New York City Pop Culture Guide
Anime, Gaming & Film: From Midtown Marvels to Brooklyn Fandom.
About Creative Pop Culture
New York City remains a premier global hub for pop culture IP, where blockbuster film locations meet massive anime conventions, indie comic scenes, gaming crossovers, and dedicated collectible shops.
Neighborhoods like Midtown Manhattan, Brooklyn (Industry City & Williamsburg), East Village, and the Javits Center area deliver immersive experiences—hunt rare figures, cosplay at mega-events, revisit iconic shooting spots, and connect with fellow fans.
Top 5 Must-See Landmarks & Spots
Midtown Manhattan Filming Locations
Manhattan
Why visit: Walk the real streets from Spider-Man web-slinging scenes, Marvel Cinematic Universe shots, Ghostbusters firehouse exteriors, and classics like Friends fountain or Home Alone 2 Plaza Hotel. Use free apps/maps for self-guided tours or join guided ones.
Kinokuniya New York
Bryant Park, Midtown
Why visit: Flagship Japanese bookstore chain with huge manga sections (English/Japanese), art books, stationery, figures, and a cozy café. Prime spot for new releases and collector hauls.
Shops at Japan Village
Industry City, Brooklyn
Why visit: Modern Japanese cultural complex with Book-Off (used manga/figures), Bandai Namco Cross-Store (exclusive merch from Naruto, Dragon Ball, One Piece, Tamagotchi), Daiso, capsule toys, arcade, and themed events.
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
Hudson Yards, Manhattan
Why visit: Epicenter for New York Comic Con and Anime NYC—massive halls for cosplay, panels, artist alley, premieres, and exclusive merch.
Forbidden Planet
Union Square area, Manhattan
Why visit: Iconic sci-fi/comic store with strong anime/manga section, rare collectibles, toys, graphic novels, and Marvel/DC/Star Wars gear.
Annual Events & Conventions
New York Comic Con (NYCC)
Anime NYC
August 20–23, 2026 | Javits Center
Experience: East Coast’s largest anime convention: cosplay contests, artist alley, VTuber panels, gaming rooms, industry guests, and themed events.
Big Apple Comic Con
Top Anime & Gaming Shops
Kinokuniya New York
Why visit: Extensive manga, figures, art supplies. Great for browsing and events.
1073 6th Ave, New York, NY 10018
Official Site →Shops at Japan Village
Why visit: One-stop hub: Book-Off for deals, Bandai Namco for exclusives, arcade fun. Subway-accessible (D/N/R to 36th St).
934 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Official Site →Forbidden Planet
Why visit: Comics + anime crossover heaven with toys, graphic novels, and rare items.
832 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
Official Site →Toy Tokyo
Why visit: Niche collectibles, figures, streetwear, and Japanese pop culture items.
91 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
Official Site →Suggested Fan Itineraries
One-Day Anime + Film Blitz
Manhattan-Heavy
- AMMidtown — Kinokuniya + Forbidden Planet shopping.
- LunchNearby ramen or themed café.
- PMSelf-guided film-location walk (Times Square, Flatiron) + East Village.
Weekend Convention Combo
- Days 1–2: Attend Anime NYC or NYCC at Javits Center.
- Day 3: Subway to Brooklyn — Japan Village (full day for shops, food, arcade).
- Pro tip: Grab exclusives at the con, then hunt deals at Japan Village.
Visitor Tips
- Badges: Sell out fast—register early for NYCC/Anime NYC.
- Transit: Subway is king; Javits is on the 7 train (Hudson Yards).
- Seasons: Summer for Anime NYC, Fall for NYCC.