When it comes to Hiroshima, most people first think of the Atomic Bomb Dome and Itsukushima Shrine, but this city is also a shopping paradise for anime enthusiasts! Hiroshima's anime stores are mainly concentrated in the Hondori Shopping District area, offering everything from mainstream anime merchandise to doujinshi creations. Since there are far fewer tourists compared to Tokyo or Osaka, you can enjoy a more relaxed treasure-hunting experience.
Hiroshima's anime culture has its unique characteristics. Being far from the Tokyo core circle, local stores here pay more attention to the needs of local customers, and product displays and event planning are often more down-to-earth. In recent years, with the successive opening of new facilities like "Minamoa Hiroshima" and "Pacela," Hiroshima's anime shopping district has welcomed a new wave of vitality. After JUMP SHOP Hiroshima moved into Minamoa in 2025, it has become a new pilgrimage site for fans.
One of the biggest attractions of Hiroshima's anime stores is definitely the prices. Since competition is relatively milder than in Tokyo, plus there are often regional limited-time offers, merchandise prices are often more affordable. For example, basic model figures are often 10-15% cheaper than in Akihabara Tokyo, and second-hand items frequently appear at surprising prices. Additionally, Hiroshima's stores are generally spacious with comfortable aisles, without the cramped feeling— that's a definite plus for enthusiasts who want to take their time browsing.
Recommended Spots
First recommended is Animate Hiroshima, the largest anime specialty store in Hiroshima, occupying the main floors of the Animate Building. The store has a complete variety of merchandise, from the latest manga, light novels, and anime goods to doujinshi, all clearly organized. The limited merchandise section is especially recommended, which often features exclusive Hiroshima store exclusive lucky bags or souvenirs. The third floor has an event space that periodically hosts author signings or product release events.
JUMP SHOP Hiroshima is another must-visit spot. This Weekly Shonen Jump specialty store newly relocated to Minamoa Hiroshima in 2025 is one of the largest Jump goods stores in the Kansai region. Outside the store stands a huge Goku in Kamehameha pose statue from Dragon Ball, which has become a popular photo spot. Inside, you'll find merchandise from popular works like One Piece, Naruto, Jujutsu Kaisen, and more, including limited items and store-exclusive color variations.
For those who love second-hand goods or want to find bargains, Lashinbang Hiroshima is absolutely a must-visit. This second-hand anime goods store is quite prominent on the Hondori shopping street, offering a wide range of items from used figures, body pillows, to second-hand manga. Based on observations, basic second-hand figures start from as low as 1,000 yen, and second-hand manga in good condition are often in the several hundred yen range. The store's merchandise updates quickly, so there's always something new to discover.
Melon Books Hiroshima is the holy land for doujinshi enthusiasts. This specialty store is quite renowned in the Hiroshima area, displaying doujinshi creations from all over the country. For readers new to doujinshi culture, the store has clear category labels and theme sections, and staff are happy to provide recommendations.
Finally, recommended is Animate Building, a building that houses multiple anime-related stores and is the core of Hiroshima's anime shopping district. The first through fourth floors bring together the main Animate store, Card Lab card shop, and other goods shops, meeting various needs in one place. The building has an excellent location, just a few steps from Hondori Station, making it the best starting point for planning your itinerary.
Practical Information
Regarding transportation, take the Hiroshima Electric Railway Line 1 (市電1号線) heading toward Hiroshima Port from JR Hiroshima Station, and get off at "Hondori" station to reach the main shopping district. The fare is 160 yen (will increase to 180 yen in August 2026). You can also take the Astram Line to Hondori Station and walk about 5 minutes.
For business hours, most stores open at 10:00 or 11:00, and typically close at 20:00 on weekdays, with extended hours on weekends as needed. Animate Hiroshima is open 10:00-20:00, Lashinbang is open 11:00-20:00 on weekdays and 10:00-20:00 on weekends.
For merchandise prices, regular manga magazines start from around 650 yen, light novels range from 700-1,200 yen, standard model figures cost 2,000-5,000 yen, and gacha series cost 5,000 yen and up. Second-hand merchandise varies depending on condition, with prices starting as low as 1,000 yen.
Travel Tips
When visiting Hiroshima's anime shopping district, it's recommended to go on weekday mornings. Not only are there fewer crowds, but merchandise selection is also more complete, especially since limited items often sell out shortly after store opening. It's recommended to research store locations in advance, as while the Hondori district is concentrated, stores are scattered in small alleys and backstreets.
If time permits, consider visiting nearby Hiroshima Castle or Shukkeien Garden. These attractions are about a 10-minute walk from the shopping district, allowing for a half-day itinerary. For foreign travelers wanting to purchase authentic Japanese anime merchandise, some stores accept electronic payment, but it's still recommended to have cash on hand just in case.
