For anime and manga fans, a trip to Japan would not be complete without visiting an Animate Store.
Animate is widely recognized as one of the largest anime merchandise retail chains in Japan, offering an extensive selection of official products, including manga, figures, and limited-edition goods from popular anime franchises.
Why Is Animate Store So Popular?
Animate is one of the largest and most well-known anime retail chains in Japan.
Its popularity comes from its vast collection of official merchandise, covering everything from the latest anime releases to long-running fan-favorite franchises.
Some of the reasons why Animate is so popular include:
- Official merchandise from popular anime, manga, games, and light novels
- Numerous branches in major Japanese cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Fukuoka
- Frequent collaborations, exhibitions, and anime-themed promotional events
- Exclusive products available only at Animate
- One of the best places to find newly released anime merchandise
Merchandise Available at Animate Store
Animate offers a wide range of products for anime, manga, and Japanese gaming enthusiasts.
Some of the most common items available include:
- Manga and light novels
- Anime figures
- Acrylic stands and keychains
- Posters and art prints
- Badges, pins, and stickers
- Anime music CDs and drama CDs
- Anime DVDs and Blu-rays
- Apparel such as T-shirts, bags, and accessories
- Collaboration merchandise and limited-edition products
In addition, some branches feature dedicated areas for exhibitions, temporary events, and exclusive merchandise sales available only for a limited time.
Animate Store Branches Worth Visiting
Animate operates dozens of stores throughout Japan. However, the following locations are among the most popular destinations for anime fans and international visitors.
Animate Ikebukuro (Tokyo)
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Animate Ikebukuro is the flagship store of the Animate chain and has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest anime store in the world.
The building features nine above-ground floors and two basement levels filled with merchandise, manga, games, exhibition spaces, and dedicated venues for anime-related events.
Animate Akihabara (Tokyo)
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Located in Akihabara, the district often referred to as the center of Japan’s otaku culture, Animate Akihabara is one of the most visited branches by international tourists.
Its location is particularly convenient, surrounded by numerous anime, figure, gaming, and electronics stores.
Animate Shibuya (Tokyo)
Opening Hours:
- Weekdays: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Weekends & Public Holidays: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Animate Shibuya is located inside the Shibuya BEAM building, just a short walk from popular attractions such as Shibuya Scramble Crossing.
Although smaller than the Ikebukuro and Akihabara branches, it is highly accessible and convenient for travelers.
Animate Osaka Nipponbashi (Osaka)
Opening Hours:
- Weekdays: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Weekends & Public Holidays: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Animate Osaka Nipponbashi offers a wide selection of manga, light novels, figures, games, CDs, Blu-rays, and exclusive merchandise.
The store also features event spaces, an Animate Cafe Gratte, and regularly hosts anime-themed exhibitions and collaboration campaigns.
Animate Nagoya (Aichi)
Opening Hours:
- Weekdays: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Weekends & Public Holidays: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Animate Nagoya serves as the flagship Animate branch in the Chubu region and is located approximately a five-minute walk from Nagoya Station.
In addition to its extensive anime merchandise selection, the store frequently hosts pop-up shops and temporary events featuring exclusive products from popular anime franchises.
Animate Ikebukuro: The Largest Anime Store in the World
Animate Ikebukuro is the most iconic branch in the Animate network.
In 2024, it was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest anime store in the world.
The building is divided into multiple floors, each dedicated to different categories of products and experiences, allowing visitors to enjoy both shopping and anime-related events in one location.
Facilities Inside Animate Ikebukuro
1st Floor
- Latest anime merchandise
- Capsule toy machines (gacha)
- Animate Cafe Gratte, serving anime-themed drinks and character-printed cookies
2nd Floor
- Shonen manga
- Seinen manga
- Light novels
3rd Floor
- Shojo manga
- Women-oriented manga
- Boys’ Love (BL) titles
- Magazines
- Doujinshi
4th–5th Floors
- Anime merchandise including plush toys, keychains, acrylic stands, collaboration apparel, and ita-bag accessories
6th Floor
- CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, games
- Voice actor (seiyuu) merchandise
- Trading card game area
7th Floor
- Animate ONLY SHOP
- Pop-up stores
- Exclusive merchandise
- Photo spots
- Anime and game-themed exhibitions
8th Floor
- Space Galleria exhibition area
- Exhibitions related to anime, manga, novels, games, and stage productions
9th Floor
- Animate Hall BLACK and Animate Hall WHITE
- Talk shows
- Anime screenings
- Mini concerts
- Autograph sessions
B2 Floor
- Animate Theater with 208 seats
- Live readings, stage performances, and special anime events
Animate Ikebukuro is more than just a retail store—it is one of Japan’s largest anime culture hubs and a must-visit destination for anime and manga enthusiasts.
