[Japan Travel]Loved by Both Kids and Adults: Top 6 Cartoon Character Theme Museums

7-Q Cookie │ FunTime

From being a TV kid in childhood to secretly reading comics under the blanket as a teenager (not great for your eyesight, you know... good kids shouldn’t follow suit) to now enjoying constantly updated online manga series, these countless cartoon characters and anime figures that have accompanied us growing up have all been born in “Japan.” Fans would definitely be eager to visit these places one day. Today, let’s take a peek at these sacred spots together.

Anpanman has seen increasingly diverse merchandise in Taiwan in recent years, but in its country of origin, Japan, you can tell just how popular it is by the number of museums dedicated to it. There are as many as six Anpanman Museums across Japan, located in Sendai, Kami, Yokohama, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Kobe. Today we’re introducing the one in “Kansai”—the Kobe Anpanman Museum.

(Source: Anpanman official website)

The museum’s exterior is made up of exposed concrete and full glass walls, with a huge rainbow Ferris wheel standing nearby. Different from the usual impression of cartoon theme museums, it adds a touch of sophistication. Right next to it is the exclusive Anpanman Shopping Center, which really doesn’t let your wallet off easy.

Inside, the food court and shopping area are completely Anpanman-themed, offering a wide variety of items. There's a restaurant, restrooms, play area, bakery, interactive mini-theater, and even a barber shop—everywhere is filled with the uniquely delicate Japanese details, truly making it the Anpanman living world. Be sure to sign up for the bakery experience where you can make real-life Anpanman characters yourself. (If you need help, just take a bite!)

Address: 1-6-2 Higashikawasaki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo
Transportation: About a 10-minute walk from Hankyu, Hanshin, or Sanyo Expressway Kobe Station

Also known as the Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum, it commemorates the author of GeGeGe no Kitaro — manga artist Shigeru Mizuki, who is known as the “Doctor of Monsters,” and displays some of his original works. Outside the museum, there’s also a well-planned Monster Street. Walking along it doesn’t feel overly commercialized but naturally blends into the world illustrated by Mr. Mizuki. The street is also scattered with 153 bronze statues—if you’re a Kitaro fan, you’ll surely recognize them all.

Don’t be fooled by their scary monster appearances—they won’t harm people casually. Japan has many monster legends, but Mr. Mizuki always believed that “humans and monsters coexisting” is a very natural thing, because monsters are all about punishing the bad guys. So you’ll be thanking the monsters nonstop. (And also thanking them for being so cute!) Come enjoy red-bean-filled eye mochi, pray at the Monster Shrine, and immerse yourself in the world of monsters.

Address: 5 Hon-cho, Sakaiminato, Tottori
Transportation: About a 15-minute walk from JR Sakaiminato Station

Currently certified by the “Guinness World Records” as the manga with the most serialized episodes is “Takeshi’s Castle” (a.k.a. “Osomatsu-kun” or “Ore no Sora!” no—that’s not it)—actually, it’s “Tora-san”! Just kidding—It’s actually “Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Koen-mae Hashutsujo” (a.k.a. “Cop’s Beat”). But seriously, the manga with the most episodes is “Takeshi’s Castle” no—okay, fine: it’s “Kochikame”! Anyway, the manga with the most published episodes ever is “Kochikame”! Coming to Kameari, the original setting of the manga, even if you can't see the actual police station where Kankichi Ryotsu worked, the atmosphere here is definitely 100% true to the manga. Don’t forget to grab a map when you arrive at Kameari Station and explore the neighborhood—you’ll find various classic anime characters like Ryotsu, Nakagawa, and Reiko in different poses waiting for you along the way.

What you absolutely must not miss in Kameari is the famous tsukemen (dipping noodles)! After your meal, try some Ryotsu-shaped melon pan and traditional bean mochi for dessert, then head to the Kochikame amusement area inside Ario Mall. There you can see 1:1 life-size statues and scenes faithfully recreated from the anime. It’s a whole day of fun without any pressure. And the best part? Entry to all of this is free. Ryotsu fans, what are you waiting for?!

Address: 3F, 3-49-3 Kameari, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo
Transportation: Get off at Kameari Station on the JR Chiyoda Line / or get off at Kameari Station on the JR Joban Line and walk about 5 minutes from the south exit

“Welcome to TONGARI Island!” This place combines an exhibition with a playground, featuring staff and beautiful waitresses (dressed in pirate outfits!) who interact with visitors everywhere—right from the entrance, it’s a feast for the senses. Large anime scenes boldly dominate your view, plus a variety of interactive and thrilling experiences.

The One Piece Theme Park isn’t a single continuous area, but is instead spread across the 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th floors inside Tokyo Tower.

The facilities in the park are all quite iconic, with themes divided by characters, staying completely faithful to the original work. One Piece fans will definitely have a blast. Luffy’s endless adventures, Zoro’s one-slash cuts, Brook’s haunted house, Chopper’s Thousand Sunny exploration, and more, including the 360-degree record theater, and plenty of small hidden features waiting for the attentive to discover on-site. Tokyo Tower is close to Roppongi, so you can easily combine them into one trip.

Address: Tokyo Tower FOOT TOWN, 4-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Transportation: About a 5-minute walk from JR Toei/Keikyu Akabanebashi Station / or about a 5-minute walk from the Akabanebashi Exit of the JR Oedo Line

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Although Gudetama is laid-back, it is one of the dreamy ambassadors—the cartoon star from the Sanrio Group (though slightly less dreamy compared to others). Launched in 2013, it became hugely popular in Taiwan through online parodies, and to this day, many merchandise and punch card promotions still feature Gudetama. There’s even a themed restaurant in Taipei too. But once you step into the Gudetama Theme Park, you’ll discover that the yellow-hued world is truly endlessly delightful!

The entire Gudetama park is designed like an airport setting. As soon as you enter, you’ll receive an adorable and detailed Gudetama passport—just like you’re about to depart for the Land of Gudetama!

Thoughtful Japanese staff also anticipate that visitors might get so enchanted by Gudetama’s charming smile that they could miss some attractions. Before leaving, you can use your passport to check which areas of the park you haven’t yet visited. Isn’t that considerate? Whether it’s the retail area, restaurants, or photo zones, everywhere is filled with adorable Gudetama food models—so much so that you won’t want to leave. (Don’t worry, there’s also a hotel at Sanrio Puroland!)

Address: 1-31, Ochiai, Tama City, Tokyo
Transportation: Take the Tama Toshi Monorail, Keio Sagamihara Line, or Odakyu Tama Line to Tama Center Station, then walk approximately 5–8 minutes

The office location of Kumamon, who is more popular than Mickey Mouse and Hello Kitty in Japan, is finally revealed here. You can peek into the open office space and secretly view the Minister’s personal collections—various treasured group photos, badges, and souvenirs that let you get to know the charming Kumamon even better. But if you want to see Kumamon, be sure to check his schedule first so you don’t arrive when he’s out!

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Don’t forget to check out the merchandise sales area while you're here—global limited-edition goodies await you here. And of course, writing a letter to Minister Kumamon is a must, to cheer him on so he can keep spreading energy and joy!

Address: 8-2 Tedorigahon-machi, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City (1F, East Building, Tsuruya Department Store)
Transportation: Take the JR Kumamoto City Tram and get off at “Suidomachi” or “Dōchōmachi” stations

Still not satisfied with just looking? Then hurry and make the trip—don’t hesitate. The real experience is even better and more immersive. Plus, six themed pavilions in one place—what could be more worthwhile than that!

[FunTime Travel Recommendation] Authorized Repost | Original Article: [Must-Visit Cartoon Attractions in Japan—Where Parents and Kids Can Relive Childhood Together]