Tokyo, Japan’s largest city, boasts numerous tourist spots. Among them, “Akihabara” is immensely popular with those interested in Japanese electronics, anime, manga, and games.
This time, we will provide a detailed guide to the attractions and recommended tourist spots in Akihabara for foreign visitors planning a trip to Tokyo. If you’re not sure about where to go and what to do during your time in Akihabara, this guide is for you!
1.What Makes Akihabara Special?
Akihabara is an area located in the center of Tokyo. With various train lines such as JR East and Tokyo Metro converging here, Akihabara Station is easily accessible from anywhere within Tokyo.
Akihabara is also a historic area existing since the Edo period. It developed as a commercial center back then and became known as the “Electric Town” after the war. Today, it is known as the birthplace of subcultures such as anime, manga, and games, attracting tourists from all over the world. It is also a popular spot for Japanese tourists who love otaku culture.
Present-day Akihabara is packed with various attractions, including large retail stores where you can experience and purchase the latest in electronic devices, as well as shops selling character goods from anime and manga.
Additionally, there are many unique places where you can have fun experiences, such as “maid cafes” and “concept cafes,” where staff dressed in cosplay serve customers as specific characters.
2.Recommended Shopping Spots in Akihabara
Akihabara has many shopping spots that can be enjoyed by anyone with even a slight interest in Japanese subculture.
Here, we will introduce places you should visit for shopping in Akihabara, categorized by “Electronics and Gadgets,” “Anime and Manga,” and “Fashion and Accessories.”
2-1.Electronics and Gadgets
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As Akihabara is called the “Electric Town,” you can experience and purchase the latest electronics and gadgets here. There are many large retail stores carrying all kinds of electronic products, as well as specialty stores focused on specific product genres. Even for computer parts and smartphone accessories, the selection is extensive, making it easy to find your favorite item.
Furthermore, there is a large second-hand market, allowing you to purchase good quality items at a bargain price.
2-2.Anime and Manga
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For foreigners who love Japanese anime and manga, Akihabara can be considered a holy land. The anime and manga shops in Akihabara have a wealth of exclusive goods, figures, and doujinshi that are impossible to be found elsewhere.
Large stores like “Animate” and “Gamers” have an abundant selection and are popular spots visited by many fans from both Japan and abroad.
2-3.Fashion and Accessories
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In Akihabara, where otaku culture is deeply ingrained, you can also find unique fashion items. There are costume shops that handle cosplay items and Gothic Lolita fashion, as well as accessory shops that enhance the look of your costume.For those interested in niche fashion seen only in anime and manga, these spots will be exciting.
In addition, the fashion and accessories shops in Akihabara offer trendy items at reasonable prices.
3.Popular Restaurants in Akihabara
Akihabara is not only filled with stores aligned with otaku culture but also has a variety of delicious gourmet options that satisfy both body and soul. The three most popular gourmet categories in Akihabara are “ramen shops,” “sweets cafes,” and “restaurants.”
●Ramen Shops
Akihabara calls itself home to many ramen shops, from famous ones with long queues to hidden gems loved by locals, offering a wide range of flavors from rich to light.
Popular ramen shops in Akihabara among both Japanese and foreign visitors include “Tanaka Soba Shop” and “Motenashi Kuroki.”
・Tanaka Soba Shop Akihabara
・Motenashi Kuroki
●Sweets Cafes
Akihabara also has many sweets cafes where you can enjoy cakes, parfaits, and crepes, among other delights. Many cafes collaborate with anime characters, offering sweets that are visually appealing as well as tasty.
●Restaurants
Akihabara is home to many stylish and comfortable restaurants. You can enjoy a variety of cuisines from Japanese to Western, making it perfect for dates or special dinners. Recommended restaurants include “2k540 Aki-OKA ARTISAN” and “Maach Ecute Kanda Manseibashi.”
・2k540 Aki-OKA ARTISAN
・Maach Ecute Kanda Manseibashi
4. Tourist Attractions in Akihabara
For those looking to enjoy sightseeing in Akihabara, besides the facilities and shops related to subculture and the delicious Japanese cuisine, there are also other tourist spots where you can take in the atmosphere and scenery.
Finally, we will introduce recommended spots that you should visit when sightseeing in Akihabara.
4-1.Shrines and Temples
Akihabara also has historic shrines and temples.
Among them, “Kanda Myojin” is famous for its blessings of prosperity and matchmaking, attracting many visitors daily. Located near Akihabara, it actively collaborates with anime culture.
The unique Kanda Myojin, where modern culture and history coexist, is a great place to visit after enjoying the electric town and otaku culture in Akihabara. Additionally, “Yushima Tenmangu (Yushima Tenjin)” is about a 10-minute walk from Kanda Myojin, allowing you to experience the history and culture around Akihabara.
・Kanda Myojin
・Yushima Tenmangu
4-2. Maid Cafes
There are many maid cafes around the Akihabara area, making it a popular destination known as the “Holy Land of Maid Cafes” in Japan. You can fully enjoy an extraordinary experience where female staff dressed in cute maid outfits serve you food and drinks.
Maid cafes offer various hospitality services such as “drawing on omelets” and “cheki (photo) service” to ensure customers can relax and enjoy themselves. A visit to a maid cafe, where you can feel as if you have stepped into a storybook, will help soothe the fatigue from your trip to Tokyo.
Popular maid cafes in Akihabara include “Maidreamin” and “at-home cafe.”
・Maidreamin Akihabara Main Store
・at-home Akihabara Main Store
4-3. Entertainment Facilities
Akihabara is also well-equipped with various entertainment facilities.
For example, at “game centers,” you can play a wide range of games from the latest modern machines to retro arcade games loved decades ago. These are popular with families as they cater to both children and adults.
In recent years, “VR experience facilities” and “escape rooms,” which are experiential entertainment options, have also been increasing. These often require advance reservations, and spaces may fill up during large holidays, so it is a good idea to research and book in advance.
Conclusion
Located in the center of Tokyo, Akihabara is known as the “Electric Town” and the birthplace of “otaku culture,” where you can experience various subcultures such as electronics, gadgets, anime, manga, and cosplay.
Akihabara is a must visit for tourists who love Japanese electronics, anime, and manga, and also has delicious restaurants and entertainment facilities where you can enjoy unique experiences. Whether alone, as a couple, or with children, you can enjoy yourself so much that you lose track of time.
*This article is based on information available as of July 2024.
