Pop Culture Hotspots in Kanagawa
Japan is a pop culture hotspot, home to influential video games, anime, and manga that have spread across the globe. Naturally, the country has numerous attractions that celebrate these creative arts, from museums to stores to city streets—and Kanagawa is no exception. Across the prefecture, you can gain insights into your favorite characters and stories, buy authentic merchandise, and even visit the setting of a well-known anime.
Childhood nostalgia at Fujiko F. Fujio Museum in Kawasaki City
Fujiko F. Fujio is the pen name for the famed manga writer, Hiroshi Fujimoto. Fujiko F. Fujio produced a number of iconic stories, including Doraemon and Kiteretsu Daihyakka. These children’s tales weave worlds of joy and wonder and embrace heart-warming topics, such as hope, friendship, courage, and curiosity.
Located in Kawasaki City—Fujiko F. Fujio’s long-time residence—the Kawasaki City Fujiko F. Fujio Museum is a place where people of all ages can experience the playfulness and heartwarming nature of Fujiko F. Fujio. Through manga, interactive exhibits, special exhibitions, and outdoor photo spots, the museum invites you to immerse yourself in the imaginative and whimsical world of Fujiko F. Fujio.
The museum has three floors and a rooftop photo spot. Inside, you can explore exhibitions with original pictures, a manga reading room, and a theater room. Step outside to meet the characters in a naturally lush setting.
For a food break, the museum has a cafe with character-themed dishes, such as Doraemon's Monjayaki Taste Pork Curry and The Full-Length Doraemon Series “Nobita And The Birth Of Japan” Gian's Pork Cutlet Bowl with Miso Soup and Pickles. Of course, the eatery also serves dorayaki, Doraemon’s favorite snack. This Japanese confection consists of sweet bean paste sandwiched between two pancake-like patties.
Be sure to stop by the museum shop as well to pick up some original goods!
To ensure that all visitors fully enjoy their experience, the museum requires that you purchase an online ticket in advance with a designated time slot.
After your visit, as childlike wonder lingers in your heart, you will likely notice the world shining a little brighter.
Kawasaki City Fujiko F. Fujio Museum: https://trip.pref.kanagawa.jp/destination/fujiko-f-fujio-museum/295
Photos: ©︎Fujiko-Pro
Gotta catch ‘em all: Pokémon in Yokohama
Pokémon needs no introduction. This work, which expanded from video games to animation and other content, is known by people worldwide. The adventurous storyline, unique Pokémon, and touching friendships still capture viewers’ attention across continents and generations. In Yokohama, let your inner Pokémon fanatic flourish.
Pokémon Center Yokohama
Located a short five-minute walk from Yokohama Station, Pokémon Center Yokohama is well known for its seaside location and features a nautical-themed design, as well as a variety of Pokémon goods that you can only find at an official store!
Prime photo spots include the huge Kyogre statue and an adorable Pikachu decked out in sailor garb, accompanied by Turtwig, Quaxly, and Manaphy. In terms of the products themselves, you can find a nearly endless assortment of plushies, keychains, stationery goods, and so much more. Be sure to visit!
Pokemon Center Yokohama: https://trip.pref.kanagawa.jp/destination/pokemon-center-yokohama/299
Pokémon mailboxes and manholes in Yokohama
Yokohama offers more than just merchandise. The world of Pokémon is also integrated into its urban environment.
In front of Yokohama City Hall, there are two Pokémon mailboxes. One features two smiling Pikachu exchanging a letter and the other has a letter-bearing Eevee. You can also find a Piplup mailbox in front of Yokohama Sakuragi Post Office.
As you explore the city, do not forget to look down! Yokohama is home to five beautifully designed Pokémon utility hole covers. They are located near the following destinations:
- Yokohama Marine Tower
- Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
- Sakuragicho Station
- Nippon Maru Memorial Park
- Rinko Park
If you are keen to visit all of the manholes on foot, the entire journey will take about one and a half hours. Since the manholes are scattered throughout Yokohama’s portside area, the walking adventure is an excellent way to explore the city’s blend of architecture, history, and greenery.
©2024 Pokémon. ©1995-2024 Nintendo/Creatures Inc. /GAME FREAK inc.
The『EVANGELION』series takes over Hakone
Many people consider the 『EVANGELION』series (hereinafter, Evangelion) to be one of the greatest anime series of all time. This dystopian mecha anime is predominantly set in Tokyo-3, which is the new capital of Japan after a meteor destroyed present-day Tokyo. Luckily for fans, Tokyo-3’s real-world location is Hakone.
This picturesque town in western Kanagawa is characterized by its abundant nature and hot springs—a welcome trade for the destruction that plagues Evangelion. Thanks to its relation to the story, Hakone is home to a variety of related attractions.
Hakone Yumoto EVA-YA (Evangelion Store)
Hakone Yumoto EVA-YA, an Evangelion specialty store, is situated on the first floor of Hakone Yumoto Station. The traditional-style storefront is marked by a large NERV banner and a life-size statue of Rei Ayanami, one of Evangelion’s most beloved characters.
Inside, the shop offers an assortment of products, including postcards of characters posing against Hakone sceneries, such as Lake Ashi, t-shirts, bags, plushies, keychains, snacks, and even puzzles. The store also serves purple and green-swirled soft serve, an ode to the coloring of Evangelion Unit-01! The flavors are sweet potato and matcha respectively.
Hakone Yumoto EVA-YA: https://trip.pref.kanagawa.jp/destination/hakone-yumoto-evangelion-store-eva-ya-eva-store/1279
Evangelion-themed everything!
Hakone has fully embraced its ties to Evangelion and thus, has redesigned select facilities and objects to honor the renowned anime. Listed below are some of these collaborations.
Evangelion public bathroom
Resting in Sengokuhara, a mountain-encircled district in Hakone, this special bathroom is located near Kintoki Shrine and the trailhead for Mt. Kintoki. The bathroom’s design is based off of the SENGOKUHARA OBSERVATION POST, which was secretly constructed by NERV, a special agency under the direct control of the United Nations to fight the Apostles in the Evangelion film.
The building has a militaristic facade emblazoned with rigid text, making you feel like you are steps away from an impending battle. The interior continues the war-like theme with similar motifs and coloring. Check out the Evangelion-themed vending machine on the bathroom’s far end as well!
Evangelion-themed electric car charging station and vending machines
Given the anime’s futuristic concept, it seems only fitting that Hakone has introduced Evangelion-themed electric car charging stations.
The charging station pictured above is located in Sengokuhara, and only about a 15-minute walk from the aforementioned public restroom. After checking out the charging station, be sure to grab a drink from one of the “Disaster Response Vending Machines.”
A One-of-a-kind Convenience Store
Also situated in Sengokuhara, this Lawson—one of Japan’s three main convenience store chains—is decked out in Evangelion art. Stop by for a quick bite and check out the banners and character images displayed across the glass fridge doors. The convenience store also sells some anime goods, such as character-inspired bottles of water.
Togendai Station
Togendai Station, located on the northern end of Lake Ashi, connects to the Hakone Ropeway and serves as one of the disembarkation points for the Hakone Sightseeing cruise. In addition to its connections to Hakone’s great outdoors, the station also transports visitors to the world of Evangelion with its NERV-inspired interior and battle-poised statue of Evangelion Unit-01. There is also a mural of Evangelion’s beloved characters on the descending staircase beside the futuristic room. It is a must-visit photo spot for fans!
Make Your Anime Dreams Come True in Kanagawa
From Fujiko F. Fujio’s children’s stories to Pokémon’s Yokohama presence to Hakone’s Evangelion attractions, Kanagawa is a perfect place for anime and manga lovers of all ages to live out their anime-inspired travel adventures.
