There is nothing quite like the art style of anime and the storylines that are far from your imagination.
Though some may call anime cartoons or only for children, anime is actually a combination of heavy and light storylines that everyone can enjoy, whether they are kids or adults.
Throughout the years, it has provided comfort and entertainment for people of all ages and genders.
Are you an Anime enthusiast but need help finding it in the vast metropolis of London?
Then this article is for you, covering the ten best anime shops in London.
The article lists the shop’s highlights, services, and products it offers.
Contents
- 1 Best Anime Shops London
- 2 1. Japan Craft
- 3 2. Gosh! Comics
- 4 3. Forbidden Planet
- 5 4. TokyoToys Anime And Manga Store
- 5.1 Products and Services
- 5.2 5. Mega City Comics
- 5.3 Products and Services
- 5.4 6. Raygun Comics
- 5.5 Products and Services
- 5.6 7. Foyles
- 5.7 Products and Services
- 5.8 8. Japan Centre
- 5.9 Products and Services
- 5.10 9. Japan House
- 5.11 Products and Services
- 5.12 10. Ecstatic Anime
- 5.13 Products and Services
- 5.14 Best Anime Shops In London Map
- 6 Frequently Asked Questions
- 7 Wrap Up
Best Anime Shops London
1. Japan Craft
- Address: Unit 62, The Stables Market, Chalk Farm Rd, London NW1 8AH, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 20 7267 2789
- Store Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00
Popular for its sheer size, Japan Craft has anything and everything to offer regarding anime.
Boasting fully stocked floor-to-ceiling shelves, you will need to take at least a day to work your way through the entire store.
Japan Craft, as its name suggests, is one of the best Japanese shops in London that brings Japanese culture to London.
While enjoying your favourite comic book, you can indulge in green tea Pocky and Japanese snacks.
They also have a second location that caters to a more expansive range of Japanese items.
In case you can’t find what you are looking for at Stables Market, try looking at the second branch located at:
Unit 2, Market Hall, Camden Lock Place, Chalk Farm Road, Camden Town, London NW1 8AL UK, United Kingdom
Products and Services
When it comes to Anime, Japan Craft has got it all! Their hallmark is their vast collection of manga comics.
On top of that, they also have accessories, cosmetics, bags, toys, video games, board games, and many collector items, making it a worthy stop at the vibrant Stables Market.
Not able to get to the physical store? Need not worry as they also have an online store where you can get the latest and greatest releases from the comfort of your home.
Check out their manga and anime selection where you will find posters, keychains, and manga comic books, to name a few.
The price range of the products in their store varies between £10 and £500+ per item.
If you have a budget to follow, you can easily filter your search by filtering the price in various price ranges, such as £5.00 – £9.99, £10.00 – £19.99, £20.00 – £29.99, £30.00 – £49.99, £50.00 – £99.99, £100.00 – £199.99.
Offers to Look Forward to:
They currently have special offers on Pokemon plush toys with a 50% discount and some Disney POP! Vinyl. Be on the lookout for pre-order specials and new arrivals.
2. Gosh! Comics
- Address: 1 Berwick St, London W1F 0DR, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 20 7437 0187
- Store Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:30 – 19:00
Don’t let its size fool you as this comic book store offers premium products despite its small store.
Gosh! Comics has numerous signed content for you to purchase at the best price. If you’re lucky, you might be able to land on a signed manga comic.
It is situated in Soho and offers a nostalgic vibe to your comic book browsing experience.
With a track record of 33 years in the industry, they are sure to provide the necessary knowledge to get the best manga collection to suit your anime needs.
Products and Services
Gosh! Comics has a wide selection of anime series to choose from, including the mind twisting Attack on Titan, Haikyu! for sport lovers, and the incredible story of Fullmetal Alchemist.
The store also offers small press, graphic novels, kids’ content, limited editions, games and prints.
The price range varies from £2 up to £200+. They get new stock every week, so it is best to watch their website for new arrivals. You can also shop online to avoid a possible sell-out.
Offers to Look Forward to:
They receive new stock weekly. On rare occasions, signed content is also included.
If you want to read up on the latest news, check out their recent posts to get updates.
3. Forbidden Planet
- Address: 179 Shaftesbury Ave, London WC2H 8JR, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 20 7420 3666
Store Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 10:00 – 18:00
- Thursday to Saturday: 10:00 – 19:00
- Sunday: 12:00 – 18:00
Forbidden Planet is an anime enthusiast’s dream store. With over 16,000 reviews on Google, it is safe to say that Forbidden Planet is the most popular in London.
It is massive, offering a variety of items, from comics to graphic novels and manga.
They have small to large anime toys and collectibles. Plus, they even host anime and manga events where anime enthusiasts can get together over sake and sushi and discuss their favourite Anime.
Products and Services
Where to start? This comic book store has everything, from anime figures and statues to manga comics signed content.
With more than 3,400 manga titles to choose from, it is no surprise if you will be stuck here all day!
They also offer signed content and host signing events regularly. Prices vary from £2.75 to £130 for selected Manga and amine content.
They also have an online store if you cannot visit them at one of their three London stores.
Unfortunately, they do not offer manga and anime subscriptions but feel free to browse their other subscription content.
However, you can pre-order selected new releases, including Newtype and Megami magazines, Spy X Family keychains and Demon Slayer headlight.
Events to Look Forward to:
They offer regular signing events. Unfortunately, no anime signing event is scheduled as of the moment.
4. TokyoToys Anime And Manga Store
- Address: 6 Marechal Niel Parade, Main Rd, Sidcup DA14 6QF, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 20 3645 5050
- Store Hours: Monday to Sunday: 12:00 – 19:00
TokyoToys has three locations in the United Kingdom: Birmingham, Glasgow, and the latest, the Sidcup Store.
The store specialises in all things anime and manga but also offers an extensive range of video game merchandise.
This famous store has won NEO Magazine readers awards for “Best Retailer” and “Best Merchandiser” five times.
With their ten+ years of experience, you know you will get your time and money’s worth when visiting this anime hub.
Products and Services
TokyoToys has a lot to offer to anime lovers out there. In a nutshell, here are the key highlights of products you can get from them.
- More than 50 anime series, including Death Note, Boruto, Bleach & Sailor Moon
- 18 Manga book genres
- Awesome figurines and statues
- Mecha Kits tailored for you
- 10 Trading Card Game collections, including DragonBall-Z and Pokemon
- 15 Gaming Collections
- Plush Toys such as GE Anime Plush
Their best-sellers are their anime series Attack on Titan, Bleach and Dragon Ball Z.
They also have an online store where you can pre-order some anime figurines and numerous other exciting anime products.
Events to Look Forward to:
TokyoToys runs weekly trading card casuals and OTS. Here are the details:
- Wednesday – Casuals (Pokemon, Digimon) & Yugioh OTS (Casual Start at 16:00 to 21:30, OTS 18:00 to 21:30)
- Thursday – Casuals (Pokemon, Digimon) & Yugioh OTS (Casual Start at 16:00 to 21:30, OTS 18:00 to 21:30)
5. Mega City Comics
- Address: 18 Inverness St, Camden Town, London NW1 7HJ, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 20 7485 9320
Store Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 11:00 – 17:00
- Thursday and Friday: 11:00 – 18:00
- Saturday and Sunday: 10:30 – 18:00
Mega City Comics was established in 1981 and opened its first store in 1987 after six years of doing business via mail-order and comic marts.
This comic book store has proven resilient in business, and it has stood the test of time.
In fact, Mega City Comics was awarded the highly esteemed “King of Camden award” for excellence in local retailing.
It is one of the go-to options for anime enthusiasts for being one of the best anime shops in London.
Products and Services
Although this comic book store does not specialise in anime wholly, they offer manga and anime series, including some limited edition items.
The employees have a passion for anime and thus can help you with some excellent recommendations.
If you want to sell some comic books, they buy them, although they prefer to purchase in the bulk of 1000+ per sale.
They also host regular signing events, with a history of hosting some notorious people in the industry, including Alan Moore, Jamie Hewlett, Pat Mills, Simon Bisley, Gilbert Shelton and Matt Wagner.
Offers to Look Forward to:
You can check their pre-order list for the latest upcoming hits, which are purchasable online.
6. Raygun Comics
- Address: 26 Red Lion Street, Richmond, London TW9 1RW, United Kingdom
- Phone: 0208 948 8476
Store Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00 – 18:00
- Sunday: 11:00 – 17:00
This scenic comic book shop is situated close to Richmond Park. Raygun Comics stocks a wide selection of Manga and Anime.
Providing knowledgeable advice is crucial for them, so rest assured that when you visit them, you will surely leave as a satisfied customer.
Products and Services
Get your hands on some 486 fan favourites anime series, including Attack on Titan, Naruto, Berserk, and Dragon Ball.
Their prices are competitive and similar to what you might expect at other comic book stores.
Moreover, they also have an online store with PayPal services.
An excellent service they offer is the Standing Order feature, where you have an ongoing order with Raygun either in-store or via mail.
They reserve each new issue of your selected comics upon release so that it doesn’t get sold out before you have the chance to acquire it.
Events to Look Forward to:
One of the events to look forward to is the Free Comic Book Day 2022 from 10 am to 6 pm or while stocks last.
Free Comic Book Day is a day when free comic books are given away to those who visit.
The comic books come from all over the world, ranging from American comic books to Japanese comics. Get the full list of the free catalogue here.
7. Foyles
- Address: 107 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0DT, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 20 7440 3248
Store Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 09:00 – 21:00
- Sunday: 11:30 – 18:00
Founded in 1903, this impressive bookstore has stood the test of time and offers more than 200,000 titles.
It is world-renowned for once holding the Guinness Book of World Records record for the longest shelves (totalling 6.5km) for a bookstore.
Although not a comic bookstore in its entirety, you are sure to find what you are looking for.
Although if you want better recommendations, I recommend visiting other stores on this list.
Products and Services
Because this store is so big, you can experience regular sales. They also offer a loyalty service termed “Foyalty”, which rewards you with 3 points for every £1 spent.
When desired, you can get money back from your purchase.
This store offers almost every possible Manga and anime you can think of.
With six floors you are sure to make this a whole day excursion, luckily they have a cafe where you can sit down and enjoy a coffee and something to eat.
Events to Look Forward to:
Check out some of the events and exhibitions here and you might find something interesting.
8. Japan Centre
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- Address: 35b Panton St, London SW1Y 4EA, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 870 820 0055
- Store Hours: Monday to Friday: 09:30 – 17:30
Japan Centre is the kind of store you can expect to find Japanese culture overload. From food to accessories, let us not forget anime and Manga. It is one of the best Japanese shops in London.
They are proud of their anime and Manga collection and even have anime-themed food and drinks, such as anime cocktails.
Japan Centre is undoubtedly one store we recommend you visit if you want to experience Japanese culture infused into their anime and Manga collections.
Products and Services
As already mentioned, they offer a wide selection of anime and manga collections.
Their anime and Manga-themed food and drinks set them apart from other stores on this list.
They have an online store, but it is best to experience this store in person as one of the best anime shops in London.
Offers to Look Forward to:
If you’re looking for Christmas gifts and giveaways, don’t forget to check out their Christmas Sale which offers a 20% discount.
9. Japan House
- Address: 101-111 Kensington High St, London W8 5SA, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 20 3972 7100
Store Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00 – 20:00
- Sunday: 12:00 – 18:00
Japan House is most famous for its gallery highlighting Japanese culture. You can expect to find Japanese literature, design, art, fashion, pop culture, cuisine and more here. It is mentioned as one of the best Japanese shops in London.
Although not an anime store, it does host anime exhibitions here and does offer some anime merchandise to be purchased.
Products and Services
Predominantly an art gallery, you can expect to find Japanese culture in its essence here.
They offer some anime and Manga to be purchased here, but this store is more to get an education of anime origins.
The library is free to enter, where you can enjoy reading some manga.
It is open from Monday to Saturday between 10 am and 8 pm, and Sunday between 12 pm and 6 pm.
Exhibitions to Look Forward to:
Check out their virtual exhibitions and library exhibitions.
The library exhibition features a variety of themes such as LGBT+: diversity in manga.
Moreover, you can explore their permanent collection of various displays.
10. Ecstatic Anime
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- Address: Unit 1,Staples Corner 1000 A406, Brent, London NW2 7JP, United Kingdom
- Contact
- Store Hours: Monday to Friday: 13:00 – 16:00
Founded in 2009, and as the name suggests, this store exclusively focuses on anime merchandise such as figurines and cosplay attires.
They previously had a store in Birmingham, but now only have this one site and Comic Cons in the UK and Europe.
Products and Services
Its catalogue is focused on everything anime figurines. However, they offer food and drinks, plushies and some cosplay items, primarily swords, weapons, hats and caps.
Check their online store and select the anime and brand of the items you are interested in.
Some of the popular anime titles they have are Attack on Titan, Bleach, and Fairy Tail.
Offers to Look Forward to:
Don’t forget to check their items for pre-orders. They require a 20% deposit to avail their pre-ordered items. However, you can also pay in full price to get a 5% discount.
Best Anime Shops In London Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I allowed to read inside the anime shop?
You are usually allowed to read excerpts from the books. However, you can only read the entire comic when you purchase it.
Where is the best place to find anime merchandise in London?
All the shops listed in this article offer a variety of anime merchandise.
Wrap Up
Anime is enjoyed and loved by many, with numerous factors playing a part in your overall experience.
Finding the best comic store to enhance that experience can take time and effort.
Luckily, all these store recommendations listed in this article are profound and exemplary anime store options. To ensure you get the best guidance to make you want to return for more!
