Nikaku Animart, San Jose

Just a few steps up from North 6th Street-yes, right past JTown Pizza and your Godzilla-sized appetite-lies one of San Jose’s best-kept secrets: Nikaku Animart. This cozy, upstairs shop has been serving Japanese culture lovers and anime fans alike for decades, making it one of the oldest stores of its kind in the U.S.

Inside, it’s a delightful mix of old-school charm and pop-culture buzz. You’ll find a wide array of traditional Japanese arts and crafts: tea and sake sets, tatami mats, ceramic bonsai pots, Ikebana supplies, and enough dishware and wall hangings to redo your home with Tokyo flair. Looking for origami paper, antique books, or classic Japanese movies? They’ve got that, too.

But what draws the crowd is Nikaku’s legendary anime and manga section. We’re talking new and vintage manga, action figures, posters, and collectibles that’ll make any fan’s heart race faster than a Studio Ghibli plot twist. This year’s hot holiday item? Demon Slayer figures for $19.95-perfect for gift-giving or, let’s be real, keeping for yourself. Bonus: there’s even K-Pop merch and Totoro stocking stuffers, so you’ll want to keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates.

Whether you’re hunting down the latest in anime or looking to add some authentic Japanese flair to your home, Nikaku Animart is your go-to shop. Just don’t miss those stairs-because what’s upstairs is pure treasure.