Once viewed as a niche interest, anime and comics have evolved into a global travel driver, with fans increasingly crossing borders in search of immersive themed experiences, conventions and real-world locations linked to their favourite series.
From themed hotels to major fan events, so-called “anime pilgrimages” – known in Japan as seichi junrei – are fuelling a growing boom in anime tourism across Asia.
New data from Trip.com shows searches for anime and comic-related travel experiences in Asia surged by 195% year-on-year, led largely by travellers from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, the Philippines and South Korea.
The trend was also reflected at the AnimeJapan 2026 festival in Tokyo, with Trip.com reporting that international ticket sales rose by 697% year-on-year, attracting travellers from 82 countries and regions. Most visitors came from mainland China, Hong Kong and Singapore, with Gen Z and millennial travellers dominating demand.
Asia's anime revival
