Top 10 Anime Stores in New York City in 2025: A Paradise for Anime Fans
New York City is a cultural melting pot, and its thriving anime scene is a testament to the city’s diversity. Whether you’re looking for the latest manga, rare collectibles, or the coolest anime-inspired merchandise, NYC has something for every anime enthusiast. Here’s a guide to the top 10 anime stores in New York City in 2025 that are a must-visit for any fan of Japanese pop culture.
1. Midtown Comics
Location: 64 Fulton St, New York, NY 10038
A staple in the NYC comic and manga scene, Midtown Comics is a go-to for anime fans. With an extensive selection of manga, anime DVDs, collectibles, and figures, you’ll find everything you need to fuel your fandom. Their Midtown Manhattan store is conveniently located near many other tourist attractions, making it a must-stop for both locals and visitors.
Why Visit: Large selection of manga, anime merchandise, and collectibles.
2. Kinokuniya New York
Location: 1073 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10018
Kinokuniya is a Japanese bookstore chain that has become a favorite among anime and manga lovers. Their flagship store in NYC offers a wide variety of manga (both in Japanese and English), anime merchandise, and books on Japanese culture. The store also features a café on the second floor where you can relax with a cup of coffee and a manga.
Why Visit: A great spot for manga lovers, with a cozy café for a complete experience.
3. Toy Tokyo
Location: 91 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
Toy Tokyo, located in the East Village, is a small but mighty store filled with a massive selection of anime and pop culture collectibles. From figures and plushies to action figures and model kits, Toy Tokyo offers some of the best anime-related merchandise in the city. It’s also known for its exclusive collectibles, making it a must-visit for serious collectors.
Why Visit: Exclusive figures and collectibles that you won’t find elsewhere.
4. Book Off
Location: 49 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
For fans who love hunting for second-hand treasures, Book Off is a hidden gem. This Japanese second-hand store in Midtown carries used manga, anime DVDs, and figures, all at a fraction of the price you would pay for new items. Book Off is a great place for finding rare items and getting your anime fix on a budget.
Why Visit: Affordable manga, anime DVDs, and second-hand collectibles.
5. Japan Village
Location: 934 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Japan Village is a unique marketplace located in Industry City, Brooklyn, that brings together a variety of Japanese products, including anime merchandise. The store offers manga, figures, and other collectibles while also serving as a great place to explore authentic Japanese foods and products. It’s a perfect spot for those looking to immerse themselves in Japanese culture.
Why Visit: A one-stop destination for anime products and authentic Japanese food and goods.
6. Anime Castle
Location: 33-06 154th St, Flushing, NY 11354
Located in the heart of Queens, Anime Castle is one of the best places to shop for manga and anime collectibles. The store offers a wide range of English-translated manga, figures, and other anime-related items. It’s a popular spot among anime fans in the borough, and its location in Flushing makes it easily accessible for those in the area.
Why Visit: A great place for finding English-translated manga and anime figures.
7. Lunar Toy Store
Location: 133-29 41st Ave, Flushing, NY 11355
Lunar Toy Store, located in Flushing, offers high-quality anime figures and toys, including limited-edition and rare collectibles. The store may be small, but it’s packed with some of the best anime merchandise you can find in NYC. It’s perfect for collectors who are looking for exclusive items to add to their collection.
Why Visit: High-quality figures and exclusive collectibles for serious fans.
8. Teso Life
Location: 1265 Broadway, New York, NY 10001
Teso Life is a boutique shop located in the heart of Koreatown. This store offers a wide variety of anime merchandise, including figures, plushies, and accessories. Teso Life also carries a curated selection of other pop culture items, making it a great spot for those looking for anime-themed goods as well as general K-pop and Korean culture items.
Why Visit: A mix of anime and K-pop merchandise in one convenient location.
9. Forbidden Planet
Location: 832 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
Forbidden Planet is a comic and pop culture store that’s been serving New Yorkers since the 1980s. While they carry a wide range of comic books, toys, and pop culture memorabilia, their anime section is particularly impressive. If you’re looking for manga, anime DVDs, or anime-related clothing, Forbidden Planet has you covered.
Why Visit: A classic comic book store with a solid selection of anime and manga items.
10. Anime NYC Pop-Up Store
Location: Varies (Typically in Manhattan)
Anime NYC, one of the largest anime conventions in the U.S., hosts pop-up stores throughout the year in NYC. These temporary locations are known for offering exclusive anime merchandise, figures, and art. If you’re lucky enough to catch a pop-up store while you’re in the city, it’s worth stopping by for limited-edition items and event-exclusive merchandise.
Why Visit: Limited-edition merchandise and event exclusives, available only at pop-up stores.
Conclusion
New York City is a mecca for anime fans, with a wide variety of stores catering to all tastes and budgets. Whether you’re a casual fan looking for a new manga or a seasoned collector hunting for rare figures, these top 10 anime stores in NYC are the places you won’t want to miss in 2025. Each store offers its own unique selection of merchandise, so be sure to explore them all and immerse yourself in the city’s thriving anime culture. Happy shopping, anime fans!
