Quite often people recommend Akihabara for anime, manga, video game and idol fans. And Nakano Broadway for those collecting figurines and old school anime collectibles.
But the other place that should be on top of the list is Ikebukuro (East Exit) area.
The area is known as the flagship store for Animate, indoor theme parks, the location is known for its huge cosplay events, cosplay Halloween event, has one of the largest Pokemon centers in Tokyo, monthly niche cafes, anime-themed museums, the first Evangelion-01 store and so much more.
As Akihabara is known for attracting male fans, as you will immediately see with the kawaii anime female advertisements, endowed female figurines all over the place. But what about female fans?
Ikebukuro is known for attracting female fans. May it be yuri manga and otome (maiden games focused on a woman, many visual novels or dating games focus on a female character picking one of many guys). In fact, the stores are located in an area called Otome Road.
You can see it through the anime advertisements in the subway featuring animated idol guys, otome games and like Akihabara, you can find a Super Potato, K-Books, Mandarake and more.
But it’s not just for female fans, there is plenty of things to see, male or female, young or old, etc.
If you are planning to go, there are two locations you will want to check out. While at Ikebukuro Station, while heading out to the East Exit, to the left is the Ikebukuro Parco, a shopping complex where you will be able to find the themed cafe’s for the month.
If you want to know what themed cafe is happening at “The Guest” at this time, please click here.
While the Shonen Jump’s J-World Theme Park has closed down earlier this year, a new one called Mazaria has opened. For more information on Mazaria and other events happening at Sunshine City, please click here.
If you want to know when the next Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay weekend event is taking place (check around late September for updates), please click here.
If you want to find out when the next Acosta Ikebukuro cosplay event, please click here!
While Akihabara will no doubt be the mecha for otaku, just know that if you want to get your anime and manga fix, to also visit Ikebukuro as well!
