Do you like anime?

Recently, a new spot was created to target foreign tourists! The Anime Tokyo Station. It is located in Ikebukuro, just opened on October 31, 2023.

This hot place is so popular that there is a long line of people waiting in line even before it opens.

After reading this article, you may want to put Anime Tokyo Station on your checklist!

Anime Tokyo Station Data

Name: Anime Tokyo Station (Anime Tokyo)

Location: B1F~2F Fujihisa Building East 1st Building, 2 Chome-25-5 Minamiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-0022, Japan

Operating Hours: 11 AM - 7 PM (Last entrance: 6:45 PM / Special Event: 6:30 PM)

Closed: Mondays, Holidays, Unforeseen circumstances

Entrance Fee: Free

Closest Station: JR Ikebukuro Station

What Does Anime Tokyo Station Offer?

Anime Tokyo Station is located in a building right next to Ikebukuro Station, where you can check out trending videos and all things anime.

To attract inbound visitors, Anime Tokyo Station focused mainly on popular anime scenes. Naruto" was the center of attention upon its opening, with a life-size model of Naruto and murals depicting iconic scenes from the anime.

Goods

You can access over 50,000 items, including anime cels, scripts, and merchandise.

Photo Spot

There are many anime exhibits, character murals, and life-size in the building. It is free to take photos and enjoy the venue to their heart's content.

You might get a two-shot with your most favorite character!

Event & Work Shop

Animation events and workshops are regularly held in Anime Tokyo Station that are open to everyone.You can create the best memories to commemorate your trip!

Anime Taizen

Anime Taizen is a database where you can see the history and production process of animation. You must know more about animation than anyone else!

Reviews from Tourists

Developed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Japan Animation Association, one French anime fan expressed his excitement, “I came here on opening day. I love anime and it is the reason why I fell in love with the country.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Japanese and foreign visitors to explore the heart and essence of anime.” - Sato Takuya, Chief of The Tourist Department, Tokyo

Naruto

What is Naruto?

Created by Masashi Kishimoto, "Naruto" is an iconic anime that has left its unmistakable mark on the anime world and popular culture. With its engaging storyline, rich character development, and theme of perseverance, "Naruto" has captivated audiences around the world.

Story

The series follows the journey of Uzumaki Naruto, a young ninja with dreams of becoming the strongest shinobi and leader of his village, known as the Hokage. Alongside his friends Sasuke and Sakura, Naruto faces various challenges, battles powerful enemies, and ultimately learns the true meaning of strength and sacrifice.

Founder of Japanese Anime trend

While it cannot be definitively stated, NARUTO was released at a time when the Internet and globalization were beginning to boom, and NARUTO was at the forefront of this boom. NARUTO contributed greatly to the explosive popularity of Japanese anime!

Akihabara vs Ikebukuro

While Akihabara has long been a mecca for anime and the Number One spot for anime lovers to go, Ikebukuro has made a name for itself in recent years: about 10 years ago, the famous anime specialty store "Animate" moved to Ikebukuro. It has a large building dedicated to anime and prides itself on being the "world's largest anime store."

Since then, the anime culture in Ikebukuro has only grown. Many events are held, including Halloween parties that rival that of Shibuya. With the number of anime stores increasing to over 50, there’s no doubt this is the biggest anime hub next to Akihabara.

In response to this trend, Toshima Ward has created a "Manga and Utilization Section Chief" to take full advantage of the boom. It has even created a map of anime-related stores to promote Ikebukuro to overseas fans.

“Akihabara is often seen as a male-dominated space, but Ikebukuro is becoming more open to young women. With a lot of anime shops, I hope people think of anime when they think of Ikebukuro.” - Female Anime fan

Let's visit Tokyo Anime Station!

So what are your thoughts, viewers? Ikebukuro is like a second Akihabara. It hosts anime, the world’s biggest anime store, and as the city grows in anime, Anime Tokyo Station has emerged. Being easy to access and a free entrance fee, do you find yourself penning this in your planner? Let us know, as this is definitely eye-catching!