5 Hidden Gems for Buying Anime Goods Outside Akihabara

Akihabara is widely regarded as the mecca for anime goods in Japan, but if you're looking for a fresh shopping experience away from the usual crowds, there are plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Whether you're a dedicated otaku or a casual collector, these five locations offer unique selections, exclusive merchandise, and a less touristy atmosphere.

Let's dive into the best alternative spots to buy anime goods outside of Akihabara!
Entertainment

1. Nakano Broadway (Tokyo)


中野ブロードウェイ(東京)

  • Nearest Station: Nakano Station (JR Chuo Line, Tokyo Metro Tozai Line) – 5-minute walk
  • Famous Stores: Mandarake Complex, Daily Chico (for the famous giant soft-serve ice cream)
  • Google Map: Nakano Broadway Location
  • Official Web

Located just a few minutes from Shinjuku, Nakano Broadway is a paradise for anime and manga lovers.
This multi-story shopping complex is packed with rare collectibles, vintage figures, doujinshi, and niche items that you won’t easily find in Akihabara.
Mandarake, a famous second-hand anime goods store, has multiple branches inside Nakano Broadway, making it a must-visit destination for serious collectors.

 

Why visit?

  • A treasure trove of vintage and rare anime merchandise
  • Less crowded than Akihabara but still filled with passionate fans
  • Great prices on second-hand goods

2. Ikebukuro (Tokyo)


池袋(東京)

  • Nearest Station: Ikebukuro Station (JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro Marunouchi, Fukutoshin, Yurakucho Lines) – 5-minute walk
  • Famous Stores: Animate Ikebukuro Flagship Store, K-Books, Lashinbang
  • Google Map: Ikebukuro Animate Location

Often considered Akihabara’s counterpart for female anime fans, Ikebukuro is home to several specialty stores catering to otome (female-oriented) anime and manga.
Animate Ikebukuro is the flagship store of Japan’s biggest anime retailer, offering a vast selection of character goods, manga, and Blu-rays.
Otome Road, a famous street in the area, is lined with shops specializing in BL (Boys’ Love) merchandise, cosplay items, and exclusive limited-edition anime goods.

 

Why visit?

  • Best place for otome and BL merchandise
  • Home to the largest Animate store in Japan
  • Plenty of anime cafés and collaboration events

3. Den-Den Town (Osaka)


でんでんタウン(大阪)

  • Nearest Station: Nipponbashi Station (Osaka Metro Sakaisuji, Sennichimae Lines) – 3-minute walk
  • Famous Stores: Super Potato (retro games), Joshin Super Kids Land, Gamers Osaka
  • Google Map: Den-Den Town Location
  • Official Web

Osaka’s answer to Akihabara, Den-Den Town is located in the Nipponbashi district and offers a similar experience to Tokyo’s electric town but with a Kansai twist.
This area has an excellent mix of big-name anime retailers and smaller, independent stores selling figures, model kits, and retro games.
Prices can sometimes be more competitive than those in Akihabara, making it a great spot for bargain hunters.

 

Why visit?

  • A diverse selection of anime goods and gaming merchandise
  • Lower prices compared to Tokyo’s major anime hubs
  • Vibrant local otaku culture

4. Osu Shopping District (Nagoya)


大須エリア(名古屋)

  • Nearest Station: Osu Kannon Station (Nagoya Subway Tsurumai Line) – 5-minute walk
  • Famous Stores: Mandarake Osu, Yellow Submarine, Kotobukiya Nagoya
  • Google Map: Osu Shopping District Location

Nagoya’s Osu district is an underrated haven for anime and pop culture enthusiasts.
With stores like K-Books and Mandarake, you can find a fantastic range of figures, keychains, and limited-edition goods.
The area blends traditional Japanese shopping streets with modern geek culture, offering a unique shopping experience.

 

Why visit?

  • A mix of traditional and modern shopping experiences
  • High-quality anime goods without Tokyo’s high competition
  • A growing hub for cosplayers and J-pop fans

5. Around Sannomiya Center Plaza (Kobe)

三宮(センタープラザ、さんプラザ)(神戸)

  • Nearest Station: Sannomiya Station (JR Kobe Line, Hankyu Kobe Line, Hanshin Main Line) – 10-minute walk
  • Famous Stores: Gee! Store Kobe, Animate Kobe, Melonbooks Kobe
  • Google Map: Sannomiya Area
  • Official Website

Kobe’s Sannomiya area is a lesser-known but thriving otaku hotspot with a selection of anime and gaming stores rivaling bigger cities.
Shops like Gee! Store and Animate Kobe offer a range of character goods, while smaller specialty stores provide exclusive local finds.
The relaxed atmosphere and friendly customer service make it an enjoyable place to browse at your own pace.

 

Why visit?

  • A hidden otaku destination with fewer tourists
  • A mix of mainstream and rare anime merchandise
  • Ideal for discovering regional anime-related goods

Conclusion

While Akihabara remains a top-tier destination for anime shopping, these five alternative locations provide unique experiences, exclusive finds, and often better prices.
Whether you're in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, or Kobe, there’s always a great place to hunt for anime goods beyond Akihabara.

 

Expand your anime shopping horizons and explore Japan’s hidden otaku gems!