From anime to manga, video games, and cute characters, people from all over the world have a deep appreciation for Japan’s pop culture. And there is no better way to learn about it than by visiting one of the many pop-culture museums in Tokyo. Read on for our top picks.
What you need to know about pop-culture museums in Tokyo
Many people fall in love with Japan through its pop culture, so it’s not surprising that pop-culture museums in Tokyo are popular and busy. People of all ages visit them, so demand for tickets is usually quite high — we definitely recommend buying your tickets in advance if possible!
It is also worth mentioning that some of the smaller museums do not offer any type of foreign language support, with all the key information displayed in Japanese only. This may affect some people’s experiences, especially if you are keen to gain some new knowledge. However, the more famous museums do offer audio guides for visitors.
1. Ghibli Museum Tokyo: See Miyazaki’s magic come to life
¥1,000 for ages 19 and upKichijōji, Mitaka
For Ghibli lovers who aren’t able to make the trip to the massive Ghibli Park in Nagoya, the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka is a great alternative. It is no surprise that this place is one of the most famous pop-culture museums in Tokyo.
Perfect for both young and old, visitors can experience the magic of the animation studio and meet its iconic characters. Older fans can learn about Hayao Miyazaki’s life, exploring the exhibit space filled with his journals and drawings, while children can come face to face with a true-to-size Cat Bus in the indoor play area.
Some of the other things to see include a five-meter-tall statue of the Robot Soldier from Castle in the Sky, and the Saturn Theater, where visitors can watch an original short animated film which is only shown at the museum. There is also a café, as well as a gift shop where you can buy exclusive merchandise.
Tickets vary in price according to age — it’s ¥1,000 for ages 19 and over, ¥700 for ages 13 to 18, ¥400 for ages 7 to 12, ¥100 for ages 4 to 6, and free admission for 3 years and under. You need to book your tickets online in advance — note that tickets sell out fast! For tips and tricks, read our guide on how to secure a ticket to the Ghibli Museum.
Pro tip: Couldn’t get a ticket in time? Check out this day tour from Klook that includes entry to the Ghibli Museum — you might find that they have tickets available on dates that are otherwise sold out.
Otherwise, not to worry — there are still plenty of ways to get your Ghibli fix in Tokyo.
Children: ¥100
High School students: ¥700
Elementary School students: ¥400
2. Small Worlds: The world’s largest indoor miniature museum
¥2,700 for adults, ¥1,900 for juniors (12 to 17 years), ¥1,500 for children (4 to 11 years) and free admission for 3 years and under.Ariake Butsuryu Centre, Ariake
Buy tickets online
Japan has an obsession with making miniature versions of everyday things. At this indoor museum in Ariake, you can explore different miniature worlds brought to life right in front of your eyes. Although the admission ticket for Small Worlds is by far the most expensive on this list, costing ¥2,700 for adults, the price is justified when you see firsthand the creativity and craftsmanship that has gone into each area.
There are eight different areas to explore, including a space center, the world of Sailor Moon, and Kansai International Airport — all with their own unique charm and realistic replicas.
Each area in Small Worlds has interactive elements, making you feel like part of the world. You can change the environment by switching on lights, making trains move, and adjusting the background. This makes the museum a great choice for those with young children. Budding photographers will also enjoy the challenge of capturing the miniature landscapes close up.
You can even participate in workshops and commemorate your trip by making yourself into a miniature 3D figurine, which will be added to the area of your choice for visitors to see. Prices for this 3D-printing experience range from ¥2,000 to ¥12,000, depending on the size and how many figures you want.
Children: ¥1,500
High School students: ¥1,900
3. Fujiko F. Fujio Museum: Discover the world of Doraemon and his friends
¥1,000 for adultsKawasaki
One of the most recognized and loved manga characters of all time, the blue earless robotic cat Doraemon has his very own museum — it’s dedicated to him and his creator, Fujiko F. Fujio. Situated in Kawasaki City, a short bus ride away from Noborito Station (which is actually a Doraemon-themed station), this museum offers an entertaining day out for those of all ages.
The first part of the museum, known as the exhibition rooms, has been designed with older fans in mind, providing a history of Fujiko F. Fujio whilst showcasing some of his original drawings and cartoons. The other facilities — including the theater room, manga corner, and rooftop playground — are ideal for younger children who want to interact and immerse themselves in the world of Doraemon and his friends.
Given that Doraemon is one of Japan’s most popular characters, it’s not surprising that this museum gets busy. On weekends and holidays, expect a few queues for the museum café and for photos with the various characters.
Note: You will need to buy your tickets in advance on the official website, as they are not sold at the museum. Tickets cost ¥1,000 for adults, ¥700 for high school and junior high school students, and ¥400 for children 4 years and over.
Children: ¥500
High School students: ¥700
4. Toei Animation Museum: Free, family-friendly anime museum
FreeHigashioizumi, Nerima
One of Japan’s most famous animation studios, Toei Animation, has its own little museum in Nerima. Free to enter, this museum is split into two small sections. In the main exhibition area, you can learn more about the history of the animation company, as well as some of the most popular anime series. The other section includes a digital dance corner, a reading area where you can sit and read different manga, and a few photo spots.
You can also take a photo with the famous Toei Cat mascot, Pero, who stands in the courtyard museum, in addition to other characters. There are also blackboards where visitors can draw and show off their creativity, as well as a small gift shop.
Although family friendly, all the information in the main exhibition is in Japanese — so it may be hard to understand. That said, looking around this museum may feel like a trip down memory lane for those who grew up watching anime such as Dragon Ball Z, One Piece, and Sailor Moon.
5. Suginami Animation Museum: Dive deeper into the world of anime
FreeSuginami
Undeniably, anime has played a significant role in shaping Japan’s pop culture. The Suginami Animation Museum pays tribute to this impact with a collection of anime-related exhibitions for people of all ages to enjoy.
On the third floor, you’ll find their permanent exhibition, which gives you insights into the history of anime and how it is made. The museum also hosts a special exhibition which changes every few months. Although all the information is written in Japanese, the museum does offer audio guides in English, Chinese, Korean, and French.
Everyone, children especially, will love the interactive aspects of museums — you can temporarily become the voice of Astro Boy by using the voice-acting experience booth, or have a go at creating your own original character at the anime production experience corner. There is an anime cinema and library as well.
Not only is this the first museum in Tokyo which allows its visitors to experience and study anime in this way, but it is also free to enter. Truly one of the best places to learn more about the industry, as well as see some familiar anime faces.
6. Kadokawa Musashino Museum: Archive of pop culture
¥1,400 for adultsTokorozawa, Saitama
Buy tickets online
For those looking for a more traditional and educational museum, somewhere where you can gain broader knowledge of different aspects of Japan’s pop culture, then the Kadokawa Musashino Museum is the place for you.
The museum is housed in an impressive granite building, designed by none other than Kengo Kuma, and includes a manga library, anime museum, and art gallery. The standard ticket, which costs ¥1,400, includes entry to the manga library and the Bookshelf Theater, which has eight-meter-tall bookshelves and a library containing around 20,000 titles.
You will need to pay an additional fee to see the special exhibition at the anime museum. These exhibitions change every few months, with past ones being about Hatsune Miku, the anime Persona, and Snoopy. To check out what is coming up in the future, we recommend keeping an eye on the official website.
Besides the reading area in the library, which is filled with a bunch of classic children’s manga (all in Japanese), there isn’t much entertainment for children — so this may not be the most exciting choice for families. However, it’s a great choice for those who are into anime and manga, as well as bookworms who dream of spending an afternoon browsing through books.
Tickets cost ¥1,400 for university students and adults, ¥1,200 for junior high and high school students and ¥1,000 for elementary school student. You can buy tickets online in advance, or in person on the day.
Middle School students: ¥1,200
Elementary School students: ¥1,000
Frequently asked questions
What pop culture is actually popular in Japan?
Anime, manga, cute characters, and video games are all popular in Japan. Find out about pop culture events in Tokyo.
Does Japan have an anime museum?
Just in Tokyo itself, there are a few different anime museums, with two of the most well-known being the Studio Ghibli Museum and the Suginami Museum. You will also find anime and manga museums in other parts of Japan, including the Kyoto Manga Museum and Miyagi Manga Museum.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.
