Mandarake, Tokyo

If Tokyo had a treasure vault for manga lovers, anime buffs, and collectors of all things nostalgic, it would have "Mandarake" written all over it. This legendary chain is Japan’s largest seller of manga collectibles, and luckily for you, there are three major places in Tokyo where you can dive into its wonderland of geeky goodness.

First up, Nakano Broadway—the mothership of Mandarake. Imagine a shopping mall where every store is a different portal into otaku heaven. Need rare fan-made comics? Check. Craving anime cels, pencil boards, CDs, posters, art books, or vintage video games? Covered. Feeling the urge to channel your inner anime character? There’s even a store for cosplay costumes. And if all that treasure hunting makes you thirsty, there’s a Maid Café ready to serve up cute overload with your coffee.

Next, we go underground—literally. The Shibuya Mandarake store is hidden two floors below ground, like a secret lair for collectors. But here’s the kicker: It’s not just for shopping. There’s a karaoke stage where you can belt out your favorite anime theme songs in between hunting for retro US toys, classic action figures, and manga rarities.

Finally, there’s Mandarake Ikebukuro, located near Tokyo Hands, where nostalgia meets nerd nirvana. Whether you’re after rare games, vintage toys from the 1960s and ‘70s, or exclusive Japanese anime merch, this place has something to make your inner collector do a happy dance.

Just be warned: you might walk in looking for one manga and walk out with an entire suitcase of collectibles. Don't say they didn't warn you. And hey, if you do end up needing an extra suitcase... Mandarake probably sells those too.