Experiencing Japan Through Anime, Games, and Unique Attractions

Japan is famous around the world for its anime and video games, and they are deeply connected to everyday life here. In Japan, many people grow up watching anime and playing games from a very young age. Popular characters and game worlds become shared cultural experiences, influencing hobbies, conversations, and even how people decide where to travel. Because of this, anime and games in Japan often feel alive—not just something you enjoy on a screen.

One exciting way this culture comes to life is through collaboration events and themed attractions. Across the country, anime and game franchises partner with cafés, museums, shops, and even local governments. These collaborations often include special exhibitions, themed menus, original artwork, and limited‑edition merchandise that you can only find for a short time. Visiting these events feels immersive, like stepping into the world of a story or game you love. 

A great example of this is Nijigen no Mori, a theme park located on Awaji Island. Awaji Island is about 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Kyoto, making it an easy destination for a day trip or a short overnight getaway. The park features attractions based on popular anime and games, including Dragon Quest. When I visited the Dragon Quest attraction, I explored an area inspired by the game’s fantasy world and enjoyed the playful atmosphere that fans of the series would instantly recognize. 

One of the most memorable parts of the visit was the food. I tried the Slime hamburg steak, inspired by the iconic Slime character from Dragon Quest. What made it even more special was that the Slime was made using Awaji Island’s famous local onions, which are well known throughout Japan for their sweetness. Turning a local specialty into a game character was both creative and fun, and it perfectly showed how Japanese pop culture and regional traditions come together. 

Experiences like this often become a reason to travel in Japan. Many people plan trips specifically to visit anime or game exhibitions, themed cafés, or special attractions. Traveling for pop culture is very common, and even a short trip can feel like a big adventure when there’s a collaboration event involved. 

If you’re studying in Japan, this is something you should definitely take advantage of. Studying abroad isn’t only about classes—it’s also about discovering culture in unique and memorable ways. Even if you’re not a big anime fan or gamer, these events are welcoming, creative, and easy to enjoy. They’re also a great way to connect with classmates and locals through shared interests. 

So if you’re thinking about studying in Japan, imagine more than just classes and textbooks. Imagine taking a short trip with friends, discovering a themed attraction you’ve only seen online, and trying something fun and unexpected—like a Slime hamburg steak. Japan is full of surprises, and those small adventures are waiting for you. Come experience them for yourself while you’re here. 

Author: Akiko Otani, Administrative Coordinator, CIEE Kyoto