Best Japanese Anime Stores in Los Angeles

If you’re an anime fan living in—or visiting—Los Angeles, you’re in luck. This city isn’t just about Hollywood and beaches. It’s also one of the best places in the U.S. to dive into Japanese anime culture. From massive figure collections to kawaii stationery and rare manga, LA has something for everyone. Whether you’re a long-time collector or someone who just watched My Hero Academia last weekend, there’s a shop here with your name on it.

Let’s take a relaxed walk through some of the top Japanese anime stores in LA. I’ll also share a few tips to help you make the most of your anime shopping adventure.

Why Anime Fans Love Los Angeles

Los Angeles has a huge Japanese-American community and a strong connection to Japan’s pop culture. It’s home to Anime Expo, the biggest anime convention in North America, and neighborhoods like Little Tokyo, where anime and manga culture is alive and well.

From casual fans picking up a plushie to serious collectors hunting rare figurines, LA has stores that fit every interest and budget.

1. Anime Jungle (Entertainment Hobby Shop Jungle)

Let’s start with a legend: Anime Jungle, right in the heart of Little Tokyo.

This place is packed. It’s not just a small storefront—it’s a treasure chest of over 10,000 anime items. Think detailed figurines, Blu-rays, cosplay gear, and even vintage merch from older series. You can easily spend an hour (or two) here browsing the shelves. The staff is friendly, and they’re usually playing anime soundtracks in the background, which adds to the vibe.

• Location: 319 E 2nd St UNIT 103, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA
• Hours: 12:00 PM–7:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays)
• Tip: Parking in Little Tokyo is tricky. Try public transit or a ride-share app. Also, check their website—sometimes they host cool events like pop-ups for anniversaries (Godzilla, anyone?).

2. Anime Station

A short walk from Anime Jungle, you’ll find Anime Station. It’s smaller, but it has a cozy, colorful feel and a great selection of plushies, keychains, and action figures. Fans of Demon Slayer, One Piece, or Naruto will be right at home here.

It’s perfect for a quick stop while you’re exploring Little Tokyo. And if you fall in love with the shop, good news—they have other locations across California.

• Location: 330 E 2nd St A, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA
• Hours: Mon–Thurs: 11:00 AM–7:00 PM Fri–Sat: 11:00 AM–8:00 PM Sun: 11:00 AM–7:00 PM

3. Anime Geex

Now, if you’re up for a little trip outside central LA, Anime Geex in Gardena is a gem. It’s a bit more under-the-radar but has earned a great reputation (seriously, a 4.8/5 rating from over 100 reviews).

The store is clean, well-organized, and has a more “local” feel than some of the bigger shops. The staff actually watches the anime they sell, and it shows in their recommendations. It’s open late, too, which is rare for these types of stores.

• Location: 15474 S Western Ave, Gardena, CA 90249, USA
• Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM–10:00 PM
• Why Go: High-quality collectibles, relaxed atmosphere, friendly service

4. Animate Los Angeles

If you’re looking for real-deal Japanese imports, animate Los Angeles is the place. This store is part of animate, Japan’s biggest anime retailer, and it’s located inside the Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance.

Expect everything from Japanese-language manga to officially licensed merch you usually have to order from overseas. They also host exclusive events, so check their Instagram or website before you go.

• Location: Del Amo Fashion Center, Torrance
• Hours: Mon–Fri: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM Sat: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM Sun: 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
• Bonus: Great place to find limited-edition Blu-rays or imports not sold elsewhere in the U.S.

5. Kinokuniya Los Angeles

You might already know Kinokuniya from other cities, but the Little Tokyo location is something special. It’s not just a bookstore—it’s a paradise for manga fans.

Here, you’ll find Japanese and English manga, beautiful art books, stationery, and sometimes even small figurines or Ghibli merch. The shop has a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. It’s a great spot to take a break from walking and flip through a few books.

• Location: Little Tokyo
• Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM–8:00 PM
• Pro Tip: Their Japanese stationery section is amazing—perfect if you love cute notebooks and pens.

6. JapanLA

Now for something a little different. JapanLA, located on La Brea Avenue, leans more toward the kawaii side of Japanese pop culture. If you love Hello Kitty, Rilakkuma, or San-X, this is your dream store.

The design of the shop is super Instagram-worthy—bright, fun, and filled with pastel colors. It’s less about action anime and more about the soft, cute side of Japanese culture.

• Location: La Brea Avenue
• Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
• Great For: Gifts, kawaii fashion, kids, or anyone who loves adorable things

Looking for Rare Finds?

If your goal is to track down rare figurines, limited edition manga, or exclusive Japanese imports, your best bets are:

• Anime Jungle – Deep selection and hidden treasures
• animate Los Angeles – Authentic imports straight from Japan
• JapanLA – Unique kawaii items you won’t find in chain stores

Anime Culture Beyond the Stores

Shopping is just one part of the anime experience in LA. If you’re around in early July, don’t miss Anime Expo—it’s a massive event full of cosplayers, panels, new releases, and more.

Even throughout the year, stores like Anime Jungle and animate often host pop-ups, signings, or themed events. Keep an eye on their social media pages to stay in the loop.

Los Angeles is more than just a good place to find anime merch—it’s a full-on experience. Whether you’re wandering through Little Tokyo or road-tripping to Torrance, you’ll find shops that reflect every corner of anime culture.

So grab your favorite tote bag, bring some spending money, and start exploring. You never know—you might find that one rare figure you’ve been searching for, or fall in love with a new series you didn’t expect.

Happy hunting, and enjoy your anime adventure in LA!