Japan produces over 150 anime titles per year and the global fan base for Japanese animation has created a specialized tourism niche: visiting the actual places where anime is made and the real-world locations depicted in beloved series.
Studio Ghibli Museum
The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo, is the most famous anime destination — a building designed by Hayao Miyazaki himself, filled with original animation cels, storyboards, and the mechanical principles behind Ghibli's distinctive animation style. The rooftop Laputa robot statue and exclusive short films screened only here make it essential. Tickets must be booked online exactly one month before your visit date; they sell out in minutes of release. Monthly ticket releases happen at 10am Japan time on the 10th of each month.
Anime Japan and Industry Events
AnimeJapan (held at Tokyo Big Sight in late March) is the world's largest anime industry expo — stage presentations, merchandise, and exhibition booths from every major studio. It's not a studio tour but provides closer access to industry figures and production announcements than any other event. Tickets are sold separately for industry day and public day.
Seichi Junrei: Anime Pilgrimage
Visiting real locations depicted in anime has spawned a tourism category called seichi junrei (sacred site pilgrimage). Popular destinations: Washinomiya Shrine (Saitama) from "Lucky Star"; Enoshima for "Tsuritama"; Beppu (Oita) for "Shirobako" and "Anne Happy"; the Tohoku coast for "AnoHana"; various Kyoto locations for "K-On!" The Seichi Junrei app maps these locations and has been downloaded by millions of Japanese anime fans.
Toei Animation Museum
Toei Animation's museum at their Oizumi Studio in Nerima (Tokyo's anime neighborhood) documents Toei's 60+ years of production — Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, One Piece all originated here. Exhibition includes original cels, production equipment, and the studio's founding history. Limited visitor capacity; check opening schedule. Most major animation companies are based in Nerima ward, where walking the streets occasionally produces surprising encounters with industry professionals.
