Animate Akihabara Tokyo
Animate Akihabara is a multi-story haven for anime, manga, and gaming enthusiasts, offering a vast selection of merchandise and a vibrant otaku experi...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better browsing
Animate Akihabara Tokyo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better browsing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Animate Akihabara is a multi-story haven for anime, manga, and gaming enthusiasts, offering a vast selection of merchandise and a vibrant otaku experience.
"A must-visit for any anime fan, with extensive merchandise across multiple floors and a convenient location."
🎯 Explore Multiple Floors
Animate has many levels; take the elevator up and work your way down for the best browsing experience.
💰 Check for Deals
While prices are generally fair, some stores claim to be the cheapest in Akihabara.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Animate Akihabara's Vast Merchandise
Multiple floors
Explore floors packed with manga, anime figures, stationery, and exclusive event merchandise. A must-visit for any anime fan.
Retro Gaming at Super Potato
Super Potato store
Dive into nostalgia with a massive collection of vintage video games and consoles. A treasure trove for gamers of all ages.
Arcade Thrills at GiGO
GiGO Arcades
Experience the vibrant energy of Japanese arcades with claw machines, rhythm games, and classic favorites.
Radio Kaikan's Collectibles
Radio Kaikan building
Discover a multi-story complex filled with anime figures, models, and hobby items from various vendors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigate the Otaku Paradise
Budgeting for Your Akihabara Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Explore Multiple Floors
Animate has many levels; take the elevator up and work your way down for the best browsing experience.
💰 Check for Deals
While prices are generally fair, some stores claim to be the cheapest in Akihabara.
📸 No Photos Allowed
Be mindful that photography is restricted in many display areas and event sections.
🚶♂️ Easy to Find
Animate is conveniently located near Akihabara Station, making it easy to access.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Explore Multiple Floors
Animate has many levels; take the elevator up and work your way down for the best browsing experience.
💰 Check for Deals
While prices are generally fair, some stores claim to be the cheapest in Akihabara.
📸 No Photos Allowed
Be mindful that photography is restricted in many display areas and event sections.
🚶♂️ Easy to Find
Animate is conveniently located near Akihabara Station, making it easy to access.
📚 Manga is in Japanese
Remember that manga and DVDs/Blu-rays may be in Japanese and not region-free.
✨ Embrace the Otaku Vibe
Akihabara is the epicenter of otaku culture; immerse yourself in the anime and gaming atmosphere! +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Animate Akihabara is a must-visit for anime fans, praised for its extensive merchandise selection across multiple floors and convenient location. While prices are generally fair, some visitors note that it's worth exploring other shops for vintage items or potential deals. Photography restrictions are a common point of feedback.
"There are two distinct characters to the Animate Akihabara building. On the corner by the gacha machines is all the manga you could ever want across 6 floors (yes, including an adult section near the top). In the next section are all the character merchandise, including special event sections. Pro tip is to take the elevator to the top and work your way down the stairs to each level. Happy hunting."
Johnson K
"Can be a little hard to figure out because it has two sides, but it has a ton of merchandise you might not find elsewhere. Definitely one of the top anime merch stores in Akihabara. A bit pricey, but within reason."
Dian Atamyanov
"First the location is super easy when you leave the train station. It's about a couple hundred meters walk. Easy to find as long as you stay on the same side of the street as the train station. There are multiple levels and they have a lot of different anime "stuff" and different shows' merch. The prices are good. Every year I have visited Japan I have visited this store. Please note that they sell more new anime shows then older. You're not going to find everything you might be looking for, but they do have a good selection. Member this is Japan so manga is in Japanese and they dvd/blu rays are not going to be region 1 (USA)."
dollface187
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Animate Akihabara is easily accessible from Akihabara Station. Simply exit the station and walk a short distance; it's conveniently located on the same side of the street. Many TikToks show the vibrant streets leading to the area.
+1
Akihabara is best explored on foot. The main streets are packed with shops, and walking allows you to soak in the atmosphere and discover hidden gems.
The JR Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, and Hibiya Subway Line all stop at Akihabara Station, making it a central hub for accessing the area.
Taxis are available, but given the dense urban environment and potential traffic, public transport is generally more efficient for reaching Akihabara.
The closest station is Akihabara Station. Animate is just a few hundred meters walk from the station exit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Animate Akihabara is free. You only pay for the merchandise you wish to purchase.
Animate Akihabara typically opens around 11 AM on weekdays and 10 AM on weekends and holidays, closing around 9 PM. It's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours.
Most shops and arcades in Akihabara do not have admission fees. You pay for games in arcades or for merchandise in stores.
Special events at Animate may require tickets or pre-registration. Check Animate's official website or in-store announcements for details on upcoming events.
Weekdays, especially mornings, tend to be less crowded than weekends. Visiting right when they open can also help you avoid peak times.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Merchandise
While specific stores can change, Animate is a good starting point for Sailor Moon merchandise. Mandarake and other specialty shops might also carry vintage or rare items.
Animate offers a wide range of anime goods, including manga, figures, keychains, stationery, posters, and items from popular series like Dragon Ball, Gundam, Naruto, and One Piece.
Yes, Akihabara has dedicated stores and sections for popular series. Look for Gundam Base Tokyo for Gundam models and various shops carrying Evangelion merchandise.
Mandarake and Super Potato are well-known for their selection of vintage and used anime figures and collectibles. +1
Prices at Animate are generally considered fair and at standard market rates for new merchandise. However, some specialized items or collectibles might be pricier.
🎫 🕹️ Entertainment & Arcades
GiGO (formerly SEGA arcades) and Hirose Entertainment are popular choices for a wide variety of arcade games, from claw machines to retro classics. +1
Absolutely! Akihabara arcades are famous for their extensive selection of rhythm games, including popular titles like Sound Voltex and Chunithm.
Yes, Akihabara features several themed cafes, including the Square Enix Cafe and the Pokemon Cafe, offering unique dining experiences alongside merchandise.
Claw machines (UFO catchers) are a staple in Akihabara arcades, offering a chance to win anime figures and plush toys. They can be challenging but fun! +1
Yes, Akihabara is a hub for card game enthusiasts, with stores like Card Kingdom offering a wide selection of trading cards and play spaces.
📸 📸 Photography & Atmosphere
Generally, photography is restricted inside Animate and many other stores in Akihabara, especially for displays and event areas.
The iconic neon signs and vibrant atmosphere of Akihabara truly come alive after sunset. Evening and nighttime offer the best opportunities for stunning photos.
Akihabara is generally safe, but like any busy urban area, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings. Some content online has highlighted issues, so staying vigilant is recommended.
Akihabara is known as the 'Electric Town' and the 'otaku capital,' buzzing with anime, manga, gaming, and electronics culture. It's a sensory overload in the best way! +1
The main Chuo Dori street, especially when closed to traffic on Sundays, is great for capturing the bustling atmosphere. The neon-lit streets at night are also very photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for stores with a broader appeal, such as those selling toys or electronics. The Yodobashi Camera store, for example, offers a vast selection of goods beyond just anime, which can be interesting for a wider family audience.
💰 Budget Travelers
Set a clear budget before you go and stick to it. Look for sales or special offers, though these are not always advertised. Many of the visual attractions of Akihabara, like the neon lights and street atmosphere, are free to enjoy.
couples
Consider visiting a themed cafe for a novel dining experience, or browse for matching anime-themed accessories. The sheer novelty of the district provides plenty of conversation starters and shared discoveries, making for a memorable outing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Animate Akihabara: A Multi-Level Experience
While Animate offers a vast selection of new anime goods at standard market prices, it's worth noting that some travelers suggest exploring other stores for potentially better deals on certain items or for vintage collectibles.
However, for the latest releases and a comprehensive range of popular series like Dragon Ball, Gundam, Naruto, and One Piece, Animate remains a top destination. Remember that manga and DVDs sold here are typically in Japanese and may not be region-free, which is an important consideration for international visitors.
Beyond Animate: Akihabara's Diverse Otaku Landscape
For collectors and those seeking rare or used items, Mandarake is a must-visit. This multi-story complex is a treasure trove for vintage anime goods, manga, figures, and collectibles, often housing items that are hard to find elsewhere.
The Radio Kaikan building is another significant landmark, housing numerous vendors selling a wide variety of anime figures, models, and hobby items, making it a hub for serious collectors. Akihabara also caters to specific fandoms. You can find dedicated merchandise for series like Gundam (at Gundam Base Tokyo), Dragon Ball, Evangelion, Naruto, and One Piece in various specialized stores.
The Akihabara Experience: More Than Just Shopping
For those interested in themed dining, Akihabara hosts several unique themed cafes. The Square Enix Cafe, for instance, allows fans to immerse themselves in the worlds of their favorite games while enjoying themed food and drinks.
The atmosphere of Akihabara is a major draw. Known as 'Electric Town,' it's a vibrant hub of electronics, anime, manga, and gaming culture. The streets are often bustling, and the visual spectacle of neon signs and advertisements creates an unforgettable ambiance, especially after dark.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit