Mandarake Shibuya

Mandarake Shibuya, located in the basement of Shibuya BEAM in the heart of Tokyo's entertainment district, is one of the flagship locations of Japan's most famous used anime and manga retail chain. For families with older kids or teens who are passionate about Japanese pop culture, a visit to Mandarake is practically mandatory.

The store is a treasure trove of secondhand manga, doujinshi, action figures, cosplay accessories, vintage toys, video games, and collectibles spanning decades of Japanese entertainment history. The sheer volume of inventory is staggering — shelves run floor to ceiling, and browsing here feels like excavating through layers of cultural history. Prices on used manga volumes are extremely reasonable, and bargain bins regularly surface rare finds at low prices.

Parents should note that some sections of Mandarake stores contain adult-oriented content and are clearly marked. These areas are easy to avoid, and the majority of the store is perfectly appropriate for teens and older children. This is not a destination for toddlers or young children — the cramped aisles and fragile merchandise make strollers impractical — but for the right older kid, Mandarake Shibuya will be remembered as one of the best stops of the entire Tokyo trip.