Aru Aru City
A multi-story anime, manga, and collectible paradise in Kitakyushu, featuring specialized shops, a manga museum, and more.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better browsing
Aru Aru City
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better browsing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A multi-story anime, manga, and collectible paradise in Kitakyushu, featuring specialized shops, a manga museum, and more.
"The building of hopes and dreams for weebs everywhere. This building has everything you'd ever need."
🛍️ Tax-Free Shopping
Bring your passport! Spend ¥5000+ for tax-free purchases at many anime and collectible stores.
📱 Translation App Ready
English is hit-or-miss. Have a translator app for smooth communication with store staff.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.1 · 3,943 reviews
Type
Shopping Mall
Website
aruarucity.comHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mandarake & Secondhand Stores
Multiple floors
Hunt for rare anime, manga, figures, and collectibles at legendary shops like Mandarake, Surugaya, and Lashinban.
Manga Museum
Two floors
Immerse yourself in the world of manga with extensive collections and exhibits. A true haven for comic enthusiasts.
Model Enthusiast's Dream
Basement floors
Discover a paradise for model kits, figures, model cars, and more. This building caters to every kind of model hobbyist.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Anime Paradise Beyond Tokyo
Tax-Free Shopping & Language Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛍️ Tax-Free Shopping
Bring your passport! Spend ¥5000+ for tax-free purchases at many anime and collectible stores.
📱 Translation App Ready
English is hit-or-miss. Have a translator app for smooth communication with store staff.
📍 Near Kokura Station
Conveniently located within walking distance from Kokura Station, making it easy to access.
🕹️ Crane Games & Arcades
Test your luck and skills at the arcade and crane game sections for fun prizes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🛍️ Tax-Free Shopping
Bring your passport! Spend ¥5000+ for tax-free purchases at many anime and collectible stores.
📱 Translation App Ready
English is hit-or-miss. Have a translator app for smooth communication with store staff.
📍 Near Kokura Station
Conveniently located within walking distance from Kokura Station, making it easy to access.
🕹️ Crane Games & Arcades
Test your luck and skills at the arcade and crane game sections for fun prizes.
💳 Card Shop Heaven
Explore multiple card shops in the basement for trading cards and gaming accessories.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Aru Aru City is a highly recommended destination for anime, manga, and collectible enthusiasts, praised for its vast selection of stores and unique items. While food options are limited, the tax-free shopping and proximity to Kokura Station are significant advantages. Some visitors noted issues with Wi-Fi connectivity and variable English proficiency.
"Big mall with many anime related stores. You can check out a maid cafe, many seocndhand stores like Jungle, Surugaya, Mandarake, Lashinban. There is a Melonbooks, Gee Store, Cospa, crane games, and even a cosplay area, The manga museum occupies two floors and there is also a Lawson x Ponta downstairs. In the basement floors there are multiple card shops."
ItzMe
"The whole building is full of all kinds of models shops, including figures, model cars, plastic kits……etc. This is indeed model enthusiasts' paradise."
Yang T.C.
"So many shops for anime things. Model kits, figures, books, accessories, cosplay, CDs, second hand stuff.
Bought some things for myself and souvenirs for others. Some stores offer tourists tax-free purchases of 5000+ yen. Make sure to bring your passport.
English is variable amongst the stores and staff. So have a translator app ready or the name of whatever you want written in Japanese.
I could not visit the manga museum. So, I can't rate it.
WiFi was impossible to connect to. I checked with staff and typed it in all caps as the signs suggested. No connection. No one at the info desk to help.
Also, not much in the way of food. A cafe and a Saizeriya were all I saw within the building."
Ian Ghows
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Aru Aru City is conveniently located within walking distance from Kokura Station in Kitakyushu. It's easily accessible via public transport, making it a straightforward destination for travelers exploring the region.
Aru Aru City is located in Kitakyushu City, which is part of Fukuoka Prefecture. It's a key attraction within the broader Fukuoka region, often mentioned alongside Fukuoka City's own attractions. +1
Public transportation, including buses and trains, is efficient for getting around Kitakyushu. Many visitors find it easy to navigate to Aru Aru City from Kokura Station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Aru Aru City itself is generally free, as it's a shopping complex. However, individual attractions within the building, like the Manga Museum or specific arcades, may have separate admission fees.
Opening hours can vary slightly by store, but the complex typically operates from morning until evening. It's best to check the specific hours for individual shops or attractions you plan to visit.
Yes, many stores offer tax-free purchases for tourists who spend over ¥5000. Make sure to bring your passport to qualify for these discounts.
While Aru Aru City is free to enter, the Manga Museum located within the complex usually has an admission fee. It's advisable to check current pricing before your visit.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Collectibles
Aru Aru City boasts a wide array of anime stores, including major retailers like Animate, Gamers, and specialized secondhand shops such as Mandarake, Surugaya, and Lashinbang, offering everything from new releases to rare collectibles. +1
Secondhand stores like Mandarake and Surugaya are excellent places to hunt for rare anime figures, model kits, and other collectibles. The basement floors are particularly known for model shops.
Yes, Aru Aru City features shops that sell cosplay merchandise, allowing fans to find costumes and accessories for their favorite characters.
Absolutely! The basement levels of Aru Aru City house multiple card shops where you can find various trading cards and related gaming accessories.
Beyond anime and manga, Aru Aru City is a hub for model enthusiasts with shops selling figures, model cars, and plastic kits. It also features arcades and karaoke clubs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining options within Aru Aru City are somewhat limited, with a cafe and a Saizeriya being noted. For a wider variety of food, exploring the area around Kokura Station is recommended.
Yes, reviews mention the presence of a maid cafe within Aru Aru City, adding to the unique themed experiences available.
📸 📸 Photography
While Aru Aru City is primarily a shopping destination, its vibrant interiors filled with anime merchandise and displays can make for interesting photos. The exterior architecture also offers some visual appeal.
Kitakyushu is renowned for its stunning night views, particularly from Mt. Sarakura Observatory and Mt. Komonji. Mojiko Retro area also offers picturesque scenes. +1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit