5 Must-Visit Hotels For Anime Lovers
As the birthplace of anime – one of the biggest global media influences – Japan has become a home for everything and anything anime. Flocks of anime fans come to explore the cultural hubs dotted around the island nation, seeking out locations that are recreated in their favorite animated stories.
Anime lovers will be happy to know that Japanese hotels have begun offering accommodations tailored to their favorite shows, partnering with some of the biggest franchises like Pokémon, Hello Kitty, and Naruto!
If you’re an anime fan and you’re looking to stay in a place inspired by your favorite show, then you’re right in the right place. In this article, we’ve compiled five of our favorite hotels which offer rooms with incredibly fun anime twists.
1. Something for everyone at the Grand Chariot Hokuto Shichisei 135
Located on the scenic Awaji Island, the Grand Chariot Hokuto Shichisei 135 offers a luxurious experience. A 45-minute bus ride from Kobe’s Sannomiya station, the hotel is located in Awaji Island Anime Park – a gateway into the fantasy world of anime characters.
The park features fun, interactive adventures such as a 400-foot-long zipline through a Giant Godzilla head and spotting outrageous poses in Crayon Shin-chan’s Adventure Park.
The hotel features glamping-inspired cottages that look out at the rest of the park. The hotel's meals are prepared with the oversight of Haruyuki Yamashita, a chef with 13 local and international stores, including a location in Tokyo’s luxurious Tokyo Midtown building. Most important are the hotel’s themed rooms, which include:
1. Hokage Villa: A Naruto-inspired room where you can live like the strongest shinobi in the land of fire
2. Hello Kitty: Colorful rooms inspired by the iconic white cat and red bow. The hotels have variants that include a 70s-styled and modern adaptation of Hello Kitty
3. Ora’s Cocoon: A collaboratively designed room for fans of the adorably cheeky Crayon Shin-chan
2. Escape into another world at Fuji Highland Resort
Situated at the base of Mount Fuji is the Highland Resort & Spa, a resort and theme park destination. The Highland Resort & Spa offers a beautiful look over the Five Fuji lakes and the magnificent mount itself. Its main selling points are its direct connection to Fuji-Q, one of Japan's most popular theme parks, and its record-breaking rollercoasters. Fuji-Q is also home to various entertainment and kids' attractions, which are based on popular anime series.
The resort also boasts anime-themed rooms, which are perfect for both anime enthusiasts and families traveling to visit the theme park or the mountain. They offer special rooms featuring decor from: Naruto, Thomas the Tank Engine, Lisa and Gaspard, and one based on Mount Fuji. Access to the hotel is relatively simple, as you can take a hotel shuttle bus from Fujikyu-Highland Station or take a taxi from the Mount Fuji train station.
3. Catch a tan at Hotel Okinawa with Sanrio characters
If you’re a fan of the diverse cast of Sanrio characters, then the Hotel Okinawa with Sanrio Characters in Naha, Okinawa, is probably the best place to go. The hotel is located on Japan’s largest tropical island and is a gateway to a whimsical world of cute and charming characters. From Naha Airport, guests can get to the Sanrio-themed sanctuary via a 15-minute train or a 25-minute bus/car ride.
Reservations at the hotel give guests access to the gym and the large family spa bath, making the Hotel Okinawa with Sanrio Characters a top spot for anime-loving families. A specially-themed Sanrio breakfast is also available, but make sure you book your room with the breakfast option to ensure you have a themed meal. Before you check out, visit the hotel’s in-house Sanrio store – a perfect place to get all your cute souvenirs and memorabilia. Lastly, the rooms are designed after Sanrio’s many characters such as:
1. Hello Kitty
2. My Melody
3. Cinnamoroll
4. Little Twin Stars
5. PomPomPurin
6. Gudetama
7. Pochacco
8. Bad Badtz-maru
All of the rooms come in either a Double or Twin bed configuration, with the first five characters also having an additional Junior Suite option (perfect for families of four!).
4. Unleash your inner trainer: Pokémon room at Mimaru Tokyo Ueno East
Why just catch Pokémon when you can also catch a couple of hours of extra sleep in the Mimaru Tokyo Ueno East’s Pokémon rooms? A seven-minute walk from Ueno station is the informal apartment hotel which has an official collaboration with Pokémon in creating some fantastically designed rooms. The special rooms are entirely dedicated to the world of Pokémon and feature colorful decorations and artwork inspired by the beloved franchise.
Mimaru’s Ueno branch is also closely located near several museums at Ueno Park, and its proximity to Ueno station makes it the perfect staging point for trips around the city. For super fans of Pokémon, you’ll be glad to know that Tokyo’s newest Pokémon experience, the Pokémon Center Tokyo DX, is only a 13-minute train ride from Ueno Station to Nihonbashi Station! But before you go and buy out the whole store, ensure you check the Pokémon gift bags the hotel gives you every time you stay in their special rooms.
5. Remm Akihabara: A haven in the heart of Tokyo's cultural center
Akihabara needs no introduction. As the de-facto spot for anime enthusiasts, gaming aficionados, or Japanese pop culture fans, this district has garnered an international reputation for its vibrant energy and culture.
The Remm Akihabara has no specially themed rooms but emphasizes more on its accessibility and comfort. When it's time to venture out, Remm Akihabara's prime location makes it a fantastic starting point for your Akihabara adventures. Explore the countless electronics shops, manga and anime stores, and gaming arcades that line the streets. Connected to JR Akihabara through the Akiba Tolim building, Remm Akihabara is the perfect spot to rest after an eventful day in one of Tokyo's most memorable locations.