Anime & Art Scene Cultural Tour in Japan

You’ll arrive in breathtaking Tokyo, Japan’s capital city. Take some time to get used to the city before you lay down for a good night’s rest.

The first stop of your tour is the Ghibli Museum, which displays animation and art from the acclaimed Studio Ghibli. The company produced such well-known works as “Spirited Away,” “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Kiki’s Delivery Service.” You’ll be able to see lots of art from these and many of their other works, as well as the life-sized robot from “Castle in the Sky.”

Now it’s time for your first shopping trip! You’ll go to Character Street, a line of over 20 shops selling anime merchandise from franchises like Pokémon and Hello Kitty. Make sure you don’t buy enough to fill the extra room in your suitcase because there’s more shopping to come!

This morning, you’ll get up early and go to Tokyo Animate. It’s one of the largest and most popular anime chain stores in Japan, and it has hundreds of anime and manga goods on seven floors!

Now it’s time to volunteer. You’ll work with children at a local school and help teach them how to draw anime figures, which could help excite them about art and make them want to be an animator or manga artist!

Today you’ll go to Tokyo One Piece Tower, a theme park based on the anime “One Piece.” It offers a live show, games, and a scavenger hunt! It’ll be loads of fun to see your favorite characters come to life.

Later, you’ll head to the Pokémon Cafe. Chef Pikachu will greet you at the door, and you’ll be able to eat all sorts of adorable Pokémon foods, including entrees like a Pikachu-shaped rice omelet. You can also get a latte with Pikachu’s face in it or donuts featuring all of your favorite Pokémon.

Make your way to Nakano Broadway, a shopping mall full of anime-related stores. It has four levels, including a market in the basement. While you’re looking for anime merch, take some time to take in the local culture.

Now, you’ll go to Street Kart. You’ll drive around and see the sights of Tokyo in a go-kart! It’ll feel exactly like you’re in a game of “Mario Kart,” without the banana peels and bombs, of course.

It’s your last day in Tokyo! First, you’ll visit the Suginami Animation Museum. It’s located in Suginami-ku, which many call the “anime town” because there are so many anime production studios here. You’ll see exhibits on anime’s history in Japan, visit an anime production workplace, and learn about the latest digital production technology.

For dinner, head to Shinjuku Robot Restaurant, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. You’ll have to see this show to believe it. It’s an insane pop culture affair featuring robotic monsters, dancers, and lasers. Have a great time!

Your time in Tokyo is over for now, but you can always visit Japan while you watch anime or read a manga! And maybe if you’re into drawing, you could be the one drawing in one of the studios in Tokyo some day.