Top Tokyo Prefecture Pop Culture

Get ready to dive into a moment when Kichijoji will be overflowing with color, creativity, and celebration from February 19 to 21, 2027! During this period, Kichijoji, home to more than 18 animation studios, transforms into a dream destination for anime enthusiasts. The city will buzz with fans, artists, and creators enjoying anime at the 22nd Kichijoji International Animation Festival, sharing a passion for one of Japan's most iconic art forms. On this special tour, you can experience the world of anime up close by visiting manga and anime exhibitions at Gallery ZENON, the flagship gallery of Coamix Inc. Depending on your interests, you can also explore hidden anime photo spots, discover unique manhole covers featuring popular characters, browse anime-related shops, and take a stroll through nostalgic shopping streets that have inspired countless stories. (The following information is based on the 2026 event. Details for 2027 will be announced once confirmed.)

Step inside a working craft brewery to learn the process from the master brewer. Enjoy a fresh craft beer sample flight at the brewery's taproom. Take a guided street art walk featuring works by world-renowned artists. Savor delicious crispy gyoza paired with refreshing craft beer at a popular pub. Discover the vibrant craft beer scene in Tachikawa with an expert guide.

Seiseki-Sakuragaoka — the town that inspired Whisper of the Heart. The slope Shizuku walked, the shrine where Sugimura confessed, the apartment where she lived — places every fan wants to visit. But why stop at the well-known spots? This tour was made for true fans. It begins at the station with a mailbox inspired by Chikyuya. On Iroha Slope, you walk the path Shizuku took every day. At Konpira Shrine, you stand where Sugimura found his courage. At Tenshudai, a stone monument marks what fans believe may be the model for the Hill in the Sky. At Sakuragaoka Rotary, the tree that inspired Chikyuya still stands — and nearby, Noah Yogashiten holds the fan-written "Mimi-Suma Note." Then you board a local bus and head deeper into the hills. What comes next is for the day itself. True fans will know it the moment they see it. Curious? Send us a message.