Here you can purchase authentic, licensed anime merchandise.
1 / 9

Animate Shinjuku

4
·3k reviews·Shinjuku City, Japan

A multi-floor anime and manga paradise in Shinjuku, packed with merchandise, gacha machines, and helpful staff.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, easier browsing

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Here you can purchase authentic, licensed anime merchandise.

Animate Shinjuku

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, easier browsing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A multi-floor anime and manga paradise in Shinjuku, packed with merchandise, gacha machines, and helpful staff.

4
(3k reviews)

"Found a few more acrylic stand selections of Attack on Titan and Code Geass at this location unlike Ikebukuro and Akihabara."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Elevator Access is Key

Don't rely solely on Google Maps; look for the building entrance and take the elevator to the higher floors where Animate is located.

📦 Ask Staff for Packing Help

Staff are incredibly helpful with carefully packing purchases, especially for tax-free processing.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Extensive Anime & Manga Sections

Extensive Anime & Manga Sections

Multiple Floors

Discover vast collections of merchandise for popular anime and manga series, from Jujutsu Kaisen to Blue Lock.

Gacha Machine Galore

Gacha Machine Galore

Near Escalators

Try your luck with numerous gacha machines offering cute figurines and keychains from various anime.

Special Event Pop-ups

Special Event Pop-ups

Varies

Check for limited-time events and themed pop-up shops featuring specific anime series.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Navigating Animate Shinjuku

Animate Shinjuku is located on higher floors of a building, not street level. Google Maps can be a bit confusing; look for the entrance and take the elevator up. Staff are helpful with packing purchases, especially for tax-free processing.

Merchandise Focus

While Animate Shinjuku offers a wide variety of anime and manga merchandise, some reviewers noted a lack of figurines and specific series like Jojo. Popular items like Fate, Hololive, Demon Slayer, and Hero Academy are generally well-stocked.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, easier browsing
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday Afternoons
Why
Crowds pick up, but checkout is fast
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Let’s look around animate in shinjuku! #jujutsukaisen #jjk #呪術廻戦 #choso #satorugojo #sugurugeto #yujiitadori #megumifushiguro #nanamikento
@bestgirlyazy
6.9K likes • 38.8K views

🎯 Elevator Access is Key

Don't rely solely on Google Maps; look for the building entrance and take the elevator to the higher floors where Animate is located. Reddit

📦 Ask Staff for Packing Help

Staff are incredibly helpful with carefully packing purchases, especially for tax-free processing. Reddit

Alien Stage Top 6 Fair at Animate Shinjuku // #ALIENSTAGE #ALNST #에일리언스테이지 #Shinjuku #Animate
@toddtoo
458 likes • 4.7K views
this was shinjuku in Japan :D, store name; Animate
@justalexene23
17 likes • 214 views

🔍 Check Specific Series Stock

While popular series are abundant, some niche items or figurines might be limited. Reddit

💸 Gacha Fun Downstairs

More gacha machines are often found near the escalators on lower levels for extra collecting fun. Reddit

Top3 Anime Shops You Must Visit in Shinjuku!! #japan #japantravel #anime #merchandise #shopping #tokyo #shinjuku
@kylescouter
824 likes • 39.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Elevator Access is Key

Don't rely solely on Google Maps; look for the building entrance and take the elevator to the higher floors where Animate is located. Reddit

📦 Ask Staff for Packing Help

Staff are incredibly helpful with carefully packing purchases, especially for tax-free processing. Reddit

🔍 Check Specific Series Stock

While popular series are abundant, some niche items or figurines might be limited. Reddit

💸 Gacha Fun Downstairs

More gacha machines are often found near the escalators on lower levels for extra collecting fun. Reddit

✨ Tax-Free Shopping Available

Inquire about tax-free shopping if you meet the requirements; staff assist with the process. Reddit

📅 Event Schedules

Look out for special themed events and pop-ups, which can feature exclusive merchandise. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Animate Shinjuku is a highly recommended anime and manga merchandise store, praised for its extensive selection and helpful staff who assist with packing and tax-free processing. While some visitors note a lack of figurines and specific series, the abundance of popular items and the fun gacha machines make it a must-visit for fans.

"It was great it was lacking in figurines and Jojo stuff.
You can find most popular items like Fate, Hololive, Demon Slayer Hero academy and manga but mostly Japanese"

Efendi

"We visited Animate and found so many things that simply don’t exist in Italy. The girl at the checkout was amazing — she arranged all our purchases with incredible care to help us pack them in our suitcase without damaging anything. Thank you so much!!"

Silvia Lago

"Merch is organised in categories here. There was sections for various mangas and animes. The Project Sekai merch was twice as big compared to the Vocaloid merch unfortunately. Good variety though."

Behklee

What People Like

Helpful staff
Wide merchandise selection
Abundant gacha machines

What People Dislike

Limited figurines
Confusing location

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Animate Shinjuku is located on the higher floors of a building. Google Maps can sometimes be confusing, so look for the main entrance and take the elevator up to the correct floor. Reddit

It can be a bit tricky to find initially as it's not at street level. Once you locate the building entrance, the elevators will lead you directly to the store. Reddit

Shinjuku Station is a major hub with excellent train and subway connections. Many visitors find it convenient to arrive by train and then navigate to Animate. TikTok

Yes, Shinjuku has several anime-related stores. Animate Shinjuku is often mentioned alongside other shops in the area for a comprehensive anime shopping experience. Reddit

Absolutely! Shinjuku is very well-served by public transport. The nearest major station is Shinjuku Station, from which you can walk or take a short local transport to the store. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Animate Shinjuku is generally free. You only pay for the merchandise you wish to purchase. TikTok

Opening hours can vary, but Animate stores typically open around 10 AM and close between 8 PM and 9 PM. It's always best to check their official website or a reliable local guide for the most up-to-date hours. TikTok

Some special events or limited-time pop-up shops might have specific entry requirements or fees, but general browsing is free. TikTok

Reservation policies can vary depending on the item and current promotions. It's advisable to inquire directly with the store staff for specific details. TikTok

Yes, Animate Shinjuku typically offers tax-free shopping for eligible international visitors. Be sure to bring your passport and inquire with the staff about the process. Reddit

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Merchandise

You can find a wide range of anime and manga merchandise, including manga volumes, character goods, acrylic stands, keychains, stationery, and some figures. Popular series like Jujutsu Kaisen, Blue Lock, and My Hero Academia are usually well-represented. TikTok+2

While Animate carries some figures, reviewers have noted that the selection might be less extensive compared to specialized figure shops. You might find more acrylic stands and smaller collectibles. Reddit

Animate focuses on popular titles, but you might find some items for less mainstream series. It's worth checking, but don't expect a huge selection for niche interests. TikTok

Gacha machines are capsule toy dispensers offering random items like keychains or mini figures. Animate Shinjuku has many of these, often located near the escalators on various floors. Reddit

Yes, the majority of the manga and merchandise is in Japanese, catering primarily to the domestic market. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & Events

Photography policies can vary. Generally, taking photos of general merchandise displays is often allowed, but it's best to be discreet and avoid photographing staff or specific promotional materials without permission. TikTok

Animate frequently hosts special themed events and pop-up shops for specific anime series. It's a good idea to check their official website or social media for current event schedules. TikTok+1

Events can range from character birthdays to collaborations with specific anime or manga series, often featuring exclusive merchandise and displays. TikTok

Limited edition items are often tied to specific events or release periods. Keeping an eye on Animate's announcements is key to snagging these. TikTok

Yes, taking photos of the gacha machines is generally fine, as they are part of the shopping experience. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Animate Shinjuku can be a fun stop for families with older children who are anime fans. The sheer variety of colorful merchandise and the exciting gacha machines are likely to be a hit. However, be prepared that most manga and product information will be in Japanese. The store's location on higher floors means you'll need to navigate elevators, which is generally manageable. It's a great place for kids to find souvenirs related to their favorite characters, but supervision is recommended due to the many small items and busy environment. TikTokReddit

💸 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Animate Shinjuku offers a range of price points. While some collector's items can be expensive, the gacha machines provide a more affordable way to get small, fun souvenirs. Look out for blind bags and smaller accessories, which are often more budget-friendly. Taking advantage of tax-free shopping can also significantly reduce costs if you meet the eligibility criteria. Planning your purchases and setting a budget beforehand is advisable, as it's easy to get carried away by the sheer volume of merchandise. TikTokReddit

🎁 Souvenir Hunters

Animate Shinjuku is an excellent destination for unique anime-themed souvenirs. Beyond the typical keychains and plush toys, you can find stationery, manga volumes, and acrylic stands that make for distinctive gifts. The helpful staff's assistance with packing purchases, especially for tax-free, is a major plus for souvenir hunters aiming to protect their finds during travel. Don't overlook the gacha machines for small, delightful trinkets that are easy to pack and share. Reddit+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Animate Shinjuku Experience

Animate Shinjuku is a multi-floor haven for anime and manga enthusiasts, but its unique location requires a bit of planning. Unlike typical street-level stores, Animate Shinjuku occupies higher floors within a larger building. This means that relying solely on standard map applications might lead to confusion. Visitors often advise looking for the main building entrance and then utilizing the elevators to reach the store. This setup can make it feel a bit like a treasure hunt, adding to the excitement for some! Reddit+1

Once inside, the store is typically organized by anime and manga categories, making it easier to find what you're looking for. You'll find a wide array of merchandise, from the latest manga volumes to character goods, acrylic stands, and stationery. While popular series like Jujutsu Kaisen, Blue Lock, and My Hero Academia are well-represented, some visitors have noted that the selection of figurines might be more limited compared to specialized figure shops. However, the sheer volume and variety of goods make it a must-visit for many fans. TikTok+2

A significant draw for many visitors is the abundance of gacha machines. These capsule toy dispensers offer a fun way to snag smaller collectibles like keychains and mini-figures. These are often strategically placed, sometimes near escalators on various floors, providing an extra layer of entertainment. The staff at Animate Shinjuku are also frequently praised for their helpfulness, particularly with carefully packing purchases and assisting with the tax-free shopping process, making the overall experience smooth and enjoyable. Reddit+1

Merchandise Highlights and What to Expect

Animate Shinjuku is renowned for its extensive collection of anime and manga merchandise, catering to a wide range of fandoms. You can expect to find a vast selection of manga volumes, often in Japanese, which is a significant draw for collectors and avid readers. Beyond manga, the store is a treasure trove of character goods, including acrylic stands, keychains, badges, and plush toys. These items are perfect for fans looking to display their allegiance to their favorite series. TikTok+1

While the store stocks merchandise for many popular anime and manga, it's worth noting that the availability of specific items can vary. For instance, some reviewers have mentioned that while Project Sekai merchandise is plentiful, Vocaloid items might be less so. Similarly, the selection of figurines can be somewhat limited compared to dedicated figure stores, with a stronger emphasis on smaller collectibles and acrylics. However, you might be pleasantly surprised to find items from series like Attack on Titan and Code Geass that are harder to come by elsewhere. Reddit

Special events and limited-time pop-up shops are a regular feature at Animate Shinjuku, offering exclusive merchandise and themed displays. These events, such as those for Sasaki and Miyano or Alien Stage, are a major draw for fans and provide unique opportunities to acquire rare items. Keeping an eye on Animate's official announcements is crucial for staying updated on these exciting collaborations and ensuring you don't miss out. TikTok+1