Hey anime lovers! If you're on the hunt for the best anime stores in Manhattan, you've come to the right place. New York City, especially Manhattan, is a treasure trove for anime and manga fans. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting your anime journey, this guide will walk you through the top spots to find your favorite merchandise, from figurines to manga and everything in between. Let’s dive into the vibrant world of anime shopping in Manhattan!

Kinokuniya New York

Kinokuniya New York is a must-visit for any anime and manga enthusiast in Manhattan. Located in the heart of Midtown, this bookstore offers an extensive selection of manga, art books, and Japanese magazines. Seriously, guys, this place is HUGE. You can easily spend hours browsing through their shelves. The manga selection is incredibly diverse, featuring everything from popular titles to more niche and hard-to-find series. They also stock manga in both English and Japanese, catering to a wide range of readers. Beyond manga, Kinokuniya boasts an impressive collection of art books, perfect for artists and illustrators looking for inspiration. These books cover a variety of styles and techniques, from classic anime art to contemporary designs. The store regularly updates its inventory with the latest releases from Japan, ensuring there's always something new to discover. In addition to books, Kinokuniya offers a variety of anime-related merchandise, including figurines, plushies, and stationery. It’s the perfect place to pick up a gift for yourself or a fellow anime fan. The atmosphere in Kinokuniya is welcoming and conducive to browsing. The staff is knowledgeable and always ready to help you find what you’re looking for. They also host events and signings, making it a hub for the anime community in New York. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your anime journey, Kinokuniya is a destination that should not be missed. Plus, being in Midtown, it’s super accessible. So, make sure to add Kinokuniya to your list of anime stores to visit in Manhattan! You won't regret it. Trust me, I’ve found some of my rarest manga finds there!

Image Anime

When it comes to specialized anime merchandise, Image Anime stands out as a premier destination in Manhattan. Tucked away in the Diamond District, this store is a haven for collectors seeking high-quality figures, model kits, and exclusive items. Image Anime prides itself on offering a curated selection of products that cater to discerning fans. The store's figure collection is particularly impressive, featuring characters from popular series like Naruto, One Piece, and Dragon Ball, as well as more obscure and niche titles. These figures range from small, affordable collectibles to large, highly detailed statues that are true works of art. Model kit enthusiasts will find a wide variety of kits from brands like Bandai, including Gundam models and other mecha designs. Building these kits can be a rewarding hobby, and Image Anime provides all the tools and supplies you need to get started. What sets Image Anime apart is its focus on exclusive and limited-edition items. They often carry products that are difficult to find elsewhere, making it a go-to spot for collectors looking to add rare pieces to their collections. The staff at Image Anime is passionate about anime and knowledgeable about the products they sell. They are always happy to provide recommendations and answer any questions you may have. The store's atmosphere is welcoming and caters to serious collectors. Image Anime also offers pre-order services, allowing you to secure upcoming releases before they sell out. This is especially useful for popular figures and kits that are in high demand. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting to explore the world of anime merchandise, Image Anime is a must-visit destination in Manhattan. The store's commitment to quality and exclusivity makes it a standout among anime retailers in the city. So, next time you're in the Diamond District, be sure to stop by and see what treasures you can find. You might just discover your next prized possession!

Forbidden Planet

Forbidden Planet is a legendary comic book and pop culture store that also boasts a solid selection of anime and manga. Located in Greenwich Village, this store has been a fixture in the New York City geek scene for decades. While it's not exclusively an anime store, Forbidden Planet offers a diverse range of anime-related products that appeal to a wide audience. The manga selection at Forbidden Planet is extensive, featuring popular titles, classic series, and indie publications. You can find everything from Attack on Titan to Sailor Moon, as well as lesser-known gems that are worth exploring. The store also carries a variety of graphic novels and comic books, making it a one-stop-shop for fans of sequential art. In addition to manga, Forbidden Planet offers a range of anime merchandise, including figures, apparel, and accessories. You can find t-shirts featuring your favorite characters, keychains, posters, and other collectibles. The store also stocks imported snacks and drinks from Japan, adding to the overall experience. One of the things that makes Forbidden Planet unique is its atmosphere. The store is packed with merchandise from floor to ceiling, creating a sense of discovery and excitement. You never know what treasures you might find hidden among the shelves. The staff is knowledgeable and passionate about comics and pop culture. They are always happy to provide recommendations and engage in conversations about your favorite series. Forbidden Planet also hosts events and signings, bringing creators and fans together. It's a great place to meet like-minded people and celebrate your love of comics and anime. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting to explore the world of anime, Forbidden Planet is a must-visit destination in Manhattan. Its diverse selection, unique atmosphere, and knowledgeable staff make it a standout among comic book and pop culture stores in the city. Plus, being located in Greenwich Village, it’s surrounded by other cool shops and eateries. Definitely worth checking out!

Midtown Comics

Midtown Comics is another great option for anime and manga fans in Manhattan. With multiple locations throughout the city, including one in Times Square, it's easily accessible and offers a wide variety of products. While primarily a comic book store, Midtown Comics has a dedicated section for manga and anime merchandise. The manga selection at Midtown Comics includes popular titles, new releases, and back issues. You can find everything from Naruto and One Piece to My Hero Academia and Demon Slayer. The store also carries a variety of graphic novels and comic books, catering to a broad range of interests. In addition to manga, Midtown Comics offers a range of anime-related merchandise, including figures, t-shirts, and collectibles. You can find items featuring characters from your favorite series, as well as imported snacks and drinks from Japan. Midtown Comics is known for its large and well-organized stores. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful, and they are always happy to assist you in finding what you're looking for. The store also hosts events and signings, bringing creators and fans together. One of the advantages of Midtown Comics is its convenient locations. With multiple stores throughout Manhattan, you're never too far from a Midtown Comics. This makes it easy to stop by and browse their selection, even if you're just passing through. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting to explore the world of anime, Midtown Comics is a great place to shop. Its wide selection, convenient locations, and knowledgeable staff make it a standout among comic book and anime stores in Manhattan. So, if you're in Times Square or another part of the city, be sure to check it out! You might just find your next favorite manga or figure.

Anime Castle

While technically located just outside of Manhattan in Flushing, Queens, Anime Castle is worth the trip for serious anime enthusiasts. A short subway ride will transport you to a treasure trove of anime and manga goodies. Anime Castle is known for its extensive selection of figures, plushies, and cosplay items. Whether you’re looking for a rare collectible or the perfect accessory for your next convention, this store has you covered. The figure selection is particularly impressive, with a wide range of characters from popular series like Fate/Grand Order, Genshin Impact, and Love Live!. You can find figures in various sizes and styles, from prize figures to high-end statues. In addition to figures, Anime Castle offers a wide variety of plushies, perfect for cuddling or displaying. You can find plushies of your favorite characters, as well as iconic anime mascots like Pikachu and Hello Kitty. Cosplayers will find a vast selection of costumes, wigs, and accessories at Anime Castle. The store carries costumes for popular anime series, as well as more obscure titles. You can also find wigs in a variety of colors and styles, as well as props and accessories to complete your look. What sets Anime Castle apart is its dedication to the anime community. The store hosts events and gatherings, bringing fans together to celebrate their love of anime. It’s a great place to meet like-minded people and make new friends. The staff is passionate about anime and cosplay, and they are always happy to provide advice and recommendations. Whether you’re a seasoned cosplayer or just starting out, they can help you find everything you need to create the perfect costume. While it may require a bit of travel, Anime Castle is well worth the trip for serious anime fans. Its extensive selection, community focus, and knowledgeable staff make it a standout among anime stores in the New York area. So, if you have some time to spare, hop on the subway and check it out. You won’t be disappointed!