Yes, yes, Japan is filled with ancient temples, feudal castles, profound gardens, and upscale sushi bars. That’s not the Japan that’s been broadcasting on our anime cable channel, blaring on the J-Pop Radio Station, and leveling up on our Playstation. Every geek in the world knows a land filled with humongous mecha (robots), cat girls, beautiful boys, thousands of manga publications, gun swords, and fast-paced heart-pounding soundtracks. And every geek dreams of visiting that side of Japan at least once in their lives. So if you ever saved enough money for a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun, here is a guide to a geek’s pilgrimage in Japan.

Ghibli Museum - an exhibit, theater, and playground devoted to the works of Studio Ghibli and beloved director Hayao Miyazaki. A giant robot, a stuffed catbus, ornate Victorian-style metalwork, and other delightful features make the Ghibli Museum a favorite among tots and a must for Ghibli die-hards.

Sanrio Puroland - an all-indoor theme park in Tama-shi, Tokyo, that is operated by Sanrio Co., Ltd, the company behind the globally known Hello Kitty and her other cuddly friends. This is ground zero for all things Sanrio, and attracts 1.5 million enthusiasts every year. The main event is a musical parade featuring the most popular characters who sing and dance while being accompanied by professional dancers. Kawaii!

Harajuku - a fashion district in Central Tokyo where the most fashionably daring youths hang out. Every Sunday, loli-goths and cosplayers converge on Harajuku Bridge just to interact with their like-minded brethren. Nearby Takeshita Street contain stores selling odd fashion items catering to punk, goth, and other intense subcultures.

Bandai Museum – A museum dedicated to toy mechas and Japanese action figures based on popular characters such as Godzilla, Ultraman, Mazinger, and Kamen Rider. The museum, sponsored by toy manufacturer Bandai, boasts a 1:1 scale of a Zaku Gundam’s head. Previously situated near the Matsudo Train Station in Chiba, the new Omocha no Machi (Toy Town) Bandai Museum has reopened in Tochigi Prefecture, some 2.5 hours from Tokyo. The new site is also only open on weekends and holidays.

Osamu Tezuka Museum - a castle-shaped building with a tower topped with a glass dome, which honors the contribution of the God of Manga, Osamu Tezuka, to Japanese popular culture. Inside, there is a replica of Tezuka’s studio, an animation workshop where visitors can try their hand at making anime, and the Manga Library which contains Tezuka’s masterworks, such as Astro Boy, Princess Knight, and Black Jack. The Tezuka Museum is located in Takarazuka, some 20 km northwest of Osaka.

Akihabara – The Mecca (mecha?) for otakus everywhere. The fabled “Electric Town” has maid cafes, costume shops, and loads of manga, anime, and video game stores. Be sure to check out the new Tokyo Anime Center, a small room on the 4th floor of the UDX Building near JR Akihabara Station. The Center is dedicated to promoting anime to the locals as well as visiting enthusiasts. It has a 3D Theater, an anime goods store, and a recording studio.

Sony Building - Sony Corp.’s Ginza Headquarters, where the lower floors showcase the electronics giant’s latest products. The entire 6th floor is devoted to Playstation video games, where visitors can play for free all day in front of giant screens.

Comiket - a convention held several times a year which is primarily focused on the enormous doujinshi (amateur manga) market. Tens of thousands of creators and enthusiasts gather under one roof to feature, sell, and exchange manga. A popular genre are parody comics which use existing characters as expressed by their creative fans. Many of the works are mature in content. Even highly professional mangaka (comics illustrators) participate to showcase personal projects outside their popular works.  The last Comiket of the year is held on December 28 – 30 at the Tokyo Big Site.

There is a specialty travel group called Pop Japan Travel which organizes visits to some of these popular anime and manga sites, as well as visits to respected studios such as GONZO and Toei. Make sure to bring plenty of cash for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, and take care not to salivate too much as your geek dreams turn into reality.

Posted in Attractions, Japan

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