get a postcard if you spend a certain amount on food!
These cafés are usually time-limited and often require reservations, so once again—check in advance on https://collabo-cafe.com/ to see what’ll be happening during your trip. But if you’re okay with visiting one even if it’s not based on your absolute favourite series, you can just look for Animate Cafés around the country. Depending on the day and time, you might be able to walk in without a reservation.
Not all cafés will have the same food quality, but here are a few worth checking out on your next trip: Pokémon Cafe, Kirby Cafe, and Animate Cafe.
5. Go to an anime bar.
Anime bars are like anime cafes, but for those who want to socialise and enjoy some fun drinks. You can find these all around Japan—like the famous Jojo-style bar—or more general anime and manga bars, where you’ll spot anime figures on the counter and various merch as part of the decor.
If you’re looking to connect with fellow anime fans or just relax with a drink in a cosy, otaku-inspired setting, be sure to check out one near where you’re staying. And if you’re feeling brave enough to show off your singing skills, there are also Anime Song bars, where you can listen to—and sing along with—your favourite opening and ending themes!
6. Join an anime stamp rally.
Anime Stamp Rallies are one way Japan’s cities boost tourism to lesser-known areas—by luring us otaku in with stamps and rewards (spoiler alert: it works!).
The best way to find these (aside from our go-to site https://collabo-cafe.com/) is to keep an eye out for anime characters at train stations and famous locations (like Animate stores, Tokyo Tower, or Arashiyama Station). The stamps usually have the rally paper right beside them, so once you grab that, it’ll have all the info you need to find the rest.
These rallies often give out a special gift if you collect all the stamps, so be sure to check the stamp locations and the event duration—completion prizes can only be collected during specific periods and at designated spots.
And if you’re not fussed about the final prize but just enjoy collecting stamps, you can stamp your own notebook instead—so you can enjoy the rally your way!
7. Go to an Anime event.
If you’ve been to an anime event or convention in your home country, you already know it’s a great place to shop for merch, make new friends, and catch some exciting announcements from upcoming shows. In Japan, though, these events are on a whole other level—with tons of exclusive official merchandise, special exhibitions, promotional areas, and loads of freebies! So if you want to feel right at home and see how the love for anime and manga brings people together, keep an eye out for these epic events that promise a truly unique experience:
Tokyo Comiket
Short for Comic Market, Comiket is the world’s largest self-published comic convention, held twice a year in Tokyo. It started in 1975 as a small gathering of manga enthusiasts and has since grown into a massive, vibrant event that attracts over half a million visitors. Here, fans and independent artists (aka doujinshi artists) come together to buy, sell, and celebrate all things anime, manga, and pop culture. From elaborate cosplay to rare fan-made works and big-name commercial releases, Comiket will leave you (and your wallet) shaking with excitement!
Kyoto’s Kyomafu + Soundtrack Festival
The Kyoto International Manga and Anime Fair is Kyoto’s biggest anime event, spread across three floors packed with merchandise, promotional booths, and loads of stage events featuring your favourite voice actors! Outside the venue, you’ll find cosplayers hanging out, taking part in competitions, and plenty of fun activities for fellow otaku.
It’s held every year around mid to late September, right alongside the Kyoto Soundtrack Festival. The Soundtrack Festival is a must if you’re a fan of OSTs from series like Haikyuu!!, Naruto, Fairy Tail, and My Hero Academia. The guest lineup changes each year, so there’s always something fresh alongside the main artists. If you’re after an unforgettable anime weekend in Kyoto, this is the one!
Nagoya’s World Cosplay Summit
If you’re into cosplay, Nagoya in Aichi is a city you have to visit at least once—and if you’re travelling to Japan in August, the World Cosplay Summit is unmissable. You’ll witness some of the best cosplay performances ever and get a real feel for what a top-tier cosplay event looks like in Japan. These events also often feature anime song performances during the opening ceremony, so it’s a great chance to catch a short live set by a Japanese artist or group—at a friendlier price!
8. Join an Otaku Tour in Tokyo
We know some people enjoy being an otaku at their own pace and on their own terms—but what if we told you that you can join a tour where your guide is also an anime/manga lover who lives in Tokyo? Sure, their favourite anime might not be the same as yours, but they know where the best shops are, where the prices are fair, where to find the merch you’re after, and how to make sure you hit all the must-see otaku spots in a way more efficient way!
Your love for anime and manga might be limitless, but your time in Japan probably isn’t—and that’s where our trusty guide comes in to save the day. After all, the only thing better than an amazing otaku day in Tokyo is… an otaku day in Tokyo with a fellow otaku (aka the power of friendship!).
Check out our Otaku Tour for Anime and Manga Lovers here!
An Unforgettable Adventure in The Land of Otaku
Whether you’re after some cute-looking food or breathtaking moments at a manga exhibition, these experiences are bound to leave you with lasting memories, a bunch of anime and manga merch, and plenty of pics to look back on. Japan is a place where we otaku feel more at home than anywhere else—and these experiences prove that there’s always space for us and our passions.
So, what are you waiting for? Time to start researching the events happening during your next visit! And if you need someone to make your travel smoother—or help with tickets and reservations—Flip Japan, your trustworthy Senpai, is here for you!
