
Animate Shinjuku
A multi-floor anime and manga paradise in Shinjuku, packed with merchandise, gacha machines, and helpful staff.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier browsing

Animate Shinjuku
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier browsing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A multi-floor anime and manga paradise in Shinjuku, packed with merchandise, gacha machines, and helpful staff.
"Found a few more acrylic stand selections of Attack on Titan and Code Geass at this location unlike Ikebukuro and Akihabara."

🎯 Elevator Access is Key
Don't rely solely on Google Maps; look for the building entrance and take the elevator to the higher floors where Animate is located.
📦 Ask Staff for Packing Help
Staff are incredibly helpful with carefully packing purchases, especially for tax-free processing.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Extensive Anime & Manga Sections
Multiple Floors
Discover vast collections of merchandise for popular anime and manga series, from Jujutsu Kaisen to Blue Lock.

Gacha Machine Galore
Near Escalators
Try your luck with numerous gacha machines offering cute figurines and keychains from various anime.

Special Event Pop-ups
Varies
Check for limited-time events and themed pop-up shops featuring specific anime series.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Animate Shinjuku
Merchandise Focus
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Elevator Access is Key
Don't rely solely on Google Maps; look for the building entrance and take the elevator to the higher floors where Animate is located.
📦 Ask Staff for Packing Help
Staff are incredibly helpful with carefully packing purchases, especially for tax-free processing.
🔍 Check Specific Series Stock
While popular series are abundant, some niche items or figurines might be limited.
💸 Gacha Fun Downstairs
More gacha machines are often found near the escalators on lower levels for extra collecting fun.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Elevator Access is Key
Don't rely solely on Google Maps; look for the building entrance and take the elevator to the higher floors where Animate is located.
📦 Ask Staff for Packing Help
Staff are incredibly helpful with carefully packing purchases, especially for tax-free processing.
🔍 Check Specific Series Stock
While popular series are abundant, some niche items or figurines might be limited.
💸 Gacha Fun Downstairs
More gacha machines are often found near the escalators on lower levels for extra collecting fun.
✨ Tax-Free Shopping Available
Inquire about tax-free shopping if you meet the requirements; staff assist with the process.
📅 Event Schedules
Look out for special themed events and pop-ups, which can feature exclusive merchandise.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Animate Shinjuku is a highly recommended anime and manga merchandise store, praised for its extensive selection and helpful staff who assist with packing and tax-free processing. While some visitors note a lack of figurines and specific series, the abundance of popular items and the fun gacha machines make it a must-visit for fans.
"It was great it was lacking in figurines and Jojo stuff.
You can find most popular items like Fate, Hololive, Demon Slayer Hero academy and manga but mostly Japanese"
Efendi
"We visited Animate and found so many things that simply don’t exist in Italy. The girl at the checkout was amazing — she arranged all our purchases with incredible care to help us pack them in our suitcase without damaging anything. Thank you so much!!"
Silvia Lago
"Merch is organised in categories here. There was sections for various mangas and animes. The Project Sekai merch was twice as big compared to the Vocaloid merch unfortunately. Good variety though."
Behklee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Animate Shinjuku is located on the higher floors of a building. Google Maps can sometimes be confusing, so look for the main entrance and take the elevator up to the correct floor.
It can be a bit tricky to find initially as it's not at street level. Once you locate the building entrance, the elevators will lead you directly to the store.
Shinjuku Station is a major hub with excellent train and subway connections. Many visitors find it convenient to arrive by train and then navigate to Animate.
Yes, Shinjuku has several anime-related stores. Animate Shinjuku is often mentioned alongside other shops in the area for a comprehensive anime shopping experience.
Absolutely! Shinjuku is very well-served by public transport. The nearest major station is Shinjuku Station, from which you can walk or take a short local transport to the store.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Animate Shinjuku is generally free. You only pay for the merchandise you wish to purchase.
Opening hours can vary, but Animate stores typically open around 10 AM and close between 8 PM and 9 PM. It's always best to check their official website or a reliable local guide for the most up-to-date hours.
Some special events or limited-time pop-up shops might have specific entry requirements or fees, but general browsing is free.
Reservation policies can vary depending on the item and current promotions. It's advisable to inquire directly with the store staff for specific details.
Yes, Animate Shinjuku typically offers tax-free shopping for eligible international visitors. Be sure to bring your passport and inquire with the staff about the process.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Merchandise
You can find a wide range of anime and manga merchandise, including manga volumes, character goods, acrylic stands, keychains, stationery, and some figures. Popular series like Jujutsu Kaisen, Blue Lock, and My Hero Academia are usually well-represented.
While Animate carries some figures, reviewers have noted that the selection might be less extensive compared to specialized figure shops. You might find more acrylic stands and smaller collectibles.
Animate focuses on popular titles, but you might find some items for less mainstream series. It's worth checking, but don't expect a huge selection for niche interests.
Gacha machines are capsule toy dispensers offering random items like keychains or mini figures. Animate Shinjuku has many of these, often located near the escalators on various floors.
Yes, the majority of the manga and merchandise is in Japanese, catering primarily to the domestic market.
📸 📸 Photography & Events
Photography policies can vary. Generally, taking photos of general merchandise displays is often allowed, but it's best to be discreet and avoid photographing staff or specific promotional materials without permission.
Animate frequently hosts special themed events and pop-up shops for specific anime series. It's a good idea to check their official website or social media for current event schedules.
Events can range from character birthdays to collaborations with specific anime or manga series, often featuring exclusive merchandise and displays.
Limited edition items are often tied to specific events or release periods. Keeping an eye on Animate's announcements is key to snagging these.
Yes, taking photos of the gacha machines is generally fine, as they are part of the shopping experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💸 Budget Travelers
🎁 Souvenir Hunters
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Animate Shinjuku Experience
Once inside, the store is typically organized by anime and manga categories, making it easier to find what you're looking for. You'll find a wide array of merchandise, from the latest manga volumes to character goods, acrylic stands, and stationery. While popular series like Jujutsu Kaisen, Blue Lock, and My Hero Academia are well-represented, some visitors have noted that the selection of figurines might be more limited compared to specialized figure shops. However, the sheer volume and variety of goods make it a must-visit for many fans.
A significant draw for many visitors is the abundance of gacha machines. These capsule toy dispensers offer a fun way to snag smaller collectibles like keychains and mini-figures. These are often strategically placed, sometimes near escalators on various floors, providing an extra layer of entertainment. The staff at Animate Shinjuku are also frequently praised for their helpfulness, particularly with carefully packing purchases and assisting with the tax-free shopping process, making the overall experience smooth and enjoyable.
Merchandise Highlights and What to Expect
While the store stocks merchandise for many popular anime and manga, it's worth noting that the availability of specific items can vary. For instance, some reviewers have mentioned that while Project Sekai merchandise is plentiful, Vocaloid items might be less so. Similarly, the selection of figurines can be somewhat limited compared to dedicated figure stores, with a stronger emphasis on smaller collectibles and acrylics. However, you might be pleasantly surprised to find items from series like Attack on Titan and Code Geass that are harder to come by elsewhere.
Special events and limited-time pop-up shops are a regular feature at Animate Shinjuku, offering exclusive merchandise and themed displays. These events, such as those for Sasaki and Miyano or Alien Stage, are a major draw for fans and provide unique opportunities to acquire rare items. Keeping an eye on Animate's official announcements is crucial for staying updated on these exciting collaborations and ensuring you don't miss out.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit