Akihabara Travel Guide: Visit Japan's Electronics And Otaku Center!

Akihabara - The Heart of Otaku Culture

Located in the heart of Tokyo, the Akihabara district is one of the capital’s most popular tourist spots. Easily accessible from Ueno, Asakusa and the rest of Tokyo, throngs of international visitors regularly head to Akihabara.

In the past, Akihabara flourished as Japan’s leading electronics district, and its streets were lined with specialist shops which dealt in goods like amateur radio equipment and computer parts. These days, while the number of specialist shops has dwindled, there are plenty of big-box stores where you can purchase reasonably priced consumer electronics, and you can still feel the vestiges of the former glory of “Electric Town.”

Akihabara’s other main draw is its status as a stronghold for Japan’s unique otaku culture. There are rows upon rows of shops which are all about otaku culture, including places that sell anime goods, maid cafes, and vintage toy stores line the streets, making Akihabara the place to go if you want to pick up unique otaku souvenirs.

Table of Contents

1. Akihabara Culture
2. Akihabara Area Guide
3. How to Get to Akihabara
4. From Akihabara Station to Electric Town
5. Computers and Electronics Shopping
6. Maid and Themed Cafes
7. Gaming Hot Spots
8. Anime Goods and Cosplay Supplies
9. Internet Cafes
10. Game Centers and Arcades
11. Other Noteworthy Spots
12. Dining in Akihabara
13. Hotels in Akihabara
14. What to Do in Order to Enjoy Your Time in Akihabara
15. Other Useful Things to Note

Akihabara Culture

Akihabara has developed some unique cultural facets in its role as a transmitter of Japanese pop culture to the world. Here we’ll talk a little about otaku, idols and cosplayers.

Otaku

It’s difficult to nail down an exact definition of otaku, but generally, it refers to someone who is fanatically devoted to their interests. Akihabara has long been known as sacred territory for otaku, with its wealth of anime goods stores and hobby shops. Standard otaku fashion also exists, and you can see examples when you visit Akihabara. For more info, check out our otaku fashion article.

Idols

The eighth floor of Akihabara’s Don Quijote is home to the AKB Theater, where Japan’s most popular idol group, AK48, holds public performances. Akihabara has other event venues where idol groups perform, and young idols also perform on the street. Perhaps you’ll bear witness to the top idols of tomorrow! Check out our Representing Japan And Akibahara: AKB48! article for more.

Cosplayers

Cosplayers put together outfits to become the spitting images of anime, manga and movie characters, and Akihabara has rows upon rows of cosplay shops to help them do so. Places like ACOS Akihabara and Studio Crown provide the perfect venue for people who’ve never tried cosplay to give it their best shot.

Akihabara Area Guide

The Area Around the Central Intersection

The Main Street crossing of Electric Town is bustling with people coming and going. The surrounding area is populated with rows of izakayas, restaurants, and cafes, as well as hobby stores where you can buy souvenirs and duty-free shops. On Sundays and public holidays, the crossing is closed to traffic, making it a pedestrian’s paradise. Maids and budding idols perform in the street as well. You could say that this is the place to really feel the true vibe of Akihabara.

Akihabara Station - Around the Electric Town Entrance

All around JR Akihabara Station’s Electric Town entrance, there are rows of shops selling computer parts and amateur radio equipment. You can see how Akihabara used to prosper as the definitive place for electronics. Along with maid cafes, the surrounding area is also home to the AKB Theater, where you can see Japan’s top idol group, AKB48, perform on stage. Definitely check it out when you visit Akihabara.

Junk Street

Junk Street is the alley behind Main Street. The storefronts along Junk Street have bare PC parts out on display, and these places handle goods that are hard to find at regular electronics stores. Not limited to just PC parts, Junk Street shops handle various miscellaneous goods, with well-established eateries and all sorts of shops. Junk Street is a must if you want to savor some local Akihabara flavor.

Outside Electric Town

If you venture outside of Electric Town’s borders, the streets will be filled with towering office buildings. There aren’t really any places to buy souvenirs here, but you can enjoy a stroll along the Kanda River as you gaze up at the high-rise buildings. If you’re looking for a way to fully enjoy your time in this area, you can try going on an Akihabara Sightseeing Tour With Maids! Think about checking this out when you visit Akihabara.

How to Get to Akihabara

Akihabara is easily accessible from Tokyo’s major stations. Here we’ll talk about how to get there from these stations, as well as how to get there from the Haneda and Narita airports.

From Haneda

There are two routes from Haneda to Akihabara.

1. [Haneda Airport]→(Keihin Kyuko Line)→[Shinagawa]→(Keihama Tohoku Line/Yamanote Line)→[Akihabara]

From Haneda Airport, take the Keihin Kyuko Line to Shinagawa Station, then transfer to either the Keihin Tohoku Line or Yamanote Line to get to Akihabara. Most trains on the Keihin Kyuko Line should go directly to Shinagawa Station, but some of these trains are bound for Yokohama. If you get on one of these trains, make sure to transfer at Keikyu Kamata Station. If you’re on a direct train to Shinagawa, the journey should take about 35 minutes, depending on time of day. This route costs 580 yen.

2.[Haneda Airport]→(Tokyo Monorail)→[Hamamatsu-cho]→(Keihin Tohoku Line)→[Akihabara]

From Haneda Airport, take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsu-cho, then transfer to the Keihin Tohoku Line to get to Akihabara. The journey should take about 40 minutes, and costs 640 yen.

From Narita Airport

To get from Narita Airport to Akihabara, the Keisei Line is the most convenient.

[Keisei Narita Airport Station]→(Keisei Line)→[Ueno Station]→(JR Line/Tokyo Metro Higaya Line)→[Akihabara Station]

Three trains leave from Narita Airport Terminal 1 on the Keisei Line: the Express Limited train, the Access Limited train, and the Sky Liner. They all have different fares and travel times, so choose the best one for you.

Traveling from Narita Airport to Ueno Station:
Express Limited - 75 minutes, 1030 yen
Access Limited - 60 minutes, 1240 yen
Sky Liner - 40 minutes, 2470 yen

From Ueno Station to Akihabara Station, going via the JR Keihin Tohoku Line or Yamanote takes three minutes and costs 140 yen. Via the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, it takes three minutes and costs 170 yen.

From Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, and Shibuya Station

[Tokyo Station]→(Keihin Tohoku Line/ Yamanote Line)→[Akihabara Station]

From Tokyo Station to Akihabara Station via Keihin Tohoku Line/Yamanote Line, the trip is four minutes and costs 140 yen.

[Shinjuku Station]→(JR Sobu Line)→[Akihabara Station]

From Shinjuku Station to Akihabara Station, the most convenient route is via the JR Sobu Line. The trip is 18 minutes and costs 170 yen.

[Shibuya Station]→(JR Yamanote Line)→[Akihabara Station]

You can get from Shibuya Station to Akihabara Station via the Yamanote Line without needing to transfer trains. The trip is 30 minutes and costs 200 yen.

Read A Guide To Akihabara! From Inexpensive Electronics To Otaku Gifts for more information.

From Akihabara Station to Electric Town

Getting from Akihabara Station to Electric Town is a bit complicated. Here we’ll explain how to get from various station platforms to the Electric Town entrance.

From the JR Line/Keihin Tohoku Line/Yamanote Line/Sobu Line to Electric Town

The platform for the JR Sobu Line is one floor above the platforms for the Keihin Tohoku and Yamanote Lines. If you took the Sobu Line, look for the yellow sign that marks the Electric Town entrance and head downstairs to the Keihin Tohoku Line and Yamanote Line platforms. After you’ve gone down to the platforms, go around the stairs and take the escalator. Once you’re on the ground floor, head left and you’ll find yourself at the Electric Town entrance.

From the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line/Tsukuba Express to Electric Town

If you came on the Hibiya Line, head towards exit 3; if you came on the Tsukuba Express, head to exit A2. Go out the exit, head towards the JR central ticket gate, and go past it. Once you pass the ticket gate, a connecting passageway for the Tozai line will come into view. Take the entrance across from this passageway and continue until you come to the Electric Town entrance. For more information, check out Akihabara Station: Head to the Holy Land - Electric Town.

Computers and Electronics Shopping

Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Akiba

Another appliance store, Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Akiba is directly in front of Akihabara Station. Yodobashi Camera is popular with customers looking for Japanese-made appliances such as rice cookers and facial care appliances. Along with appliances, Yodobashi Camera also has brand-name fashion boutiques and a restaurant quarter. By all means, check these spots out in addition to the appliances section.

AKKY’s Flagship Store

This is the flagship store of the AKKY group in Akihabara. Here you can find an extensive array of computers, cameras and other electronics with foreign-language support that are targeted at international customers.

AKKY ONE Akihabara

One of the AKKY group’s stores, AKKY ONE Akihabara is a duty-free outlet that sells electronics. It boasts the most spacious interior of the three AKKY stores in Akihabara. Along with kitchen appliances, the stores inside handle foreign-model computers and smartphones which are difficult to procure in Japan. Thanks to permanent staff who are fluent in multiple languages, first-time visitors to Japan can relax and enjoy their shopping experience.

AKKY II

In comparison to the other two AKKY stores, AKKY II is notable for having far more English-configured computers on display. In addition, the store handles a wide genre of products: internationally-supported phones, fragrances, bags, souvenir items and more. There is multilingual assistance available from AKKY employees, and one of the appeals of shopping at AKKY II is being able to comfortably consult with its helpful staff.

LABI Akihabara Computer Store

The LABI Akihabara Computer Store boasts one of the best product selections in the district. Shelves are lined with popular electronics like PC peripherals and digital cameras, from the basement level to the fifth floor. The LABI Akihabara Computer Store is a minute away from the JR Akihabara Station Electric Town Entrance, an appealingly short distance. With a tax-exemption counter and other services, LABI has fully developed customer services for visitors to Japan.

Sofmap Main Branch

The main Akihabara branch of the electronics store Sofmap has seven floors of computer peripherals, cameras and more. The store also sells items that are popular with tourists to Japan, like beauty appliances, video games and toys. It’s easily accessible from Akihabara Station, so drop by.

Sofmap Reuse General Store

The Sofmap Reuse General Store specializes in home appliances, and B1F is set up as a duty-free corner. With an extensive product selection, a visit here is the perfect chance to find what you’re looking for at a bargain price.

LAOX Akihabara’s Flagship Store

The electronics emporium LAOX Akihabara is the flagship store of the LAOX electronics chain, which has branches all over Japan. Stocking games, watches, jewelry and more, LAOX Akihabara handles approximately 70,000 items which are popular with visitors to Japan. Well-known for its excellent customer service, LAOX Akihabara has multilingual staff regularly stationed at the information counter. Along with offering support for shoppers, they also provide sightseeing tips and make duty-free procedures painless. This is definitely a pleasant place to get your shopping done without any hassle.

Maid and Themed Cafes

For most people, one thing that comes to mind when they hear “Akihabara” is the district’s maid cafe scene. These cafes can’t be experienced overseas, so if you’re interested, you should definitely check one out.

＠Home Cafe

＠Home Cafe is an extremely popular maid cafe in Akihabara. Many tourists flock to this cafe as a sightseeing spot, which has been open since 2005. The building’s fourth through seventh floors are all part of the maid cafe, and apparently there are 180 maids on staff. The menus are available in English, so order some food and a drink.

Maidreamin

Maidreamin is a national chain of maid cafes found in Akihabara, Osaka, and Nagoya. Similar to @Home Cafe, Maidreamin is very popular and offers a fun, classic maid cafe experience. Menus are available in English, and the food and drinks are adorable. The maids give performances and will give customers props like cat ears, too.

For those curious about maid cafes, make an online reservation to secure your spot, especially if going on a weekend or holiday.

High School Akibagumi

The staff at High School Akibagumi are all costumed maids and butlers, ready to serve at your pleasure. Customers enter the cafe as ‘exchange students,’ and the maids and butlers serve up a slice of Japanese high school life. Check out the special food and drink items on the menu!

Maid Cafe Togenkyo

Costumed maids are at your beck and call at the maid cafe Togenkyo. The cafe offers set lunches and sweets made from scratch, and the menu changes daily. The menu also features plenty of different herbal and flavored teas, so you should sample a cup.

Queen’s Court

The Queen’s Court is built around the concept of “a courtyard that offers royal hospitality.” During your meal, have a chat with the staff; according to the cafe’s setting, they are the maids of goddesses, descended from heaven. In addition to menu items like pasta and omelet rice, the menu also has parfaits and other sweets, as well as soft drink cocktails. Visit the Queens’ Court for yourself and you’ll surely have a divine little time.

Pinafore #1

Pinafore #1 is a veteran of the Akihabara maid cafe scene, having opened in 2003. Pinafore has three branches in Akihabara: Pinafore #1, Pinafore #3, and Pinafore Labyrinth. All three have a rich variety of menu offerings. Pinafore #1 is popular for its characteristic relaxed atmosphere, which allows customers the opportunity to chat with the very unique maids on staff. Another one of the appealing things about the cafe is its schedule; the cafe is open from midday until 5 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, so you can visit at any time of day.

Tenshi To Akuma Pray

>Tenshi To Akuma Pray is a maid cafe themed around angels and demons. The outfits of the maids in this fascinating place are divided into white and black. The drink menu features “demon beer” and “angel beer,” as well as original cocktails developed by the cafe, so sip your unique Pray beverage as you chat with the maids.

Akihabara Fun

A karaoke bar that opened in 2015, Akihabara Fun is a cozy little hideaway with a stage set up for karaoke. You can enjoy karaoke on the stage yourself, or have one of the cute maids on staff sing a song of your choosing. Akihabara Fun sells alcoholic drinks, too, so you can enjoy singing along with the whole bar.

The Gundam Cafe

The Gundam Cafe, located near the Electric Town entrance of JR Akihabara Station, recreates the world of the popular Japanese anime Gundam. Inside the cafe, there are Gundam statues and various gimmicks hidden away for you to find.

Nadeshiko Sushi

Nadeshiko Sushi isn’t your typical sushi restaurant; the sushi chefs are all female. The interior design evokes classic Japan, and you can consult with the chef about what to order. If you want sushi in Akihabara, this should definitely be on your list of places to go.

Cafe Asan

Cafe Asan is a concept cafe located between Akihabara and neighboring Okachimachi Station. Asan is short for “Asian animation,” and the cafe is gaining popularity as a space to share the magnificence of anime with others. The interior has hammocks installed, and you can can read anime documents and manga. Each seat is fully equipped with Wi-Fi and electrical outlets, so you can relax for as much time as you want.

Newtype

Newtype has been getting more and more popular by offering a customer service experience that separates it from other Akihabara maid cafes; the staff are cross-dressing “maid boys.” The food menu has a plethora of delicious items, including the ever-popular omelet rice. Enjoy your stay in Newtype while enjoying an altogether different flavor of eye candy.

Gaming Hot Spots

Super Potato

Super Potato specializes in retro games, and handles many games from bygone eras, including the most popular Nintendo titles from over two decades ago. The building’s top floor is an retro arcade, and here you can find the hottest titles from back in the day. Transport yourself back to your youth with a visit to Super Potato.

Sofmap Amusement Store

The Sofmap Amusement Store is one of four locations in Akihabara owned by the Sofmap group. This location’s distinguishing feature is its focus on video games and software products. It also handles idol merchandise and other goods you can only find in Akihabara. There are tax-exemption counters set up on all eight floors, so international visitors should take full advantage.

Anime Goods and Cosplay Supplies

Akihabara Gamers Flagship Store

The Akihabara Gamers store specializes in bishojo anime and voice actors’ merchandise. The shelves are packed with magazines, CDs, accessories and more. Plus, you can also find little items like cookies and mugs, which are the perfect size for taking home as souvenirs. Sample Japanese otaku culture at Gamers.

Akihabara UDX

The Akihabara UDX building is an office complex which serves as a beacon for Akihabara culture. You can get the latest news about Japanese anime from the screen installed on the building’s facade. The fourth floor is home to the Tokyo Anime Center, where Japanese anime goods are displayed. This spot is getting a lot of attention from tourists to Japan.

Akiba Cultures Zone

The Akiba Cultures Zone is a multipurpose building where otaku-targeted shops have clustered. Places suffused with the spirit of Akihabara, like the cosplay specialty store ACOS and the anime merchandise dealers Rashinban and Animate, line the corridors. The Akiba Culture Theater is set up on the first floor, where you can see budding idols do live performances. Who knows? You might be able to witness an early show from a future Akihabara star! Immerse yourself in otaku culture at the Akiba Cultures Zone.

Akiba☆ Sofmap #1 Store

The Akiba☆ Sofmap #1 Store specifically handles otaku-related merchandise. The store's eight floors contain PC and console games, figurines, idol merchandise and more. Event venues are set up on the seventh and eight floors, and idol performances and all sorts of events are held in these spaces. Definitely stop by if you want to see Japanese idols in person.

Mandarake Complex

Mandarake Complex is the place to go for otaku goods in Akihabara, as its eight spacious floors are packed with comics, anime DVDs, figurines, games, and various secondhand items. With a vast product selection, Mandarake Complex even has a separate floor for old manga. You could say that it’s possible to get excited just by looking at the amazing array of otaku merchandise available.

Tokyo Anime Center

The Tokyo Anime Center, located inside Akihabara UDX, aims to transmit the latest information about Japanese anime to the world. The Center does this by holding anime-related exhibitions and selling goods from the official shop, which handles merchandise from the latest and hottest anime. The Center also sells exclusive limited-edition merchandise, so if you love anime, this should definitely be a stop on your list.

ACOS Akihabara

A specialty cosplay store in the Akiba Cultures Zone, ACOS Akihabara is famous among cosplayers, and its interior is crammed with cosplay items. In addition to the typical cosplay, ACOS also carries products that are perfect as souvenirs, such as ninja masks and traditional Japanese masks. How about challenging yourself to put together the perfect cosplay outfit with some ACOS gear?

Internet Cafes

Nagomi Style.Cafe

The Nagomi Style.Cafe is designed to evoke a traditional Japanese ryokan, and its interior feels classically Japanese. Equipped with booths and private tatami rooms, Nagomi has Internet service as well as shelves of manga, and customers can avail of unlimited soft drink plans and cheaply-priced traditional Japanese snacks, dagashi. Nagomi offers a comfortable place to stay, even for a long period of time.

Game Centers and Arcades

Club Sega Akihabara Shinkan

The Club Sega Akihabara Shinkan is a game center located a three-minute walk from JR Akihabara Station’s Electric Town entrance. With plenty of different crane games, Club Sega is usually bustling with many players. The 3F purikura corner rents out cosplay costumes for 500 yen, which you can wear for photos. You can take great memorial photos of your visit to Japan.

Adores Akihabara

The Adores game center is located along the Chuo-dori, the district’s main street. The eye-catching red building has karaoke floors from the third to the 10th floor, and is a popular spot for people who want to be able to play games and sing karaoke at the same time. The first and second floors have prize corners where you can earn stuffed animals, anime goods and other treats by winning games. Try out some of the games and return home with your spoils of victory!

Akihabara GiGO

AkihabaraGiGO is operated by the famous Japanese game company Sega. The bottom three floors of the orange building are filled exclusively with crane games, and the top three floors are lined with rows of arcade games from all genres. You can double-check what prizes can be won through the crane games at the official website, so you can think about what you want to aim for when you visit.

Hey

Short for ”Hirose Entertainment Yard,” the Hey game center is full of fighting games, and the room is overflowing with the heat of battle! You’ll see a lot of regular customers, almost all of whom are there to prove that they are the strongest. If you think you’re a “real gamer,” then head to Hey and face Japanese gamers in real combat!

Taito Station

Taito Station is operated by the Taito company, which produces arcade games. Conspicuous for its red building exterior, covered in giant Space Invaders, Taito Station has all the latest games produced by Taito. B1F has purikura, the first and second floors have crane games, and the third through sixth floors have video games. There are all sorts of other games throughout the building, too. Enter Taito Station and you’re sure to lose track of time inside.

Tokyo Leisure Land Akihabara

Tokyo Leisure Land is located on a side street off of Chuo-dori. This five-story game center is popular for its second floor, which is devoted to music games that have players perform with taiko drums, drum sets, and guitars, among other instruments. If you’ve never tried the genre before, how about playing one for the first time at Leisure Land? Read our 7 Akihabara Game Centers article for more info.

Other Noteworthy Spots

Don Quijote Akihabara Branch

The Don Quijote discount store chain has branches all across Japan. Its branch here handles plenty of Akihabara-related goods like cosplay outfits and anime merchandise. The eighth floor is home to the AKB Theater, where Japan’s most popular idol group AKB48 does public performances. Don Quijote has all sorts of services to make your shopping experience as comfortable as possible, such as tax-exemption counters and support for payments in foreign currency.

2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan

2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan is a shopping complex underneath the structure between the stations of Akihabara and Okachimachi. There is an array of stores that focus on crafts, so here you can get carefully-carved traditional handicrafts and general goods. The shopping complex also contains stores which deal in quintessentially Japanese souvenirs, like classically-designed tableware and other accessories, just like a department store. This novel spot brings confluences of Akihabara newcomers together.

Gachapon Kaikan

At Gachapon Kaikan, you can play with unique Japanese capsule toys! The shop interior is lined with rows of ‘gacha’ capsule machines. The capsule contain all sorts of interesting toys and characters, from old anime, popular current series, and more. One pull will only cost you about 200 to 300 yen, so you can have fun at your leisure.

Volks Akihabara Hobby Heaven

Volks Akihabara Hobby Heaven specializes in toys, and is said to have the best selection in the district. It’s grown more and more popular as a heaven for hobbyists, just like it says on the door. You’ll be surrounded by toys on every level, from the basement level to the 7th floor. Volks is the perfect place to pick up toy souvenirs.

Akihabara Radio Hall

With a history of over 60 years, the towering Akihabara Radio Hall building is a popular tourist destination. The building was renovated in July 2014 and reborn as a shopping complex, with all sorts of different stores from the basement to the 10th floor. At “Gift Shop The AkiBa” on the first floor, you can buy various moe-themed souvenirs. It’s a short walk from the JR Akihabara Electric Town entrance, so definitely drop in if you’re not sure what souvenirs to get.

Knee-High Specialty Shop, Zettai Ryoiki

Zettai Ryoiki (Absolute Region; Japanese) is the world’s first knee-high specialty shop. Knee-highs are socks that go up to the knee, and the ‘absolute region’ refers to the exposed skin between a woman’s skirt or shorts and her socks. This store handles 400 varieties of knee-high socks, and counts cosplayers, maids and idols among its customers. You’ll definitely find some socks to your liking if you stop by!

Utsuwa Tuku

Utsuwa Tuku is a specialty ceramics store inside 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan. Each piece of pottery has been handmade by a craftsman, and you can see the fine detail in every one. While the ceramics have simple designs, their vivid colors are charming. By all means, stop by and check out the beautiful pieces for yourself.

Coco Color’s

Coco Color’s is a nail salon whose most popular patterns, “ita-nails,” are unique nails featuring motifs of anime characters, manga characters and musicians. Conceived as a space for otaku ladies to gather and discuss their shared hobbies and interests in common topics, thereby creating the latest nail innovations, Coco Color’s is a women-only establishment. It’s a must-see for otaku ladies interested in the latest styles.

ASOBIBA Akihabara Field

ASOBIBA Akihabara Field is a survival game indoor space. Survival games originated in Japan, and features opposing teams equipped with Airsoft guns, both trying to control and take over territory. Typically played outside, the survival games at ASOBIBA are played indoors. ASOBIBA features three zones featuring forest, city and abandoned building environments with placed obstacles. Players can enjoy full-blown survival games here, and with English instructions and equipment available for rent, even first-timers will feel at home.

Dining in Akihabara

While Akihabara is most famous for maid cafes, it also has plenty of different dining establishments. If you get hungry during your sightseeing tours, take a breather at one of the spots introduced below.

Genuine Ramen and Curry Shops

Akihabara has genuine ramen shops like Ramen Ushio, as well as other places, so you’re sure to find a place to your liking if you search for a bit.

Vegetarian Cuisine

Sample traditional Japanese vegan cuisine, known as shojin ryori, at Komaki Shokudo. Enjoy an elegant and traditional meal in the same place that transmits pop culture to the world.

Cafes with WiFi

Cafes with WiFi are handy for tourists who need to search for information or confirm map locations, and places like Vault Coffee are fully equipped. When you need a break after shopping and sightseeing, take a load off and use the wi-fi at a cafe to sort out your next destination.

Vending Machines with Canned Oden and Ramen

One of Akihabara’s gourmet inventions is canned oden. Cans of oden soup are easily purchased at vending machines, and some machines also sell ramen. You’ll be quite happy when a piping-hot bowl of ramen pops out of the slot for you to feast on.

For more info, check out our Hot Oden Served in Seconds - Canned Oden, an Akihabara Specialty article.

Hotels in Akihabara

Staying in a hotel close to neighboring Ueno Station is convenient when planning to visit Akihabara. Because of the many foreign tourists who come to this area, these hotels have staff fluent in English, Chinese and Korean. Check out our Area-Based Selection of Tokyo's Popular and Reasonable Hotels article for more information.

We suggest using Booking.com for searching for lodgings and making reservations in Akihabara.

What to Do in Order to Enjoy Your Time in Akihabara

There’s one thing we want you to be careful about in Akihabara: street touts. Don’t allow pushy touts to drag you into their shops. Other than that, Akihabara is a great place to visit, with consumer electronics, otaku culture, cafes, and places to chill out. Enjoy your shopping in Japan’s otaku holy land!

Other Useful Things to Note

For when you want to exchange foreign currency and yen, use bank exchange counters and Seven Eleven ATMs.

When you’re out of pocket money, look for any ATM with a Plus insignia to use cashing services with no hassle.

Here are some useful Japanese phrases you can use when you’re staying at a hotel.

To use the convenient free wi-fi services in Japan, download this app beforehand.

How much can you expect to spend on food while traveling in Japan? Figure out your budget before you set out on your journey.