Suginami Animation Museum Tokyo
A free museum celebrating Japanese animation with interactive exhibits and historical displays.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interactive fun
Suginami Animation Museum Tokyo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interactive fun

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free museum celebrating Japanese animation with interactive exhibits and historical displays.
"A must-visit for anime fans, offering free admission and hands-on experiences."
🚌 Bus is Your Friend
Take a bus from the nearest station to save your legs! :bus:
🎧 Grab an Audio Guide
Free multi-language audio guides enhance your understanding. :speaker:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Anime History Exhibits
Third Floor
Explore the evolution of Japanese animation with displays on beloved anime and manga.

Interactive Animation Stations
Third Floor
Try your hand at voice acting, tracing, and creating your own animations.

Animation DVD Library
Third Floor
Relax and watch your favorite anime in a quiet library setting.
Sailor Moon Transformation Screen
Entrance Area
Immerse yourself in the magic with a large digital screen showcasing iconic transformations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting There: Plan Your Route
Free Admission & Audio Guides
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚌 Bus is Your Friend
Take a bus from the nearest station to save your legs! :bus:
🎧 Grab an Audio Guide
Free multi-language audio guides enhance your understanding. :speaker:
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Many exhibits allow photos, so bring your camera! :camerawithflash:
✏️ Get Creative!
Don't miss the hands-on voice acting and animation drawing. :art:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚌 Bus is Your Friend
Take a bus from the nearest station to save your legs! :bus:
🎧 Grab an Audio Guide
Free multi-language audio guides enhance your understanding. :speaker:
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Many exhibits allow photos, so bring your camera! :camerawithflash:
✏️ Get Creative!
Don't miss the hands-on voice acting and animation drawing. :art:
📍 Look for Stamps
Collect unique museum stamps near the elevator. :stamp:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Suginami Animation Museum for its free admission, engaging interactive exhibits, and informative displays on anime history. The friendly staff and availability of multi-language audio guides are also highlighted as significant positives, making it a highly recommended spot for anime fans of all ages.
"You will need to take a bus from the station or you are in for a long long walk, BUT well worth it. Japan always has so many of the usual tourist track events etc that are all worth finding out about and visiting, even if just to get away from the hyper tourist crowds. This gem features a history of anime and manga across 2 floors. Obviously, it is impossible to cover every genre and style, so it focuses on well known and loved anime and manga. They have free portable translation guides devices and some interactive elements and lots of photo ops. Well, well worth it."
P W
"Very educational without being draggy, super fun with a lot of interactive exhibits. Must visit for all animation fans. You can try your hand at voice acting, tracing, creating your own animation. And once you’re tired, pick an animation DVD and watch it in the library.
10/10 must visit.
Best of all, it’s free of charge."
Nur Raihana Nordin
"I had a wonderful time at the Suginami Animation Musuem today! It’s on the third floor of the building. You walk in towards the elevator which is on the left and go up! I’ve been so bummed with the weather lately… so much rain… but the staff were wonderful and extremely accommodating and kind. They brightened my day!
The accessibility of the venue inside is also great. They had multi-language audio guide devices (English, Chinese, Korean, etc.) that were so informative and helpful. This audio device is pictured in my first photo below (yellow lanyard with the black pen-like device and green mat). You tap the pen on the mat at the number of the exhibit you were looking at and it would give you all sorts of good information and explanations about what you were seeing! Very cool.
The hands on opportunities were another really important part of the experience too! You could make your own voice over dub as well as your own light box tracing or animation! It was extremely clean inside as well! The presentation of the information as well as the overall atmosphere was great. For a free museum, very impressive.
Suginami ward information pamphlets, museum stamps and event posters were also available. Don’t miss the Namisuke (Suginami mascot) merchandise either… so cute!"
Ali Morris (jojobabie)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is best reached by bus from nearby train stations like Koenji or Asagaya. While it's a long walk from the stations, taking a bus is highly recommended. Check local bus routes for the most convenient option.
It's not directly adjacent to a train station, so a bus or a significant walk is usually required. Planning your bus route in advance is advisable.
The closest train stations are typically Koenji Station and Asagaya Station on the JR Chuo Line. From there, you'll need to take a bus.
Yes, you can walk, but it's a considerable distance. Many visitors opt for a bus to save time and energy.
Information on dedicated parking is limited. It's generally recommended to use public transportation due to its accessibility and to avoid potential parking hassles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Suginami Animation Museum offers free admission, making it a fantastic budget-friendly attraction for anime enthusiasts.
Advance booking is not typically required as admission is free. You can usually walk in.
The museum generally operates during standard daytime hours, but it's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening times and any potential closures.
Yes, photography is generally allowed in most areas of the museum, allowing you to capture your favorite exhibits. However, some specific displays, like production drawings, may have restrictions.
Absolutely! The museum provides free multi-language audio guide devices, including English, which are very informative.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
You can explore the history of Japanese animation, try interactive exhibits like voice acting and animation tracing, watch anime in the library, and take photos.
Yes, the museum features several hands-on activities, including voice acting booths and animation tracing stations, allowing you to experience the animation process firsthand.
Yes, the interactive elements and engaging displays make it a fun and educational experience for children and families.
The Suginami mascot is called Namisuke, and you can find merchandise featuring this cute character at the museum.
The museum occasionally hosts special exhibitions, such as the Yuru Camp exhibition mentioned by visitors. It's worth checking their schedule for any current or upcoming events.
🍽️ 🍜 Food & Dining
The museum itself does not appear to have a restaurant. However, there are dining options in the surrounding neighborhood.
You can find various local eateries in the Suginami area. One visitor mentioned enjoying udon soup right outside the museum.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best practice to consume outside food in designated areas or before/after your visit to maintain the museum's environment.
Yes, the neighborhood surrounding the museum likely has local cafes where you can take a break and enjoy a drink or snack.
Suginami offers a range of Japanese cuisine. Visitors have noted enjoying udon and other local dishes in the vicinity.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is permitted in most areas of the museum, allowing you to capture the exhibits and interactive displays.
While generally allowed, some specific exhibits, like detailed animation production drawings, might have restrictions on photography. Always check for signage.
The interactive stations, the Sailor Moon transformation screen, and the displays showcasing anime history offer great photo opportunities.
It's advisable to avoid using flash photography, especially in areas with delicate displays, to protect the exhibits and ensure a good experience for other visitors.
The interactive voice acting and animation tracing stations provide unique opportunities to capture yourself engaging with the animation process.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With its educational content presented in an entertaining way, kids can learn about the history of anime while enjoying themselves. The availability of multi-language audio guides ensures that everyone in the family can understand and appreciate the exhibits. Remember to check for any special family-friendly events or exhibitions that might be running during your visit.
🎨 Aspiring Animators & Artists
While the museum is not a formal educational institution, it serves as an excellent starting point for understanding the industry. Some TikTok videos mention studying animation in Japan, and this museum can offer a glimpse into that world. It's a great place to fuel your passion and perhaps discover new aspects of animation you hadn't considered.
✈️ Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with affordable public transport (buses are key here ) and perhaps a packed lunch or a meal from a local convenience store to keep costs down. The museum's interactive elements and informative displays offer significant value for a free attraction, making it a highly recommended stop for those watching their wallets.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Japanese Animation
Beyond static displays, the museum excels in making history engaging. You'll find exhibits that highlight the creative process, showcasing the dedication and talent involved in bringing animated characters and stories to life. This educational aspect is presented in a way that is accessible and enjoyable for both seasoned anime fans and newcomers alike.
For those interested in the technical aspects, the museum often features original production drawings and storyboards, offering a glimpse into the meticulous work of animators and directors. While photos of these specific items may be restricted, their presence underscores the artistic depth of Japanese animation.
Interactive Animation Experiences
Visitors can try their hand at voice acting, dubbing scenes from popular anime, or even create their own short animations using simple tracing and digital tools. These activities are not only entertaining but also provide a deeper appreciation for the skills required in animation production.
The museum also features a dedicated animation library where you can relax and watch a selection of anime DVDs. This provides a perfect opportunity to unwind after exploring the exhibits and immerse yourself further in the world of Japanese animation.
Accessibility and Visitor Amenities
Inside the museum, the layout is designed for ease of navigation, with good accessibility throughout. Staff members are frequently noted for being friendly, accommodating, and helpful, contributing to a positive and welcoming atmosphere. The cleanliness of the venue is also consistently praised, ensuring a pleasant experience for all visitors.
Additionally, the museum offers opportunities to collect unique museum stamps near the elevator, adding a small but delightful souvenir for visitors. The presence of Suginami's mascot, Namisuke, and related merchandise further enhances the visitor experience with charming local touches.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit