San Francisco is one of the most vibrant and culturally rich cities in the United States, and its anime scene is no exception. The city boasts a diverse collection of stores where anime fans can find everything from the latest manga releases to rare collectibles, figures, and cosplay accessories. Whether you’re a seasoned otaku or new to the world of anime, here’s a guide to the top 10 anime stores in San Francisco in 2025.
1. Kinokuniya San Francisco
Location: 1700 Post St Ste 201, San Francisco, CA 94115
Kinokuniya is a well-known Japanese bookstore chain, and its San Francisco location is a must-visit for anime lovers. The store carries a vast selection of manga in both English and Japanese, as well as anime DVDs, Blu-rays, and exclusive merchandise. From rare manga volumes to figures, plushies, and art books, Kinokuniya is a haven for anime enthusiasts.
Why Visit: An expansive selection of manga, anime merchandise, and Japanese cultural goods.
2. Japan Center Mall
Location: 22 Peace Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94115
Japan Center Mall is the heart of Japanese culture in San Francisco and is home to several shops that specialize in anime merchandise. Within the mall, you’ll find stores like Super7 and Daiso Japan that sell anime figures, plushies, stationery, and other collectibles. Japan Center also hosts various anime events and festivals throughout the year, making it a must-visit spot for fans.
Why Visit: A hub for Japanese culture with a variety of anime merchandise and regular events.
3. Isotope Comics
Location: 3265 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94115
Isotope Comics is an independent comic book store that features an impressive selection of manga and anime-related graphic novels. It’s a great place to find both mainstream and indie manga titles, along with anime-themed merchandise. The store often hosts events like book signings and anime-themed nights, making it a favorite among local fans.
Why Visit: A comic book store with a unique and curated selection of manga and anime merchandise.
4. Comic Relief
Location: 2020 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704 (just outside San Francisco)
Comic Relief is one of the best comic book stores in the Bay Area, and its anime section is no exception. The store offers a wide variety of manga, anime DVDs, figures, and collectibles. With a knowledgeable staff and an ever-changing inventory, Comic Relief is the place to go if you’re searching for the latest releases or hard-to-find anime merchandise.
Why Visit: A top-tier comic book store with an extensive anime selection and a strong community presence.
5. Gachapon World
Location: 456 Beach Street, San Francisco, CA 94133
Gachapon World is a unique store located in Fisherman’s Wharf that specializes in Japanese capsule toys, including a large selection of anime-themed gachapon (capsule toys). This store offers fans the chance to collect rare figures, plushies, and keychains from their favorite anime series. Gachapon World is perfect for collectors looking for fun, affordable, and rare anime merchandise.
Why Visit: A one-of-a-kind store for anime fans who love capsule toys and rare collectibles.
6. Super7
Location: 3251 19th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Super7 is a toy store and design studio that has become a favorite among pop culture enthusiasts. While it specializes in custom action figures and collectibles, it also has a fantastic collection of anime-inspired figures. Super7 carries high-quality, limited-edition figures from popular anime series like “Dragon Ball Z,” “Naruto,” and “One Piece.”
Why Visit: A high-end collectible store with exclusive, limited-edition anime figures.
7. The Green Apple Books
Location: 506 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118
Green Apple Books is a beloved independent bookstore in San Francisco that has an excellent selection of manga and graphic novels. The store carries both classic and modern titles, making it a great stop for anime fans looking to expand their reading collection. In addition to manga, Green Apple Books also offers anime-themed accessories and art books.
Why Visit: An independent bookstore with a large manga selection and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
8. Daiso Japan
Location: 22 Peace Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94115 (inside Japan Center Mall)
Daiso Japan is a Japanese discount store that has a variety of affordable anime-themed items. From stationery and plush toys to figures and accessories, Daiso is a fun place to shop for quirky and cute anime merchandise. The store offers items from popular series like “Sailor Moon,” “One Piece,” and “Pokémon.”
Why Visit: An affordable store offering a variety of cute anime-themed items and collectibles.
9. Target
Location: Various locations across San Francisco, CA
While Target may not be a specialized anime store, it does carry a selection of anime merchandise, including Funko Pop! figures, clothing, and DVDs. Fans of mainstream anime like “My Hero Academia,” “Attack on Titan,” and “Demon Slayer” will find a solid collection of affordable products at Target’s San Francisco locations.
Why Visit: Convenient locations for anime-themed clothing, Funko Pops, and affordable DVDs.
10. Hot Topic
Location: 845 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Hot Topic has been a staple for pop culture merchandise, and its San Francisco location offers a great selection of anime-inspired clothing, accessories, and collectibles. Fans can find anime-themed t-shirts, hoodies, Funko Pop! figures, and even jewelry from popular anime series. Hot Topic is perfect for fans who want to express their love for anime through fashion.
Why Visit: A great place for anime-inspired fashion, accessories, and collectibles.
Conclusion
San Francisco in 2025 offers a diverse range of anime stores that cater to both casual fans and serious collectors. Whether you’re looking for the latest manga, exclusive figures, or quirky anime-themed accessories, these top 10 stores will ensure you find exactly what you’re looking for. With everything from high-end collectibles to affordable gachapon toys and clothing, San Francisco is an anime lover’s paradise. Explore these stores and dive deeper into the world of anime while discovering unique merchandise to add to your collection!