Episode 180 – The Geekiest Places in Japan

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The culture, the sights, the places of historical significance to the world, they’re all in Japan.  Sure, they’re worth seeing, and likely on your list.  But if you’re coming to Japan they are likely not the number 1 spot of things you want to see.  Those are likely filled by your fandom.  Here is a list put together of the geekiest places in Japan.

 

Place

Location

Notes

Ghibli Museum

Mitaka, Tokyo

(Approx 1hr from the city proper)

The museum is a must-see for Ghibli and animation lovers alike.  It features an exclusive theater, and a cafe.

Akihabara

Akihabara, Tokyo

Possibly the Mecha of all Geekdom, one stroll down main street Akiba with anime billboards and maids handing out maid cafe flyers and cosplay promotions.  Regular visitors call it Akiba.

Nakano Broadway

Nakano, Tokyo

Often referred to as the new Akiba, Nakano Broadway is a large indoor shopping center chock-full stores selling manga, DVDs, figures, cosplay, model kits, and every manner of otaku related goods you can imagine.

Good Smile Cafe

Akihabara, Tokyo

A cafe put on by the good smile company, a general anime themed cafe where you can eat surrounded by anime

Gundam Cafe

Akihabara, Tokyo

There’s also a gundam cafe by the gundam statue but this being the original is much more worth it as they actually have full food and drink service, oh and don’t miss the bathroom!

Life-Sized Gundam

Odaiba, Tokyo

On a timer to move this life-sized gundam will make you lust for the not-so-distant-future of traversing the stars

Madoka Cafe

Akihabara, Tokyo

Akiba strikes again, for all the times you want to eat Kyube shaped rice in curry.

Gigantor Statue

Shin-Nagata Station, Kobe

For those of you old-school/mech fans, this is something that will bring the nostalgia of the originals back and being Japan’s other life-sized mech it’s worth seeing.

Tiger and Bunny Cafe

Tokyo

Kyoto International Manga Museum

Kyoto, Kyoto

While you’re seeing all the historical sights and sounds of Kyoto why not take a stop at the International Manga Museum? They have over 50,000 publications from the 1970s to today.

Namja Town, Sunshine City

Ikebukuro, Tokyo

Namja Town is an indoor theme park created by Namco games.  Currently under renovation it will re-open July 11th with secions dedicated to One Piece, Dragon Ball and Naruto.

Osamu Tezuka Museum

Takarazuka, Hyogo

Much like the Ghibli Museum but Tezuka themed this museum is multi-floored with a small theater and gift shop.  It boasts life-sized statues of famous Tezuka Characters and original sketches.

Mizuki Shigeru Museum

Sakaiminato, Tottori

Another “original” man of anime and creator of Gegege no Kitaro.  The street leading up to the museum is lined with touchable bronze statues of famous characters and gift shops selling the same type of fare.

Luida’s Bar

Roppongi, Tokyo

A Dragon Quest themed cafe. DQ music plays constantly, and the decor looks like a medieval tavern with DQ figures and weapon replicas adorning the walls. Menu items include slime-shaped steamed buns and a grilled chicken breast branded with the royal crest from the game series.

8bit Cafe

Shinjuku,

Tokyo

A standard cafe with a twist. Chiptune music plays, and classic game systems and character figures occupy every corner.

Muteki Mario

Shinjuku, Tokyo

Muteki Mario, which translates as “invincible Mario” is like the 8bit cafe on steroids. First of all, it bills itself as a “shot bar,” which translates as “a place where you can get tore up from the floor up.” The theme is admittedly more focused on the Mario franchise, but the great vibe and decor makes this place a cut above the rest.

Bandai Museum

Tsugagun,

Tochigi

A toy museum divided into five unique areas: Japan Toy Museum for old Japanese toys, World Toy Museum for international toys, Edison Museum for world innovations, Hobby Museum for models and DIY projects, and Play Area for a hands-on experience.