Best Anime Stores , San Diego

9+ Best Anime Stores in San Diego, CA (2023)

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Hey there, fellow anime enthusiasts! Are you on the hunt for some awesome anime merchandise in San Diego? Well, you’re in luck because today, I’m going to be sharing with you some of the best anime stores in this vibrant city. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just starting to dip your toes into the world of anime, these stores have got you covered. So, grab your wallet and get ready to embark on an anime shopping adventure like no other!

Best Anime Stores In San Diego, CA (2023)

San Diego, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture, is also home to a thriving anime community. Anime enthusiasts in this city are spoiled for choice when it comes to finding anime stores and outlets to satisfy their passion for Japanese animation.

One of the most popular anime stores in San Diego is Tokyo Central & Main. Located in the heart of the city, this store offers a wide range of anime merchandise, including DVDs, manga, action figures, and collectibles. Tokyo Central & Main is a haven for anime fans, providing them with a one-stop-shop for all their anime-related needs.

Another notable anime store in San Diego is Comickaze Comics & Pop Culture Store. This store not only offers a vast selection of anime merchandise but also hosts regular events and screenings for the local anime community. Comickaze Comics & Pop Culture is not just a store; it is a gathering place for like-minded individuals to come together and share their love for anime.

For those looking for a more unique anime shopping experience, Gunnzo is a must-visit. This store specializes in kawaii (cute) culture and offers a wide range of anime-inspired clothing, accessories, and home decor. Gunnzo is a favorite among San Diego’s anime community for its trendy and fashionable anime-themed products.

In addition to these dedicated anime stores, San Diego also hosts various anime conventions throughout the year. One of the most prominent conventions is San Diego Anime Convention which brings together anime fans from all over the city.

Click Here to get direction to San Diego Anime Convention (2023)

For Ticket Bookings:

This convention features cosplay contests, panel discussions, screenings, and opportunities to meet industry professionals. SDAC is a celebration of anime culture and serves as a hub for the local anime community to connect and engage with one another. Click here (Google) to find more anime conventions in San Diego.

The anime community in San Diego is not just limited to stores and conventions. There are also numerous anime clubs and meetups where fans can gather to discuss their favorite shows, share recommendations, and even organize group screenings. These gatherings provide a sense of camaraderie and allow anime enthusiasts to form lasting friendships with others who share their passion.

Overall, the anime community in San Diego is vibrant, diverse, and passionate. With a plethora of anime stores, conventions, and meetups, anime fans in this city have ample opportunities to indulge in their love for Japanese animation and connect with fellow enthusiasts.

Whether you’re a casual viewer or a die-hard fan, San Diego offers a welcoming and exciting anime community that is sure to satisfy your anime cravings.

10 Trending Anime Stores in San Diego, CA (2023)

Here are some of the best anime stores in San Diego, CA.

  • Tokyo Central & Main: This store has two locations in San Diego and offers a wide range of Japanese products, including anime merchandise.
  • Comickaze Comics & Pop Culture Store: This store has a large selection of comics, graphic novels, and anime merchandise.
  • Gunnzo: This store in Old Town San Diego offers a variety of anime merchandise, including hobby items, Gunpla, figures, and tokidoki.
  • Marukai Value: This store offers a variety of Japanese products, including anime merchandise.
  • Book-Off: This store near the Mitsuwa grocery store offers a selection of anime merchandise, but some items may be overpriced.
  • Southern California Comics: Launched in 1998 SCC offers a variety of anime merchandise.
  • Mitsuwa Marketplace: This store offers a variety of Japanese products, including anime merchandise.
  • Southern California Comics: This store offers a variety of comics and anime merchandise.
  • Galactic Comics: This store offers a variety of comics and anime merchandise.
  • Yesteryear Comics: Launched on 2012 YYC is one of the newest and popular destination for anime enthusiasts.

These are just a few of the anime stores in San Diego, CA. It’s always a good idea to check the store hours and reviews before visiting.

#1. Tokyo Central & Main – San Diego

Tokyo Central & Main is a Japanese grocery and lifestyle store that offers a wide range of Japanese products, including anime merchandise. Here are some details about Tokyo Central & Main based on the search results:

-Established in 1965, Marukai Corporation (d.b.a Tokyo Central) opened up its business as one of the first international Japan-based retailers in the US.

-Tokyo Central & Marukai Market is the ultimate one-stop destination for your Japanese grocery and lifestyle needs. They provide the best quality and value from Japan under the philosophy “The Customer Matters Most.” With a variety of brands for any occasion, they strive to represent healthier and happier lifestyles.

Tokyo Central and Main
Photo from Google Contributed by Escobedo

-Tokyo Central & Main Pacific is proud to carry the widest selection of Japanese products in the nation. They strive to be their customer’s number one.

-Tokyo Central has several locations in California, including San Diego and Yorba Linda.

-Tokyo Central & Main is a reputable store that offers a wide range of Japanese products, including anime merchandise. Customers can expect to find high-quality products and a variety of brands to choose from.

#2. Comickaze Comics and Pop Culture Store- San Diego

Comickaze Comics & Pop Culture Store is a popular retailer for comics, graphic novels, manga, figurines, statues, and collectibles. Here are some details about the store based on the search results:

Comickaze
Comickaze Website Screenshot

– The store has been around for a long time and has two locations in San Diego.
– The store is known for its wide selection of comics, graphic novels, and manga, as well as its collection of figurines, statues, and other collectibles.
– The staff is friendly and knowledgeable.
– The store is relatively small but is packed with merchandise.
– The store owner, Robert Scott, was passionate about pop culture and passed away in 2019.
– The store has a website and social media accounts where customers can stay updated on news and promotions.

Overall, Comickaze Comics & Pop Culture Store is a great place for comic book and pop culture enthusiasts to find a wide selection of merchandise and knowledgeable staff.

#3. GUNNZO Japanese Toys and Gifts


Gunnzo is a model kit and Japanese toy store located in Old Town San Diego, California. The store is known for its selection of Gundam plastic model kits, also known as “Gunpla.” Here are some details about Gunnzo based on the search results:

Gunzo Anime Store San DIego

  • Gunpla selection: Gunnzo is proud of its selection of Gunpla and is known for being a go-to store for Gunpla enthusiasts. The store offers a variety of Gunpla kits, including the latest releases from the Mobile Suit Gundam series.
  • Other merchandise: In addition to Gunpla, Gunnzo also offers other Japanese toys and merchandise, such as figures and hobby items.
  • Virtual Gunpla Club: Gunnzo has a Virtual Gunpla Club, which is a group created for Gunpla enthusiasts to share their love of Gunpla virtually. Members can meet fans from across the globe, talk about builds, and watch Gundam movies together.
  • Location: Gunnzo is located in Old Town San Diego, which is a historic neighborhood known for its Mexican heritage and tourist attractions.
  • Product features: The Gunpla kits sold at Gunnzo are made of plastic, fully articulated once completed, and come in 1/144 scale. The L-Gaim HG Heavy Metal kit is also highly articulated and detailed once completed.

Overall, Gunnzo is a great store for Gunpla enthusiasts and fans of Japanese toys and merchandise. The store offers a wide selection of Gunpla kits and other merchandise, and its Virtual Gunpla Club is a great way for fans to connect with each other virtually.

#4. Markui Value Anime Store San Diego


Marukai Value is a Japanese discount store located in San Diego, California. Here are some details about Marukai Value based on the search results:

  • Location: Marukai Value is located at 8151 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92111 in the Kearny Mesa area.
  • Products: Marukai Value offers a variety of Japanese products, including food, snacks, drinks, household items, and anime merchandise. The store has two buildings: Building 1 offers perishables, frozen, dairy, and other food items, while Building 2 offers snacks, dry food, alcohol, and other non-perishable items.
  • Services: Marukai Value accepts credit cards and offers parking for customers. The store also offers online ordering with same-day delivery.
  • Reviews: Marukai Value has received positive reviews on Yelp, with customers praising the store’s selection of Japanese products and affordable prices.

Overall, Marukai Value is a great option for those looking for Japanese products and anime merchandise in San Diego.

#5. BOOK-OFF Japanese Store


Book-Off is a chain of used bookstores that was founded in Japan in 1991. The company has since expanded to over 866 stores worldwide, including several locations in the United States. Book off is famous for all kinds of Japanese products including Anime. It is one of the most popular anime stores in San Diego, CA. Here are some details about Book-Off.

  • History: Book-Off was founded in Japan in 1991. The company has since expanded to include several other chains, including Hard Off and Tsutaya. Book-Off has been successful in part due to its innovative business strategies, which have allowed it to grow during times of economic stagnation.
  • Selection: Book-Off offers a wide selection of used books, CDs, DVDs, and other media at reduced prices. The books and other items are often in like-new condition, making them a great value for customers.
  • Pricing: Book-Off uses a simple pricing system where they purchase books at 10% of their original cover price. This allows them to offer their items at reduced prices while still making a profit.
  • Locations: Book-Off has several locations in the United States, including two in New York, seven in California, and two in Hawaii. Customers can bring their items to any Book-Off store to sell them, and no appointment is necessary.

Overall, Book-Off is a great option for customers looking for used books, CDs, DVDs, and other media at reduced prices. With a wide selection of items and several locations in the United States, Book-Off is a convenient and affordable option for book lovers.

#6. Southern California Comics

Southern California Comics is considered one of the best anime merchandise stores in San Diego. It was launched in 1998 by Jamie Newbold, a former police officer and comic aficionado. After selling wares at comic cons since 1972, Newbold turned his expertise into a full-time business venture.

The store offers a wide range of products and merchandise. They specialize in comic books from the 1930s to the present, but Gold and Silver Age comics are their favorites. With a warehouse chock-full of collections and single issues procured from sellers all around the world, this retailer offers both recent favorites, rare editions, and collectible issues.

In addition to comics, they also sell all things comic-related. This includes a variety of merchandise such as action figures, trading cards, toys, and more. They also offer collectible appraisals by appointment.

As for the average price of merchandise, it can vary greatly depending on the item. Rare editions and collectible issues may be priced higher due to their value. However, specific pricing information is not readily available online. For the most accurate pricing information, it’s best to contact the store directly or visit their website.

#7. Yesteryear Comics

  • 9353 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92123, United States
  • website: NA
  • Ph: +18582796121

Yesteryear Comics is often considered one of the best anime merchandise stores in San Diego1. It was launched on April 4, 2012, making it a relatively established presence in the comic book scene.
The store offers a wide range of products and merchandise.

They specialize in comic books and related items. Their product range includes items from special exhibits, themed cafes, museums, and Japan-only releases. They also have an online presence on platforms like eBay and Amazon, where they sell a variety of comics and related merchandise.

Yesteryear Comics Anime Store San DIego
Photo By Cesar B from Google

Some of the items listed online include “Action Comics #1000 Yesteryear Comics Jason Fabok Virgin variant CGC 9.8” priced at $250.00, “Action Comics #1000 Yesteryear Comics Jason Fabok variant” priced at $29.99, and “DC Pride 2023 1/50 Jen Bartel Retailer Incentive Variant” priced at $89.99.

As for the average price of merchandise, it can vary greatly depending on the item. Rare editions and collectible issues may be priced higher due to their value.

However, specific pricing information is not readily available online. For the most accurate pricing information, it’s best to contact the store directly or visit their website.

#8. Main Street Collectibles

Main Street Collectibles is a popular destination for anime enthusiasts and is often considered the best anime merchandise store in San Diego. The exact launch date of Main Street Collectibles seems to be 15th June 2021 or around that time as per their earliest facebook post announcing their launch.

main-street-collectibles-launch-date
A facebook post of Main Street Collectibles announcing their launch of brand new store in San Diego

 

The store offers a wide range of products and merchandise. They specialize in pop culture items. Their product range includes Funko Pop!, Disney, Loungefly, Star Wars Black Series, Marvel Legends, Mattel, NECA, and more. They also have an online presence on platforms like eBay and Facebook, where they sell a variety of comics and related merchandise.

Some of the items listed online include “Sanrio: Hello Kitty x Nissin Hello Kitty in Noodle Cup Pop! Vinyl Figure # 46 with pop protector” priced at $18.00, “Disney Ultimate Princess Jasmine Funko Pop! Vinyl Figure #1013 with pop protector” priced at $15.00, and “Naruto Sage Madara Uchiha (Six Paths) Pop! Vinyl Figure # 1196 with protector” priced at $15.00.

As for the average price of merchandise, it can vary greatly depending on the item. Rare editions and collectible issues may be priced higher due to their value. However, specific pricing information is not readily available online. For the most accurate pricing information, it’s best to contact the store directly or visit their website.

#9. Nuclear Comics North Park

Nuclear Comics North Park is a renowned comic book store and is often considered one of the best anime merchandise stores in San Diego. The store was announced to be opening soon in North Park, San Diego on May 13 2022 as per this facebook post, and the Facebook page for this location was created on September 6, 2022.

The store offers a wide range of products and merchandise. They specialize in comic books and related items. Their product range includes the widest selection of comics in Southern California. They also have a solid selection of skateboards. Some of the items listed online include new DC comics.

As for the average price of merchandise, it can vary greatly depending on the item. Rare editions and collectible issues may be priced higher due to their value. However, specific pricing information is not readily available online. For the most accurate pricing information, it’s best to contact the store directly or visit their website.

#10. Anime Akiba

  • Address: 4411 Mercury St Suite 102, San Diego, CA 92111, United States
  • Website: NA
  • Phone: +1 858-737-4460

Anime Akiba is a small, family-owned anime store located in San Diego, CA. Here are some details about the store:

  • Anime Akiba has an official Instagram account [@animeakibasd] where they post updates about their products and promotions. As of October 2023, they have 1,761 followers and 88 posts.
  • The store is not listed on Yelp, but there are several other anime stores in San Diego that customers may want to check out, including Tokyo Central & Main, Marukai Value, Gunnzo, and Comickaze Comics & Pop Culture Store.
  • According to their X (formerly Twitter) account [@AnimeAkibaCV], Anime Akiba sells various anime merchandise and is a family-owned and family-run business.
  • The store is not mentioned on their website, but Akiba Culture’s Zone shop in Japan is a rental showcase that sells major anime merchandise like “Dragon Ball” and “One Piece”.
  • The average price of merchandise at Anime Akiba is around $50, but it may vary depending on the type of product and brand.

Overall, Anime Akiba is a small anime store in San Diego that offers various anime merchandise. Customers who are interested in visiting the store may want to check out their social media accounts for updates on their products and promotions.

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