Shinjuku is not only one of the busiest districts in Tokyo but also a fun place for anime fans as a hub for shopping and entertainment. With many anime masterpieces set in Shinjuku, the area has photo spots, shops, and food, which are related to anime series and films. With a prior knowledge about anime spots in Shinjuku, your stay there will be more fun!
This manga series by Hojo Tsukasa features the main character, Saeba Ryo, who defeats the evil of the underworld, with the author’s hard-boiled style and lots of comedy elements. Since the beginning of the serialization in 1985 in “Weekly Shonen Jump” magazine, the series has been expanded to anime series, stage play, and movies, earning widespread acclaim and gaining fans worldwide, including in France. Kabukicho and the high-rises in Nishi-Shinjuku area symbolize this series. The manga and anime series depict Shinjuku in the 1980s, while the live-action and anime film features the current Shinjuku, showcasing the ever-changing attractive cityscape unique to the big city.
In 2023, the movie “City Hunter: Angel Dust” was released, generating much buzz.
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Shinjuku Sta. East Exit
Nishi-Shinjuku Area
Known for his great works such as “Astro Boy” and “Phoenix,” Tezuka Osamu, who was called the “God of Manga,” created many of his works at his office in Takadanobaba. Under the elevated tracks at the Waseda Exit of Takadanobaba Station, there is a huge painting on a wall, three meters in height and 23 meters in width, featuring the characters of his works. Moreover, don’t miss the unique departure melody at JR Takadanobaba Station, which is the theme song of “Astro Boy.” At Aoyagi, a wagashi confectioner located about five minutes on foot from the station, you can buy cute manju steamed buns with designs of Atom, the main character of “Astro Boy” and his sister Uran. Back then when he lived in this area, Tezuka himself reportedly used to visit this wagashi shop.
With the “Godzilla head” on the Shinjuku Toho Building serving as a symbol of Kabukicho, Godzilla has been designated as a “special envoy” for Shinjuku tourism. Shinjuku has often served as the battleground for Godzilla’s battles in the Godzilla movies. Located in the Shinjuku Toho Building, “Hotel Gracery Shinjuku” has great guestrooms for Godzilla fans, including the world’s only “Godzilla Room” where guests can experience the world of Godzilla, as well as rooms offering a close-up view of the Godzilla head. The lounge on the eighth floor offers themed dishes, including pancakes inspired by the movie “Godzilla vs. Mothra.” In Kabukicho, there are two manholes with the design of Godzilla. Come and check it out!
Located in the Shinjuku San-chome district, “Shinjuku Marui Annex” has many shops favored by anime fans, including the Godzilla goods shop “GODZILLA STORE Tokyo.” Various pop-up stores and events for anime series are held throughout the year. The place also has stores such as “Rashinban” and “Surugaya,” which are specialized in used anime goods, so you may be able to come across valuable items!
