Japan • Tokyo • Ikebukuro

Animate Ikebukuro

A destination for anime and manga fans since 1983

Photo of Animate Ikebukuro, Japan
Photo by Dick Thomas Johnson (CC BY)

On This Page

Located in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro district, Animate Ikebukuro is a key retailer offering a vast selection of anime and manga products. As the flagship store of Animate, it is one of the largest dedicated to anime, manga, and video games in Japan, with nine floors of diverse merchandise.

Opened in 1983 as the first store of Animate, Ikebukuro’s Animate has expanded to become a notable destination for fans from around the globe, with a comprehensive collection of anime-related goods. The brand boasts 118 stores across Japan and has branches in Asia, with an online presence through the animate Online Shop and animate International. Animate’s influence is also seen in subsidiary companies like Libre Publishing.

Animate Ikebukuro serves as a meeting place for fans, hosting events and exhibitions with voice actors and anime song artists. The store’s mascot, Meito Anisawa, or Anime Tenchō, is the face of the brand.

Visitors can discover a variety of products, including manga, DVDs, Blu-rays, character goods, and cosplay costumes. Animate Ikebukuro also offers exclusive items from group companies, often not found elsewhere.

Animate supports the anime industry beyond retail, with subsidiaries involved in a range of services from media production to event planning. For Tokyo visitors, Animate Ikebukuro provides an immersive experience into anime culture.

アニメイト池袋本店
Specialty Store
in Tokyo

Planning Your Japan Trip?

Is a JR Pass Worth It For Your Route?

Honest Answer in 60 Seconds

A JR Pass doesn't always save you money (and for many routes, it's just extra hassle). Our free calculator works out the real numbers for your planned route, so you can decide for yourself.

Calculate Now
Open
10am - 9pm
Closed
Irregularly

Address

アニメイト池袋本店, 東京

Google Maps • Apple Maps

Visit Strategy & Timing

When's the best time to visit? How can you avoid the crowds? Members get our detailed timing strategy, seasonal insights, and crowd-avoidance tips based on years of experience.

Unlock with free membership

Our Honest Take

Is it worth your limited time in Japan? What are the real pros and cons? Members see our honest assessment, including who should visit, who should skip it, and better alternatives if you're not convinced.

Unlock with free membership

Getting There the easiest way to reach Animate Ikebukuro

Y 10
Higashi-ikebukuro
Yurakucho Line
5-10 minute walk (700m)
JY 13
Ikebukuro
JR Yamanote Line +4 more
10-20 minute walk (0.9km)
M 24
Shin-ōtsuka
Marunouchi Line
10-20 minute walk (1.4km)

Planning a visit to Tokyo?

The Trundle Planner finds the best route to Animate Ikebukuro for your itinerary. No searching required.

Try now

Around Animate Ikebukuro

Nearby in Tokyo the best attractions close to Animate Ikebukuro

Ancient Orient Museum

in Ikebukuro, Tokyo

Explore Ancient History through an extensive collection of artifacts from the Near East, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Persia

Mikuni-Koji

in Ikebukuro, Tokyo
Photo of Namja Town, Tokyo, Japan

Namja Town

in Ikebukuro, Tokyo

Showa-era themed amusement park blending nostalgia and culinary delights.

Photo of Otome Road, Tokyo, Japan

Otome Road

in Ikebukuro, Tokyo

A hub for female otaku culture and anime retail in Tokyo.

Photo of Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo

in Ikebukuro, Tokyo

A destination for Pokémon fans showcasing themed merchandise and exclusive items.

Photo of Sunshine 60 Sky Circus Deck, Tokyo, Japan

Sunshine 60 Sky Circus Deck

in Ikebukuro, Tokyo

A symbol of Tokyo’s vitality, offering interactive digital art and expansive city views.

Photo of Sunshine Aquarium, Tokyo, Japan

Sunshine Aquarium

in Ikebukuro, Tokyo

Tokyo’s rooftop marine oasis with a diverse collection of 23,000 specimens across 550 species

Updated 15 Nov 2025 • Report an error