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Blog/Anime & Pop Culture

Anime & Pop Culture

Akihabara, anime pilgrimages, manga, and pop culture travel.

20 articles in this category

Japan Anime Itinerary: 10 Days Hitting Every Pilgrimage Site

Anime & Pop Culture

Nov 24, 20264 min read

Japan Anime Itinerary: 10 Days Hitting Every Pilgrimage Site

Japan's anime pilgrimage sites span the entire country—from Akihabara and Shibuya in Tokyo to Kyoto's Gion, Kamakura's shores, and the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka.

Retro Tokyo: Showa-Era Arcades, Kissaten, and Nostalgia Tourism

Anime & Pop Culture

May 11, 20263 min read

Retro Tokyo: Showa-Era Arcades, Kissaten, and Nostalgia Tourism

Old Tokyo is hiding in plain sight. This guide to retro Tokyo covers Showa-era arcades, vintage kissaten cafes, shotengai shopping streets, and nostalgia districts.

Japanese Cosplay Events 2026: Where to Participate as a Visitor

Anime & Pop Culture

May 11, 20263 min read

Japanese Cosplay Events 2026: Where to Participate as a Visitor

Japan hosts hundreds of cosplay events yearly. This guide covers 2026's major events, how to participate as a foreign visitor, and where to find costume rentals.

Attack on Titan Locations: Real Inspirations in Oita and Nagasaki

Anime & Pop Culture

May 11, 20263 min read

Attack on Titan Locations: Real Inspirations in Oita and Nagasaki

Attack on Titan's walled cities and European-style streetscapes draw on real Japanese and German locations. Here's where to visit for the ultimate AoT pilgrimage.

Harajuku Fashion Guide: Lolita, Streetwear, and Vintage Markets

Anime & Pop Culture

May 11, 20263 min read

Harajuku Fashion Guide: Lolita, Streetwear, and Vintage Markets

Harajuku is Japan's fashion capital — from Gothic Lolita boutiques on Takeshita-dori to high-end streetwear on Omotesando and vintage finds in Cat Street.

Gaming Tourism in Japan: Arcades, Game Bars, and Retro Shops

Anime & Pop Culture

May 11, 20263 min read

Gaming Tourism in Japan: Arcades, Game Bars, and Retro Shops

Japan's gaming culture is a tourist attraction in itself. From Akihabara's multi-floor arcades to retro game shops and game bars, here's the complete guide.

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Japanese Music Tourism: Visual Kei, J-Pop, Idol Culture

Anime & Pop Culture

May 4, 20263 min read

Japanese Music Tourism: Visual Kei, J-Pop, Idol Culture

Japan's music culture is a tourism magnet — from Visual Kei venues in Shinjuku to idol meet-and-greets in Akihabara and J-Pop concert pilgrimages across the country.

Manga Kissa Guide: Japan's Unique Internet Manga Cafe Culture

Anime & Pop Culture

May 4, 20262 min read

Manga Kissa Guide: Japan's Unique Internet Manga Cafe Culture

Manga kissa are Japan's all-night manga cafe havens — cheap, private, and stocked with thousands of volumes. Here's how to use them as accommodation and entertainment.

Universal Studios Japan Osaka: Best Rides, Mario World, and Tips

Anime & Pop Culture

May 4, 20263 min read

Universal Studios Japan Osaka: Best Rides, Mario World, and Tips

Universal Studios Japan in Osaka is home to Super Nintendo World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Here's the essential guide to rides, tickets, and tips.

Tokyo Disneyland vs DisneySea: Which One to Choose

Anime & Pop Culture

May 4, 20263 min read

Tokyo Disneyland vs DisneySea: Which One to Choose

Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are two very different parks. This guide helps you decide which is better for your trip — or how to do both in two days.

Gundam Tours in Tokyo: Odaiba, Model Shops, and Exhibits

Anime & Pop Culture

May 4, 20263 min read

Gundam Tours in Tokyo: Odaiba, Model Shops, and Exhibits

Tokyo is the ultimate destination for Gundam fans. From Odaiba's life-size statue to model kit shops and the Gundam Base, here's your complete Gundam Tokyo guide.

Pokemon Centers in Japan: All Locations, Exclusive Items, Opening Hours

Anime & Pop Culture

Apr 27, 20263 min read

Pokemon Centers in Japan: All Locations, Exclusive Items, Opening Hours

Japan has over 20 Pokemon Centers nationwide, each with city-exclusive merchandise. Here's a complete guide to every location, opening hours, and what to buy.

Nintendo Museum in Kyoto: Tickets, Exhibits, and Full Guide

Anime & Pop Culture

Apr 27, 20263 min read

Nintendo Museum in Kyoto: Tickets, Exhibits, and Full Guide

The Nintendo Museum opened in Kyoto in 2024, inside the company's original playing card factory. Here's everything about tickets, exhibits, and planning your visit.

Comiket Guide 2026: Tokyo's Massive Manga Convention

Anime & Pop Culture

Apr 27, 20263 min read

Comiket Guide 2026: Tokyo's Massive Manga Convention

Comiket is the world's largest self-published manga convention, held twice yearly in Tokyo. Here's how to attend, what to buy, and how to survive the crowds.

Japan's Best Themed Cafes: Maid, Cat, Owl, Gundam, and More

Anime & Pop Culture

Apr 27, 20263 min read

Japan's Best Themed Cafes: Maid, Cat, Owl, Gundam, and More

Japan's themed cafe scene is extraordinary. From maid cafes in Akihabara to cat cafes, owl cafes, Gundam cafes, and ninja restaurants — here's the full guide.

Ghibli Park in Aichi: Tickets, Opening Hours, and What's Inside

Anime & Pop Culture

Apr 20, 20263 min read

Ghibli Park in Aichi: Tickets, Opening Hours, and What's Inside

Ghibli Park opened in Nagakute, Aichi in 2022. Here's everything you need to know: how to get tickets, what areas are open, and how to plan your visit.

Demon Slayer Real Locations: Temples, Mountains, and Filming Sites

Anime & Pop Culture

Apr 20, 20263 min read

Demon Slayer Real Locations: Temples, Mountains, and Filming Sites

Demon Slayer's breathtaking landscapes are rooted in real Japanese places. Explore the temples, mountains, and towns that inspired Tanjiro's world.

Spirited Away Locations: Dogo Onsen, Jiufen, and Actual Inspirations

Anime & Pop Culture

Apr 20, 20263 min read

Spirited Away Locations: Dogo Onsen, Jiufen, and Actual Inspirations

Spirited Away's bathhouse world drew from real places across Japan and Asia. Explore the true inspirations behind Miyazaki's most beloved film.

Studio Ghibli Museum: Tickets, What to See, Getting There

Anime & Pop Culture

Apr 20, 20263 min read

Studio Ghibli Museum: Tickets, What to See, Getting There

Everything you need to visit the Studio Ghibli Museum in Mitaka: how to buy sold-out tickets, top exhibits, and a full getting-there guide from Tokyo.

Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) Real Locations in Tokyo and Hida

Anime & Pop Culture

Apr 20, 20264 min read

Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) Real Locations in Tokyo and Hida

Discover the real Tokyo and Hida locations that inspired Makoto Shinkai's Your Name, from Suga Shrine steps to Hida's timeless mountain town.