Otomate Building (The CHARA Café)
Discovering the Otomate Building: A Haven for Anime and Otaku Culture
Animate Ikebukuro Main Store: Anime Mecca
Explore the world's largest anime shop in Tokyo's Ikebukuro, with ten floors of manga, merchandise, cafes, and events.
Animate Ikebukuro Main Store is the world's largest anime merchandise retailer, located a short walk from Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo. With ten floors dedicated to anime, manga, games, and related goods, it's a must-visit destination for anime enthusiasts.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to animate Ikebukuro main store
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
1 Chome-20-7 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima City, 1 Chome Higashiikebukuro, Tokyo, 170-0013, JP
Monday
11 am-9 pm
Tuesday
11 am-9 pm
Wednesday
11 am-9 pm
Thursday
11 am-9 pm
Friday
11 am-9 pm
Saturday
10 am-8 pm
Sunday
10 am-8 pm
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Getting There
Public Transport
Animate Ikebukuro Main Store is conveniently located a 5-minute walk from the East Exit of Ikebukuro Station, one of Tokyo's major transportation hubs. Ikebukuro Station is served by multiple JR lines (Yamanote, Saikyo, Shonan-Shinjuku, Narita Express), as well as the Seibu Ikebukuro Line, Tobu Tojo Line, and Tokyo Metro lines (Marunouchi, Yurakucho, Fukutoshin). From the East Exit, follow the signs towards Sunshine City. The store is located on what is now called "Animate Street". A single subway fare from Tokyo Station to Ikebukuro Station costs between ¥190-¥230. The JR train from Shinjuku Station to Ikebukuro Station costs between ¥110-¥250.
Walking
From the East Exit of Ikebukuro Station, Animate Ikebukuro Main Store is approximately a 5-minute walk. Exit the station and head towards Sunshine City. The store is located along the street to the right of the main Sunshine City complex, now known as "Animate Street".
IKEBUS
The IKEBUS, a bright red electric mini-bus, stops at Ikebukuro Station East Exit. Take the IKEBUS from the Ikebukuro Station Higashiguchi bus stop to a stop closer to Animate Ikebukuro. A single ride costs ¥200 for adults.
Local tips
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Check the event schedule on Animate's website to see if there are any special events or autograph sessions during your visit.
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Visit the Animate Café Gratte on the 1st floor for character-themed lattes and cookies.
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Explore all ten floors to discover a wide variety of anime and manga goods, from popular series to indie creators.
Discover more about animate Ikebukuro main store
Animate Ikebukuro Main Store is a sprawling, multi-story complex that has earned the title of the world's largest anime shop. Located in the heart of Ikebukuro, a district known for its subculture and entertainment, this flagship store is a paradise for anime and manga fans.
Originally opened in 1983, Animate Ikebukuro has grown from a small shop into a landmark destination. The store underwent a major renovation in 2023, expanding to ten floors and offering an even wider selection of merchandise. Inside, visitors can find a vast array of anime-related goods, including manga, character goods, figures, CDs, DVDs, video games, trading cards, and cosplay items.
Beyond shopping, Animate Ikebukuro offers unique experiences such as a café with anime-themed food and drinks, a theater in the basement for performances and live shows, and event spaces for autograph sessions and exhibitions. The 8th floor features the Space Galleria, an exhibition space for various anime and manga series. The 9th floor houses the Animate Hall Black and Animate Hall White, auditoriums for live performances and events.
Whether you're a hardcore otaku or a casual fan, Animate Ikebukuro is an immersive destination that offers something for everyone.
A brief summary to animate Ikebukuro main store
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