March in Tokyo: 5 Anime-filled Adventures
March has rolled around in Tokyo, and you know what that means? It's not just about cherry blossoms—it's also AnimeJapan expo time! But hey, if you can't make it to the big event, no sweat! Tokyo's got your back with a bunch of otaku goodness scattered all over the city. Whether you're a seasoned anime buff or just testing the waters, Tokyo's got something for everyone. Let's dive into five cool things to do for any anime fan, no matter your budget!
#1 ATTEND ANIME JAPAN EXPO
Tokyo Big Sight transforms into a huuuuuuge anime paradise during AnimeJapan Expo! It's the ultimate hangout spot for anime fans from all over the world, where we can nerd out over the latest releases, score some seriously cool merch, and maybe even catch a glimpse of some big shots in the industry. Seriously, if you're into anime, you've got to be here.
They've got everything you could want – art exhibitions, epic statues, live performances that'll blow your mind, and of course, tons of cosplay with your favorite characters strutting their stuff. And get this, big names like KADOKAWA, Aniplex, and Toei Animation are all pulling out the stops to showcase their latest anime goodies. If you're early to the event, you might even score some sweet freebies like manga and goodie bags. Oh, and did I mention you'll get first dibs on exclusive merch drops? Yeah, it's that good.
The best part? Same-day tickets for March 23 are just 2,600 yen and purchasable right at the venue!
#2 SIP, EAT, AND BREATHE ANIME AT OTOME ROAD
Can't make it to AnimeJapan? No biggie! There's loads of anime stuff to dive into in Japan! Hit up Ikebukuro and take a stroll down Otome Road for some retail therapy and yummy eats.
For a taste of luxury, book a table at Swallowtail Butler Cafe. It’s the same one we raved about on our hand-held anime walking tour. For this spring, they've got a delicate cherry blossom-and-cherries tea called Chekhov. Plus, they're serving up their 18th Anniversary menu, boasting appetizers, grilled beef with Madeira sauce, and a dessert platter of cakes, rolls, jellies, cookies, and macarons. All are even served by well-trained butlers who will not hesitate to call you ohimesama (princess). The staff is indeed as fine as the dining.
If you’re not willing to spend big bucks on fine dining, you can check out the anime collaboration cafes instead. You’ll be surrounded by exclusive merch while chowing down on their special anime-inspired menu. Some of them are celebrating the release of the new Haikyuu! Movie. So if you're Team Nekoma or Karasuno, you gotta make a pit stop.
And don't forget the other cool shops on the same street! Toys, figures, books—you name it. Cosplayers, there's even a store just for you with all the jewelry, weapons, and custom-made clothing you could ever want. It's a whole anime paradise waiting for you beyond the expo!
#3 GAMING AT IKEBUKURO
If you’re looking for more excitement and competition or a gaming adventure of epic proportions, try battling it out at Sega Ikebukuro or testing your VR skills at Taito Station.
Sega Ikebukuro and Taito Station are arcades that feature a wide variety of games, including classic arcade cabinets, rhythm games, claw machines (UFO catchers), racing games, fighting games, and many others. They also offer other attractions such as photo booths, prize redemption counters, and themed floors or sections dedicated to specific game franchises or genres.
But if you enjoy hand-held games more, purchase one of our Ikebukuro walking tour. Our tours include games that require you to complete mini-challenges and take risks out in the wild, wild streets of Tokyo. It’s completely handheld and self-guided, too! You get to explore the city at your own pace without wondering where to go next. We’ve got it all covered – including photo spots!
#4 TAKE YOUR TIME AT ANIME TOKYO STATION
If you're like me and prefer to explore at an even slower pace on certain days, Anime Tokyo Station is your spot. It opened back in October 2023, courtesy of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and it's all about celebrating anime. Spread across three floors, it's like a treasure trove for anime fans, boasting a whopping 15,000 images from 180,000 anime episodes.
Start your journey on the Community Floor, where you'll be welcomed by a cool monument decked out with images from classics like 'Doraemon' and 'Pokémon'. There are even touch panels with access to a huge database of anime images to browse through!
Then head to the second floor for a rotating exhibition featuring one anime title at a time, and don't miss the pop-up shops selling all sorts of anime goodies. Down in the basement, aka the Collection Floor, you can dig into archived animation videos and other cool stuff you usually can't get your hands on.
Right now, they're hyping up the latest 'Gundam' installment with a special 'Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Freedom' exhibition. It's running until early May, showcasing rare materials and illustrations from the series. Perfect for any Gundam fan looking to soak up some history and geek out over iconic Mobile Suits and Gunpla models.
And guess what? It’s absolutely free! Yup, it's all free. Casual vibes, cool exhibits, with zero cost. Worth it.
#5 CHASE CHERRY BLOSSOMS
If you’re reaaaaally low key and just want to chill, consider a small picnic with friends under the cherry blossom trees for your own hanami(flower viewing) experience. You can kick back, soak in nature's beauty, and shoot the breeze with your friends. And because of those cherry blossoms, it's a moment to ponder life's fleeting moments. They're only here for a hot minute each year. No wonder anime loves to set scenes around them!
In Tokyo, the cherry blossoms are predicted to bloom from March 22 to March 29. You can hit up popular spots like Ueno Park or Sumida Park to join the locals in the flower-viewing fun. Or, for an extra dose of anime vibes, grab your favorite anime accessories and recreate some scenes straight outta "Your Lie in April" (before everyone starts posting in April.) And if you're up for it, swing by Nishi-Ikebukuro Park between our Manga tour stops. A perfect spot for swinging under those cherry blossoms!
Bonus tip: Walk down the streets in the evening to see the cherry blossoms all lit up. Some shops and cafes might even jazz up the scene with seasonal anime decorations. It's like a dream for anime lovers!
In Tokyo, March isn’t just about cherry blossoms – it's an anime extravaganza waiting to be explored! Whether you're diving into the excitement of AnimeJapan or simply chilling under the cherry blossoms, Tokyo's is the place to be. So pack your bags, download our tours, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of anime culture!
Written by Therene. Therene is a contributing writer for Walking Tours Tokyo who is obsessed with Pilot Iroshizuku fountain pen inks and that karaage from Food Wars. More often than not, she geeks out about anime and Japanese culture. If you ask her whether you should visit Japan, the answer is always yes (no matter the budget!)
