Japanese anime & manga are a world-renown art form. Fans and artists from around the world have been inspired by this uniquely Japanese art style.
Many anime and mage works have become cultural phenomena, spawning not just comics, television, and movies, but theme parks and huge merchandise empires.
Within Japan, manga and anime are everywhere. They hold such a special place in the country’s heart that there are many museums dedicated to these works of art found throughout the country. Here are eight of the most popular anime and manga museums found in Japan!
Please note if you are planning to explore some of the best anime & manga shops in Tokyo, the first place to go to is Akihabara.
1. Ghibli Museum
Studio Ghibli has brought joy to hearts around the world. You may have seen one of the studio’s works, like My Neighbor Totoro, Ponyo, and Princess Mononoke.
Studio Ghibli is so popular and beloved that the Ghibli Museum is a very popular destination. As such, tickets are very limited. You will need to purchase tickets well in advance in order to go during your trip to Tokyo.
This enchanting museum is a mansion full of twists and turns. Open tiny doors and work your way up to the lush rooftop garden. No photography is allowed inside, helping to transport you into the magical world found inside Studio Ghibli’s films.
Interactive and beautiful exhibits will show you how the gifted artists were inspired to create their striking scenes. This wonderful museum is a must for any fan of anime!
Guys, before you head to this museum, be sure to check out visitors’ policies and accessibility.
Address: Ghibli Museum
Mitaka, 1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo 181-0013, Japan.
2. Fujiko F. Fujio Museum
You can find this lovely museum in the suburbs of Kawasaki. It is based on the works of Fujimoto Hiroshi, who used the pseudonym Fujiko F. Fujiko to create a popular and influential manga called Doraemon.
While the museum is quite small, it has numerous exhibits that are fun for all ages, educating visitors about the artist, his process, and of course his famous work.
There is a small admission fee, with 1000 yen for adults, 700 yen for teens, 500 yen for children 4-11, and free for children under 4.
Address: Fujiko F. Fujio Museum
2-8-1, Nagao, Tama-ku, Kawasaki 214-0023 Kanagawa Prefecture
3. Kyoto International Manga Museum
If you are interested in mange, there is no place better to visit than the Kyoto International Manga Museum.
Opened in 2006, the building contains a vast collection of Manage from Japan as well as a number of books from other countries. This is a perfect place to read manga in Kyoto!
Browsing the shelves is one of the main attractions, but the museum is also dedicated to developing the art of manga around the world. There is a rotation of temporary exhibits throughout the year.
There are often manga-related events at the museum and occasionally a feature on a select mange artist. Entry costs 800 yen with an additional fee for special exhibitions.
Address: Kyoto International Manga Museum
Karasuma-Oike, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-0846 Japan.
4. Suginami Animation Museum
Located at Tokyo Polytechnic University, the Suginami Animation Museum details and celebrates the rich history of Japanese animation.
The museum provides a comprehensive history of anime, its influence, and where it could be headed in the future.
The excellent and informative exhibits will be a delight for any anime fan as well as more casual visitors. Entry is free and an English-language audio tour.
Address: Suginami Animation Museum
3-29-5 Kamiogi Suginami-ku, Tokyo Suginami Kaikan 3rd floor.
5. Ishinomori Manga Museum
This museum celebrates the works of Shotaro Ishinomori, the artist behind such influential works as Kamen Rider and Cyborg 009.
Inside the usual and futuristic building, you can view original drawings as well as replicas that bring parts of his works to life. This includes an attraction where visitors can take on the role of Kamen Rider.
You can also enjoy screenings of originals animations. There are also frequent rotations of special exhibitions.
6. Kitakyushu Manga Museum
This popular and vibrant museum opened in 2012. As you enter, you can visit and take photos with a life-sized statue of Harlock, a space pirate who appears in the famous Galaxy Express 999.
From there, enjoy the Seven Wonders of Manga exhibit that explores how manga is made. You can also enjoy trying out a role-playing camera, allowing you to pose as your favorite manga character on screen.
There is also a large timeline display and a reading room. The museum also hosts different events and exhibitions throughout the year. Adults will need to pay 400 yen, high school, and junior high students 200 yen, and elementary school children 100 yen.
7. Tezuka Osamu Manga Museum
Osamu Tezuka is known as “Japan’s Walt Disney”. He is the creator of the famous manga and anime Astro Boy, one of the most famous pop-culture figures in Japan.
This museum, located in the city of Takarazuka, memorializes his life and work. You can explore the vibrant world of this artist’s imagination.
There are a number of displays displaying his work as well as vast manga selection. Visit this delightful museum to learn about one of the most celebrated figures in modern Japanese culture.
8. Tokyo ONE PIECE Tower
Based on the popular anime and manga of One Piece, the ONE PIECE Tower is a four-floor theme park. This lively park is a shout-out to fans.
Enjoy a puzzle game that leads you all throughout the park. Be sure to take pictures with the statues of the charters found throughout the park!
At the tower’s shop, you can find many unique items only available there. The attention to detail and care found through the park is incredible.
Enjoy a variety of attractions, including a walk-through of the story as well as a live-action show. This unique and fun theme park is a must-see for fans of the show!
