Top 10 Anime Stores in San Jose, CA in 2025: The Ultimate Guide for Anime Fans
San Jose, California, is a bustling tech hub known for its diverse culture and vibrant arts scene, including a growing anime community. In 2025, the city boasts a range of anime stores catering to every fan’s needs—from manga and action figures to cosplay gear and exclusive collectibles. Whether you’re looking to expand your collection, find the latest anime releases, or pick up some unique merchandise, San Jose has you covered. Here are the top 10 anime stores to check out in San Jose, CA.
1. Anime Impulse
Location: 1120 S Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128
Anime Impulse is a premier anime store in San Jose, offering a wide range of anime products, from the latest manga releases to figures, plushies, and collectibles. The store is well-known for its vibrant, community-centered atmosphere, and it regularly hosts special events, including anime pop-up shops and themed gatherings.
Why Visit: A diverse selection of anime merchandise, with regular events and a friendly, community-oriented vibe.
2. Kinokuniya San Jose
Location: 1700 S Bascom Ave Ste 175, San Jose, CA 95128
Kinokuniya is an internationally renowned Japanese bookstore, and its San Jose location is a haven for manga lovers. The store offers an extensive collection of manga in both English and Japanese, as well as anime DVDs, Blu-rays, art books, and other merchandise. For those looking to dive deeper into Japanese culture, Kinokuniya also carries a variety of Japanese literature and lifestyle products.
Why Visit: A must-visit for manga collectors and fans of Japanese culture, with a vast selection of books and anime merchandise.
3. Anime Kon
Location: 2151 Laurelwood Rd, San Jose, CA 95054
Anime Kon is a specialized store focused on all things anime. From figures and manga to anime-themed apparel and plushies, Anime Kon offers a great selection for anime enthusiasts. With competitive prices and a variety of rare and exclusive items, this shop is perfect for fans looking to find something unique.
Why Visit: Excellent selection of figures, manga, and anime apparel, including rare and limited-edition items.
4. The Anime Store
Location: 3410 Story Rd #120, San Jose, CA 95127
The Anime Store offers a comprehensive selection of anime merchandise, including figurines, clothing, DVDs, and accessories. Whether you’re looking for the latest releases or vintage collectibles, this store is a go-to destination for both casual fans and collectors. They also carry a range of Japanese snacks and other pop culture products.
Why Visit: A reliable spot for anime figures, manga, DVDs, and collectibles, with an added variety of Japanese products.
5. Sun Bros Anime
Location: 1111 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128
Sun Bros Anime is a unique store that combines anime merchandise with Japanese cultural items. Fans can find everything from manga and anime figurines to cosplay gear and traditional Japanese goods. The store has a dedicated fan base and offers exclusive items that can’t be found anywhere else in the city.
Why Visit: Specializes in rare anime collectibles and Japanese cultural products, offering a distinct shopping experience.
6. Super Sakura Anime
Location: 2208 Moorpark Ave, San Jose, CA 95128
Super Sakura Anime is a charming boutique store dedicated entirely to anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture. From rare manga titles to limited-edition anime figures, Super Sakura provides an excellent shopping experience. They also carry anime-inspired clothing, accessories, and other collectible merchandise.
Why Visit: A boutique experience with exclusive anime products and Japanese pop culture items.
7. GameStop
Location: Various locations in San Jose, CA
GameStop is known for its video game offerings, but San Jose locations also carry an impressive range of anime merchandise. From action figures and plushies to Funko Pops and DVDs, GameStop is a convenient stop for fans looking for anime collectibles while also shopping for gaming gear.
Why Visit: Convenient locations with a variety of anime figures, Funko Pops, DVDs, and apparel, perfect for fans on the go.
8. Best Buy
Location: Various locations in San Jose, CA
Best Buy is a big-box retailer with a solid selection of anime Blu-rays, DVDs, and home entertainment products. While not a specialty store, Best Buy regularly stocks popular anime series, movies, and related merchandise. It’s a great place for fans who want to grab the latest anime releases or pick up an anime-related gadget.
Why Visit: Great for picking up the latest anime Blu-rays, DVDs, and tech-related anime products.
9. Toys”R” Us
Location: 1885 Landess Ave, San Jose, CA 95002
Toys”R” Us is a family-friendly store that carries a variety of anime toys, action figures, and plushies. While it’s more focused on younger audiences, it’s an excellent spot for fans of all ages to find anime-themed toys, figures, and other fun collectibles. They also stock anime-related apparel for kids and adults.
Why Visit: A great place for anime toys and action figures, with a focus on family-friendly items.
10. Hot Topic
Location: 2855 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128
Hot Topic is a well-known retailer for anime-inspired fashion, accessories, and collectibles. The San Jose location carries a variety of anime-themed clothing, jewelry, Funko Pop! figures, and other merchandise. If you’re looking to show off your anime fandom through fashion, Hot Topic is the perfect spot.
Why Visit: A go-to destination for anime-inspired clothing, accessories, and Funko Pop! figures.
Conclusion
San Jose is a city full of anime lovers, and in 2025, the anime scene is thriving. Whether you’re hunting for the latest manga, exclusive figures, or rare collectibles, there’s a store for you. From dedicated anime shops to pop culture retailers offering anime merchandise, these top 10 stores are the perfect spots to expand your collection or find something unique. Explore San Jose’s vibrant anime community and enjoy the rich variety of anime products the city has to offer!
