Akihabara is one of the most well-known districts in Tokyo. It is the center of Japanese anime and game culture but what do you actually do once you get there?
This article is about what to do on your first visit to Akihabara.
Shop at a large electronics retail store
First, you should visit Akihabara`s landmark Yodobashi Akiba. It is merely a minute away from JR Akihabara.
The electronics store is occupying the first six floors, the seventh floor is a shopping mall and the eight is the restaurant floor.
Yodobashi Multimedia Akiba
Address:
1-1, Hanaokacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0028, Japan
Google Maps:
The lines below stop right next to it.
- JR Yamanote, Sobu and Keihin Tohoku Line
- Tsukuba Express
- Tokyo Hibiya Line
Business hours:
B1F・7F Shopping mall
- 9:30~22:00
1F~6F Yodobashi Camera
- 9:30~22:00
8F Restaurant floor
- 11:00~23:00
Official site:
http://www.yodobashi-akiba.com/information/index.html
Maid Cafe
The next on our list is a maid café where you will be treated like a master by adorable maids. Have fun taking pictures, watching the show, chatting with maids, cast spells to make food more delicious, etc.
Maidreamin
Address:
Sumiyoshi Bldg., 6F 3-16-17, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0021, Japan
Google Maps:
- Five minutes from JR Akihabara
- One minute from Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
Business hours:
- Monday~Friday: 11:30~23:00
- Weekends・Holidays: 10:30~23:00
Official site:
https://maidreamin.com/shop/detail.html?id=1
Buy character goods
If you happen to visit Akihabara, you should also stop by one of the countless hobby shops. Popular choices are Surugaya and KOTOBUKIYA that not only have an excellent inventory but are also spacious enough for large groups and families.
Surugaya Anime Hobby Pavilion
Address:
KHK Bldg., 1F~4F, 4-5-1, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Google Maps:
- Six minutes from JR Akihabara station
- Three minutes from Tokyo Metro Suehirocho station
Business hours:
- 9:00〜22:00
Official site:
https://www.suruga-ya.jp/feature/akihabara_animehobby/index.html
KOTOBUKIYA
Address:
1-8-8, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0021, Japan
Google Maps:
Business hours:
- 10:00~20:00
Official site:
https://www.kotobukiya.co.jp/store/akiba/
Experience real Mario Cart
The last on our list is a unique attraction Street cart where the participants drive cars from the popular game down the streets of Tokyo.
It is especially popular with foreign tourists and you can often see them while sightseeing in Akihabara.
You can easily make a reservation on their Japanese or English site.
Street Cart Akihabara 1
Address:
4-12-9 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0021, Japan
Google Maps:
Business hours:
10:00~22:00
Official site: