Anime is no longer just something people watch at home — it’s now shaping how families, gamers and tech‑savvy travellers explore Asia. New data shows a sharp rise in fans travelling to real‑world locations, festivals and themed attractions inspired by their favourite series.
A Major Spike in Anime‑Inspired Travel
Trip.com reports a 195% year‑on‑year increase in searches for anime and comic‑related travel experiences across Asia. Interest is strongest among travellers from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, the Philippines and South Korea.
Demand for event tickets is also soaring. As the exclusive overseas ticketing partner for AnimeJapan 2026, Trip.com saw international ticket sales jump 697% compared to last year, with buyers spanning 82 countries and regions. Most travellers were aged 25–34, reflecting the genre’s strong appeal among Millennials and Gen Z.
Streaming Popularity Fuels Real‑World Adventures
Anime’s dominance on global streaming platforms has helped turn casual viewers into dedicated fans. Series like One Piece, Demon Slayer and Naruto continue to attract huge audiences, especially across Southeast Asia where young, digital‑first communities are driving demand.
This growing fanbase is increasingly turning online inspiration into real‑world travel, visiting destinations featured in anime or linked to popular franchises.
Conventions and Festivals Boost Local Tourism
Anime events across Asia are seeing major increases in hotel bookings and international attendance:
- Hong Kong Comic Con 2026 is drawing strong interest from Mainland China and Southeast Asia, with over 80% of ticket buyers aged under 35 and a majority being women.
- Summer Comiket 2026 in Odaiba is driving a 78% rise in hotel bookings during the event period.
- Pokémon GO Fest 2026, also in Odaiba, is trending heavily on Trip.com’s Trip.Pulse platform with more than 630,000 views.
These events are becoming key travel drivers for families and fans planning holidays around shared interests.
From Screen to Travel Itinerary
Anime tourism now extends far beyond convention halls. Fans are visiting real‑life locations featured in their favourite shows:
- The iconic Kamakura-Koko-mae railway crossing from Slam Dunk continues to attract international visitors.
- Akihabara and Ikebukuro, major hubs for otaku culture, have seen a 10% year‑on‑year increase in hotel bookings, especially from travellers in South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Reports show that 70% of travellers across Asia are inspired to visit destinations based on what they watch, and Japan has seen a rise in visitors seeking anime‑related locations.
Immersive Stays and Themed Attractions
Families and fans are increasingly choosing themed experiences:
- Frieren‑themed glamping rooms at The Farm in Japan allow visitors to step into scenes from the popular series.
- Universal Studios Japan has introduced new anime‑based attractions, including a storywalk set in Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and multiple Detective Conan
- com now offers curated anime‑themed tours, including Slam Dunk pilgrimages and Kamakura day trips.
A Growing Travel Trend for All Ages
What began as a niche interest has become a major cultural and travel movement. For families, gamers and tech‑minded travellers, anime tourism offers a blend of entertainment, community and immersive storytelling — turning favourite shows into real‑world adventures across Asia.