Akihabara, Japan, is famous for its streets filled with colorful animation ads and bustling shopping centers, hence its nickname Electric Town. The district near central Tokyo is a welcoming destination for lovers of anime and games. As an epicenter for Japanese anime and cafe culture, it is full of bright lights, spacious streets, and welcoming shops and people. Akihabara is the second most popular city for tourists and is known as Akiba for short.
The pop culture paradise is ideal for those who want to celebrate Otaku culture, which generally refers to anime and manga fans. Characters from classic video games and animated series are featured in comics, collectibles, merch, and other specialized offerings. For travelers who want to indulge in a unique trip with plenty to do in the area and a special focus on anime and Japanese culture, Akihabara is perfect.
Things To Do in Akihabara
There are many attractions that have specialized games and activities in Akihabara. The shopping hub appeals to many subcultures, so it is well-loved by gamers, anime aficionados, and self-proclaimed geeks.
See the Electronic Stores
On the main Chuo Dori street there are hundreds of electronic shops. Some offer the latest computers, cell phones, cameras, televisions, and appliances available. Special technologies are also available at the stores in Akihabara, so collectors will find it to be a paradise. With both smaller and independently owned shops and chain stores, there are plenty of options for tourists to choose from and peruse. Some of the most popular chain stores are Laox and Sofmap.
Tourists should consider that some of the electronics available in Japanese stores are not intended for use outside of their country of origin.
Visit a Cafe
Cosplay cafes are great attractions to visit while in Akihabara since they are popular with tourists. Cosplay cafes are places where the waitresses dress up like popular anime characters and cater to guests with live performances, food, and of course, coffee. Guests who appreciate cosplay and animation-inspired experiences will love the cosplay cafes. One of the best cosplay cafes in the area is the Home Cafe, which caters to guests as if they have just returned home.
Explore a Historic Sight
Kanda Myojin (also known as Kanda Shrine) is a beautiful historic sight. The shrine dates back to the year 730 and has been restored many times. There are nine other shrines on the property and the estate is spacious. Kanda Myojin is dedicated to two deities, Daikokuten and Ebisu, which both contribute to the good fortune of others. Many visitors visit the shrine to pay respects to the deities and pray for prosperity. The site has free admission and is open year-round, so it attracts many tourists.
Experience Mario Kart
Travelers can live out their Nintendo dreams and drive around Akihabara in go-karts. Along with a tour guide who knows the local area, tourists can have an exhilarating experience that they will never forget. Travelers who book this excursion can drive around the public roads to explore the vibrant area and even wear a cosplay costume and take photos. The race lasts about two hours, but travelers should be sure to acquire an international license before getting on the roads.
Transportation in Akihabara
Getting To Akihabara
The best way to get to Akihabara is the station, which is north of Tokyo. The Akihabara station is a busy and sometimes confusing place. Technically, there are three Akihabara stations with different exits. The JR Akihabara (East Japan Railway Company), Tokyo Metro Akihabara Station (Hibiya Line), and Tsukuba Express Akihabara Station. The JR Akihabara Station is best for travelers coming from Tokyo, Shibuya, or Shinjuku. For those traveling from Roppongi, Ginza, or Tsukiji, the Tokyo Metro Akihabara Station is best. The Tsukuba Express Akihabara Station is the right choice for those coming from Asakusa and Tsukuba. These areas have direct lines and stations to Akihabara, so it may be best for travelers to stay close to those areas.
Of course, a traveler’s departure location determines the station they should be coming from, but from each Akihabara station, it is quite simple to get to central Akihabara. To get to Electric Town, travelers should use the Akihabara Electric Town gate on the first floor of the station. From there, as travelers exit the station they will see the Sega building and the Main Street of the Electric Town. From the Yamanote and Sobu line platforms, which are located on the second and third floors of the station, travelers simply need to go to the first floor.
It is recommended that travelers use the JR Pass or Tokyo Subway Ticket so that navigating the trains, metro, and subway is more affordable and convenient.
Getting Around Akihabara
As is common in Japan, most people walk to where they need to go. The main attractions are within walking distance of each other, so going on foot is the easiest way to get around. If that does not sound ideal, travelers can try alternatives. Japan has regular and rapid trains that go between the different wards. Travelers can acquire a one-day ticket that grants unlimited rides, which costs around 760 yen ($5). For car rides, taxis are more commonly used as they are more affordable in Japan, so that may be an adjustment for some travelers who are used to rideshare apps. Transportation throughout Japan, and specifically Akihabara, is not very hard to do even though there may be many people in the area.
Best Times To Visit Akihabara
Since Akihabara is located relatively close to Tokyo (around 25 minutes via car and an hour via train), the best time to visit coincides with the best time to visit Tokyo. The weather is the best from March to May or September to November. This area of Japan is cooler around these times with spring just beginning to blossom and autumn muting the summer sun. Sightseeing is much more comfortable with the mild temperatures. Travelers who want to enjoy the local festivals, events, and both indoor and outdoor activities can enjoy Akihabara the most during these seasons. Although weather is a reasonable consideration for travel, Akihabara is a good place to visit despite the season.
On Sundays, the main street of Akihabara (named Chuo Dori) is closed to cars so traffic ceases. Therefore, a pedestrian heaven (or hokosha tengōku) is created and travelers can freely walk around. Nighttime is also one of the best times to explore Akihabara since the electric lights along the streets and buildings light up the night sky and entice all who explore it.
Best Hotels
Nohga Hotel Akihabara Tokyo
This four-star accommodation has a restaurant, air conditioning, free wifi, a bar, 24-hour front desk assistance, and continental breakfast each morning. The Nohga Hotel is only around 13 miles from the Tokyo Haneda Airport and offers personalized insight into how travelers can best spend their time while in Akihabara. The accommodation prides itself on providing a culturally rich experience for each guest, which it proves in its music, arts, and culinary experiences.
Hotel Resol Akihabara
This modern hotel provides comfort and convenience to its guests. Since it is only a three-minute walking distance from the JR Akihabara Station, it is centrally located. The hotel boasts a New York decorative style and is located only 25 minutes (by car) from the Haneda Airport. The guest rooms even have refrigerators and WiFi, which is ideal for long-distance travelers. There is a convenience store within a short distance and an Italian restaurant within the accommodation, so travelers will have everything they may need during their stay in Japan.
