Tokyo Travel Guide: Anime Worlds and Literary Treasures

Tokyo is setting the stage for a cultural season that blends tomorrow’s biggest attractions with timeless traditions. Whether you’re a devoted Pokémon trainer, a mecha enthusiast, or a book lover, three destinations promise to make September an unforgettable launchpad for your next journey.

PokéPark KANTO – Nature Meets Next-Level Nostalgia

Coming in spring 2026, PokéPark KANTO will be the first permanent outdoor Pokémon park, transforming 2.6 hectares of Yomiuriland in Tokyo’s scenic Tama Hills into a living Pokémon habitat. The location has been carefully chosen to highlight natural landscapes, giving visitors the feeling of stepping into a lush animated world.

Two immersive zones will define the experience:

• Pokémon Forest – Shaded trails weave through woodland alive with more than 600 Pokémon encounters. Visitors can look forward to interactive features that let them “discover” and photograph creatures hidden among trees and streams.
• Kayatsuri Town (Sedge Town) – A lively, village-like district with shops, themed food stands, and playful attractions where travelers can stock up on exclusive merchandise or refuel with Pokémon-inspired snacks.

For travelers in Tokyo this September, the key date is this autumn, when tickets are scheduled to go on sale. International demand is expected to be enormous, so early planning is essential. Consider booking accommodations near the Keio Line for convenient access to Yomiuriland, and set up reminders for ticket-release announcements. With its mix of lush greenery and creative technology, PokéPark KANTO is poised to become a new icon of sustainable, interactive entertainment.

ALL OF EVANGELION – Three Decades of Apocalyptic Art

While Pokémon prepares for its grand debut, another pop-culture giant is ready to celebrate a major milestone. From November 14, 2025 to January 12, 2026, Tokyo City View in Roppongi will host ALL OF EVANGELION, an exhibition honoring the 30-year legacy of the legendary anime series.

Visitors will be greeted by a towering Evangelion figure at the entrance, perfectly positioned against the dramatic city skyline. Inside, an unprecedented-scale display of original drawings and production materials will reveal how Neon Genesis Evangelion was conceived and how its themes of technology, psychology, and spirituality evolved over decades.

Key highlights include:

• Rare Production Archives – “Setting” documents from the original TV series offer a behind-the-scenes look at how characters, mechanics, and story arcs were meticulously crafted.
• Evolution of the Series – Materials trace the creative process from the groundbreaking 1995 show to the theatrical reboots “: Introduction,” “: Break,” “:: Q,” and the concluding Shin Evangelion film.

For September visitors, this is the ideal time to secure exhibition tickets and nearby accommodations. Roppongi’s skyscraper hotels provide night views that echo the anime’s striking visuals, and early booking ensures prime dates during the busy winter season.

Stroll Through Kanda Jimbocho – One of the World’s Largest Used Book Districts

September also marks the beginning of Japan’s traditional “season for reading,” when cooler weather invites leisurely hours with a good book. Nowhere celebrates this better than Kanda Jimbocho, a historic Tokyo neighborhood known as one of the largest used bookstore districts in the world.

The area is home to about 130 specialized bookstores, a heritage that traces back to the schools and universities established there in the 19th century. Together, these shops house millions of volumes, from centuries-old Japanese classics to contemporary global literature. Visitors can browse:

• Rare Art and Print Shops – Including collections of ukiyo-e woodblock prints, vintage photography, and antique maps.
• Genre Specialists – Stores dedicated to fields like cuisine, manga, philosophy, and history, often run by expert curators.

Each year from late October to early November, the celebrated Kanda Used Book Festival fills Yasukuni-dori Street with outdoor shelves and book carts, creating a vibrant, festival-like atmosphere. The tradition of reusing and cherishing old books naturally supports sustainability and the culture of passing stories from one generation to the next.

The neighborhood is equally rich in café culture, with classic kissaten (coffee shops) and long-running curry diners offering a perfect pause between browsing sessions. A slow stroll through Kanda Jimbocho is more than a shopping trip—it is a chance to connect with the deep literary heartbeat of Tokyo.

Planning Tips for a Seamless Trip

• Book Early – Both PokéPark KANTO ticket drops and ALL OF EVANGELION exhibition slots are expected to sell out quickly.
• Stay Central – Choose lodging with easy access to Roppongi, Shinjuku, and Tama Hills, so you can reach cultural sites and natural escapes with ease.
• Travel Light, Shop Big – Leave room in your suitcase for exclusive Pokémon merchandise, Evangelion art prints, and rare books that you may never find again.

Tokyo offers an extraordinary mix of cutting-edge pop culture and timeless literary tradition. Whether your passion lies in Pokémon adventures, anime artistry, or centuries of written wisdom, these destinations invite you to experience the city’s creative energy and enduring stories.