Tokyo isn’t just Japan’s capital—it’s the global heartbeat of anime. From neon-lit game towers in Akihabara to the hush of Ghibli’s dreamscapes, this six-day plan blends headline anime districts, low-stress transit, and one culture-rich day trip to Kyoto. Use this blueprint as-is or mix and match by neighborhood.

Day 1 — Akihabara: Electric Town & Collector Heaven

Start in Akihabara, the epicenter of anime, figures, and retro games. Browse multi-story troves like Animate, Mandarake, and Super Potato for limited figures and vintage consoles. Break for a themed lunch—maid cafés such as @Home or classic Cure Maid Café. In the evening, pop into Akiba Culture Zone or UDX for rotating cosplay pop-ups.

• Time check: 4–6 hours shopping + 1–2 hours café experience.
• Transit: JR Yamanote Line to Akihabara Station.

Day 2 — Ikebukuro: Otome Road & Sunshine City

Shift to Ikebukuro, home of Otome Road (female-oriented fandoms, BL, cosplay). Inside Sunshine City, hit signature stores and rotating character cafés. Book a refined role-reversal experience at Swallowtail Butler Café.

Day 3 — Shibuya & Shinjuku: Pop Culture Crossroads

Begin in Shibuya—inside Shibuya PARCO you’ll find design-forward pop culture floors. After dark, head to Shinjuku for late-night browsing and a Godzilla-size photo op.

Day 4 — Studio Ghibli Magic (Mitaka) + Sweet Add-Ons

Explore whimsical galleries, learn about film craft, and watch an exclusive short in the Saturn Theater. Cap the experience with Totoro-shaped cream puffs at a nearby bakery. If you’re extending your trip, consider a separate excursion to Ghibli Park (Aichi) on another day.

Day 5 — Harajuku & Themed Cafés Crawl

Shop character goods in Harajuku, then build a mini-crawl of Tokyo’s most creative themed cafés.

Day 6 — Kyoto Day Trip: Tradition with Anime Touchpoints

Planning Tips for Anime Travelers

• Tickets & drops: Popular cafés and museum slots open on fixed schedules—book immediately.
• Luggage: Use station lockers on heavy shopping days.
• Tax-free shopping: Bring passport for same-day tax-free checkout.
• Connectivity: Save offline maps; carry a translation app.
• Etiquette: Ask before photographing staff/cosplayers; follow café rules.

Whether you come for rare merch, café story-worlds, or Ghibli’s gentle wonder, Tokyo serves anime immersion at every corner—and Kyoto adds the timeless frame. Six days is just the start; the rewatch is always better.