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Nevada, located in the western United States, is renowned for its diverse landscapes, vibrant entertainment, and rich history. The state is most famous for Las Vegas, a global entertainment capital known for its bustling casinos, world-class shows, and vibrant nightlife. Beyond the glitz of Las Vegas, Nevada offers stunning natural beauty, including the rugged terrain of the Mojave Desert, the alpine scenery of Lake Tahoe, and the striking rock formations of Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire State Park. The state capital, Carson City, along with historic towns like Virginia City, reflect Nevada's storied past rooted in the mining boom of the 19th century. With its blend of high-energy urban centers, expansive deserts, and scenic mountains, Nevada provides a unique and captivating experience for residents and visitors alike.
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Florida, situated in the southeastern United States, is renowned for its sunny weather, sandy beaches, and vibrant culture. The state is home to world-famous tourist destinations like Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, the Everglades National Park, and the vibrant art deco architecture of Miami Beach. With its diverse population, Florida boasts a rich cultural tapestry influenced by Latin American, Caribbean, and Southern traditions. Its economy is driven by industries such as tourism, agriculture, aerospace, and technology. Florida's natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and lively entertainment scene make it a popular destination for residents and visitors seeking fun in the sun.
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Japan's anime retail landscape is a pilgrimage destination for fans worldwide, offering everything from current-season merchandise to vintage treasures that exist nowhere else. But with hundreds of stores across Tokyo, Osaka, and beyond, knowing where to invest your limited time and yen makes the difference between a good trip and an unforgettable one.
This guide cuts through the noise to highlight Japan's truly exceptional anime stores — places that offer unique inventory, specialized collections, or experiences you simply can't replicate elsewhere. Whether you're a figure collector hunting grail pieces, a manga completionist, or a casual fan wanting to soak in otaku culture, these destinations deliver.
Located just a two-minute walk from Akihabara Station, Animate Akihabara stands as one of Japan's largest and most beloved anime and manga retail hubs. This sprawling two-building complex is more than just a store — it's a multi-level universe dedicated to every corner of otaku culture.
The right building houses an incredible collection of manga, light novels, and artbooks spread across six thoughtfully designed floors. You'll find genres ranging from mainstream titles to niche collector volumes — including an adult section on the top floor. The left building caters to collectors, offering figurines, character goods, apparel, soundtracks, and special event-exclusive merchandise. For now, it even features a dedicated Square Enix fan zone, making it a special stop for Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts enthusiasts.
Pro Tip: Start your visit by taking the elevator to the top floor and work your way down using the stairs. Each level is themed differently, and this approach lets you explore methodically without missing hidden treasures. The buildings connect only on the ground floor, so plan your route accordingly.
Unlike many smaller anime shops, Animate Akihabara is expertly organized — stairways are divided for one-way traffic (one side up, one side down), with restrooms and checkout counters conveniently located on multiple floors. Even during busy weekends, the layout helps keep movement smooth and prevents bottlenecks.
You'll find both mainstream and rare merchandise, from current hits like Frieren and Jujutsu Kaisen to harder-to-find collections. What makes this location unique is its exceptional Nitro+ merchandise section — the largest of any Animate store in Japan. Fans of Steins;Gate, Fate/Zero, and Psycho-Pass will find dedicated displays here that don't exist at other branches. Patient browsers also discover surprisingly rare goods for niche series like ACCA:13 Territory Inspection Department tucked among popular titles.
Prices are fairly standard for Akihabara, with manga volumes averaging ¥600–¥900 JPY ($4–$6 USD), artbooks running ¥2,200–¥4,800 JPY ($15–$33 USD), and collectible figurines typically ranging from ¥1,800–¥18,000 JPY ($12–$125 USD) depending on scale and rarity. Acrylic stands and keychains cost ¥800–¥1,500 JPY ($5.50–$10 USD), while gacha machines run ¥300–¥500 JPY ($2–$3.50 USD) per play.
While prices run slightly higher than discount chains, many shoppers find the pricing reasonable for official merchandise — especially given the quality and exclusivity of event-limited items you won't find elsewhere.
Important note: All manga is in Japanese, and DVDs/Blu-rays are Region 2 (Japan format), incompatible with standard US/Canadian players.
What truly sets Animate Akihabara apart is its focus on current anime culture and community-driven energy. It's not just a retail space — it's a hub where seasonal collaborations and limited-time pop-up events bring new releases to life. The store regularly rotates special floors dedicated to trending series, making each visit unique even for returning fans.
The intelligent building design also deserves recognition. The dual-staircase traffic system, multiple cashier locations, and strategic bathroom placement create a shopping experience that respects your time and comfort — details that matter when you're exploring six floors of merchandise.
Best time to visit: Weekday afternoons (1-4 PM) see lighter crowds. Saturdays can get shoulder-to-shoulder packed. Budget 1-2 hours minimum for browsing both buildings.
If you're an anime lover planning to explore Akihabara, this is a must-stop destination. Whether you're after the latest manga, exclusive character goods, or simply want to immerse yourself in Japan's most vibrant otaku atmosphere, Animate Akihabara offers a perfectly balanced mix of discovery, variety, and that electric energy that makes Akihabara special.
Descend seven flights of stairs into Shibuya's underground levels and you'll discover Mandarake — a cramped, maze-like wonderland that rewards curiosity like no other anime store in Tokyo. This isn't your typical retail experience. It's a collector's fever dream where every narrow aisle, stacked shelf, and overlooked corner might hide something extraordinary.
Unlike modern anime retailers focused on current releases, Mandarake Shibuya specializes in vintage and second-hand collectibles from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s — making it Tokyo's premier destination for relic hunters. You'll find original-run Mobile Suit Gundam model kits, first-edition manga volumes, vintage Godzilla figures, rare Street Fighter statues, and obscure treasures that simply don't exist in regular retail circulation anymore.
The store has evolved beyond pure anime nostalgia. What sets this location apart is its expanding K-pop section with photocards and merchandise — the entrance currently features ATEEZ-themed decorations, making Mandarake Shibuya one of the few stores successfully bridging Japanese and Korean pop culture under one roof.
Pro Tip: Yes, you walk down seven flights of stairs, but there's a hidden elevator for the return journey. Most first-timers miss it — look for signage near checkout or just ask staff. Your legs will thank you.
The cramped quarters are part of the charm. Aisles barely fit one person, which means you're intimately browsing every shelf whether you intended to or not. This density is precisely why finds happen here — items that would get lost in spacious stores become impossible to miss when they're inches from your face.
The store is stocked floor-to-ceiling with books, toys, model kits, vintage magazines, scale figures, and collectibles spanning decades. One visitor described it perfectly: "The place is littered with treasure!" That treasure-hunting atmosphere makes browsing feel like an expedition rather than shopping.
Recent visitor discoveries include Bruce Lee statues, vintage Chun Li figures, scale figures from discontinued lines, and out-of-print magazines from the 1980s that have become collector's items themselves.
Expect premium pricing for vintage collectibles, but understand you're paying for authenticity, rarity, and items no longer in production:
Prices run higher than new-merchandise retailers, but these aren't reproductions — they're the real deal from decades past. For serious collectors, that authenticity justifies the premium.
Beyond the vintage focus, Mandarake Shibuya earns consistent praise for notably friendly and helpful staff — multiple visitors specifically mentioned superior service compared to other Tokyo locations, particularly certain Akihabara branches. In a city where language barriers can frustrate international visitors, helpful staff make a real difference.
The store also offers international shipping services for larger purchases, which several visitors highly recommend. Given the cramped quarters and likelihood of finding multiple must-have items, shipping solves the "how do I carry all this" problem while letting you buy without restraint.
Best for: Collectors hunting specific vintage items, relic hunters who thrive on discovery, K-pop fans seeking photocards alongside anime goods, and anyone who appreciates stores with character over corporate polish.
Not ideal for: Anyone with claustrophobia (seriously — those aisles are tight), visitors with mobility issues (seven flights of stairs down, elevator up), or shoppers specifically wanting current-season anime merchandise.
Time investment: Budget 1-2 hours minimum. The density of inventory means slow, methodical browsing yields the best finds. Rush through and you'll miss treasures hiding in plain sight.
Mandarake Shibuya isn't the most polished or accessible anime store in Tokyo, but it's rich in character and in genuinely amazing inventory. If you're in Shibuya and you value the thrill of discovering something rare — something you might never see again — this underground maze absolutely deserves a visit. Just remember: the treasure is in the hunt, and patient hunters walk away with stories.
Rising nine floors in Ikebukuro, Animate's flagship location isn't just another anime store — it's a deliberately curated space that serves demographics often overlooked elsewhere. While most anime retailers focus heavily on male-oriented franchises and figure collecting, Animate Ikebukuro has become Tokyo's premier destination for female otaku culture, particularly fans of otome games, BL (Boys' Love), idol content, and VTubers.
The ground floor welcomes you with walls of gacha machines (coin exchange available) and screens showing trailers for upcoming releases. From there, nine floors unfold with distinct themes: manga stacked ceiling-high on one level, game series merchandise on another, dedicated idol and VTuber sections, cosplay supplies, and extensive otome/BL collections on upper floors.
What immediately sets this location apart is its unapologetic focus on content for female fans. You'll find deep selections of otome game merchandise (Twisted Wonderland, Ensemble Stars, Hypnosis Mic), extensive BL manga and drama CD sections, male idol goods (IDOLiSH7, Uta no Prince-sama), and strong VTuber representation (particularly Nijisanji's male talents). One visitor described it perfectly: "Definitely more appealing for heterosexual female otaku than other demographics, but that's Ikebukuro in general."
Floor 1: Gacha paradise, promotional materials, and current campaign announcements
Floor 2: Manga sections with series "stacked to the damn ceiling" — from brand-new releases to established classics
Floor 3: Game series merchandise, though notably focused on smaller collectibles (stickers, acrylic stands, tote bags, keychains) rather than figures
Floors 4-7: Rotating sections for anime, idols, VTubers, and cosplay supplies, plus one floor specifically designated for scheduled special events
Upper Floors: Extensive otome game and explicit BL sections
Special feature: Gratte café branch operates inside the building, plus hobby supply sections for customizing ita bags (decorated bags covered in character pins and badges) — complete with cute pouches for displaying mini plushies.
Parent Advisory: Upper floors contain mature romantic content targeted at adult women. If you don't know what otome or BL means, research before bringing young children to these sections.
Pricing aligns with standard Animate ranges:
The Space Galleria floor hosts traveling exhibitions and collaboration events, where purchases often qualify for tax-free treatment (passport required, minimum ¥5,000/$35 USD purchase). Staff provide translation devices for international visitors attending events — a thoughtful touch that removes language barriers.
Beyond demographic focus, Animate Ikebukuro employs multilingual staff who facilitate smoother checkout experiences for international visitors. In a city where English support at anime retailers is hit-or-miss, this makes a tangible difference in customer experience.
The building's spacious layout also contrasts sharply with cramped Akihabara competitors. You can actually browse comfortably here, and displays change monthly to reflect new releases and seasonal promotions. Even visitors who "aren't really manga fans" report being impressed by the atmosphere and variety.
The event floor deserves special mention. One international visitor attended an exhibition specifically and noted: "As a foreigner it was a little daunting but it worked out in the end." Staff used translation devices effectively, packed purchases professionally in huge bags, and processed tax-free paperwork for event goods — something not all retailers offer for limited merchandise.
Navigation tip: Start on the ground floor to catch current promotions and event announcements, then elevator to the top and work your way down. Each floor has its own cashier, so you can check out as you go rather than hauling items through all nine floors.
Time investment: Budget 2-3 hours for a thorough visit. Nine themed floors means there's genuinely a lot to see, and rushing through defeats the purpose.
Best for: Female anime fans, BL and otome game enthusiasts, idol and VTuber collectors, anyone attending special exhibitions, ita bag customizers, and even non-fans accompanying enthusiast friends (multiple visitors mention bringing family members who ended up enjoying the experience).
Best time to visit: The spacious layout handles crowds better than cramped stores, but weekday afternoons still offer the most comfortable browsing. One visitor noted: "It was not too crowded when we were there a weekday afternoon."
If you're a female otaku visiting Tokyo — or anyone interested in the female side of anime fandom — Animate Ikebukuro isn't just worth visiting, it's essential. This is where Japanese pop culture created by and for women gets the spotlight it deserves, spread across nine floors of carefully curated content you won't find concentrated anywhere else in Tokyo.
Located on the 4th floor of Tokyo Skytree Town Soramachi's west wing, JUMP SHOP serves as official headquarters for Weekly Shonen Jump merchandise. A life-size Luffy statue welcomes visitors at the entrance, and displays of past Shonen Jump authors' signatures line the walls — a genuine treat for manga history enthusiasts.
What sets this location apart from the cramped Shibuya JUMP SHOP is space. The Soramachi branch offers significantly more room to browse comfortably, with wider aisles and better organization. That sounds great, and it is — but there's a catch that multiple visitors mention: the space feels underutilized relative to its footprint.
The good news: This is a pleasant environment to shop. No shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, no squeezing past other customers, and the author signature displays add historical context that pure merchandise stores lack. You'll occasionally find exclusive items not available at other retailers, and the Shonen Jump logo statue makes for solid photo opportunities.
The disappointing news: For such a large space, inventory is surprisingly limited. Multiple visitors used phrases like "not many products for a large space" and "mostly consists of trinkets you can find in other stores." Popular items sell out quickly and don't always restock promptly. One visitor came specifically for a giant Goku statue featured in photos, only to discover it had been rotated out — a reminder that displays change without notice.
Merchandise focuses heavily on currently popular Shonen Jump properties:
Inventory leans toward smaller collectibles: keychains, acrylic stands, pins, stickers, stationery, tote bags, and apparel. Don't expect extensive scale figure collections or rare vintage items — those exist at specialized retailers like AmiAmi or vintage shops like Mandarake.
Standard pricing for official Shonen Jump merchandise:
Multiple visitors note prices as "a little overpriced" or "maybe a little overpriced but worth it if you are a fan." Similar items often appear at Don Quijote, Village Vanguard, or general anime retailers for 10-20% less, which impacts the value proposition if you're not a completionist.
The author signature displays genuinely differentiate JUMP SHOP from generic anime merchandise stores. Seeing autographs from legendary creators who built Shonen Jump's legacy adds cultural context you won't find at stores focused purely on moving product.
However, the limited inventory creates a fundamental problem: there's not enough "novel" or exclusive merchandise to justify a special trip unless you're already at Tokyo Skytree. One visitor summarized it perfectly: "You can easily find these in other stores, so nothing novel and not worth a special trip."
From Oshiage Station, reaching Solamachi's west side 4th floor requires "quite a bit" of walking. Directionally challenged visitors (their words, not ours) report getting lost. Follow signage carefully or ask information desk staff for directions — the complex is large and can be confusing.
Worth visiting if:
Not worth a special trip if:
Time investment: 20-30 minutes covers most visits. The limited inventory means you'll browse everything relatively quickly unless you're photographing displays extensively.
JUMP SHOP Soramachi occupies an awkward middle ground — it's pleasant enough to visit if you're already there, but the space-to-inventory ratio and pricing don't justify going out of your way. For serious Shonen Jump fans visiting Tokyo, the Shibuya location or general Akihabara shops likely serve you better despite being more cramped.
Just minutes from Akihabara Station's Electric Town exit, AmiAmi Figure Tower rises eight floors as a vertical shrine to anime figure collecting. Each floor specializes in different franchises, figure types, or genres, transforming what could be overwhelming inventory into a curated adventure through otaku culture's most beautifully crafted collectibles.
What immediately sets AmiAmi apart is its thematic floor organization. Unlike stores where figures mix chaotically, AmiAmi dedicates entire floors to specific categories: full floors for Gundam and mecha, Vocaloid characters, scale figures organized by franchise, Nendoroids and prize figures, garage kits, limited editions, and even a floor for adult anime collections. This organization transforms browsing from "where do I even start" into "which genre do I want to explore first."
Figures aren't just stocked on shelves — they're showcased in well-lit displays with dynamic poses that highlight craftsmanship and detail. Even visitors who don't intend to buy describe it as a "visual treat" and compare it to walking through a figure museum where everything happens to be for sale.
The presentation quality matters. You can inspect paint applications, examine sculpt details, and see how figures display in proper lighting before committing to purchases in the ¥10,000-¥50,000+ range. For collectors, that inspection opportunity justifies the in-person visit versus online shopping.
AmiAmi carries figures and collectibles spanning virtually every major franchise: Demon Slayer, Gundam, Hololive VTubers, Evangelion, Dragon Ball, Hatsune Miku, Fate series, One Piece, and countless others. You'll find everything from ¥300 gacha capsules to ¥100,000+ premium statues.
Hidden advantage: Long-time AmiAmi online shoppers consistently note the physical store carries items not listed on the website. If you've been shopping their online catalog for years, visiting the tower reveals pieces you didn't know existed. Stock also rotates frequently, rewarding repeat visits with fresh inventory.
Multiple visitors specifically mention that AmiAmi's pricing beats major retail chain pricing, particularly for deals on the second floor. If you're time-limited in Akihabara and need to prioritize, several collectors recommend hitting AmiAmi first for the best combination of variety and value.
Pricing ranges (January 2025):
The variety means both casual fans and hardcore collectors find their price range represented. Budget-conscious visitors can score prize figures or gacha items, while serious collectors hunt grail pieces in the five-figure range.
While most visitors praise the experience, one detailed negative review highlights a serious customer service issue regarding tax refunds and return policies. The visitor was told tax refund would be available with passport, returned the next day as instructed, was then denied the refund, and subsequently denied a return because more than one day had passed — despite the sealed box remaining unopened.
This isolated but serious complaint warrants caution. If you're making significant purchases:
The same reviewer specifically praised a foreign staff member (described as a white gentleman who's been in Japan 10 years) as genuinely helpful. Staff experiences vary, so your mileage may vary.
Critical timing advice: "Do not go during the weekend" is the consensus. Sundays see crowds that make browsing miserable in the narrow layout. Weekdays, particularly mornings, offer comfortable space to examine figures properly.
Navigation: Bilingual signage helps international visitors navigate themed floors. Staff generally remain helpful without being pushy, though language support varies by employee.
Online vs. In-Person: Long-time online shoppers note visiting physically is "overwhelming" due to sheer volume. The website makes targeted searching easier, but the store reveals hidden inventory and allows quality inspection that photos can't match. One visitor perfectly captured it: "It seems practically easier to shop online... but they have more figures than what is posted online."
Beyond organization and pricing, AmiAmi Figure Tower offers something intangible: immersion in Japan's figure culture. Even if you're not buying, walking through eight floors of meticulously crafted collectibles — each telling a story about character design, franchise popularity, and collector priorities — creates an experience that transcends retail.
Multiple visitors mention needing "a bigger suitcase" after visiting. They're only half-joking.
Best for: Serious figure collectors hunting specific pieces, casual fans wanting museum-quality displays to photograph and appreciate, anyone seeking variety across multiple franchises under one roof, collectors willing to navigate dense inventory for competitive pricing, and figure enthusiasts who value inspection before purchase.
Not ideal for: Weekend visitors (too crowded), anyone making large purchases without thoroughly confirming policies, visitors expecting extensive English support from all staff, or anyone hoping for vintage 80s/90s collectibles (focus is current-production figures).
Time investment: Budget 1-2 hours minimum for thorough browsing. Eight themed floors means there's genuinely a lot to see, and serious collectors easily spend 3-4 hours hunting specific pieces.
Bring: A bigger suitcase (seriously), a camera for display photography, patience during peak hours, and your passport if purchases might exceed ¥5,000 for tax-free eligibility.
AmiAmi Figure Tower delivers what it promises: a vertical wonderland of anime figures with competitive pricing and rotating inventory. The service concerns warrant caution on large purchases, but for most visitors, this remains one of Akihabara's essential destinations for figure collecting. Just visit on a weekday, confirm all policies clearly, and prepare for your luggage situation to become complicated.
Planning your anime shopping adventure in Japan? These FAQs cover what most guides miss — from the best times to visit and tax-free tips to where to find hidden anime gems beyond Tokyo. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning collector, this section helps you shop smarter, save more, and experience Japan’s anime culture like a true local.
Weekdays—especially late mornings or early afternoons—are the best times to visit major anime stores like Animate, Mandarake, and Gamers. Weekend afternoons tend to get crowded with tourists and local fans. If you plan to browse multiple shops in Akihabara or Ikebukuro, start early since most stores open around 10–11 AM and close by 8–9 PM.
Yes. Most large anime retailers, including Animate Akihabara, Mandarake, and Kotobukiya, offer tax-free shopping for tourists who spend over ¥5,000 JPY (about $33 USD) in a single day. You’ll need to show your passport at the register. The staff will handle the paperwork and seal your items if required. This is especially helpful if you’re buying collectible figures, box sets, or large manga bundles.
Definitely. While Akihabara is the anime capital, excellent stores exist across Japan.
Osaka’s Nipponbashi (Den Den Town) has big Animate and Mandarake branches with similar selections at slightly lower prices.
Nagoya’s Osu District is known for smaller, retro-themed anime and game shops.
Fukuoka’s Tenjin area also hosts a popular Animate and hobby shops selling Kyushu-exclusive merch.
Exploring these regional stores often leads to discovering exclusive local collaborations and limited-edition items unavailable in Tokyo.