When one thinks of Kyoto, images of majestic temples, serene bamboo groves, and centuries of tradition often come to mind. But beyond its historic place, Japan’s ancient capital is also a vibrant hub for modern pop culture. For fans of anime, manga, and games, Kyoto offers a treasure trove of specialty shops that rival those in any major city.

This guide will navigate you through the best otaku spots in two of Kyoto’s key districts. First, we’ll dive into the bustling downtown area of Shijo-Kawaramachi, a hotspot packed with stores selling any genre. Then, we’ll head to the convenient area around Kyoto Station, perfect for a last-minute shopping spree before you catch your Shinkansen.

Around Shijo-Kawaramachi Area

There are 6 shops around Shijo-Kawaramachi, a famous downtown of Kyoto:

• Lashinbang Kyoto Main Store
• Lashinbang Kyoto 2nd Store
• Melon Books Kyoto Store
• Animate Kyoto
• Surugaya Kyoto Teramachi Store
• MANDARAKE Kyoto Store

Now, let’s take a look at each one!

Map

Lashinbang Kyoto Main Store

Lashinbang is specializing in the sale of second-hand goods, books, and CDs / DVDs related to manga, anime and games. You may find something rare or cheap goods in this store.

Web: https://www.lashinbang.com/special/1223/
X (jp): https://x.com/lashin_kyoto

Lashinbang Kyoto 2nd Store

More character figures are being sold at the 2nd store. Since it is close to the main store, I recommend visiting both. Browse around and find your favorite one!

X (jp): https://x.com/lashin_kyoto3

Melon Books Kyoto Store

Melon Books is one of the most famous bookstore for otaku, handling manga, light novel, and doujinshi. Tough this store is in the same building as the Lashinbang 2nd Store, there is no direct access. So, you must use the outside elevator to reach here. Japanese otaku often says “Melobu” as its abbreviation.

This shop has two floors and a specious sales area. Some books often come with Melon’s limited bonuses such as a clear file and a postcard.

Web: https://www.melonbooks.co.jp/special/b/0/service/overseas_en/
X: https://x.com/Melonbooks_OS

Animate Kyoto

Animate is one of Japan’s largest and most iconic retailers specializing in anime, manga, and video games. For fans of Japanese pop culture, it is a quintessential destination, offering a comprehensive, one-stop shop for all things related to the otaku world.

Abbreviation is “mate (me-i-to in ro-mazi)”.

Web: https://www.animate.co.jp/en/
X (jp): https://x.com/animatekyoto

MANDARAKE Kyoto Store

Mandalake is a secondhand shop specializing in all aspects of otaku-culture, including manga, anime, games, trains, and tokusatsu. The store is filled with nostalgic toys, figures, and models, making it a fun place to browse.

HP (jp): https://www.mandarake.co.jp/dir/kyt/
X (jp): https://x.com/mdk_kyoto

Surugaya Kyoto Teramachi Store

Surugaya is known not only used manga and anime goods, but also for offering a much broader range of products. Its lineup includes rare and nostalgic items like retro games and Gunpla, which you won’t find at other stores.

Although this store is bit a farther away than other shops I mentioned before, it is still within walking distance!

HP (jp): https://www.suruga-ya.jp/feature/teramachi/index.html
X (jp): https://x.com/surugateramachi

Exploring the Shops of Kyoto Station

Not only is the Shijo-Kawaramachi area I introduced earlier a bustling hub, but the area around Kyoto Station has also seen significant development, making it another lively downtown spot. For those times when you are thinking “I have a little time before my Shinkansen, what should I do?”, I highly recommend the manga and anime shops located very close to Kyoto Station.

The two stores I will introduce here are in AVANTI building, which is connected to Kyoto Station via an underground passage. This means you can enjoy shopping without worrying about getting wet on a rainy day. Why not pay them a visit at the end of your Kyoto trip?

Animate AVANTI Kyoto

Animate AVANTI Kyoto just had a sparkling renovation and expansion in 2024. Located on the 6th floor of the building, the expanded sales floor boasts an impressive selection. You will find not only manga volumes, magazines, CDs, and DVDs, but also a wide variety of merchandise and even penlights for concerts.

Web: https://www.animate.co.jp/en/

Lashinbang Kyoto AVANTI Store

While the sales floor is smaller than Lashinbang’s main Kyoto store, this shop compensates with a densely packed selection of products. It is also located on the 6th floor of AVANTI, right next to Animate.

Web: https://www.lashinbang.com/special/1223/
X (jp): https://x.com/lashin_kyoto2

Enjoy Your Manga Anime Tour in Kyoto!

I have introduced manga and anime shops in two of Kyoto’s major areas: the downtown hub of Shijo-Kawaramachi and the city’s entrance, Kyoto Station.

Kyoto is a city where you can enjoy not only historical tourist sites but also a vibrant anime and manga culture. Numerous anime shops are scattered throughout various areas of Kyoto, offering a wide range of items for purchase, including manga books, figures, and other products.

Each shop has its own unique character, so if your schedule allows, I encourage you to visit them all and find your favorite goods.