Anime-Inspired Travel Surges Among Singaporeans as Fans Chase Immersive Experiences Across Asia

Anime and comic culture is increasingly shaping the way young Singaporeans travel, with fans seeking immersive experiences inspired by their favourite series instead of traditional sightseeing holidays. From anime themed accommodation and major conventions to real world locations featured in popular shows and manga, the growing trend of anime pilgrimages, also known as seichi junrei, reflects a wider shift towards passion driven and culturally immersive travel experiences across Asia.

According to Trip.com’s latest data, searches for anime and comic related travel experiences across Asia surged by 195% year on year, highlighting the growing demand among travellers from Singapore and the region. The trend was especially evident during AnimeJapan 2026 in Tokyo, where Trip.com served as the exclusive overseas ticketing partner. International ticket sales for the event jumped 697% year on year, attracting attendees from 82 countries and regions. The top source markets included China, Hong Kong SAR, and Singapore.

The majority of ticket buyers for AnimeJapan 2026 were between 25 and 34 years old, while travellers aged 18 to 24 accounted for 18% of purchases and those aged 35 to 49 made up 22%. More than half of the ticket buyers were male.

Anime’s growing influence on youth culture has been fuelled by streaming platforms and social media, which have pushed titles such as One Piece, Demon Slayer, and Naruto firmly into mainstream entertainment across Asia. Among Gen Z audiences, anime has become especially influential. A report by Crunchyroll found that 54% of Gen Z respondents viewed anime favourably, ranking it ahead of globally recognised names such as Bad Bunny, BLACKPINK, and BTS.

Anime culture has also crossed into sports and celebrity circles, with figures like Charles Leclerc openly sharing his love for Pokémon.

Across Southeast Asia, Singapore joins countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand as one of the region’s most engaged anime fan markets. For many young Singaporeans, anime is no longer just entertainment but a key influence in deciding where and why they travel, from conventions and themed attractions to destinations featured in beloved series.

The social aspect of anime fandom is also driving overseas travel. A Crunchyroll report found that nearly eight in ten anime fans believed their interest in anime helped them form or deepen friendships. As a result, anime conventions and festivals have become major travel drivers for fans seeking shared experiences and community connections.

Trip.com data showed hotel bookings within three kilometres of anime festivals spiking significantly during event periods. Hotel bookings near Hong Kong Comic Con 2026 increased by 20%, while bookings near Anime Festival Asia Thailand 2026 and Anime Fest+ 2026 rose by 48% and 36% respectively.

Hong Kong Comic Con 2026 has proven especially popular among travellers from China and Singapore, with over 80% of ticket buyers coming from Gen Z and Millennial demographics. Women accounted for more than 80% of ticket sales, reflecting anime’s growing popularity among female travellers seeking pop culture led overseas experiences.

Japan remains one of the biggest draws for anime tourism. Events such as Comiket continue to attract global fan communities, with Odaiba, the venue for Summer Comiket 2026 this August, recording a 78% year on year increase in hotel bookings during the event period. Interest has also expanded into gaming related experiences, with Pokémon GO Fest 2026 currently trending on Trip.Pulse, Trip.com’s travel trend tracker, after generating over 630,000 views.

Beyond conventions, travellers are increasingly visiting real world locations featured in anime and manga. According to reports, 70% of travellers across Asia are inspired to visit destinations based on what they watch, while a survey by the Japan Tourism Agency found that visits to locations associated with movies and anime rose from 4.6% in 2019 to 7.5% in 2023.

One of the most recognisable examples is the railway crossing near Kamakura Koko mae Station, made famous by the basketball manga and anime series Slam Dunk. Popular anime districts such as Akihabara and Ikebukuro have also recorded an average 10% year on year increase in hotel bookings on Trip.com, driven largely by travellers from Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

Anime themed accommodation and attractions are also becoming part of the travel experience. The Farm, a countryside retreat in Japan, recently launched themed glamping rooms inspired by Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, complete with installations and photo spots recreating scenes from the series.

Meanwhile, Universal Studios Japan, one of Trip.com’s most booked attractions in Asia this year, introduced anime themed collaborations with five popular franchises. New experiences include an immersive storywalk inspired by Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and attractions based on Detective Conan.

To cater to growing demand, Trip.com has also curated anime themed tours that bring fans through iconic manga and anime locations, including Slam Dunk pilgrimage routes and guided day tours around Kamakura.

As entertainment increasingly shapes travel motivations and identity among younger consumers, anime culture has evolved beyond a niche fandom into a major travel trend.