If you are an anime, manga, toy, or Japanese pop culture fan, there is a small but very fun spot you can visit near Asakusa: the Bandai headquarters in Tokyo.
Located in Komagata, between Asakusa and Kuramae, this building is not a huge theme park or a big anime shop. It is first of all a company headquarters. But what makes it interesting for visitors is the collection of famous Japanese character statues and displays around the building and inside the public exhibition area.
You can see characters connected to some of Japan’s most iconic franchises, including Dragon Ball, Doraemon, Anpanman, Ultraman, Kamen Rider, Super Sentai, Gundam, Tamagotchi, and more. One of the highlights is definitely the life-size statue of Son Goku from Dragon Ball, which is a great photo spot if you grew up watching the anime.
Below, you can watch our virtual tour of the Bandai Namco headquarters in Tokyo and see what the place looks like before visiting.
The building usually referred to by visitors as the Bandai Namco headquarters is actually the Bandai headquarters building in Komagata, Tokyo.
Bandai is one of Japan’s most famous toy and entertainment companies. It is part of the wider Bandai Namco group, which is connected to toys, games, figures, anime merchandise, Gashapon capsule toys, model kits, card games, and many other products based on popular Japanese IPs.
For travelers, the interest of this place is not really the office itself, but the character displays around the building and the small exhibition area that gives you a nostalgic look at Japanese toys, anime culture, and some of Bandai’s most famous characters.
It is a great little stop if you are already visiting Asakusa, Kuramae, or the Sumida River area.
The most famous part of the Bandai headquarters is probably the character statues located outside the building. This area is often called a fun photo spot because you can see several well-known Japanese characters in one place.
Depending on the period and display, you may see characters and references connected to:
The life-size statue of Son Goku from Dragon Ball is one of the main reasons anime fans stop by. It is a very cool detail for anyone who watched Dragon Ball as a child or who wants to take a quick photo with one of Japan’s most legendary anime characters.
Inside the public display area, visitors can also find exhibits related to Bandai’s history, toys, products, and characters. It is not a massive museum, but it is interesting if you enjoy seeing how Japanese entertainment brands connect toys, anime, games, and collectibles.
This is important to know before visiting: the Bandai headquarters is not mainly a shop.
You should not expect a big official store where you can buy lots of anime figures, model kits, Gashapon, or Bandai Namco merchandise. The building is primarily a company headquarters with character displays and a public exhibition area.
So, if your main goal is to buy products, you will probably have better options elsewhere in Tokyo. For Bandai and Bandai Namco products, Akihabara is usually a much better area, with many anime shops, figure shops, game shops, and Gashapon spots.
You can also check places like:
But if your goal is to see character statues, take pictures, and enjoy a short nostalgic anime stop near Asakusa, then the Bandai headquarters is worth adding to your itinerary.
Yes, but only if you understand what kind of place it is.
This is not a full anime museum, not a theme park, and not a major attraction where you will spend several hours. It is more of a quick and fun stop for fans of Japanese pop culture.
I would recommend visiting if:
You probably do not need to come all the way across Tokyo only for this place, unless you are a big fan. But combined with Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple, Kuramae cafés, or a Sumida River walk, it becomes a very nice little addition to your day.
Most people will not need a lot of time here.
If you only want to see the statues outside and take a few photos, 10 to 20 minutes can be enough.
If the indoor display area is open and you want to take your time, you can probably spend around 30 to 45 minutes.
This makes it a very easy stop to include before or after visiting Asakusa.
The public entry hours are generally listed as weekdays from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry around 4:30 PM.
However, because this is a company headquarters and not a normal tourist attraction, access may change depending on company circumstances. It may also be closed on weekends, public holidays, and company holidays.
Before going, it is better to check the latest information online or avoid planning your whole day around this place only. If the inside is closed, you can still usually enjoy the character statues outside the building.
The public display area is generally free to visit.
There is no major entrance fee like a museum or theme park. This is another reason why it can be a nice quick stop if you are already nearby.
How to Get to Bandai Headquarters
The Bandai headquarters is located in Komagata, Taito-ku, Tokyo, close to Asakusa and Kuramae.
Address: 1-4-8 Komagata, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Nearest stations:
The easiest option for most visitors is to combine it with Asakusa. After visiting Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street, you can walk toward Komagata and stop by the Bandai headquarters before continuing to Kuramae or the Sumida River.
The Bandai headquarters is in a convenient area, so you can easily combine it with other places nearby.
The Bandai headquarters in Tokyo is a small but fun stop for anyone interested in anime, toys, games, and Japanese pop culture.
It is not one of Tokyo’s biggest attractions, but that is also part of its charm. You can see famous characters like Son Goku from Dragon Ball, Doraemon, Anpanman, Ultraman, Gundam-related displays, and many other nostalgic names connected to Japanese entertainment.
If you are visiting Asakusa and want to add something a little different to your itinerary, this is a cool place to check out. It is especially nice for anime fans, families, and anyone who grew up with Japanese characters.
For more unusual places, anime spots, shops, and local discoveries in Tokyo, keep exploring Sugoii Japan.