Akihabara stands out as one of Tokyo’s most renowned and frequented neighborhoods in Japan’s capital. Recognized as the epicenter of otaku culture—encompassing manga, anime, and video game enthusiasts—this district is a vibrant hub for enthusiasts.
Within Akihabara, you’ll discover specialty stores dedicated to these products alongside themed cafes where waitresses cosplay as fictional characters. Additionally, arcades, museums, temples, and other intriguing spots adorn this neighborhood, making it an essential destination for travelers seeking Japan’s contemporary and entertaining side.
In this post, we’ll guide you through Akihabara, highlighting must-visit places and offering tips to maximize your visit. Let’s dive in!
Manga, anime and video game stores
If you’re a manga or anime enthusiast, or a gaming aficionado, Akihabara is your haven. The district boasts hundreds of stores solely devoted to these themes. Here, you can purchase everything ranging from comics, figures, toys, and t-shirts to an assortment of merchandise, consoles, games, accessories, and gadgets. Among the most renowned stores are:
- Mandarake: As the largest manga and anime store chain in Japan, its expansive Akihabara branch offers everything from novelties to rare collectibles. They also feature second-hand products at reasonable prices.
- Animate: Another renowned chain specializing in anime and manga, Animate’s multiple floors are neatly organised by genres and themes. They also offer a section dedicated to visual novels and otome games, which involve dating fictional characters.
- Super Potato: A must-visit for retro video game enthusiasts. Here, you can purchase everything from vintage consoles like NES or Sega Mega Drive to classic games such as Super Mario or Sonic. They also host an arcade area featuring machines from the 80s and 90s.
- Yodobashi Camera: This immense store offers a wide range of electronic products, from cameras, computers, and cell phones to robots, drones, and virtual reality gadgets. Additionally, they have a dedicated section for current video games showcasing the latest releases and deals.
Other renowned electronics-focused stores include Softmap and Akiba Radio Kaikan.
For gaming enthusiasts, the arcades in Akihabara are a must-visit. These arcades offer a wide array of machines, ranging from vintage to the most cutting-edge. Catering to diverse tastes and skill levels, you’ll find classics like Pac-Man or Street Fighter alongside modern hits like Dance Dance Revolution or Mario Kart. Notable arcades include Sega Gigo, Taito Station, and Club Sega.
These highlighted stores in Akihabara are just a glimpse—there are numerous others awaiting your discovery. We suggest wandering through the streets and stepping into the ones that pique your interest. However, bear in mind that certain stores may have restricted opening hours or days when they’re closed, so it’s advisable to check beforehand.
Themed cafés
Another activity worth experiencing in Akihabara is visiting its themed cafes, offering unique and original experiences. Among the most renowned are maid cafes, where waitresses attire themselves in maid costumes and interact with guests as if they were their masters or mistresses. Additionally, you’ll find cafes where waitresses dress as anime or video game characters, or establishments where you can interact with animals like cats, owls, or hedgehogs. Here are some recommendations:
- @Home Café: Among the oldest and most popular maid cafes in Akihabara, @Home Café offers coffee or tea paired with pastries adorned with drawings by the maids. Guests can engage in board games or watch maid performances, including singing and dancing on stage.
- Gundam Café: Dedicated to the renowned anime series Gundam, this café depicts a military base and features a replica of the RX-78-2 Gundam robot at its entrance. The menu offers dishes inspired by the series, like Captain Bright’s curry or Haro ice cream.
- Neko JaLaLa: This cafe allows guests to interact and play with cats of various breeds and colors. Known for its tranquil and serene ambiance, the cafe ensures the cats are well cared for and sociable. Visitors can purchase food and toys for the cats or take home a souvenir from their visit.
These mentioned theme cafes in Akihabara are merely a few among many others, including Maidreamin, Pinafore, and more. It’s advisable to book in advance as they are often in high demand and have limited seating.
Additionally, note that some cafes have specific etiquette rules that guests must adhere to, such as refraining from touching the waitstaff or taking photographs without permission.
Other interesting places
In addition to the stores and cafes, Akihabara boasts several other points of interest worth exploring. For instance:
- Kanda Myojin: This eighth-century Shinto temple venerates three protective deities associated with the city, education, and marriage. Embracing traditional architectural styles, it features a striking red torii gate and a main building with a gracefully curved roof. The temple also houses a museum exhibiting historical and religious artifacts.
- AKB48 Theater: This venue hosts performances by the renowned idol group AKB48, comprising over 100 girls who sing and dance to pop tunes. With a capacity for 250 attendees, daily shows take place here. Securing a ticket involves participating in an online draw or purchasing one from a vending machine.
- Tokyo Anime Center: Serving as a cultural hub dedicated to anime and manga, this center hosts exhibitions, events, workshops, and screenings. Visitors can explore an onsite store offering official and exclusive merchandise, along with a cafeteria serving dishes inspired by the featured series.
Tips for visiting Akihabara
Finally, here are some tips to maximize your visit to Akihabara:
- Plan your route beforehand. Akihabara is a sprawling neighborhood packed with intriguing spots, making it easy to get lost or sidetracked. We suggest creating a list of places you wish to visit and utilizing a map or app for navigation. This helps save time and money on transportation.
- Carry cash with you. While many stores now accept credit cards or electronic payments, several still solely operate with cash. Additionally, if you plan to purchase items from vending machines or second-hand stores, having coins or bills is necessary.
- Explore second-hand stores. Akihabara boasts numerous thrift stores offering great deals on video games, manga, anime, figurines, clothing, and other items related to Japanese culture. These stores are typically found on upper floors or in basements, so keep an eye out for signs and staircases.
- Visit maid cafes and cat cafes. Here, you can savor a drink and a snack while interacting with maids dressed in maid costumes or with the resident cats. These cafes typically have an entrance fee or minimum spending requirement, and queues are common, so consider this when planning your visit.
- Indulge in karaoke and virtual reality games. If you’re fond of singing or immersive experiences, Akihabara offers several options. You’ll find karaoke rooms available for rent where you can croon your favorite tunes with friends or strangers. Additionally, explore virtual reality game centers providing various simulators and adventures for an exciting experience.
Where to eat in Akihabara
If you’re craving ramen, a quintessential Japanese dish, head to Kyushu Jangara Ramen for a taste of Kyushu-style ramen. This restaurant offers a creamy, flavorful broth with an array of toppings. Prices are reasonable, and the ambiance is cosy and relaxed. Customize your ramen with various noodle types, meats, spice levels, and toppings to suit your preferences.
For a lighter and healthier option, try the sushi at Sushi Zanmai. This chain provides quality sushi at pocket-friendly prices. Watch as the sushi is freshly prepared in front of you or select from the conveyor belt. With a diverse selection of fish, seafood, and vegetarian options, the service is efficient, and the establishment is modern and clean.
Indulge in sweetness at Gram Cafe & Pancakes with their specialty—fluffy and delectable pancakes adorned with toppings like fruit, cream, chocolate, or caramel. These towering pancakes are incredibly soft and tender. While the café also offers other options such as toasts, salads, or sandwiches, their star dish remains the pancakes.
For a unique experience, visit one of the aforementioned maid cafes. Though slightly pricey, the experience is definately worth it.
Where to sleep in Akihabara
If you’re seeking a comfortable stay in Akihabara, consider these hotels that might pique your interest:
🏨 Hotels in Akihabara
How to get to Akihabara
Akihabara stands as one of Tokyo’s liveliest and most bustling districts, situated at the city’s center and close to Tokyo Station. Various transportation options are available to reach Akihabara, depending on your starting point or intended destination. Here are some options:
- By train: The quickest and most convenient method to reach Akihabara is by train, benefiting from its dedicated station connected to multiple lines. You can opt for the Yamanote line, traversing Tokyo’s heart and linking to key areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ueno. Alternatively, the Chuo-Sobu line, spanning from Mitaka to Chiba, offers passage through Nakano or Asakusabashi. Another viable choice is the Keihin-Tohoku line, connecting Omiya to Yokohama via Ueno or Shinagawa. Akihabara station is well-marked and provides direct access to the neighborhood.
- By subway: Accessing Akihabara via the subway requires a bit more walking from the station to reach the neighborhood. You can take the Hibiya line, traveling from Naka-Meguro to Kita-Senju, with stops at Roppongi or Ginza along the way. Although the station is named Akihabara, it’s a tad distant from the main area. To reach the neighborhood, follow signs for exits 3 or 4, then walk approximately 10 minutes.
- By bus: For those preferring bus travel, several bus lines traverse Akihabara, although this mode of transport tends to be slower and more intricate than the train or subway. Consider the Toei 01 bus route, connecting Shimbashi to Asakusa via Ginza or Kanda. Alternatively, the Toei 02 bus from Shinjuku to Asakusa passes through Ikebukuro or Ueno. Another choice is the Toei 03 bus from Shibuya to Asakusa, with stops at Omotesando or Aoyama. Regardless of the route chosen, get off at the Akihabara-Ekimae stop and walk a few minutes to reach the neighborhood.
These are just some of the things to do in Akihabara, but there’s much more to discover. Let yourself soak in the atmosphere and explore all this neighborhood offers. Hope you enjoyed this post and find it helpful for your visit to Akihabara!
If you’re seeking more tips and recommendations for exploring Tokyo, take a look at our detailed 7-day Tokyo itinerary! 👇
