Akihabara UDX
Akihabara UDX: Tokyo's electrifying hub for JDM car culture, anime, manga, and cutting-edge electronics.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Car meets and lively atmosphere
Akihabara UDX
Best Time
Car meets and lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Akihabara UDX: Tokyo's electrifying hub for JDM car culture, anime, manga, and cutting-edge electronics.
"UDX's underground parking is a heaven for car lovers, especially on weekends!"
🚗 Catch the Car Meets
Weekends are prime time for the UDX underground car meets. Arrive early for the best spots!
☕ Book Themed Cafes
Popular themed cafes like Monster Hunter require advance booking due to limited seating.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
UDX Underground Car Meet
UDX Parking Lot
Witness a dazzling display of JDM cars and supercars. A must-see for automotive enthusiasts, especially on weekends.
Themed Cafes
Various locations within UDX
Immerse yourself in anime worlds at cafes like Monster Hunter or Final Fantasy Eorzea. Booking ahead is recommended!
Electronics & Anime Hub
Various floors of UDX
Explore a vast selection of electronics, anime merchandise, and collectibles. From the latest gadgets to retro finds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Akihabara UDX
Car Meet Hotspot
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Catch the Car Meets
Weekends are prime time for the UDX underground car meets. Arrive early for the best spots!
☕ Book Themed Cafes
Popular themed cafes like Monster Hunter require advance booking due to limited seating.
🛍️ Explore Electronics Galore
Yodobashi Camera offers a massive selection of electronics and household goods. +1
🍜 Ramen Delights
Try Kyushu Jangara Ramen for a delicious bowl. Multiple ramen options available on the 2nd floor.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Catch the Car Meets
Weekends are prime time for the UDX underground car meets. Arrive early for the best spots!
☕ Book Themed Cafes
Popular themed cafes like Monster Hunter require advance booking due to limited seating.
🛍️ Explore Electronics Galore
Yodobashi Camera offers a massive selection of electronics and household goods. +1
🍜 Ramen Delights
Try Kyushu Jangara Ramen for a delicious bowl. Multiple ramen options available on the 2nd floor.
🕹️ Arcade Adventures
GiGO Arcades and Hirose Entertainment offer classic and modern arcade games. +1
🎁 Unique Souvenirs
Discover artisan crafts at 2k540 Aki Oka, located under the train tracks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Akihabara UDX is a dynamic hub praised for its vibrant car culture, especially the weekend underground car meets, and its extensive offerings in electronics and anime merchandise. Visitors appreciate the variety of dining options, including themed cafes and ramen, and the unique atmosphere of 'Electric Town.' However, some find the crowds overwhelming, and themed cafes can be difficult to book.
"If you search the Kojima Merch just go up the huge escalator behind the glass which says office. Then go left and keep going left, there is nothing except a family mart-esque on the left side of the corridor.
There you will find a selection of merch. You just need to be lucky they arw stocked. They also have some DS2 stuff there."
Colin Gluth
"Great Cars outside and in parking lot"
RyanXLive
"Variety of restaurants to choose from on level 2. Adequate seating and spacing which makes it easy to move the pram around.
There is also outdoor seating which you can watch the trains go by.
If ordering Ramen, there are a few machines located outside the indoor seating area where you can select the type of ramen you like (3 restaurants to select from).
Located in the corner, there is a cold water dispenser which is handy to use after eating Ramen on a hot day"
Simon Tran
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Akihabara UDX is easily accessible via public transport. Take the JR Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, or Sobu Line to Akihabara Station. From the station, it's a short walk to UDX. You can also use the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line to Akihabara Station.
Yes, Akihabara UDX is located in the heart of Akihabara, known as 'Electric Town,' surrounded by numerous anime stores, electronics shops, arcades, and themed cafes. +1
Walking is the best way to explore Akihabara. UDX itself is a large complex, so be prepared to do some walking inside. For the surrounding area, comfortable shoes are a must!
Yes, Akihabara UDX has parking facilities, including an underground lot that is famous for weekend car meets.
The UDX building generally offers good accessibility with elevators and adequate spacing, making it suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Akihabara UDX is a public complex, so there's no general admission ticket required to enter the building. However, specific attractions within UDX, like themed cafes or special exhibitions, may require tickets or reservations.
Opening hours can vary for individual shops and restaurants within Akihabara UDX. Generally, shops operate from around 10 AM to 8 PM, while restaurants may have later hours. It's best to check the specific hours for the establishments you plan to visit.
For popular themed cafes like the Monster Hunter Cafe or Final Fantasy Eorzea Cafe, booking in advance is highly recommended. They often have limited seating and specific time slots.
While major events might have fees, Akihabara UDX often hosts free events, especially car meetups in the underground parking on weekends. Keep an eye on local event listings.
Some merchandise, like Konami or Death Stranding items, can be found in convenience stores within the building. However, for a wider selection, visiting dedicated anime and electronics stores is recommended.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
UDX houses a wide array of shops, including major electronics retailers like Yodobashi Camera, numerous anime and manga stores, collectible shops, and specialty hobby stores. +2
GiGO Arcades and Hirose Entertainment are popular choices for arcade games within or near UDX. Namco Akihabara is another massive game center nearby with multiple floors. +2
The underground parking lot is famous for its weekend JDM car meets, offering a unique glimpse into Tokyo's car culture. 
Akihabara earned the nickname 'Electric Town' due to its historical concentration of electronics stores. This has since expanded to include a massive anime, manga, and gaming culture. +1
For unique, locally-made souvenirs, check out the 2k540 Aki Oka artisan alley located under the train tracks near Akihabara Station.
🍽️ 🍜 Food & Dining
UDX offers a variety of dining options, including ramen restaurants like Kyushu Jangara, themed cafes, and other eateries on the second floor.
Yes, Hangry Joe's Tokyo in Akihabara offers halal chicken burgers, making it a good option for those seeking halal meals.
While some themed cafes can be pricey, you can find more budget-friendly options like ramen or explore the food court areas. Niku-ya-Yokocho offers an all-you-can-eat wagyu option. +1
Beyond themed cafes, you can find excellent ramen, kushi-age (deep-fried skewers), and various other Japanese dishes in and around UDX.
Yes, some restaurants in Akihabara UDX offer outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy your meal while watching the trains go by.
📸 📸 Photography
The UDX underground parking lot is a prime spot for car photography, especially during weekend car meets. The exterior of the UDX building and the surrounding streets with neon signs also offer great photo opportunities.
Yes, photography is generally welcomed at the informal car meetups. Be respectful of the car owners and their vehicles.
While general photography is usually allowed in public areas, some individual stores or exhibits might have restrictions. It's always best to check signage or ask staff if you're unsure.
Photography of JDM cars, anime merchandise, electronics, and the vibrant streetscape of Akihabara are very popular.
Late afternoon and evening offer dramatic lighting with the neon signs. Weekends are best for capturing the car meet atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For dining, the second floor of UDX provides various options, including ramen restaurants with machines for ordering, which can be an interesting experience for kids. Some restaurants also offer outdoor seating, which can be a nice change of pace. While the intense anime culture might be overwhelming for very young children, older kids and teens often find Akihabara fascinating.
🚗 Car Enthusiasts
+1Plan your visit for a Saturday or Sunday afternoon to catch the most action. The atmosphere is electric, with owners proudly displaying their customized rides. It's a fantastic opportunity for photography and to soak in the vibrant car culture. Remember to be respectful of the vehicles and owners.
🛍️ Budget Travelers
Consider visiting during weekdays to potentially find fewer crowds and a more relaxed shopping experience. Also, keep an eye out for smaller, independent shops that might offer unique items at competitive prices. The sheer volume of shops means there's always something to see, even if you're just window shopping.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Akihabara's Car Culture Hub
+3These gatherings are more than just a display of vehicles; they represent a passionate community. You'll see a diverse range of styles, including 'itasha' (cars decorated with anime characters) and meticulously maintained classics. The atmosphere is generally friendly and welcoming, with enthusiasts eager to share their passion. It's a fantastic opportunity to witness the creativity and dedication within the JDM scene.
If you plan to visit specifically for the car meets, aim for a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak hours. While photography is common, always be respectful of the owners and their vehicles. The UDX area itself also offers other attractions, making it a well-rounded destination for a day trip.
Themed Cafes: An Immersive Experience
It's crucial to note that these themed cafes are often small and highly sought after. To guarantee a spot, especially during busy periods, making reservations well in advance is strongly advised. Each seating is typically limited to a two-hour slot, ensuring a fair chance for everyone to enjoy the experience. Weekdays and off-peak hours might offer slightly easier booking opportunities.
Beyond these specific examples, Akihabara is dotted with various other themed establishments, including character cafes and maid cafes, offering a diverse range of immersive entertainment. Exploring these can be a highlight for many visitors, providing a fun and memorable way to engage with Japanese pop culture.
Electronics and Anime Shopping Paradise
Beyond electronics, Akihabara is a mecca for anime and manga fans. UDX and the surrounding streets are packed with stores selling figurines, manga, anime DVDs, collectibles, and merchandise from popular series. Stores like Animate and Super Potato (for retro games) are legendary among fans. Even if you're not a hardcore fan, the sheer variety and the energetic atmosphere are captivating.
For those seeking bargains or second-hand items, stores like Sofmap Akihabara offer outlet prices on electronics, including Macs and Nintendo Switches, with many items in excellent condition. This makes Akihabara a great place for both tech enthusiasts and pop culture aficionados to find exactly what they're looking for, or discover something entirely new.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit