Japan's Most Beloved Anime: Doraemon, Crayon Shin-chan, Sazae-san and More, Plus Where to Find Them
Published: 2026-10-15
Every Japanese child and adult knows these shows. Here are six long-loved "national anime", and the places in and around Tokyo where you can step into their worlds.
The short answer
| Series | What it's about | Where to go |
|---|---|---|
| Doraemon | A robot cat from the future and his friend Nobita | Fujiko F. Fujio Museum (Kawasaki), Doraemon Future Department Store (Odaiba) |
| Crayon Shin-chan | The mischievous five-year-old Shinnosuke and his family | Kasukabe (Saitama), the official shop at Tokyo Station |
| Sazae-san | The easygoing everyday life of a lively three-generation family | Sazae-san Street in Sakura-shinmachi (Setagaya) |
| Chibi Maruko-chan | A third-grader's childhood memories from 1970s Japan | Chibi Maruko-chan Land (Shizuoka) |
| Anpanman | A hero who shares his own face to feed the hungry | Yokohama Anpanman Children's Museum |
| Kochikame | The wild adventures of an unconventional police officer, Ryo-san | The statue trail in Kameari (Katsushika) |
The easiest trips from central Tokyo are Sakura-shinmachi (Sazae-san) and Kameari (Kochikame). In both, character statues greet you right outside the station.
Doraemon
Fujiko F. Fujio's manga began in 1969, and the TV anime has aired since 1979. A robot cat pulls secret gadgets like the "Anywhere Door" from his belly pocket to help his friend Nobita. It's loved across Asia and around the world.
The museum busSome Kawasaki city buses running from Noborito Station to the museum are decorated with Doraemon and friends.
Fujiko F. Fujio Museum, KawasakiOriginal artwork and the world of Doraemon. Tickets are sold in advance for a set date and time only, not at the museum.The Odaiba Doraemon Future Department Store is closed for renovation from October 1 to early December 2026, reopening on December 1. Meanwhile, a pop-up store runs at Tokyo Dome City from October 9 to November 23, 2026.
Crayon Shin-chan
Based on Yoshito Usui's manga, the TV anime has aired since 1992. Five-year-old Shinnosuke drags his family and neighbors into one chaotic situation after another. It's hugely popular abroad too, especially in Spain.
Shin-chan trainTobu Railway, which runs through Kasukabe, has operated trains wrapped in Shin-chan designs.Sazae-san
Based on Machiko Hasegawa's manga, the TV anime has run since 1969 and holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-running animated TV series. It airs on Sunday evenings, and so many people feel "the weekend is over when Sazae-san ends" that it's part of everyday Japanese life.
Hasegawa Machiko Art Museum (Sakura-shinmachi)A museum linked to the creator, with a memorial hall nearby.Chibi Maruko-chan
Based on Momoko Sakura's manga, the TV anime has aired since 1990. Inspired by the creator's own childhood, it humorously follows Maruko, a third-grader in Shimizu (now part of Shizuoka City). Its theme song "Odoru Ponpokorin" is one everybody in Japan knows.
Chibi Maruko-chan Land (Shimizu, Shizuoka)A museum where you can step into Maruko's world, inside the S-Pulse Dream Plaza complex at Shimizu Port. A Shinkansen trip from Tokyo.Anpanman
Born from Takashi Yanase's picture books, the TV anime has aired since 1988. Anpanman is a hero who gives a piece of his own head (a bean-paste bun) to anyone who's hungry. He's famous as the first character Japanese toddlers fall in love with.
Anpanman trains (JR Shikoku)In Shikoku, home of creator Takashi Yanase's native Kochi Prefecture, trains decorated with Anpanman and friends are in service.
Yokohama Anpanman Children's MuseumA play-and-explore spot for kids in Minato Mirai, Yokohama. Buy date-and-time web tickets in advance.Kochikame
Osamu Akimoto's manga ran in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1976 to 2016, filling 200 volumes. Its full title means "This Is the Police Box in Front of Kameari Park in Katsushika Ward", and it follows Kankichi Ryotsu, or "Ryo-san", a rule-breaking officer at a neighborhood police box.
ShibamataAnother old-Tokyo neighborhood in Katsushika. The approach to Taishakuten temple keeps a nostalgic atmosphere.Tips for fans
- Sazae-san and Chibi Maruko-chan are Sunday-evening TV staples. Switch on the TV during your trip for a glimpse of everyday Japan.
- For goods, Tokyo Character Street in Tokyo Station has shops for many series.
For more anime, see our Tokyo anime and manga guide.
Official websites
- Fujiko F. Fujio Museum, Kawasaki
- Doraemon Future Department Store
- Crayon Shin-chan official shops
- Hasegawa Machiko Art Museum
- Chibi Maruko-chan Land
- Yokohama Anpanman Children's Museum
- Kochikame statues (Katsushika City)
Hours, prices and rules can change. Check the official websites for the latest before you go.
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