Akihabara Travel Guide: Best Shops and Eats in the Electric Town

Akihabara stands out as a unique district in Tokyo, renowned for its vibrant anime, manga, and electronics culture. It's a paradise for tech enthusiasts, gamers, and fans of otaku culture, offering a wide array of shops, themed cafés, and cutting-edge gadgets. The lively atmosphere is accompanied by energetic music, creating a bustling and vibrant scene.

Where Is Akihabara?

Akihabara is a district located in the Chiyoda ward, in the heart of Tokyo, just 3 to 4 kilometers (about 2 miles) away from iconic spots like Asakusa Kannon and Ginza. It is well-connected by Tokyo's extensive train system, making it easily accessible from Tokyo's famous neighborhoods.

From Shinjuku: Akihabara is about 7 km (4.3 miles) away. By train, it takes about 15–20 minutes via the JR Chuo-Sobu Line.

From Harajuku: It's approximately 6.5 km (4 miles) away. By train, it takes about 25 minutes via the JR Yamanote Line with a transfer at Kanda Station.

From Shibuya: The distance is about 8 km (5 miles). By train, it takes about 25–30 minutes via the JR Yamanote Line with a transfer at Kanda or Tokyo Station.

What is Akihabara Known for?

Akihabara is a must-visit if you love anime, manga, video games, or electronics. The district is famous for its vibrant otaku culture, with countless stores selling anime merchandise, rare collectibles, and the newest video games. It's also a hot spot for electronics, offering everything from the latest gadgets to hard-to-find components.

Who Will Like Akihabara Most?

Anime and manga fans: Akihabara is a paradise for anime enthusiasts, offering an extensive range of merchandise, from figures and posters to limited-edition items.

Gamers: The district is home to numerous game shops and arcades, featuring both retro and modern games, along with gaming accessories and collectibles.

Tech enthusiasts: Akihabara's electronics stores are well-known for their variety and competitive prices, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in tech gadgets.

Cosplay and pop culture fans: The area is also a hot spot for cosplay and themed cafés, such as maid cafés, where visitors could immerse themselves in unique and playful experiences.

People who love themed cafés: In Akihabara, you would find more than just the classic maid cafés. There are also cafés themed around popular anime and games, such as Final Fantasy.

These places not only offer great food but also let you immerse yourself in your favorite fantasy worlds or experience the atmosphere of Japan's Sengoku era. Each café has a unique theme, ensuring everyone could find something they enjoy for an unforgettable time.

Best 11 Shops to Explore in Akihabara (with Map)

Akihabara is brimming with massive stores dedicated to anime, cutting-edge electronics, and some of the most unique themed cafés. It's also home to exciting game centers that you could easily spend hours exploring. Below is a list of recommended shops. 

Anime and Manga Shops

1. Animate: The Go-To Place for the Latest Anime Merchandise

• Opening hours: Mondays to Fridays 11am–9pm, weekends 10am–8pm
• Address: 4 Chome-3-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
• How to get there: about a 10-minute walk from Akihabara Station

Animate is one of Japan's largest anime merchandise chains, perfect for anime fans of all ages. It offers a wide range of products related to both the latest hits and classic series. The store is organized by major franchises, making it easy to find everything related to a specific anime, from figures to posters. Starting from the second floor, you would find sections dedicated to popular series, such as Jujutsu Kaisen, Naruto, and Detective Conan.

2. Surugaya: a Top Choice for Bargain Hunters

• Opening hours: 9–10pm
• Address: 4-5-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo (KHK Building, Floors 1–4
• How to get there: a 6-minute walk from Akihabara Station or a 3-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Suehirocho Station

Surugaya has six stores in Akihabara, each focusing on a specific category, such as video games, trading cards, board games, or figures. The anime goods store specializes in figures and anime merchandise.

The first floor is designed to appeal to international visitors, with shelves stocked with items from popular anime like Shonen Jump characters and Sailor Moon. The second floor is dedicated to robot models, the third floor to tokusatsu (special effects) characters and monsters, and the fourth floor to beautiful and cute girl characters.

3. Mandarake: Ideal for Experienced Collectors Looking for Vintage Toys

• Opening hours:12–8pm
• Address: 3-11-12 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
• How to get there: a 5-minute walk from Akihabara Station

Mandarake specializes in secondhand goods and has a unique layout and atmosphere that evokes nostalgia and the spirit of collecting. The store spans eight floors, each filled with various manga and DVDs. The fourth floor caters to male customers, while the fifth floor is for female customers. It's the perfect place to find rare manga, small figurines, dolls, posters, CDs, toys, doujinshi (self-published works), and other anime-related items.

For those who love retro culture, Mandarake offers a chance to relive the past. Many items there hold not only collectible value but also emotional significance and memories, especially for those who love old manga, early tokusatsu series, classic gaming consoles, and nostalgic toys. You could find original merchandise from classic series and discover unexpected secondhand treasures.

While Mandarake primarily sells secondhand goods, the items are generally of high quality and carefully curated. The store provides detailed descriptions of the condition of each item, so you know exactly what you're getting.

Electronics Stores

4. Yodobashi: a One-Stop Shop for All Kinds of Electronics

• Opening hours:9:30am–10pm
• Address: 1-1 Kanda Hanaokacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• How to get there: a 1-minute walk from Akihabara Station

Yodobashi is one of the largest electronics stores in Akihabara, offering everything from computers, appliances, and gaming consoles to cameras, spanning six floors. The store provides multilingual services, with staff fluent in English and signs in English as well. It supports international credit cards and tax-free shopping.

5. Akky: Duty-Free Electronics for Overseas Use

• Opening hours:9:30am–10pm
• Address: 1 Chome-12-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• How to get there: From Akihabara Station, take the Electric Town exit and walk for about 3 minutes.

Akky specializes in duty-free electronics designed for overseas use, including cameras, computers, TVs, and software. If you're worried about the compatibility of Japanese electronics abroad, this is the store to visit.

6. Bic Camera: Great Spot for Cameras

• Opening hours: 10am–9pm
• Address: 4-1-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Bic Camera AKIBA 1F)
• How to get there: about 3 minutes on foot from Akihabara Station's Central exit.

Bic Camera offers a wide range of camera brands at competitive prices, including Olympus and Polaroid, as well as various camera lenses, film, and Polaroid accessories. It's also a good spot to find hard-to-get models, such as Fujifilm or Ricoh. The store provides tax-free services and they could assist with the process on-site. Besides cameras, Bic Camera also sells small home appliances, beauty devices, health products, and cosmetics.

7. Sofmap 2 Store

• Opening hours:11am–8pm
• Address: 3-13-8 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• How to get there: It is a 5-minute walk from the Electric Town exit of Akihabara Station (JR Yamanote Line / Keihin-Tohoku Line), an 8-minute walk from Tsukuba Express Akihabara Station, or a 5-minute walk from the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line's Exit 3 near Asakusa's Kaminarimon Gate or Suehirocho Station Exit 1.

Sofmap specializes in computers, high-performance gaming PCs, and related parts. It has a gaming section where you could try out gaming chairs and software. The second floor even has an e-sports live streaming studio and official e-sports team merchandise.

Best Themed Cafés

8. At-Home Maid Café

• Opening hours: weekdays 11am–10pm, weekends and holidays 10am–10pm
• Address:Mitsuwa Building 3–7F, 1-11-4 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• How to get there:The nearest subway station is Akihabara Station. Take the Electric Town exit and walk for about 3 minutes.

At-home café is a well-known maid café chain where you could experience Japanese maid culture. It's perfect for those looking to enjoy dining and entertainment in a cute and cheerful atmosphere. The maids, dressed in adorable outfits, provide enthusiastic service, engaging guests in various activities like games, singing, and dancing.

Each maid is specially trained to offer personalized service and English-speaking staff are available. The café's menu features cute and dreamy dishes, often decorated with cartoon themes, and special desserts, such as heart-shaped omelets and latte art.

9. Final Fantasy Eorzea Café

• Opening hours:11:30am–10pm
• Address: 1-1-10 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• How to get there: From Akihabara Station, take the Electric Town exit and walk for about 5 minutes.

This café offers an immersive journey into the world of the game, themed entirely around Square Enix's classic game Final Fantasy XIV. The interior recreates scenes from the game with exquisite and fantastical decorations.

In addition to dining, the café features game terminals where customers could experience Final Fantasy XIV firsthand, creating an immersive gaming atmosphere. The menu is inspired by the game, offering unique dishes and drinks related to the themes of Final Fantasy, each carefully crafted to make you feel like you're in the game world.

Top Game Centers

10. UDX Game Plaza: Family-Friendly Zone

• Opening hours: 10am–11pm
• Address: Akihabara UDX 4F, 4-14-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• How to get there: The nearest subway station is Akihabara Station. Take the Electric Town exit and walk for about 3–5 minutes.

Located in the heart of Akihabara, UDX Game Plaza combines arcade games, claw machines, and more. It's connected to nearby shopping and dining areas, making it a great place for visitors who want to game, shop, or relax. It's especially family-friendly.

11. SEGA Akihabara: a Nostalgic Arcade Atmosphere for Gamers

• Opening hours: 10am–11pm
• Address: 1-15-9 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• How to get there: The nearest subway station is Akihabara Station. Take the Electric Town exit and walk for about 3 minutes.

SEGA Akihabara is a popular spot to experience Japanese gaming culture. While it offers a variety of entertainment, such as claw machines, VR games, and the latest arcade equipment, the overall vibe leans toward a classic gaming experience. If you enjoy retro games, head to the sixth floor of Building 3 to play arcade games, including fighting, racing, and music games. It's ideal for those seeking a nostalgic arcade atmosphere or hardcore gamers.

Tips: For international visitors, many shops offer tax-free shopping. With Japan's consumption tax increasing, shopping at tax-free stores could be a good idea. However, Japan's tax is still lower than many European countries, so the price difference between tax-free and non-tax-free shops might be small. Stores like Akky and Yodobashi Camera (Bic Camera) offer tax-free shopping. Most tax-free shops have large signs, so they're easy to spot — don't forget to take your passport!

Top 7 Things to Do in Akihabara

Akihabara is a vibrant district that offers a mix of modern tech, otaku culture, and traditional experiences, making it an exciting destination for various interests. Here are the top things to do in Akihabara:

1. Explore Electronics Stores

Visit iconic electronics stores, such as Yodobashi Camera and Sofmap, where you could find the latest gadgets, cameras, computers, and obscure tech components.

2. Visit Anime and Manga Shops

Dive into the world of anime and manga at stores like Mandarake and animate, which offer a vast selection of collectibles, figures, DVDs, and rare items.

3. Experience Themed Cafés

Enjoy the quirky atmosphere of themed cafés, such as maid cafés, GUNDAM Café, or the Final Fantasy Eorzea Café, where you could immerse yourself in a fantasy world while enjoying food and drinks.

4. Play at Game Centers

Spend some time at Akihabara's game centers, such as Club SEGA, where you could play the latest arcade games, crane games, and retro classics.

5. Shop for Otaku Goods

Visit stores like Akihabara Radio Kaikan and Gamers to shop for otaku merchandise, including cosplay costumes, trading cards, and more.

6. Explore Akihabara Radio Center

Check out this historic electronics market for vintage electronics and rare components, giving you a glimpse into Akihabara's roots as an electronics hub.

7. Visit Akihabara Shrine and Take a Unique Charm

Kanda Myojin, also known as Akihabara Shrine, is a Shinto shrine near Akihabara that blends traditional and modern culture. It's famous for its unique charms, especially those designed to protect electronic devices.

You could also find charms for academic success, career advancement, health, and love. These charms are available year-round, with different designs and colors that may change with the seasons or special events.

Where to Eat in Akihabara

In Akihabara, you might spend half a day exploring various anime, electronics, and game centers. Nearby, there are plenty of authentic Japanese restaurants to choose from, allowing you to enjoy local culinary delights while indulging in your shopping experience.

1. Kanda Matsuya

• Opening hours:Mondays to Fridays 11am–8:30pm, Saturdays and public holidays 11am–7:30pm
• Address: 1-13 Kanda Sudacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• How to get there: It's about a 10–15-minute walk from Akihabara to Kanda Matsuya.

Kanda Matsuya is a historic soba noodle restaurant that has been operated by four generations. The prices are reasonable and in addition to soba, their side dishes, such as yakitori (grilled chicken) and fried fish cakes, are highly recommended. Kanda Matsuya doesn't take reservations so expect to wait in line. The space is small so sharing tables is common.

2. Hinoya Curry

• Opening hours: 11am–9pm
• Address: Chome−8−11, Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
• How to get there: It's about a 5–7-minute walk from Akihabara Station to Hinoya Curry.

Known for its rich and flavorful curry sauce, Hinoya Curry uses a variety of spices and ingredients, slow-cooked to create a deep and complex taste. You could choose from a range of toppings, such as pork cutlets, chicken, fried shrimp, or omurice (omelet rice), to suit your preferences. Portions are generous, making it perfect for those who enjoy hearty meals.

3. Beef-Professional Akihabara Branch

• Opening hours:
  Lunch: 11:30am–3pm (last orders at 2:30pm)
  Dinner: 4–11pm (last orders at 10:30pm)
• Address: 4F, Akihabara SIL Bldg., 4-4-3, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• How to get there:It's a 3-minute walk from Akihabara Station.

This restaurant offers fine dining at reasonable prices. One of the recommended dishes is the pan-seared seafood and beef steak, which combines the richness of seafood with the juicy flavors of premium beef, providing a truly indulgent dining experience.

Where to Stay

Akihabara offers a wide range of accommodation options but, due to its popularity, prices tend to be 5–10% higher than in other areas, especially for hotels near the station and main shopping districts.

A good alternative is to stay in the Asakusa or Ueno areas, which are only a few kilometers away from Akihabara and easily accessible by subway.

Asakusa: Hotels there typically range from mid to high-end, especially those near Senso-ji and other major attractions. Many hotels in Asakusa offer a blend of traditional and modern design, providing a unique stay. The area has a quieter, more historical feel, perfect for travelers seeking a cultural experience.

Ueno: Closer to Akihabara, Ueno offers reasonably priced accommodation with direct access to the airport via public transport. The area is lively at night, with plenty of izakayas (Japanese pubs), making it a great option for those looking for a vibrant, yet affordable, stay.

How to Get to Akihabara

Japan's subway system is highly developed and taking the subway is the most convenient and fastest way to reach Akihabara. You could easily get to Akihabara Station via the JR Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Sobu Line, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, or the Tsukuba Express.

JR Yamanote Line: This is one of the most popular options. Akihabara Station is on the JR Yamanote Line, a loop line around central Tokyo. You could catch it from major stations, such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo, and Ueno.

JR Keihin-Tohoku Line: This line also stops at Akihabara and runs parallel to the Yamanote Line, connecting areas like Yokohama, Shinagawa, and Ueno.

JR Sobu Line: Akihabara Station is on the Sobu Line, which runs across Tokyo from Chiba in the east to Mitaka in the west.

Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line: Akihabara Station is also served by the Hibiya Line, which connects to areas like Roppongi, Ginza, and Nakameguro.

Tsukuba Express: Akihabara is a terminus for the Tsukuba Express, providing easy access to areas north of Tokyo.

Need Help Planning Your Trip to Japan?

Are you ready to embark on your Akihabara anime journey? If you are interested or have other preferences or travel ideas, feel free to contact us. Our travel advisor will help you find the perfect itinerary and design your Japan tour.

Further Reading: The 19 Best Anime Places in Tokyo