The phenomenon of being completely engrossed in a specific hobby is often referred to as ‘getting stuck in the swamp’ online. Many people find themselves unknowingly falling into the abyss as they delve deeper into the world of anime characters and fantastical universes.
For those who seek more than just watching and collecting merchandise, we have compiled a list of unique tourism spots where enthusiasts can take their passion to the next level. From karaoke bars where you can sing your favorite anime songs to tattoo studios that immortalize beloved characters, these places will satisfy your craving to be a part of the anime world.
ANI-SON BAR あにすた！ Bar – Okachimachi
A bar located just a 2-minute walk from Okachimachi Station, ANI-SON BAR あにすた！ was the first karaoke bar in Japan dedicated solely to anime songs when it opened in February 2011. The proprietor, fondly known as “Oyabun,” had a background as a member of the anime song band “Little Non,” even making her mark in the industry by providing songs for voice actress Nana Mizuki.
The bar is adorned with anime posters and figures, but what stands out the most is the stage set up with a live band. Guests have the unique opportunity to sing anime songs while being accompanied by live musicians, a rare treat that regular karaoke cannot replicate.
From the latest theme songs to nostalgic classics, and even Vocaloid, games, and tokusatsu music, ANI-SON BAR offers an extensive repertoire. Singing requires purchasing a ticket for four songs for 1,080 yen, with the number of tickets determining the possibility of requesting songs or engaging in duets with the staff. The staff, known as “Anichias,” consists of talented singers who offer their CDs for sale in the bar. The establishment is a non-smoking environment, reflecting the management’s dedication to providing an immersive singing experience.
44Sonic Bar – Asagaya
Located near the Star Road shopping street, 44Sonic is a bar named “Anime Bar,” providing a small paradise for otaku who want to enjoy anime songs and engage in heated discussions and games. The bar offers a wide range of anime, tokusatsu, games, and toys, making it an all-inclusive spot for enthusiasts. Once you step inside, you will be overwhelmed by the vast collection of figures, DVDs, and manga, but the most captivating feature is undoubtedly the owner.
Known for being an avid anime fan, the knowledgeable owner, Akki, will transform into a bartender upon hearing your favorite character, concocting a drink inspired by that character. Whatever the character may be, Akki is known to fulfill any request. The bar also regularly hosts events and fairs in collaboration with anime and game titles, offering character-themed menus for visitors to savor.
MOGRA Club – Okachimachi
Located in the heart of Akihabara, the underground MOGRA is a genuine DJ bar and club catering to the forefront of otaku culture. It hosts unique events that can only be found in “Akihabara,” featuring favorite anime songs, game music, and doujin music.
On weekdays, MOGRA operates as a DJ bar with guest DJs of various genres. During weekdays, limited food menus and cocktails are offered. On weekends, it transforms into a club, hosting a variety of events.
ROBOT KICHI Restaurant – Ikebukuro
Surrounded by robot figures and watching anime videos, ROBOT KICHI is an izakaya (Japanese-style pub) that brings the world of robot anime to life. This unique establishment is a collaboration between BANDAI SPIRITS, a subsidiary of BANDAI NAMCO Group, known for its Gundam model kits, and the yoroi-nomori, a popular chain of izakaya.
The modern and stylish interior resembles a cockpit, with a wide array of robot figures and model kits on display. Customers can enjoy watching robot anime like “Mobile Suit Gundam,” “Armored Trooper Votoms,” and “Code Geass” on large monitors and tablets using the streaming service “BANDAI CHANNEL TOUCH.” The food and drinks offered at ROBOT KICHI are both reasonably priced and highly praised. The collaboration with various robot anime series allows visitors to taste character-themed dishes.
OFF-KAi! Health & Beauty Hair Salon – Suehirocho
OFF-KAi! is a hair salon in Akihabara, known for its concept of being “otaku-friendly” and “by anime fans, for anime fans.” The salon boasts a stylish cafe-like interior with wooden tones, filled with over 2,000 manga and constant streaming of anime videos and anime songs. The stylists at OFF-KAi! are carefully selected anime enthusiasts, ensuring that you can have discussions about anime, manga, and games freely during your appointment.
If you ever run out of topics, you can always check out the guide to the latest anime placed next to the hair menu for the stylist’s recommended anime. The salon specializes in hand-painted nail art, including the popular “tattoo nails” that anime fans love. They provide a wide range of designs from illustrations of anime, games, and various characters, to nails that capture the theme color and atmosphere of your favorite character.
The salon offers a straightforward pricing plan with over 200 fixed art designs available at any time, and they regularly introduce new designs every month.
SUNSHINE CITY PRINCE HOTEL – Ikebukuro
Located in the iconic Sunshine City complex, the Sunshine City Prince Hotel is undergoing a renovation that started in 2015, with completion expected in the spring of 2019. As part of the renovation, the 25th floor has been transformed into a concept floor called “IKEPRI 25,” dedicated to subculture fans from both Japan and abroad.
The hotel has been known for hosting various collaboration rooms with anime series in the past. For example, as part of the opening collaboration, the anime “Fate/Grand Order” was featured. This unique collaboration allows fans to stay in a room themed after their favorite characters, offering a dreamlike experience. The hotel also provides direct limousine bus service to and from Haneda and Narita airports, making it easily accessible to international anime and manga fans.
Dining Cafe Iserlohn Fortress Restaurant – Okachimachi
A themed cafe based on Yoshiki Tanaka’s sci-fi novel series “Legend of the Galactic Heroes,” Dining Cafe Iserlohn Fortress underwent a renewal on March 26, 2019. The series has been expanded across various media, including anime, manga, and stage plays, gaining a devoted fan base.
Initially opened as a limited-time collaboration cafe in March 2018 to commemorate the broadcast of the new TV anime “Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Die Neue These,” the cafe’s popularity led to an extended business period. The cafe boasts a chic black interior that resembles an elegant dining cafe, immersing customers in the world of the series.
The walls are adorned with valuable materials and illustrations, creating an atmosphere where guests can fully enjoy their meals. The menu is inspired by the series, with some dishes served on plates shaped like battleships that appeared in the anime. The cafe also offers limited-time menus, including the “Iserlohn Fortress Senbei” (1,050 yen) in celebration of its opening. Fans can purchase original goods at the cafe, adding to the excitement.
ACOS Ikebukuro Shopping Store – Ikebukuro
ACOS Ikebukuro Main Store is a specialty shop filled with cosplay-related goods. The store, known for its name derived from “Anime Costumes,” offers a wide range of cosplay outfits from new titles to nostalgic anime. They also have a diverse selection of accessories such as wigs, colored contact lenses, and imitation swords, catering to the needs of all cosplayers.
If you wish to be faithful to the character you want to portray, the store also provides makeup items like foundation for white-painted skin or brown skin. The store is a one-stop shop for all your cosplay needs. ACOS Ikebukuro regularly holds events and fairs, making it an ideal spot for beginners who want to start their cosplay journey.
Diablo Art – Yokohama
Diablo Art is the pioneer store for “Otaku Tattoos,” tattoos inspired by anime characters. The owner, Akira, openly embraces his otaku identity, and the studio is decorated with anime character figures and artwork. He makes sure to have detailed discussions with customers to understand their imaginations for their otaku tattoos and fulfill their requests to the fullest.
Venus Rico Health & Beauty Nail Salon – Akihabara
Located just a 3-minute walk from Akihabara Station, Venus Rico is a nail salon that specializes in hand-painted nail art and intricate designs. The salon is known for offering “itasha nails” (lit. pain nails), which are nail art designs inspired by anime, manga, and game characters.
Many customers visit the salon before participating in anime or game-related events and live shows. The salon accommodates various requests, ranging from illustrations of anime and game characters to nails that capture the character’s theme color, and world. Venus Rico offers a clear and reasonable pricing plan, providing over 200 fixed art designs at any time, with new designs introduced each month.
Delve Deeper into the World of Anime
With these unique spots, anime enthusiasts can indulge in their passion to the fullest. From singing anime-show songs at ANI-SON BAR あにすた！ to immersing yourself in the robot world at ROBOT KICHI, and experiencing your favorite characters with tattoo art at Diablo Art, there is something to cater to every anime fan’s taste.
Whether you want to enjoy an anime-inspired meal at Dining Cafe Iserlohn Fortress or need cosplay goods at ACOS Ikebukuro Main Store, these locations provide opportunities for fans to experience the captivating world of anime on a whole new level. So, if you’re a true anime lover, don’t miss out on these fantastic spots, and take your anime journey to the next level!
