Planning an anime-themed Tokyo vacation for both grown-ups and children? Here's our approach:
Tokyo,the anime and manga lover's paradise, is a must-visit destination for any diehard fan. While Japan's distinctive comic book style can be found in both manga and anime, the latter encompasses series and films as well. With wide eyes, expressive faces, standout outfits, and accessories, Japanese illustrations are instantly recognizable.
For those seeking an immersive experience in Tokyo, planning an anime-themed adventure in the bustling city is a no-brainer. And with budget airlines offering affordable flights and a weak Japanese yen favoring Singaporean travelers, planning your pilgrimage has never been easier.
CHoosing the perfect place to STAY
We're huge fans of the Dormy Hotels & Resorts chain and have had fantastic stays at Dormy Inn Akihabara and Onyado Nono Kanazawa. In 2025, we booked an eight-night trip at Dormy Inn Ikebukuro. Lucky for us, these hotels come equipped with hot springs--though some geared towards relaxation rather than natural spring water--and boast well-stocked manga libraries, pleasing even the pickiest manga enthusiast, especially our young son.
However, if you yearn for a more anime-specific theme, other accommodation options abound.
- Anime Hostel Astro Station offers modern amenities and is situated near Shinjuku and Ikebukuro's shopping and anime districts. While it isn't brimming with manga libraries or hot springs, its prime location makes up for the missing amenities.
- MANGA ART HOTEL, TOKYO features free Wi-Fi, smoke-free quarters, and cultural charm, making it an appealing option for any manga fan. However, don't expect a dedicated manga library or hot spring.
For those unwilling to sacrifice the relaxing hot spring experience, Dormy Inn properties have got you covered with multiple locations in Tokyo, like Dormy Inn Premium Akihabara, offering on-site onsen.
KEEPING THE ANIME EXPERIENCE ALIVE
Akihabara, affectionately known as the "Electric Town," is the epitome of anime culture, jam-packed with stores, themed cafés, and manga kissa (cafés) to keep you entertained for days. Ikebukuro, on the other hand, is home to the massive Animate store and other anime merchandise, ensuring you have plenty of shopping opportunities. And for those seeking a pop culture-inspired stay, look no further than Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, sporting a Godzilla-themed design.
Ultimately, combining a Dormy Inn stay for relaxation and hot spring experiences with visits to Akihabara, Ikebukuro, or Shinjuku for immersive anime and manga encounters offers the best of both worlds.
Despite the diverse accommodation options available in Tokyo, Dormy Inn hotels, such as Dormy Inn Ikebukuro and Dormy Inn Premium Akihabara, stand out for their amenities catering to anime and manga fans, including well-stocked libraries and on-site hot springs. For those preferring a more anime-specific theme, accommodations like Anime Hostel Astro Station and MANGA ART HOTEL, TOKYO also offer excellent experiences, albeit with a different focus.
With Akihabara, Ikebukuro, and Shinjuku brimming with themed cafés, stores, and manga kissa, an integral part of the anime culture, incorporating travel, entertainment, and lifestyle experiences in these areas will create an immersive and unforgettable adventure in the heart of Tokyo.
