Tokyo Hobby Center
Akihabara's premier destination for anime figures and collectibles, offering vast selections and competitive prices.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better browsing
Tokyo Hobby Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better browsing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Akihabara's premier destination for anime figures and collectibles, offering vast selections and competitive prices.
"By far the best prices you can find in Akihabara. The store is small but offers a lot of figures."
🎯 Visit Both Stores!
Don't miss out on the full selection; visiting both locations is highly recommended.
💰 Check for SNS Discounts
Follow their Instagram/TikTok for a potential 1000 yen discount, but be prepared for inconsistent verification.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Extensive Figure Collection
Both store locations
Discover a treasure trove of anime figures, from popular series to rare collectibles.
Pokémon Card Selection
Both store locations
Find a wide assortment of Pokémon booster packs and displays for collectors.
Labubu Blind Boxes
Both store locations
Explore a dedicated section for Labubu figures, including unopened second-hand blind boxes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Akihabara's Figure Scene
Deals and Discounts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Visit Both Stores!
Don't miss out on the full selection; visiting both locations is highly recommended.
💰 Check for SNS Discounts
Follow their Instagram/TikTok for a potential 1000 yen discount, but be prepared for inconsistent verification.
🧐 Inspect Items Carefully
Some items may be sold without packaging or have damaged boxes; check contents before purchasing.
🗣️ Friendly English-Speaking Staff
Staff are generally polite, helpful, and speak good English.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Visit Both Stores!
Don't miss out on the full selection; visiting both locations is highly recommended.
💰 Check for SNS Discounts
Follow their Instagram/TikTok for a potential 1000 yen discount, but be prepared for inconsistent verification.
🧐 Inspect Items Carefully
Some items may be sold without packaging or have damaged boxes; check contents before purchasing.
🗣️ Friendly English-Speaking Staff
Staff are generally polite, helpful, and speak good English.
🎁 Free Pokémon Card Offer
Follow their social media for a chance to receive a free Pokémon card with your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tokyo Hobby Center is a highly-rated destination in Akihabara for anime figure enthusiasts, praised for its extensive collection and competitive pricing, especially on newer items. While some find prices for rare figures high, the availability of discounted items and friendly, English-speaking staff enhance the shopping experience. Occasional inconsistencies with social media discounts are noted, but overall, it's a must-visit for collectors.
"While searching for LoveBu, I stumbled upon this shop.
Price-wise, it's definitely on the expensive side.
But since you can get it reliably, it's a lifesaver for folks in rural areas or those who couldn't buy it online.
LoveBu is tucked away discreetly in the back of the store, which feels suspiciously old-school Akihabara and gets me unnecessarily excited.
Some LoveB items are discounted due to damaged boxes, while others are sold naked, so you can see the contents.
Either way, the price is higher than the list price.
Many people are complaining, "They're scalpers!" but I think it's an unavoidable business as long as there's demand.
However, my personal issue isn't that. It's the event where you get a 1000 yen discount for following their SNS accounts.
This was confirmed by a staff member who was restocking items from the back.
(※Confirmed on TikTok when following)
Thinking it might cover my drink, I promptly followed both Instagram and TikTok and headed to checkout.
The cashier didn't even ask if I followed the SNS accounts. Even when I showed them the screen proving I followed, they just said "Okay" and rang up the full price.
Well, that's how it goes, I thought, paid silently, and left. But upon reflection, it didn't feel quite right, so my companion and I unfollowed immediately.
The item itself was confirmed as genuine via QR code, and personally, I got the discount, so it's fine. But it's only 1000 yen—yet it's still 1000 yen. If they're going to do this, they should properly verify it at the register too."
I'm Thanos.
"I came here September 2024, then March 2025, and again October 2025. Pricing was great in September 2024 and March 2025. They've expanded the store and now have a much larger store in October 2025. Larger selection of figures, but pricing seems to have risen to match some of the other stores in the area. Pricing still feels relatively cheaper, but I can also see more tourists visiting this shop. I would still visit again next time to see if pricing will continue to change. Staff is friendly as usual. Same guy still working there and he was very apologetic that he only had 4 types of figures for Kaiju No.8. It's fine since they had Hoshina who I was looking for, and still at a relatively good price.
There's a large labubu section, which might interest some people. Unopened second hand labubu blind boxes."
Kare Kare
"By far the best prices you can find in Akihabara. The store is small but offers a lot of figures and even some rare stuff for reasonable prices. Also most of the newer figures are new. There are also many Pokémon booster and displays you can buy. 5 stars from me :)"
MDA
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tokyo Hobby Center has two locations in Akihabara. The first is at 1-15-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Hakuto Building 1F, and the second is at 1-10-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Speace K. Both are easily accessible by train, with Akihabara Station being the closest major hub.
Akihabara is a bustling district, but major streets are well-signed. Using a navigation app on your phone is recommended to find specific stores like Tokyo Hobby Center.
Walking is the best way to explore Akihabara's numerous shops and attractions. The two Tokyo Hobby Center locations are also within walking distance of each other.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Tokyo Hobby Center is free. It's a retail store where you can browse and purchase items.
Opening hours can vary slightly, but generally, the stores are open from around 11:30 AM to 7:30 PM. It's always a good idea to check their social media or website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, some reviews mention a 1000 yen discount for following their social media accounts (TikTok and Instagram). However, the verification process at the cashier can be inconsistent.
Information regarding tax-free shopping for tourists is not consistently available in reviews. It's best to inquire directly with the staff at the store.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Merchandise
Tokyo Hobby Center offers a wide variety of anime figures, including popular series like Pokémon, One Piece, and Kaiju No.8. They also have a significant Labubu section with blind boxes.
Prices are generally considered competitive, especially for newer figures. However, some rare items or those in high demand might be priced higher than the list price, leading some to perceive them as scalpers.
Yes, the store is known for stocking some rare items and has a good selection of newer figures. Their expanded store offers an even larger assortment.
Absolutely! Tokyo Hobby Center has a large assortment of Pokémon booster packs and displays available for purchase.
Some second-hand items, like Labubu blind boxes, are sold unopened. Other items might be sold 'naked' (without packaging) or have damaged boxes, often at a discounted price.
📸 📸 Photography
While not explicitly stated, taking photos of merchandise for personal use is generally acceptable in most retail stores in Japan. However, it's always polite to ask staff if you're unsure, especially if you plan to film extensively.
The sheer volume and variety of figures on display offer great photo opportunities. The dedicated Labubu section and the extensive Pokémon card displays are also visually appealing.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during off-peak hours (weekdays, mornings) to avoid the largest crowds and give children more space to explore. While the store focuses on collectibles, the sheer variety of characters and colorful displays can captivate younger visitors. Be mindful that some items might be delicate or expensive, so supervision is key. The offer of a free Pokémon card for following their social media could also be a fun little bonus for kids.
💰 Budget Travelers
Actively look for the social media discount promotion (1000 yen off for following on TikTok/Instagram), but be prepared for potential inconsistencies in its application at the register. Visiting during weekdays can also help avoid peak pricing and crowds, potentially allowing for a more relaxed browsing experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Akihabara's Figure Culture
Tokyo Hobby Center operates two distinct stores, strategically located to offer an even wider selection. This dual-store approach ensures that collectors have access to a vast array of merchandise, from the latest releases to more elusive items. The stores are known for their extensive collections of anime figures, catering to diverse tastes and fandoms. Whether you're hunting for a specific character or simply browsing the latest trends, these shops are a must-visit.
Beyond figures, the shops also boast a significant presence of Pokémon cards and other collectibles. This broad appeal makes Tokyo Hobby Center a one-stop shop for many enthusiasts. While prices are generally competitive, especially for new releases, it's worth noting that some rare items may command higher prices. The staff's helpfulness and ability to communicate in English further enhance the shopping experience for international visitors.
Navigating Pricing and Deals
The stores also engage in promotional activities to attract customers. A notable example is the 1000 yen discount offered for following their social media accounts on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. This initiative is promoted in their videos and by some staff members. However, as noted in customer feedback, the verification process for this discount at the checkout can sometimes be inconsistent, leading to a less-than-smooth transaction for some. It's advisable to have proof of your follow readily available.
Furthermore, the availability of discounted items due to damaged boxes or 'naked' sales (items sold without packaging) presents another avenue for potential savings. While these items might not be in pristine condition, they offer a more budget-friendly option for collectors who prioritize the figure itself over the packaging. This practice, combined with their broad selection, makes Tokyo Hobby Center a compelling destination for figure enthusiasts looking for value.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit