Eugenia Dorozhkina
We say anime and mean Japan and vice versa. Today Cosplay folks don't surprise anyone, however, some tourists still rush to get their cameras. Anime is part of Japanese culture, claiming to be a philosophy and, for sure, is a big entertainment business.
It's a day-long back-to-childhood walk after which you'll become an anime expert (in all spheres from Miyazaki to Cosplay).
Cafe du Lievre
Cafe du Lievre is a cute rabbit hole-like place full of light coming through French doors (they are always opened when the weather is good). The major color theme is green (they even have real grass decorations) so is the menu – lots of salads, pastry and great coffee. Try their buckwheat cakes (usually this flour is used for soba noodles only).
Ghibli Museum
Designed by the iconic Japanese animation director Hayao Miyazaki, it is home to Howl's Moving Castle and Spirited Away characters. Animation-lovers, the earlier you book tickets, the better. They can be booked via special agents outside Japan.
Nakano Broadway
A mecca for all fans of Sony PlayStation and its predecessor, Dendy console, as well as manga and anime. This four-floor mall is packed with floppy disks, cartridges, video games and Sailor Moon costumes. A real monument to pre-Twitter times..
J-World
J-World is an anime-park – Bleach, Naruto, One Piece, Dragon Ball Z – if these names ring a bell this will be your paradise (don’t forget a souvenir T-shirt). Kids will be happy to meet a real Tony Tony Chopper or Naruto. The park also has One Piece restaurant with the great chef.
Entrance is 1,300 yens and unlimited ride pass is 2,900.
Akihabara
Five minutes and you are lost amid neon lights, voices and music. The district is famous for its electronics and gadget shops – head there for a hi-tech miracle. Hurry-up to buy a fancy toilet with LED-lights or Hello Kitty cell phone before you get a technological overdose.
Gundam Cafe
Gundam is all about the 1979 extremely popular Mobile Suit Gundam anime series. Waitresses wear Gundam uniform and vegetables in salads are chopped as Earth Federation symbol. In the bathroom, you'll be followed by a camera – just like in the movie.