Access Akihabara from Tokyo's Major Stations and Airports

How to Get to Akihabara from Tokyo's Major Stations

Akihabara, Tokyo, is world-famous as the heart of "otaku" culture. Thanks to the global popularity of Japanese anime and manga, the district welcomes a growing number of international visitors every year.

However, navigating Tokyo’s complex transportation system can be a challenge for first-time visitors. To help you find your way, this guide explains exactly how to reach Akihabara from four major hubs: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, and Tokyo Station.

• Table of Contents
• 1. From Shinjuku to Akihabara
• 2. From Shibuya to Akihabara
• 3. From Ueno to Akihabara
• 4. From Tokyo Station to Akihabara
• 5. From Haneda Airport to Akihabara Station
• From Narita Airport to Akihabara Station

1. From Shinjuku to Akihabara

Shinjuku Station is said to see the highest number of passengers each day out of all the stations in the world. This station has various subway lines, the JR Lines, and private railway lines, so many passengers switch trains here.

To get to Akihabara from Shinjuku JR Station, board the JR Chuo Line headed for Tokyo. Next, switch to the JR Sobu Line at JR Ochanomizu Station. Be sure to check where the trains are headed. The Chuo Line has orange trains, and the Sobu Line has yellow trains.

Trains: JR Chuo Line and JR Sobu Line
Change Trains at: JR Ochanomizu Station
Fare: 178 yen, with an IC card
Time: About 12 minutes

2. From Shibuya to Akihabara

Shibuya Station is known for its accessibility, and probably most people visiting Tokyo must have used it at least once. It is also famous for Hachiko, the statue of that beloved dog.

The nearby intersection, Shibuya Scramble Crossing, is a popular spot with tourists too. It really is impressive to see so many people crossing simultaneously at such a large intersection.

To get to Akihabara from JR Shibuya Station, board the JR Yamanote Line headed for Shinagawa and Tokyo. It is a direct line, so there is no need to switch trains.

Trains: JR Yamanote Line
Fare: 208 yen, with an IC card
Time: About 30 minutes

3. From Ueno to Akihabara

Ueno Station has direct access to Narita Airport and is a shinkansen or bullet train stop, making it very convenient for both domestic and international tourists. In spring, the station is crowded with people coming to see the cherry blossoms in Ueno Park.

There are two ways to get to Akihabara from Ueno. The first route is to board the green JR Yamanote line from JR Ueno Station, headed for Shinagawa and Tokyo. The second route is to use the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, a subway. At the Hibiya Line Ueno Station, take the Hibiya Line headed for Nakameguro. Both routes take about three minutes.

Trains: JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
Fare: 146 yen, with an IC card (Yamanote Line); 178 yen, with an IC card (Hibiya Line)
Time: About 3 minutes

4. From Tokyo Station to Akihabara

Tokyo Station is near Marunouchi, the center of Japanese commerce, so you will see many suit-clad business people in the area. It is a hub station for travelers in Japan, as many trains, including the shinkansen, stop here.

To get to Akihabara from JR Tokyo Station, board the JR Yamanote Line headed for Ueno and Ikebukuro.

Trains: JR Yamanote Line
Fare: 146 yen, with an IC card
Time: About 4 minutes

5. From Haneda Airport to Akihabara Station

Haneda Airport is much closer to central Tokyo, so it’s much faster coming in to Tokyo compared to from Narita. There are several options:

By Train (Keikyu Line + JR Yamanote Line)

• Duration: 30-40 minutes
• Cost: 500-600 yen
• Route:
1. Take the Keikyu Line (Airport Express or Limited Express) from Haneda Airport to Shinagawa Station (about 15 minutes).
2. From Shinagawa Station, transfer to the JR Yamanote Line (bound for Ueno or Akihabara) and ride to Akihabara Station(about 15 minutes).

This is one of the fastest and most straightforward routes.

By Train (Tokyo Monorail + JR Yamanote Line)

• Duration: 40-50 minutes
• Cost: ~650 yen
• Route:
1. Take the Tokyo Monorail from Haneda Airport to Hamamatsucho Station (about 15 minutes).
2. At Hamamatsucho Station, transfer to the JR Yamanote Line and ride to Akihabara Station (around 20 minutes).

This option is also convenient and though it takes a bit longer, the Monorail ride offers a nice view of Tokyo Bay.

From Narita Airport to Akihabara Station

Narita is farther from central Tokyo, so the journey takes longer. However, there are direct trains that make the trip convenient.

By Train (Narita Express)

• Duration: 60-70 minutes
• Cost: ~3,000 yen
• Route:
1. Take the Narita Express (N'EX) from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station (about 60 minutes).
2. From Tokyo Station, transfer to the JR Yamanote Line (toward Ueno or Akihabara) and ride to Akihabara Station (about 5 minutes).

The Narita Express is comfortable, fast, and has direct service to major Tokyo stations.

By Train (Keisei Skyliner + JR Yamanote Line)

• Duration: ~70 minutes
• Cost: ~2,400 yen
• Route:
1. Take the Keisei Skyliner from Narita Airport to Nippori Station (about 40 minutes).
2. At Nippori Station, transfer to the JR Yamanote Line and ride to Akihabara Station (about 15 minutes).

This option is slightly cheaper than the Narita Express, and only a few minutes longer, as the Skyliner is also very fast.

Accessing Hotels Near Akihabara Station

Once you arrive at Akihabara Station, you’ll find a variety of hotels within walking distance of the station, ranging from budget options to more upscale choices. The station is well-connected and easy to navigate, with signs in both Japanese and English. Many hotels are just a few minutes' walk from the station, making it convenient to drop off luggage and start exploring the area.

In conclusion, both airports provide quick and convenient access to Akihabara, with multiple train options depending on your preferences for speed, comfort, and cost.

Whether you're a fan of Japanese electronics, video games, manga and anime, or just want to see what an "otaku town" is like, Akihabara is a great place to visit and shop!