Main character energy: Anime-inspired escapes across Asia

Ever watched an anime and wished you could walk right into the scene? Across Asia, there are towns, streets and cultural hotspots that bring that feeling a little closer to reality. From a Japanese town celebrating a famous manga detective to Taiwan's lantern-lit lanes, these destinations offer fans a different way to explore the worlds they love.

In Hokuei, Detective Conan isn't just a character on a screen; he's part of everyday life. The small coastal town is home to the manga's creator, Gosho Aoyama, and celebrates the connection with statues, themed manhole covers and a dedicated museum. Take a walk along Conan Street from Yura Station and see how an entire town has embraced its place in anime history.

With narrow stairways, glowing red lanterns and teahouses perched above the sea, Jiufen has an atmosphere that feels almost unreal. The hillside town is often associated with Spirited Away, thanks to its striking scenery and old-world charm. Visit towards sunset, when the lanterns begin to glow, and the winding streets take on an entirely different character.

For anyone who has ever wanted to wander through a Studio Ghibli film, Ghibli Park offers a chance to get remarkably close. Located in Nagakute, outside Nagoya, the park features settings inspired by films such as My Neighbour Totoro and Howl's Moving Castle. Explore familiar houses, whimsical buildings, and carefully recreated details that make the experience feel less like visiting a theme park and more like entering a favourite film.

Busan offers a different kind of anime-inspired adventure, one rooted in South Korea's thriving comics culture. At Webtoon Ibagu-gil, illustrations and murals bring local webtoon characters into the streets, turning everyday corners into colourful backdrops for a wander. Add the city's seaside views, bustling markets and food scene, and you have a destination that goes well beyond the usual pop-culture trail.

In Manila, anime is as much about community as it is about the shows themselves. Major gatherings such as Cosplay Mania bring fans together for elaborate costumes, performances, music and appearances by artists from the anime world. For visitors, it is an opportunity to experience the enthusiasm of the local fandom firsthand and see favourite characters recreated with remarkable attention to detail.

For anime fans who love collecting figures, browsing merchandise and discovering gaming haunts, Hong Kong offers plenty to explore. The city's specialist shops and arcades make it easy to spend an afternoon hunting for a favourite character or an unexpected find. Visit during a major comic convention for the added buzz of cosplay, fan events and exclusive collectables.