Toei Animation Museum, founded in July 2018, pays homage to Toei Animation, which has spawned a large number of popular anime franchises since its inception in 1956.
The museum is located in Nerima, which is considered by many to be the birthplace of Japanese animation. Famous anime characters featured here include Astro Boy, Sailor Moon, One Piece, and Dragon Ball, among others.
The Toei Animation Museum interactive has large boards that visitors can search for Toei anime titles. From permanent exhibitions of materials that were used in the anime production (storyboards, celluloid pictures, etc.) to special exhibitions and museum shops, you can discover everything here.
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15-minute walk from Oizumigakuen Station on Seibu Ikebukuro Line
5-minute bus ride from bus stop no.1 at the station bound for Wako-shi Station South Exit / Nagakubo, get off at Toei Shosho-mae stop
10-minute bus ride from bus stop no. 1 at Seikibui Park Station, get off at "Before Toei Studio' stop.
Toei Animation Studio is the mastermind behind the Dragon Ball franchise. Tokyo is the epicentre of anime in the East, with a number of museums dedicated to the Asian cartoon genre.
With Koenji being a "creative town" it's no surprise that the BnA Hotel opened there in 2016 and has had, subsequently, an incredible impact on the local community. BnA (Bed and Art) has other spaces dotted about Tokyo and Kyoto, but the Koenji edition is possibly more immersive as the concept is "stay in an artwork." In collaboration with local artists, the BnA has created an impressive multi-storey art experiment for art lovers and creatives with a desire to inhabit art. The first floor acts as a front desk and bar which comes alive at night with events and selected DJs. It also hosts Masu Masu onigiri cafe with artists being asked to come and exchange artwork with each other in a gesture which reflects the true spirit of Koenji. With two "living art" twin rooms taking up the second and third floors designed by a seasonal rotation of local artists, guests can engage with and inhabit their art rooms. BnA Koenji also plays host to a rooftop lounge and a basement space which is used for artists residencies where their work is shown to the public and a DJ booth and streaming equipment for live performances. With live painting events and an eclectic variety of regular events, the BnA Hotel becomes, itself, a living canvas. The BnA believes that it's a machigata hotel, meaning that guests should (and are encouraged) to interact with Koenji. Use the public sentos, eat in the local restaurants that surround the hotel and buy locally from the multitude of shops, market stalls, bars and cafes which make-up the fabric of Koenji. Feted by international press such as The Guardian, BnA acts as a creative network with the concept of serendipity being discussed as the bar becomes an ad hoc meeting place where collaborations and friendships between artists and locals are born. The BnA was also instrumental in a street art festival named MCP (Mural City Project) which was supported by Suginami Ward. MCP was incredibly ambitious and truly communal with the desire to transform and coalesce the community through the creation of public murals. The BnA, Koenji and Suginami spearheaded a public art movement which should be commended and replicated throughout Tokyo.
Oakhouse Social Residence Koganei in Tokyo's Koganei suburb is a share house that offers long-term residence to both Japanese and international residents.
CLIHO Freshroom Tokyo Guest House is located in North Tokyo and is a two minutes walk from the nearest station, giving a fantastic access in all parts of the great city. Here the philosophy is to integrate foreigners from all over the world into Japanese life. This is done by making sure that guest houses are mixed, with people from all over the globe along with locals. This allows students to practice their Japanese and submerge themselves more into the culture. The guest house only has 24 rooms, small than other huge guest houses, which provides more intimacy and a change to really get to know everyone that you are staying with. It is clear that many friends are made here and there is a very warm and social vibe that surrounds the place.
Re:gendo is a cafe, apparel and arts and crafts store found in the quaint backstreets of Nishi-Ogikubo, just a few minutes from the station. It embodies everything about Shimane prefecture, capturing the essence of its history, culture and beauty that help inspire everything on offer here. Located in a spectacular wooden structure, which is said to be around 90 years old, Re:gendo is an homage to Shimane and the staff and owners take great care to display the cultural history of their beloved homeland. It’s a curious space, layed out over two floors. It acts as a thriving restaurant, apparel store, arts and crafts shop and a workshop space which focuses on teaching craftsmanship and culinary skills. The cafe recognizes the nuances involved in Shimane produce such as rice which it uses for its extremely popular, seasonal lunch menus musubi zen and nigiri zen. Musubi zen consists of a main fish or meat dish while nigiri showcases vegetable nigiri sushi. Both courses come with accompaniments including vegetables, pickles and miso soup. The ingredients at Re:gendo are sourced locally in Toyo or from Shimane. The cafe also does a fine collection of sweets (Shimane folk are particularly fond of wagashi or traditional Japanese confectionery). The apparel and crafts section, situated on the first floor adjacent to the cafe includes a range of arts and crafts from Shimane and a curated fashion line which uses a type of non-toxic dye from Shimane so it’s safer for pregnant women or customers with allergies. The second floor hosts regular workshops about local craftsmanship and cuisine. Visitors from all over the world come and participate in workshops and learn the intricacies involved in Shimane’s abundance of specialities. Re:gendo acts, then, as a local hub and a popular attraction for many of Tokyo’s Shimane transplants. Refined, cultured, respectful of ancient traditions and friendly, it should be considered an essential stop on any visit to Nishi-Ogikubo.
Harmonica Allee is located in the trendy area of Kichijoji and is a section of local izakaya bars that are only a few minutes' walk from the train station. The alleys of Harmonica Allee are narrow and at the same time full of life. There you can find fashion, local market traders, which are open during the day, as well as izakayas and pubs that can be visited until late at night. Since the 1990s, Harmonica Allee has been very popular, especially among the locals, for its stand-up bars with inexpensive snacks in the late evening. The area was named for the way this tight tangle of restaurants, shops, and bars resembles a harmonica. It can get full quickly, but it definitely never gets uncomfortable!
Ramen has become a global cuisine over the past decade with ramen-ya popping up in cities all over the globe. Millions of visitors, however, flock to Japan every year to experience the real deal. Harukiya, located a few minutes from JR Ogikubo Station, is a Tokyo institution. Established in 1949 it is the originator of Tokyo-style ramen which uses niboshi (dried baby sardines) in its broth and has been serving up first-class soy sauce which hasn’t changed for more than 70 years and has, rightly, earned it a legion of devotees. Although Harukiya has a sister branch in nearby Kichijoji, the Ogikubo store is the original and takes great pride in creating its authentic Tokyo-style chuka soba as well as chashumen and wontonmen. The aroma from the ramen floats into the outside streets having a visible effect on the patrons who queue daily to get their hands on Harukiya’s mouth-watering ramen. Popular with Ogikubo residents and foreign ramen aficionados, Harukiya has a small, curated menu with toppings, cold noodles and a few side dishes which accompany the ramen. Harukiya has led the Tokyo ramen industry for generations and there’s a reason for this. The aromatic soy sauce ramen and hand made noodles which are freshly kneaded every morning have inspired ramen lovers and ramen chefs the world over and will continue to do so for many more years to come.
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter is the largest indoor Harry Potter attraction in the world and the first Warner Bros. Studio Tour to open in Asia. Opened on 16th June 2023, the brand new attraction is located on the former Toshimaen Amusement Park site. Here, visitors can learn all about the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts film productions like never before! The Studio Tour allows fans to access authentic sets, see special costumes and visit the iconic locations of the Wizarding World. The sets were hand-crafted by filmmakers using original methods and techniques to give visitors the full authentic experience of the film series. There are also a variety of interactive experiences available. In terms of food, fans can enjoy the famous Butterbeer drink and have a meal at one of the eateries that offer a range of magical dining options. Visitors can also satisfy all their merchandise needs at one of the many souvenir shops, including the world's largest Harry Potter store with exclusive items that can only be found at the Studio Tour in Tokyo. Listed below are some of the experiences fans can expect to have when visiting the unique and well-crafted Studio Tour. You can purchase tickets in advance here: https://www.wbstudiotour.jp/en/tickets/
Tokyo Polytechnic University Suginami Animation Museum is situated in Ogikubo, known as being home to over 130 animation companies. Part of Suginami Kaikan Hall, the museum spans three floors and is packed with interactive exhibits which are perfect for kids and adults alike. The museum also explains the history of animation in Japan and the massive cultural influence it has on the country and, of course, globally. Tokyo Polytechnic University Suginami Animation Museum (which is free to enter) is extremely popular with foreign anime lovers and has some really quirky exhibits such as the animation timeline wall that showcases over 100 years of animation history in Japan. Other highlights include digital workshops for drawing and coloring animation in addition to the voice-over booth for famous animation “Astro Boy.” Visitors can hear their own voice while watching a short clip from the hugely influential animation. There is also a kids drawing and sketching area as well as computers available for games and interactive activities. The third floor library is a welcome oasis of calm and visitors can leisurely sit and read through various books about animation or watch a selection of DVDs. There is also a small cinema which shows various animations that can be enjoyed on the large screen. Although it’s a space dedicated to Japanese pop culture, the museum has made a huge effort to cater for foreign guests and has audio guides in a variety of languages as well as exhibit explanations in other languages including English. Suginami Animation Museum is a really entertaining experience and even non-anime geeks will enjoy the eclectic array of exhibits and activities. Perfect for families or anyone with a passing interest in pop culture and Japan.
Established way back in 1926 Toshimaen, situated in Nerima-ku, is one of Japan’s oldest amusement parks. Currently owned by Seibu Railway Co. which also runs the train line (Seibu Ikebukuro Line) in which the park is located. Toshimaen holds a special place in many Tokyoites’ hearts. With over 30 rides (including three roller coasters, a water park and six pools it has more than enough fun to satiate anybody’s thirst for amusement in Japan’s capital city. The park also plays host to cherry blossom viewing in spring and a popular ice skating rink in winter. If that isn’t enough, the space also includes an insect museum, an indoor fishing facility, an onsen (hot spring), ornate Japanese garden designed by legendary Japanese architect Kenzo Ogata. Toshimaen’s symbol and spatial hub is its much-loved 100-year-old carousel named “Carousel “El Dorado” which has been entertaining visitors for decades. For anyone interested in going to Toshimaen, however, time is unfortunately running out for this historic amusement park. It was announced that it will be replaced by a Harry Potter theme park due to open its doors in 2023. Seibu Railway Co. has been in negotiations with Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (producers of the smash hit film series) and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government over the future of the site. Toshimaen officially shutters its doors on August 31, 2020, and will be missed by legions of residents and tourists who enjoyed its vibrant atmosphere over the decades. The proposed Harry Potter amusement park, however, is sure to excite and intrigue the millions of Harry Potter fans in Japan and elsewhere in Asia. The extremely popular The Wizarding World of Harry Potter ride in Osaka's Universal Studios Japan has been an accurate indicator of the popularity of the Harry Potter character and the proposed Tokyo-based theme park is sure to be a massive hit.