A Time Saver’s Guide to Akihabara

Published on 2024-06-14

Over the years, Akihabara has maintained its spot as one of the most popular tourist spots in Tokyo. Often called ‘electric town’, Akihabara is a mecca for self-proclaimed otaku and tech geeks who want to find the latest goods and technology. As well as staring at the incredible view of technicolor buildings and anime billboards, many people shop for anime goods and electrical goods, go to a maid cafe, or go to game arcades.

If your Tokyo itinerary is already looking quite packed and you don’t have much time to spend in Akihabara, then this guide is for you. Whether you are wanting a list of the main anime shops or trying something unique to Akihabara, these are all just some of the things you can do in Akihabara with little to no time.

Main places to Shop Anime Merch

Akihabara Radio Kaikan

By far the most iconic store in all of Akihabara, Akihabara Radio Kaikan is directly outside the South Exit of Akihabara Station. With its distinctive bright yellow exterior, this mega complex consists of ten floors and is home to various stores selling action figures, trading cards, idol goods, and much more. If you don’t want to spend hours walking around the other smaller shops in the area, visiting Akihabara Radio Kaikan is ideal, as it is like a one-stop shop for stereotypical Akihabara goods.

Animate

The ultimate mecca for all things anime, Animate is Japan’s most famous anime-related chain store. Despite there also being a big Animate store in Ikebukuro, the one located in the heart of an electric city is a must-visit. Consisting of two different buildings, with one focused more on anime merchandise and the other on books and magazines, you are most likely to find something related to your favorite series or characters. If you have some time to spare, why not stop by Cafe Gratte on the second floor and get an anime character printed on your latte?

Volks Hobby Heaven Akihabara

Just like the name implies, this 6-floor store is heaven for anime lovers and collectors. Selling everything from figures to trading cards, you can easily spend a while browsing through the store’s vast stock. Whereas more serious collectors may want to focus on the first floor since there is a range of rarer second-hand figures, those who are casually looking and want new goods will want to head up to the other floors. There is even an event floor right at the top, so you may also want to take a sneak- peek at the event floor (6F) to see if any interesting anime or game-related games are taking place on the day.

SEEKBASE

Hidden under the railway tracks is SEEKBASE, a small industrial complex filled with secondhand anime goods in addition to vintage records and artwork from local illustrators. Often missed by tourists, even though it is only a 4-minute walk away from the station, SEEKBASE is the perfect place to get more unique souvenirs and avoid the crowds for a while. Some of the most notable stores inside include Mandrake CoCoo and RECOfan. There is also a cool video game-themed bar and the beer bar, Hitachino Brewing.

Where to Shop for Technology

Bic Camera

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Sofmap

Sofmap, a part of Bic Camera, is the go-place for new and second-hand laptops, phones, tablets, and cameras. It is a popular retailer among Japanese consumers because of the quality and variety of electronic goods. The biggest Sofmap is actually located in front of Akihabara station, next to Akihabara Radio Kaikan. For a less crowded one, we recommend the smaller branch just down the road.

Imtiaz's Camera Market

If you are regularly scrolling on TikTok, you might have already come across Imtiaz’s Camera Market before. The shop has recently gained popularity on the social media app because of its impressive selection of second hand digital cameras, which have quickly come back into style. As well as digital cameras, this tiny shop sells film cameras, video cameras, and even lenses. Despite being on the more expensive side, with prices starting at around ¥10,000, many of the cameras already come with an SD card, which is hard to find anywhere else.

Have at a Go at Some Arcade Games

No trip to Akihabara is complete without playing some games at one of the many arcades in the area. From Namco to GamePanic, the choice is overwhelming. However, if you only have time to stop at one, it has to be Taito Station. This arcade chain is the most famous in Japan, and the one in Akihabara is the largest. Consisting of 5 floors, this Taito arcade is the ultimate paradise for gamers, as there is a fantastic selection of the latest crane games, video games, purikura booths, and more. Make sure to bring some coins or notes that you can convert into coins at one of the many machines inside.

Try Some Pokemon-Themed Taiyaki at Kurikoan

Taiyaki is one of Japan’s most common street foods, known for its distinctive fish shape and delicious filling, which stereotypically consists of red bean paste, custard, and chocolate. Although there are many stalls across the city that you can buy taiyaki from, there is a particular one in Akihabara that many people want to visit. Those who are Pokemon fans will be pleased to know that at Kurikoan, located just a 2-minute walk from Akihabara station, you can get a Magikarp-shaped taiyaki filled with either chocolate or custard for ¥204. It is not only a delicious treat but also makes a great Instagram photo.