Tokyo Geek's Guide: Manga, Anime, Gaming, Cosplay, Toys, Idols & More - The Ultimate Guide to Japan's Otaku Culture

by Gianni Simone

Tokyo is ground zero for Japan's famous "geek" or otaku culture--a phenomenon that has now swept across the globe.

This is the most comprehensive Japan travel guide ever produced which features Tokyo's geeky underworld. It provides a comprehensive run-down of each major Tokyo district where geeks congregate, shop, play and hang out--from hi-tech Akihabara and trendy Harajuku to newer and lesser-known haunts like chic Shimo-Kita and working-class Ikebukuro.

Dozens of iconic shops, restaurants, cafes and clubs in each area are described in loving detail with precise directions to get to each location. Maps, URLs, opening hours and over 400 fascinating color photographs bring you around Tokyo on an unforgettable trip to the centers of Japanese manga, anime and geek culture. Interviews with local otaku experts and people on the street let you see the world from their perspective and provide insights into Tokyo and Japanese culture, which will only continue to spread around the globe.

Japanese pop culture, in its myriad forms, is more widespread today than ever before--with J-Pop artists playing through speakers everywhere, Japanese manga filling every bookstore; anime cartoons on TV; and toys and video games, like Pokemon Go, played by tens of millions of people.

Swarms of visitors come to Tokyo each year on a personal quest to soak in all the otaku -related sights and enjoy Japanese manga, anime, gaming and idol culture at its very source. This is the go-to resource for those planning a trip, or simply dreaming of visiting one day!

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Japan, Manga

144 pages, Paperback

Published July 11, 2017

Reviews

[Joost · Rating 5 out of 5]

ZO VEEL ZIN IN MIJN VAKANTIE NAAR TOKYO

[Marzipan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect book for those interested in Japanese pop culture. Mainly read it for the information on idol focused establishments but I loved learning about the different museums. I'm sure most of these places are closed now (as it's on older book and the author does mention that businesses may be shut down).

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a little confused by the other ratings. This is a travel book to help you plan your geeky pilgrimage. It's not a historical overview of otaku culture though it does contain some fun interviews and background information for specific locations. And of course, it's all about Tokyo...it's a Tokyo travel guide!
Covers many popular areas in Tokyo. Great color pictures. For areas I knew, the directions were fine and I could visualize where everything was. But I don't believe they would suffice when one didn't know the area. However, getting lost there is half the fun. Lots of first-timer information but the listings of stores and sites is extensive, so everyone will probably find some place new and wonderful to visit.

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the paper type the book was printed on, and also the multitude of glossy color images. The book is very densely packed with information, and should be used as a reference book, rather than read from cover to cover the way I did. Travel tips explaining some cultural norms (it is common to carry cash, and some places do not accept card, ask before taking photography) are on the last few pages. It is broken down by prefecture/district, and focuses on the city of Tokyo, with a geek/manga/gaming slant. I gave it 3 stars rather than 4 because it helps to have background information about manga/anime and Japan prior to reading this guide. (My 5 star ratings are typically reserved for childhood favorites that have withstood the test of time or non-fiction books I feel are perfect in terms of my desire for a book on the topic.)

[Redfox5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

121 Days until Japan!

This is a great in depth look in where to find all the Otaku culture in Tokyo. Although a lot of things in here I already knew about due to You Tube, it did show me some places I wanted to check out, like the Capcom Bar!

And it reminded me of things I had learned about years ago and forgotten, like The Lockup, which is a prison themed restaurant. My husband is not keen on this though so not sure I will get to visit.

Loads of information here and fantastic photos to accompany the text. A must read for any Geek visiting Tokyo.

[Nicki Markus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tokyo Geek's Guide is a great resource. I plan to visit Japan for the first time next year and wondered how best to find the places that would interest me there. This book makes some great suggestions on shops and entertainment for the otaku visitor. I'll have to check online that they are all still open/haven't moved, since this book is now a couple of years old, but it has given me a great starting point and an overview on the types of shops around and roughly where to find them.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was OK just not for me. I think that this book would do better in Japan. All of the locations and actual goings on were in Japan. Nothing applied to the U.S. It was interesting and if you were like super super into this type of stuff, this is totally your book. It would make you want to travel to Japan just to experience this.

[Anthony Wendel · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book offers a lot of good tips for anime fans looking to attempt overseas travel. Unfortuantely the book does feel a bit lackadaisical with its directions to the point it mentions fast food franchises as mile markers. The book probably needs an update after COVID to confirm these business are still open and operational.

[Nella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great travel guide for the geeky traveller! The information is organized into the different neighbourhoods of Tokyo. The restaurant sections may be out of date, but the attractions and shops were still accurate.

[Shyla Colt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic , informative look at Tokoyo, it's culture and other surrounding areas.

[Water Viper · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars, very informative and interesting, unfortunately places of interest to me have closed. :(