Akihabara Guide: The Best Anime-Related Shops, Dining, Hotels, and More

Akihabara: Tokyo's Famous Anime Culture District

Akihabara is one of the best-known places in both Tokyo and Japan for electronics and otaku* goods. Due to its close proximity to Asakusa and easy accessibility from Narita Airport and Ueno, Akihabara is an excellent hub for sightseeing and shopping.

With plenty of electronics available at low prices—as well as figures and toys from anime, manga, and games—it's the perfect place to find cool Japanese gifts.

*Otaku: A person who is obsessed with manga, anime, games, and Japanese subculture.

30 Things to Do in Akihabara

Explore Akihabara: From the Electric Town to Manseibashi Bridge

Photo by Pixta

Akihabara Electric Town is a street located just outside of JR Akihabara Station.

One of the local landmarks is Akihabara Radio Kaikan, the building with a bright yellow facade; originally built in 1962, this building was home to stores selling electronic components. With the rise of anime and otaku culture, shops handling merchandise moved into the building. The Radio Kaikan was rebuilt and reopened in 2014 and is now home to many popular electronics and anime goods shops.

The entire street of Electric Town is lined with electronics stores, maid cafes, and otaku culture facilities. We suggest exploring it on foot in order to feel the charm of Akihabara, which was once renowned as a hub for technology and electronic devices.

Akihabara Electric Town Street intersects with Chuo-dori Avenue. In this area, you'll find izakaya pubs, restaurants, cafes, and other dining establishments, as well as specialty shops where you can buy local products and duty-free stores.

On Sundays and holidays, the avenue becomes a pedestrian paradise; street performances featuring idols and other events can be enjoyed here. This is where you can truly experience the lively atmosphere of Akihabara.

Photo by Pixta

Junk Dori is a large street located along Chuo Dori. It is home to shops handling computer parts and products that are difficult to find in regular electronics stores.

In addition to computer parts shops, there are also miscellaneous goods stores, food establishments with a long history, and a variety of other establishments. It is a must-visit place to experience the local atmosphere of Akihabara.

Photo by Pixta

A little further away from Akihabara Electric Town on the way toward Ochanomizu Station is the area known as Manseibashi. The red-brick structure along the Kanda River houses charming shops and dining establishments.

In this area, tall buildings and office blocks stand prominently, presenting a wide and spacious office district. This area has a different atmosphere compared to Akihabara and offers a unique flavor.

Kanda Myojin Shrine, which enshrines the guardian deity of Tokyo, is located near Manseibashi so do drop by if you're in the area.

2. Visit Kanda Myojin Shrine

Photo by Pixta

Kanda Myojin Shrine boasts a history of nearly 1300 years. This shrine is dedicated to deities that protect the city of Tokyo. Easily accessible from Akihabara, a visit here is a great way to experience a Japanese shrine firsthand.

Due to its close proximity to Tokyo's electronics and anime hub, the shrine itself offers unique anime collaboration merchandise and good-luck talismans. Not surprisingly, you can also buy a charm that blesses electronic devices!

Photo by Pixta

Kanda Myojin Shrine is also famous for the Kanda Festival held every year in May. This is one of Tokyo's three most famous festivals and is dedicated to the deities enshrined here and protecting the city.

Kanda Myojin (Kanda Shrine)

2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021

3. Yodobashi Akiba: A Large-Scale Electronics Emporium

Yodobashi Akiba is a nine-story electronics emporium selling all the gadgets and tech products one could ever ask for and more. From Japanese rice cookers to beauty products, Yodobashi Akiba offers electronic items that are very popular among its customers—both local and overseas.

In addition to home electronics, Yodobashi Akiba also offers brand-name fashion, as well as a food court located above the main store. With plenty to see and buy, it is easy to spend all day in this building—located conveniently in front of Akihabara Station.

Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Akiba

1-1 Kanda Hanaokacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0028

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4. Bic Camera AKIBA

Bic Camera, a retailer specializing in electronics, also has a store in Akihabara. It sells popular Japanese household appliances such as rice cookers and beauty devices.

In addition to electronics, it offers various other products including fashion brands, toys, and outdoor equipment. It is a highly popular place with a diverse range of items.

If you're shopping at Bic Camera, show the digital coupon below at the register to get a discount on your purchases.

5. Yamada Denki Concept LABI Tokyo

Yamada Denki Concept LABI Tokyo is a comprehensive electronics retailer in Akihabara that offers a wide range of products related to computers and digital cameras.

The facility also provides a tax-free counter and offers excellent service facilities for tourists visiting Japan.

Yamada Denki Concept LABI Tokyo: Google Map

6. Sofmap Main Store

Sofmap Main Store is an electronics retailer located in Akihabara Electric Town. It consists of a total of seven floors, filled with various computer peripherals, cameras, and other electronic products.

The store also offers popular items such as beauty appliances, video games, and toys that are highly sought after by tourists. It is conveniently located near Akihabara Station.

Sofmap Akihabara AKIBA ② Store PC General Building

3-13-8 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021

7. LAOX Akihabara Main Store

LAOX Akihabara Main Store is a comprehensive electronics retailer that has chain stores all over Japan. In addition to household appliances, games, and watches, LAOX also sells jewelry.

They have approximately 70,000 different types of products. This store is particularly experienced in catering to tourists visiting Japan, and its customer service center has staff members who can communicate in multiple languages. They not only assist you with shopping but also provide guidance on nearby tourist attractions and tax-free procedures, making your shopping experience enjoyable and stress-free.

Laox Akihabara Main Store

1-2-9 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021

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8. Shop for Otaku Goods at AKIBA CULTURES ZONE

AKIBA CULTURES ZONE is a six-story department store containing a large number of shops catering to those interested in otaku culture.

There are subculture stores such as ACOS, which specializes in cosplay goods, to Rashinban and Animate—both offering anime merchandise. Hands down, this is a unique combination of shops you'll only find in Akihabara.

On the first floor, you'll find the AKIBA CULTURE Gekijo, which is a theater where underground idols hold live musical shows. You might catch a sneak peek at the next big idol in Japan when watching the next performance.

AKIBA Cultures Zone

1-7-10 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021 Akiba Cultures Zone

9. Animate Akihabara

Animate is an anime specialty store with branches all around Japan. Animate Akihabara reopened after renovations at the end of April 2023. It consists of two buildings: Animate Akihabara Building 1 and Animate Akihabara Building 2.

Building 1 consists of eight floors from basement level 1 to the 7th floor. The basement floor offers audio, visual, and gaming products, while floors one to six showcase popular anime titles and character goods. Additionally, the seventh floor features an Event Space where events such as autograph sessions and talk shows are being held.

Together with Building 2, it becomes a spot where you can enjoy fun activities throughout the day.

Animate Akihabara Main Building

4-3-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021

10. AKIHABARA Gamers Main Store: A Treasure Trove of Otaku Goods

AKIHABARA Gamers is a specialty store offering cute anime and voice actor-related collectibles. Its walls are lined with magazines, CDs, and a plethora of other "otaku" goods. Inside the store, you'll find merchandise such as delicious cookies and cute mugs that make perfect souvenirs.

This one-stop shop is stocked with Japanese otaku products you won't want to miss!

AKIHABARA Gamers Main Store

1-14-7 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021 Takarada Chuo-dori Buildi...

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11. Discover Rare Collectibles at Kotobukiya

Kotobukiya Akihabara is a hobby shop specializing in figurines and models based on anime and manga characters. Its three floors of merchandise make it the largest store of its kind in Akihabara, and the elaborate model displays on each floor provide great window-shopping opportunities.

Whether you're on the hunt for a specific model of your favorite character or simply browsing, Kotobukiya provides an exciting glimpse into the model and figurine world in Japan.

Kotobukiya Akihabara Building

1-8-8 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021 Okajima Building

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12. Mandarake Complex: An Otaku Shopping PAradise

When in Akihabara, do as the otakus do and venture out to the multitude of anime and manga shops.

Opening its doors in 1987, Mandarake Complex is one of the longest-standing and largest otaku emporiums stocked with anime merchandise, figures, video games, and rare goodies. Towering at eight floors, the flagship store in Akihabara is also equipped with English-speaking staff to assist you in finding one-of-a-kind otaku paraphernalia.

Mandarake Complex

3-11-12 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021

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13. Don Quijote Akihabara: Affordable Japanese Souvenirs

Don Quijote Akihabara is part of Don Quijote, a Japan-wide chain of discount stores known for its reasonable prices and interesting merchandise. The Akihabara branch—which operates past midnight until 5 AM—offers a unique range of items related to cosplay, anime, and other Akihabara-themed goods.

Don Quijote also offers services such as duty-free counters and accepts payment in foreign currency, striving to support international customers.

15% Discount Coupon for Shopping at Don Quijote

Don Quijote Akihabara Store

4-3-3 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021

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14. Shop for Souvenirs with a Japanese Touch at CHABARA AKI-OKA MARCHE

Located beneath the JR rail lines by Akihabara Station, CHABARA AKI-OKA MARCHE is a building housing several shops offering high-quality, handmade goods. With handicrafts and other miscellaneous goods on sale, this is a great place to purchase authentic Japanese souvenirs for friends and family back home.

Inside, you'll find a Nippon Hyakkaten (Japanese department store) that offers unique items with a modern twist, including tableware and other goods. The building also houses a small cafe offering vegetarian and vegan-friendly Buddhist cuisine for lunch and dinner for those looking to have a relaxing sit-down meal.

2k540 AKI-OKA ARTISAN

5-9 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0005

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15. Unusual Vending Machines Selling Canned Oden and Snacks

It's not a secret that vending machines in Japan are topnotch and high-tech, some boasting digital screens with touch-panel displays and many accepting cashless forms of payments. However, leave it to Akihabara to bring the weirdness when it comes to these ubiquitous machines.

Located about a five-minute walk from Akihabara Station, there's a quiet corner lined with vending machines that sell everything from canned oden soup, plastic toy beetles, and mystery packages filled with edible snacks to odd bits and bobs. Why not venture out to this unique location hidden in Tokyo's popular hub for manga mega-fans and otaku subculture?

Access
Tokyo, Chiyoda, Kanda Suda-cho 2-19-7
Google Map

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16. Akihabara UDX: Multi-Purpose Building in the Heart of Akihabara

Akihabara UDX (Urban Development X) is a multi-purpose high-rise complex that disseminates cultural information about Akihabara. The 22-story building is home to restaurants, shops, theaters, and other facilities. Moreover, the large screen on the facade of the building regularly shows the latest information about Japanese animation.

On the fourth floor, there is the Tokyo Anime Center, which showcases merchandise related to Japanese animation. This place is also a popular destination among visitors to Japan.

Three floors are dedicated to restaurants and cafes in the Akiba-Ichi areas (levels one to three). From kaisendon (seafood rice bowl) to omurice (rice omelet) to spicy Shenzhen ramen, you'll find a plethora of eateries that will satisfy your cravings.

On the fourth floor, you'll find the UDX Theater where you can enjoy watching 3D films. There's also the upscale Famima!!—operated by the Japanese convenience store chain FamilyMart—on the fifth floor, where visitors can purchase premium food and packaged deli-style lunch boxes in a stylish ambiance.

Akihabara UDX

17. Check Out Arcades and Game Centers

The streets of Akihabara are lined with numerous arcades and game centers where visitors can have fun playing crane (UFO catchers) and arcade games—the retro classics and latest releases.

Crane games have all sorts of rewards, from large plush dolls of anime and manga characters to jumbo-sized Japanese snacks and electronics. Many of these game centers—notably, Super Potato and Taito Center—are within walking distance from JR Akihabara Station and easily accessible via the Electric Town Exit.

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18. Experience Japanese "Moe" at Maid Cafes

In Japanese, the slang term "moe" describes cuteness, infatuation, and having a crush on someone or something. It is a well-known word in Akihabara's otaku culture. Those interested in seeing this firsthand should visit a maid cafe. Upon entering one of these establishments, patrons are politely greeted by female staff wearing maid costumes.

One of Akihabara's most popular maid cafes is @home cafe (Japanese). Another notable cafe is Maidreamin, where waitstaff work to put smiles on their guests' faces by referring to them as "masters" and "princesses".

When ordering food or beverages, the maids provide service that's second to none. If you're into otaku culture, make sure to visit this promised land of moe and entertainment.

Travelers interested in experiencing a maid cafe but don't know where to start can try the Maidreamin Cafe maid experience, a great way to experience the fun of maid cafe culture in Tokyo.

Maid Cafe Experience at Maidreamin Tokyo

Access
Tokyo, Chiyoda, Sotokanda, 1-11-4, Mitsuwa Bld. 4F - 7F
Google Map

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19. Cosplay and Photo Shoot at Studio Crown

Yearning to try out Japanese cosplay, or costume-play, in Japan but are unsure of how to do it? Look no further than the photo shoots at Studio Crown in Akihabara.

Suitable for beginners and veteran cosplayers alike, you can choose from a range of cosplay photography plans, with services that include pre-made costumes, personalized makeup support, and selecting the appropriate props.

After getting into costume and makeup, Studio Crown will also provide professional photography services that make a great keepsake. Visitors interested in cosplay should make a reservation, which can be booked via the Studio Crown website.

Access
Tokyo, Chiyoda, Kanda Building Sasage East 5th Floor B Tower
Google Map

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20. Akihabara Gachapon Kaikan: Capsule Toy Dispensers!

The Akihabara Gachapon Kaikan—otherwise known as the Akihabara Capsule Toy Center—is a legendary specialty shop that sells elaborate capsule toys. From floor to ceiling, the whole store is completely lined with "gachapon" or capsule toy dispensers.

Capsule toys have been popular in Japan for many years, and capsule toy dispensers can be found throughout the country nowadays. However, the Akihabara Gachapon Kaikan is an entire store solely dedicated to these dispensers. Each gachapon dispenser costs around a couple of hundred yen. Why not pop in some coins, turn the knob, and see what comes out?

Access
Tokyo, Chiyoda, Sotokanda, 3-15-5
Google Map

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21. Cross-Dressing Maid Café: Akihabara NEWTYPE

Maid cafés are common in Tokyo's Akihabara area. At Otokonoko Cafe & Bar NEWTYPE, however, all the maids are actually guys! They are all serving customers while cross-dressing as maids.

NEWTYPE is a prominent cross-dressing café and bar for cross-dressing men and has been in business for several years in Akihabara.

The ordering system at NEWTYPE is a bit different from standard cafés. First, you begin by paying an entry fee (1,500 yen) that comes with one drink and sixty minutes of time at the cafe. After your first beverage, you will have to pay for any additional drinks or foods you order. Guests wanting to stay longer than one hour will have to pay extra, charged at a rate of 300 yen per 30 minutes.

At NEWTYPE, not only can you see and chat with cute cross-dressing maids, but there are plenty of foods and drinks to choose from.

One of the most important manners at the café is that you may not ask for the maid's personal contact information nor take photos of the maids without their permission.

Otokonoko Maid Cafe & Bar NEWTYPE

3-7-12 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021 Isamiya No. 8 Building

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22. Pose With Adorable Owls at Akiba Fukurou Cafe

Animal lovers can take photos and interact with the friendly owls at Akihabara's Akiba Fukuro Cafe: an owl cafe with raving reviews in Japan. In comparison to other typical animal-based cafes in Japan, the Akiba Fukurou Cafe uses a reservation-only system that provides customers with an intimate and fun experience. This system also ensures the safety and well-being of the owls. There are also written instructions and close supervision from staff on the proper handling of the owls.

For an even more special experience, reserve a ticket in advance. You can secure a spot at this popular cafe and receive free pictures of you and the adorable owls at a discounted price.

Access
Tokyo, Chiyoda, Kanda Neribei 67
Google Map

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23. Little TGV: Dine at a Railroad-Themed Cafe

While maid cafes are a well-known mainstay in Akihabara, there are other quirky themed cafes in the kitschy electronic and otaku district. Take Little TGV (Japanese), for example. This railroad-themed cafe merges Akihabara’s maid cafe culture with staff clad in train conductor outfits serving up tasty creations. Not to mention that the restaurant is set in a fictional train company coined the New Akihabara Electric Railway.

Customers are seated in booths that were once original train seats where they can order rolled omelets (tamagoyaki) shaped as train carriages and cocktails that mirror the colors of Tokyo train lines, like Cassis Orange for the Ginza Line.

Railroad tavern Little TGV

3-10-5 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021 Isamiya 3 Building 4th fl...

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24. Excellent Eel Dishes at Unasho Yodobashi Akiba

Unasho, located on the 8th floor of the Yodobashi Akiba building, is a restaurant specializing in Japanese eel dishes. Using high-quality eel from Nagoya, their hitsumabushi eel dishes are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They also offer all-you-can-eat tea soup and condiments.

Access
Tokyo, Chiyoda, Kanda Hanaoka-cho 1-1, Yodobashi Akiba 8F Map

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25. Plant-Based Buddhist Cuisine at Komaki Shokudo

In the heart of Tokyo's electronic bazaar, Komaki Shokudo is an eatery serving authentic vegan and vegetarian Buddhist cuisine, otherwise known as shojin ryori.

Accessible from JR Akihabara Station's Electric Town Exit, Komaki Shokudo is located inside CHABARA AKI-OKA MARCHE, which houses several shops offering high-quality, handmade goods from Japan. The color vegetable-centric dishes contain no eggs, white sugar, dairy products, and "gokun*" (five pungent roots).

Open from lunch to dinner, head over here for a seasonal teishoku (set menu cuisine) based on the concept of "ichiju sansai" (one soup and three side dishes). From seasonings of miso (fermented soybean paste) to mirin (sweet rice wine), Komaki Shokudo offers a taste of mindful plant-based cooking that is homemade and from the heart.

*Gokun: the five pungent vegetables that include green onions, shallots, chives, garlic, and leeks.

Access
Tokyo, Chiyoda, Kanda-Neribeicho 8-2
Google Map

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26. Savor Akihabara’s Best Bowls of Ramen (Meat and Vegan/Vegetarian Options)

While Akihabara may be more synonymous with Japanese subculture than ramen, the electric city is brimming with bowls of scrumptious noodles from meat-based to vegetarian and vegan options.

Motenashi Kuroki is a ramen eatery that's hard to miss with its continuous long lines of hungry clientele. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that this establishment ranks as one of the best ramen shops in Akihabara. The trademark "shio" (salt-based) or miso ramen topped with two-day simmered "chashu" (roasted pork) are a must-have!

For vegetarian and vegan visitors, you're in luck as Akihabara is home to the Hakata ramen chain Kyushu Jangara Ramen. Here, animal-friendly dining is the creme de la creme with pipping bowls of noodle free from fish broth, pork bones, and simmered chicken. That doesn't mean it isn't packed with umami, as many plant-based eaters have raved about the savory soy sauce broth topped with tofu and various veggies.

Access
Tokyo, Chiyoda, Sotokanda 3-11-6
Google Map

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27. Omusubi no GABA: Rice Balls with Fried Chicken

Located near the Suehirocho Exit of Akihabara Station, Omusubi no GABA is a specialty rice ball shop that offers a variety of freshly made rice balls in multiple flavors.

They use sprouted GABA rice grown in Japan and also provide various set meals such as fried chicken and fried oysters. You can choose to dine in or take out, and they start serving nutritious meals from breakfast time onwards. It is highly popular among nearby office workers.

28. Taste the Freshest Sashimi at Yonpachi Gyojo

Yonpachi Gyojo is an izakaya chain that utilizes its own logistics and transportation system to deliver the freshest catches of the day to its affiliated izakaya restaurants in the morning.

One highly recommended dish is their assorted sashimi, which allows you to taste six different types of fish and showcases Yonpachi Gyojo's daily star lineup. The combination of the assorted sashimi is not fixed and may vary based on the season and daily catches, ensuring that you experience the best flavors of the season, regardless of the specific combination.

Yonpachi Gyojo Akihabara Showa Dori: Google Map

29. BAY HOTEL Akihabara: A Capsule Hotel Exclusively for Women

The entire building of BAY HOTEL Akihabara is designed in shades of pink, creating a bright and soft atmosphere. This is the main reason why many female guests choose this hotel.

Additionally, being located in Akihabara, the paradise for anime and manga lovers, there are of course many female fans in this area. Therefore, Bay Hotel has collaborated with popular games that are loved by women and introduced dedicated floors and rooms exclusively designed for them.

You can easily make a reservation from Booking.com.

30. remm Akihabara

Picture courtesy of Booking.com
remm Akihabara is directly connected to Akihabara Station and offers modern, well-designed rooms featuring wide windows with city views. Each includes a 32-inch flat-screen TV and an electric kettle. The glass-wall bathroom features a rain shower.

Akihabara’s famous Electric Town is just a 2-minute walk away. It is a 10-minute train ride to the historic Asakusa area and Ueno Park, and a 5-minute train ride to Kokugikan National Sumo Stadium at Ryogoku.

You can easily book a room at remm Akihabara on Booking.com.

Accessing Akihabara

Station	Major stations along the same route
JR Akihabara Station	Tokyo, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Ueno
Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Akihabara Station	Roppongi, Ginza, Tsukiji, etc.
Tsukuba Express Line Akihabara Station	Asakusa, Nagareyama, Tsukuba, etc.

There are three stations called Akihabara connected to each other. The JR Akihabara Station is served by the JR Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, and Chuo-Sobu Line.

The Akihabara Station of Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line is connected to Roppongi and other major subway stations.

And the Akihabara Station on the Tsukuba Express offers direct trains to Asakusa or Tsukuba City in Ibaraki Prefecture.

Here's how to get to Akihabara Station aboard Tokyo's trains.

JR lines Departing from Tokyo, Shinjuku, and Shibuya Stations are Convenient

From the hub of Tokyo Station, you can directly arrive at Akihabara Station via the Keihin Tohoku Line in about 4 minutes for 140 yen.

If you're coming from bustling Shinjuku Station, taking the Chuo/Sobu Lines is recommended. First, take the Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Ochanomizu Station, then transfer to the Sobu Line to Akihabara Station.

This route takes about 14 minutes and costs 170 yen.

If you're keen on walking across Shibuya's iconic Scramble Crossing, you can get to Akihabara by hopping aboard the Yamanote Line. This takes about 28 minutes and costs 200 yen.

From Ginza or Roppongi, Take the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line

When heading from the lavish shopping district around Ginza Station to Akihabara Station, get on the Hibiya Line for 13 minutes, which costs 170 yen.

If you're arriving from the lively nightlife district of Roppongi, you can also use the Hibiya Line. The ride will take 22 minutes and costs 200 yen.

From Asakusa, Take the Tsukuba Express

From Asakusa, you can directly get to Akihabara via the Tsukuba Express Line. This will take you just 5 minutes and costs 210 yen. However, since the Akihabara stop on the Tsukuba Express Line is a little removed from JR Akihabara Station, be careful not to get lost on your way to the center of Akihabara's Electric Town.

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Akihabara: Where Electronics and Otaku Culture Merge

Akihabara is a well-known entertainment hub where high-tech goods, electronics, and otaku culture come together. While this spot is popular amongst those interested in anime, manga, and niche hobbies, it also has a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.

We highly recommend visiting Akihabara and learning more about the otaku side of Tokyo and Japanese subcultures.

Main image by Pixta