Airports

Haneda

Haneda Airport is the main domestic air traffic hub of Tokyo and the busiest airport in Japan. Though its official name is Tokyo International Airport, its only international flights are to Seoul, Korea and Shanghai. The airport can be reached via the Keikyu line from Shinagawa and Asakusa, or the Tokyo Monorail from Hamamatsucho.

LAX

The Los Angeles International Airport, southwest of downtown, is the launchpad for all Pop Japan Travel group tours. Our tours meet at the Tom Bradley International Terminal, between terminals 3 and 4. Direct buses operate to the airport from Union Station, Westwood and Van Nuys, and a shuttle bus is available from the Metro Green Line's Aviation/LAX Station.

Narita

Narita International Airport is the primary airport for international flights serving Tokyo. Located about 40 miles from Tokyo proper, Narita can be reached via regular JR trains, the JR NE'X reserved express to Tokyo, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro and other stops, or the Keisei Skyliner to Nippori and Ueno. Pop Japan Travel typically charters a bus from Narita for the sake of price and convenience.

Akihabara

Akihabara

Akihabara, or Akiba for short, is a district in central Tokyo that started out as a famous destination for electronics and has since grown into the world capital of otaku culture. Games, manga, anime and a healthy heaping of maids now inhabit its back alleys and shopping towers.

Animate

Animate, the best-stocked mainstream comics chain, should be your first stop to discover the hottest new series. Both the headquarters in Ikebukuro (pictured) and the Akihabara branch contain floor after floor of exclusive merchandise, not to mention manga, DVDs, CDs and magazines. This is also a great stop if you're tired of adult material everywhere, since Animate keeps its displays clean.

Gamers

Gamers is the international otaku store chain that invented "Di Gi Charat" as their mascot characters. The Akihabara branch is eight glorious floors of mostly new otaku goods.

Radio Kaikan

Known as "Radikan" for short, this eight-floor shopping mall sells comics, electronics, figures and more. Kotobukiya recently opened a large new store here.

Tora no Ana

When his fellow club members take Sasahara to lose his comic book innocence in "Genshiken," this is where they go: Tora no Ana, or The Tiger's Den, is manga chain that sells regular magazines and tankobon -- but most of their stock is only the most salacious dojinshi.

Anime

Akihabara

Akihabara, or Akiba for short, is a district in central Tokyo that started out as a famous destination for electronics and has since grown into the world capital of otaku culture. Games, manga, anime and a healthy heaping of maids now inhabit its back alleys and shopping towers.

Animate

Animate, the best-stocked mainstream comics chain, should be your first stop to discover the hottest new series. Both the headquarters in Ikebukuro (pictured) and the Akihabara branch contain floor after floor of exclusive merchandise, not to mention manga, DVDs, CDs and magazines. This is also a great stop if you're tired of adult material everywhere, since Animate keeps its displays clean.

Gamers

Gamers is the international otaku store chain that invented "Di Gi Charat" as their mascot characters. The Akihabara branch is eight glorious floors of mostly new otaku goods.

Ghibli Museum

Located in Mitaka near Inokashira Park, the Ghibli Museum is a monument to the art and sensibility of Studio Ghibli, which since Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata founded it has produced Japan's most highly acclaimed anime: "Princess Mononoke," "Spirited Away," "Grave of the Fireflies" and many more. Visiting this museum is like going to see your grandparents -- the interior is closer to a house than a museum, and pinned up art completely covers some walls. The theater shows Ghibli shorts made exclusively for the museum, the second floor is a rotating exhibit on world animators, and the cafe next door sells quirky Ghibli-themed refreshments (like "Beer of the Valley of the Wind").

Himiko

The "Himiko" is a futuristic ferry, designed by the anime master Leiji Matsumoto, creator of Captain Harlock, Interstella 5555 and other anime classics. Matsumoto supposedly used the teardrop as a basis for the ultra-modern design of the ship, which ferries passengers along the Sumida River between traditional Asakusa and cutting-edge Odaiba. The ship also carries references to one of Matsumoto's greatest works, Galaxy Express 999.

Radio Kaikan

Known as "Radikan" for short, this eight-floor shopping mall sells comics, electronics, figures and more. Kotobukiya recently opened a large new store here.

Asakusa

Asakusa

A century ago Asakusa was the capital of Tokyo nightlife, with izakaya cramming its streets, its port on the Sumida River crammed with merchant ships from Tokyo Bay. No longer on the cutting edge, today it's famous as a traditional district where it's possible to catch a bit of the flavor of antebellum Tokyo.

Himiko

The "Himiko" is a futuristic ferry, designed by the anime master Leiji Matsumoto, creator of Captain Harlock, Interstella 5555 and other anime classics. Matsumoto supposedly used the teardrop as a basis for the ultra-modern design of the ship, which ferries passengers along the Sumida River between traditional Asakusa and cutting-edge Odaiba. The ship also carries references to one of Matsumoto's greatest works, Galaxy Express 999.

Kaminarimon

This prominent structure is the entrance to Nakamise-dori and Sensoji in Asakusa. With a name that means "thunder gate," the Kaminarimon has been a symbol of Tokyo for hundreds of years. Since its establishment, according to legend, in 942 by a local governor, Taira no Kinmasa, it has burned down many times, twice in the Edo Period alone. The current gate dates from 1865. The lantern now hanging is the gate is a replica installed in 2003.

Kappabashi

Running between Ueno and Asakusa, Kappabashi has everything you need to start your own restaurant (except the food, of course). Specialized stores carry dishes, pots, pans, utensils, stoves, tables, chairs, signs, lanterns, and, famously, plastic and wax food samples, used by many restaurants in their show windows.

Nakamise-dori

A shopping arcade lines this pedestrian path from the Kaminarimon gate to the temple at Sensoji. Accessories, souvenirs, traditional utensils and china are some of the items on display (alongside less sophisticated things -- like breast-shaped pudding cups!). Snacks like ningyoyaki (doll pastries) and sembei crackers pair nicely with warm amazake to take the bite out of a crisp winter morning.

Sensoji

The main temple at Asakusa was built, according to legend, to house a Kannon statue that was caught in the nets of two fishermen in 628. The temple was destroyed in the Tokyo firebombing on March 10, 1945, and today's Sensoji is made out of concrete. But it's Tokyo's most beloved Buddhist temple, and swarms of Tokyoites gather here every New Year's Eve to ring out the old year.

Gaming

Akihabara

Akihabara, or Akiba for short, is a district in central Tokyo that started out as a famous destination for electronics and has since grown into the world capital of otaku culture. Games, manga, anime and a healthy heaping of maids now inhabit its back alleys and shopping towers.

Radio Kaikan

Known as "Radikan" for short, this eight-floor shopping mall sells comics, electronics, figures and more. Kotobukiya recently opened a large new store here.

Ginza

Ginza

Ginza has been the home of Tokyo high fashion since 1872, when the entire area was rebuilt in red brick after a fire. Of course, brick and earthquakes don't mix, so those buildings are gone now, but Ginza is still home to all the world's bleeding edge luxury brands, with astronomical prices to match.

Takarazuka

Since the Hankyu rail line founded Takarazuka 94 years ago, audiences all over the world have responded to its romantic musicals with flamboyant choreography and costumes. Only unmarried women are allowed in the troupe, and women play all the male roles. Many anime and manga take inspiration from the troupe, including "Sakura Wars," "Revolutionary Girl Utena" and "The Rose of Versailles." The latter was even re-adapted as a Takarazuka show, and has now become its greatest hit. The troupe maintains theaters in its hometown of Takarazuka, near Osaka, and in Yurakucho, Tokyo.

Yurikamome

This monorail line, opened in 1995, runs around Odaiba past Big Sight, and across the Rainbow Bridge to Shimbashi. Every August brings Comiket, and these trains are invariably stuffed with squirming otaku clutching dojinshi to their chests.

Ikebukuro

Animate

Animate, the best-stocked mainstream comics chain, should be your first stop to discover the hottest new series. Both the headquarters in Ikebukuro (pictured) and the Akihabara branch contain floor after floor of exclusive merchandise, not to mention manga, DVDs, CDs and magazines. This is also a great stop if you're tired of adult material everywhere, since Animate keeps its displays clean.

Manga

Akihabara

Akihabara, or Akiba for short, is a district in central Tokyo that started out as a famous destination for electronics and has since grown into the world capital of otaku culture. Games, manga, anime and a healthy heaping of maids now inhabit its back alleys and shopping towers.

Animate

Animate, the best-stocked mainstream comics chain, should be your first stop to discover the hottest new series. Both the headquarters in Ikebukuro (pictured) and the Akihabara branch contain floor after floor of exclusive merchandise, not to mention manga, DVDs, CDs and magazines. This is also a great stop if you're tired of adult material everywhere, since Animate keeps its displays clean.

Comitia

A quarterly dojinshi sokubaikai (comic market) that has run since 1984. It is unique in that it limits itself to original art and characters (no fan fiction is allowed). This has made it a popular event for exceptionally creative amateurs and well-known professionals.

Gamers

Gamers is the international otaku store chain that invented "Di Gi Charat" as their mascot characters. The Akihabara branch is eight glorious floors of mostly new otaku goods.

Himiko

The "Himiko" is a futuristic ferry, designed by the anime master Leiji Matsumoto, creator of Captain Harlock, Interstella 5555 and other anime classics. Matsumoto supposedly used the teardrop as a basis for the ultra-modern design of the ship, which ferries passengers along the Sumida River between traditional Asakusa and cutting-edge Odaiba. The ship also carries references to one of Matsumoto's greatest works, Galaxy Express 999.

Radio Kaikan

Known as "Radikan" for short, this eight-floor shopping mall sells comics, electronics, figures and more. Kotobukiya recently opened a large new store here.

Tora no Ana

When his fellow club members take Sasahara to lose his comic book innocence in "Genshiken," this is where they go: Tora no Ana, or The Tiger's Den, is manga chain that sells regular magazines and tankobon -- but most of their stock is only the most salacious dojinshi.

dojinshi

A comic book, game or other work copied by the artist and sold at one of many "sokubaikai" -- comic markets. Called "dojin" for short, they can also be bought at shops like Mandarake or Tora no Ana. They cover any genre and can be amateur or professional. Dojinshi literally means "same person magazine," from fanzines published by "circles" with similar interests.

sokubaikai

A "sokubaikai" is an event where businesses display and sell products. In the manga world, a sokubaikai (also called "events") are conventions where artists show off and sell their own art books and dojinshi.

Odaiba

Himiko

The "Himiko" is a futuristic ferry, designed by the anime master Leiji Matsumoto, creator of Captain Harlock, Interstella 5555 and other anime classics. Matsumoto supposedly used the teardrop as a basis for the ultra-modern design of the ship, which ferries passengers along the Sumida River between traditional Asakusa and cutting-edge Odaiba. The ship also carries references to one of Matsumoto's greatest works, Galaxy Express 999.

Joypolis

Bobsled, hang-glide and race your way through roller coasters, simulator rides, a J-pop cafe, haunted houses, and Initial D racing -- in actual cars -- at this massive Sega arcade.

Mega Web

The place for any Japanese auto fan. The latest Toyota concepts, plus a museum of cars from the 50s-70s, a test drive track, an electric vehicle shuttle and assisted pedal carts for the kids.

Odaiba

This artificial island in Tokyo Bay, reached by water or the Yurikamome monorail over Rainbow Bridge, is the city's newest shopping and amusement district. Sights include: Sega Joypolis, the Oedo Onsen Monogatari hot spring, Toyota's Mega Web showroom and an immense ferris wheel.

Oedo Onsen Monogatari

Tokyo's newest hot spring draws its water from 1.4 km underground into a panoply of exotic and relaxing baths. There are also games, massages, and a treatment that uses fish to exfoliate the skin called "Doctor Fish." Those skittish about getting naked can enjoy the foot bath and garden.

Yurikamome

This monorail line, opened in 1995, runs around Odaiba past Big Sight, and across the Rainbow Bridge to Shimbashi. Every August brings Comiket, and these trains are invariably stuffed with squirming otaku clutching dojinshi to their chests.

Osaka

Takarazuka

Since the Hankyu rail line founded Takarazuka 94 years ago, audiences all over the world have responded to its romantic musicals with flamboyant choreography and costumes. Only unmarried women are allowed in the troupe, and women play all the male roles. Many anime and manga take inspiration from the troupe, including "Sakura Wars," "Revolutionary Girl Utena" and "The Rose of Versailles." The latter was even re-adapted as a Takarazuka show, and has now become its greatest hit. The troupe maintains theaters in its hometown of Takarazuka, near Osaka, and in Yurakucho, Tokyo.

Shibuya

Hachiko

Hachiko was a dog who met his master, Tokyo University Professor Hidesamuro Ueno, every day in front of Shibuya Station. Even after Ueno died in May 1925, Hachiko kept coming to the station hoping to meet his master, and did so for the next 10 years, becoming a national sensation and earning the nickname "chuken," "the faithful dog." A film called "Hachiko: A Dog's Story" is in pre-production starring Richard Gere. No kidding. Today's Shibuya with its flashing screens and painted teens is a very different place, but Hachiko's statue maintains his vigil over the world's busiest pedestrian intersection, and is the area's most popular meeting spot.

Shibuya

Shibuya is one of Tokyo's busiest and most colorful districts, with a focus on those two hippest of concerns: fashion and music. Birthplace to many of Japan's fashion and entertainment trends, Shibuya is home to indie boutiques and big department stores alike. The pedestrian crossing in front of Shibuya Station, nicknamed "the scramble," is said to be the busiest in the world. Shibuya was once a wonderland for vinyl-lovers. With many of the most charming smaller stores now long dead, and anchor chain Cisco suddenly dropping out just last month, the local vinyl scene is undergoing a painful contraction, but there's still no better place for obscure records.

Shinjuku

Shinjuku

At the heart of downtown Tokyo, Shinjuku epitomizes both of the urban flavors Tokyo is famous for, with soaring, ultramodern skyscrapers to the west of the train station and Japan's loudest and seediest nightlife in Kabukicho to the east. "Lost in Translation" was filmed here at the Park Hyatt and its environs. This is where businesslike, cyberpunk Tokyo collides with fantastic live music of all shades, a mind-boggling sex trade, Japan's biggest gay scene and an always-expanding complex of high-rise department stores.

Tokyo

Akihabara

Akihabara, or Akiba for short, is a district in central Tokyo that started out as a famous destination for electronics and has since grown into the world capital of otaku culture. Games, manga, anime and a healthy heaping of maids now inhabit its back alleys and shopping towers.

Asakusa

A century ago Asakusa was the capital of Tokyo nightlife, with izakaya cramming its streets, its port on the Sumida River crammed with merchant ships from Tokyo Bay. No longer on the cutting edge, today it's famous as a traditional district where it's possible to catch a bit of the flavor of antebellum Tokyo.

Ghibli Museum

Located in Mitaka near Inokashira Park, the Ghibli Museum is a monument to the art and sensibility of Studio Ghibli, which since Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata founded it has produced Japan's most highly acclaimed anime: "Princess Mononoke," "Spirited Away," "Grave of the Fireflies" and many more. Visiting this museum is like going to see your grandparents -- the interior is closer to a house than a museum, and pinned up art completely covers some walls. The theater shows Ghibli shorts made exclusively for the museum, the second floor is a rotating exhibit on world animators, and the cafe next door sells quirky Ghibli-themed refreshments (like "Beer of the Valley of the Wind").

Ginza

Ginza has been the home of Tokyo high fashion since 1872, when the entire area was rebuilt in red brick after a fire. Of course, brick and earthquakes don't mix, so those buildings are gone now, but Ginza is still home to all the world's bleeding edge luxury brands, with astronomical prices to match.

Haneda

Haneda Airport is the main domestic air traffic hub of Tokyo and the busiest airport in Japan. Though its official name is Tokyo International Airport, its only international flights are to Seoul, Korea and Shanghai. The airport can be reached via the Keikyu line from Shinagawa and Asakusa, or the Tokyo Monorail from Hamamatsucho.

Narita

Narita International Airport is the primary airport for international flights serving Tokyo. Located about 40 miles from Tokyo proper, Narita can be reached via regular JR trains, the JR NE'X reserved express to Tokyo, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro and other stops, or the Keisei Skyliner to Nippori and Ueno. Pop Japan Travel typically charters a bus from Narita for the sake of price and convenience.

Shibuya

Shibuya is one of Tokyo's busiest and most colorful districts, with a focus on those two hippest of concerns: fashion and music. Birthplace to many of Japan's fashion and entertainment trends, Shibuya is home to indie boutiques and big department stores alike. The pedestrian crossing in front of Shibuya Station, nicknamed "the scramble," is said to be the busiest in the world. Shibuya was once a wonderland for vinyl-lovers. With many of the most charming smaller stores now long dead, and anchor chain Cisco suddenly dropping out just last month, the local vinyl scene is undergoing a painful contraction, but there's still no better place for obscure records.

Shinjuku

At the heart of downtown Tokyo, Shinjuku epitomizes both of the urban flavors Tokyo is famous for, with soaring, ultramodern skyscrapers to the west of the train station and Japan's loudest and seediest nightlife in Kabukicho to the east. "Lost in Translation" was filmed here at the Park Hyatt and its environs. This is where businesslike, cyberpunk Tokyo collides with fantastic live music of all shades, a mind-boggling sex trade, Japan's biggest gay scene and an always-expanding complex of high-rise department stores.

Weird

Don Quixote

Don Quixote ("donki" for short) is Tokyo's wonderland of kitsch. These stores are full of the cheap, the flimsy and the downright bizarre, from shiny silver bodysuits to "elephant" boxers to fake school uniforms to "foreigner disguises."