Kyoto International Manga Museum
Anime’s popularity is booming even outside of Japan, but manga hasn’t caught on quite as much.
In Japan, there are countless manga that have not been made into anime, or manga that are regarded as masterpieces that were made into anime but didn’t find success due to whatever reason: usually a lack of sponsorship or budget constraints.
Half a century ago, Japanese parents told their kids not to read manga, but manga culture has developed to the point that it is now the number one culture in Japan, and anyone who says, “I don’t have a favorite manga,” will have their whole personality questioned.
The International Manga Museum is the best place to learn about the continued fascination of manga.
Built in a renovated elementary school registered as for its Cultural Heritage, the museum houses more than 30,000 manga, making it the largest manga museum in Japan.
The collection includes not only Japanese-language manga, but also manga in many other languages.
The museum is well worth a visit, as it provides an insight into the history of manga and how manga artists draw their manga.
In addition, at the permanent portrait corner, visitors can have their portraits drawn in the style of manga.
It’s definitely worth having a portrait artist turn you into a cartoon character to take home.
Pokemon Center Kyoto
If you like Pokemon and you like traditional Japan, a visit to the Kyoto Pokemon Center will not disappoint. As you walk inside, Pikachu, dressed as a maiko, will be there to greet you. You can enjoy being surrounded by your favorite Pokémon, as there’s quite a few goods for a large variety of Pokemon throughout the generations.
If you want to take a little friend back to your home country, we recommend a stuffed Pikachu dressed in a kimono. The kimono is made of Nishijin brocade, a traditional Kyoto craft. Of course, this is a limited edition item available only at the Pokémon Center Kyoto.
The store is located on the second floor of the building, making it a bit confusing to get into, but that just goes to show that becoming a Pokémon master is not that easy.
Figure shops
If you are an anime lover and have come to Japan, you absolutely must buy a figure of your favorite character. With the wide variety of choices, you will surely find a figure you like. The best deals are to be had in Japan, and you can also find high-quality, inexpensive figures at second-hand stores. Moreover, many of them are labeled “unopened,” which makes one wonder if Japanese people don’t know the meaning of the word “used.” Be sure to leave Japan ready to decorate your desk or shelves with your favorite characters.
Below are some recommended stores in Kyoto where you can buy figures.
Gachapon
If you like anime, you will surely like Gachapon as well. Gachapon is a vending machine where you insert a few 100 yen coins, twist the handle, and a random product in a capsule comes out. Gachapon products come in many varieties, including anime-related items, cute original characters, unique items, and interesting items. There are many Gachapon stores in Kyoto’s Teramachi shopping district and you are sure to find a machine you like. However, you may be unlucky and get the same product more than once. Be careful, as in your quest for the item you want you may inadvertently burn a hole in your wallet.
Anime Shops “Animate”
Animate is the anime store of choice. You should definitely visit this store. Although it is a chain store, each store is highly unique, with different fairs at each store. They have a wide range of goods, from the most popular manga to anime that attracts the attention of unique enthusiasts. If you’re looking for anything anime, this is the place to go.
On the same floor as i-mate Kyoto (6th floor of Avanti), there is another anime store called Rashinban. If you’re on the hunt for your waifus, this is a must-see.
Animate and Rashinban are located in Avanti, which is near Shijo-Kawaramachi. This is a shopping district that sells many souvenirs, so it is easy to stop by while you’re doing the rest of your shopping.
Game Center (Arcade)
The last place I would like to recommend is the arcade. Many of you may have seen in anime the scene of students and couples stopping by the arcade after school. If you come to Japan, you should definitely experience it as well.
I especially recommend Taiko Drum Master or Mario Kart, which will give anyone a huge boost of dopamine for the low price of about 100 to 200 yen. There should also be some familiar games, such as the punching machine and basketball machine. If you’re lucky, you might even get to see a Japanese otaku playing Taiko Drum Master or another rhythm game at a level beyond most people’s imagination. To all the boyfriends, husbands, and fathers of the world, your loved one will be very happy if you can get a big stuffed animal from the crane game, even if it’s a little difficult. But if you can’t get it, don’t worry, just buy one at the stores I’ve previously listed.