San Jose Pop Culture Guide
Anime, Gaming & Film: From FanimeCon to Silicon Valley Creativity
About Creative Pop Culture
San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, doubles as a vibrant Northern California hub for anime, gaming, and pop-culture fandom. It hosts major conventions like FanimeCon (one of the oldest and largest anime cons), tech-infused interactive museums, a charming historic Japantown packed with collectibles, and a creative community blending innovation with otaku culture. Whether you're hunting rare figures, diving into cosplay, exploring interactive exhibits, or enjoying indie gaming vibes, San Jose offers welcoming, accessible experiences year-round.
Top 5 Must-See Landmarks & Museums
The Tech Interactive
Japanese American Museum of San Jose (Japantown)
Japantown San Jose
San Jose Museum of Art & Downtown Arts District
Plaza de César Chávez & Convention Center Area
Annual Events & Conventions
FanimeCon
May 22-25, 2026 | San Jose McEnery Convention Center
FandomCon Silicon Valley
April 10-12, 2026 | San Jose McEnery Convention Center
GalaxyCon San Jose
Anime Impulse Bay Area
Top Anime & Gaming Shops (Japantown / Mitsuwa Focus)
Pro Tip
Japantown + Mitsuwa Marketplace (nearby) form a compact anime hub—easy to explore in one afternoon. For bigger selections, day-trip to San Francisco Japantown.
Zonkey Toys
Why visit: Indie collectibles shop specializing in anime figures, statues, kaiju models, retro toys, and pop-culture rarities. A fan favorite for unique finds.
Japantown
Official Site →Nikaku Animart
Why visit: Traditional Japanese crafts mixed with anime/manga imports, small goods, and otaku essentials—great for authentic, curated picks.
Japantown
Official Site →Gashapon™ Bandai Official Shop
Kinokuniya
Why visit: Massive selection of Japanese/English manga, art books, novels, stationery, and merch. A must for readers and collectors.
Mitsuwa Marketplace
Official Site →Game Kastle & Nearby Spots
Why visit: Board games, TCGs (Pokémon, Magic), console games, and fan merch. Check local comic shops for additional gaming/pop-culture overlap.
Various Locations
Official Site →Suggested Fan Itineraries
One-Day Silicon Valley Fandom Tour
- AMJapantown & Mitsuwa—Zonkey Toys, Nikaku, Gashapon machines, Kinokuniya shopping.
- LunchAuthentic Japanese ramen/sushi at Japantown or Mitsuwa food court.
- PMThe Tech Interactive for interactive exhibits + Plaza de César Chávez stroll.
Weekend Convention Trip
- Attend FanimeCon, FandomCon, or GalaxyCon: cosplay, panels, artist alleys, gaming zones.
- Evening: Japantown dinner + collectible runs or downtown nightlife.
Visitor Tips
- Conventions sell out fast—pre-register early (FanimeCon pre-reg opens August for next year).
- Downtown/Japantown: Walkable or use VTA light rail/rideshare—parking limited during cons.
- Japantown is multicultural and welcoming—many shops/staff speak Japanese.
- Check seasonal festivals (e.g., Obon, Nikkei Matsuri) for extra cultural events in Japantown.
Explore More of the Bay Area
Discover IP hotspots in other cities.