Just 4 minutes on the train or 10 minutes in a cab from Shinjuku Station is the Takadanobaba area. This is not a particularly beautiful area (although it is funny to visit at night as it is where all the University students head for drinks after class – and you can see these “kids” getting a bit wild …. also the eateries around here are cheap and cheerful in order gain more student clientele.)
This area of Tokyo is where Osamu Tezuka set his animation series Astro Boy. ( This was also the location of Tezuka productions.)
The two reasons that I think Astro Boy fans will like a quick visit to this station are: the giant Astro Boy (and other characters) mural just outside the station and ALSO listening to the music played at Takadanobaba station every time a train leaves the station. It’s the Astro Boy theme song!!!
Someone put it on Youtube here.
* Just a heads up, in Japan – the character is called Atom (pronounced Atomu or called Tetsuwan Atomu) , not Astro Boy.
Understandably, my kids had no idea who these characters were but were kind enough to indulge me.
If you’re looking for something to do afterwards or a place for kids to go to the restroom, there is a big department store right next to the station called Big Box. There is a big 100 yen store inside this complex and nice, clean baby rooms.
The street signs and other signs in windows are a reminder that you’re in Tezuka territory.
For additional Shinjuku suggestions, see my post here.
Also, in more central Shibuya is this piece of artwork. It is pretty much next to Tower Records, Shibuya.
There is also now a Tezuka Osamu Shop & Cafe in Asakusa. Details here.
For other Shibuya suggestions, see my post here.
There is also a ATOM (Astro Boy shop) in Akihabara.
If you are in Kyoto, you may have luck finding Astro Boy merch in the Manga Museum.
