58 Things to Do in Akihabara

Dive into this multi-story building packed with hobby shops, from anime figures and manga to collectibles and electronics. It's a treasure trove for any enthusiast looking to find unique items.

Tip: Check opening times as some shops inside may open later than the building.

Experience the vibrant energy of Akihabara's gaming scene at GiGO arcades. Try your luck at claw machines, play classic and modern arcade games, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere.

Tip: Arcades are a great option for evening entertainment as they stay open late.

Step back in time at Super Potato, a legendary store dedicated to retro video games and consoles. You'll find everything from Famicom to GameCube, making it a must-visit for nostalgic gamers.

Tip: Be aware that prices here can be significantly higher than elsewhere for similar items.

Animate is your go-to spot for the latest anime merchandise, from popular series to niche titles. Browse a vast selection of figures, manga, art books, and more.

Mandarake is a paradise for collectors, specializing in vintage anime goods, manga, and rare figurines. It's the perfect place to hunt for unique and hard-to-find items.

AmiAmi is renowned for its extensive collection of anime figures, offering a wide range of new and pre-owned items. It's a top destination for serious collectors seeking specific pieces.

Tip: This store is highly recommended for finding specific figurines.

Indulge in the fun of Gachapon (capsule toys) at dedicated stores filled with thousands of machines. You can find everything from quirky miniatures to character-themed surprises.

Tip: Look for 'open gacha' shops where you can choose your capsule directly.

This massive electronics store offers everything from the latest gadgets and cameras to household appliances. It's a one-stop shop for tech enthusiasts and everyday needs.

Immerse yourself in the worlds of Final Fantasy and other Square Enix titles at their themed cafe. Enjoy unique menu items and browse exclusive merchandise.

This building is a hub for various shops selling anime goods, idols, and collectibles. It's a great place to explore different facets of Japanese pop culture.

Tucked beneath the train tracks, this unique alleyway features workshops and shops of local artisans. Find handmade crafts, unique souvenirs, and experience a different side of Akihabara.

Experience a blast from the past at Hirose Entertainment, an arcade dedicated to classic and retro gaming machines. It's a nostalgic trip for gamers of all ages.

Mulan is a popular spot for second-hand anime goods, figurines, and other collectibles. It's a great place to find hidden gems and items at potentially lower prices.

This official store showcases and sells high-quality collectible figures from Bandai's Tamashii Nations brand, featuring popular characters from anime and tokusatsu.

Known for its competitive pricing, this store offers a wide array of figures and hobby items, including popular Pokemon cards. It's a great spot for budget-conscious collectors.

Head to the 9th floor of Yodobashi Camera for a unique batting cage experience. It's a fun and active way to break up your Akihabara exploration.

Tip: A fun alternative to typical Akihabara shopping.

SandoLab offers a creative take on Japanese sandos, featuring bold ingredients and playful presentations. It's a great spot for a unique and delicious meal.

This restaurant offers a variety of Japanese dishes, including halal-certified wagyu ramen and rice bowls. It's a great option for those seeking halal Japanese cuisine.

Discover a hidden gem at Akihabara Station: nostalgic milk stands serving Japanese dairy since 1950. It's a simple, authentic experience for a quick refreshment.

Tip: A quick stop for a taste of old Tokyo.

For photography enthusiasts, Nisshin Camera is a fantastic place to find used lenses, camera bodies, and tripods. It's a great spot for budget-friendly camera equipment.

Akihabara is known for its quirky vending machines selling everything from anime figurines to unusual snacks. Keep an eye out for these unique finds as you explore.

This spot is praised for serving delicious and affordable halal Japanese curry. It's a great option for a satisfying meal in Akihabara.

Lashinbang is a popular chain for second-hand anime and manga goods. You can find a wide variety of items, including figures, doujinshi, and collectibles.

Tip: Stores like Lashinbang often stay open until 9 PM.

Bic Camera is a large electronics retailer where you can find a wide range of products, including a dedicated floor for anime and hobby items.

Tip: Bic Camera typically closes around 9 PM.

Gamers is a store focused on anime, manga, and idol culture, particularly featuring popular series like Love Live!. It's a great place to find merchandise related to these fandoms.

Tip: Gamers often stays open until 10 PM.

Surugaya is a well-known chain for used goods, including anime, manga, games, and collectibles. It's a great place to hunt for bargains and rare items.

Book Off is a massive second-hand store where you can find books, manga, CDs, DVDs, and games at affordable prices. It's a treasure trove for bargain hunters.

Wander into a local concert venue for an energetic idol pop show. It's an affordable way to experience a unique aspect of Japanese pop culture.

Tip: Look for venues offering cheap entry with drink tickets.

The UDX building houses various shops, restaurants, and offices. It's also a good spot to observe the bustling train lines from its observation areas.

Tip: Use the escalators and backstreets to bypass crowds.

Comic Zin is a favorite comic shop for many, offering a wide selection of manga and related merchandise. It's a great place for comic enthusiasts to browse.

Sample unique brews from the popular Japanese owl beer company at their small test bar. It's a great spot for craft beer lovers to try limited editions.

While not strictly in Akihabara, Ikebukuro offers a similar anime and gaming experience with major stores like Animate and Super Potato, often considered less crowded and 'pervy'.

Melonbooks specializes in doujinshi (self-published works) and anime merchandise. It's a key spot for those interested in fan-made content and unique art.

Tip: Melonbooks typically stays open until 9 PM.

Head to the east side of the UDX building for a great vantage point to watch the JR trains pass by. It's a simple yet engaging activity for train enthusiasts.

Discover a cluster of unusual vending machines offering unique items, from niche snacks to quirky souvenirs. It's a fun and unexpected part of the Akihabara experience.

Experience the magic of Final Fantasy at this themed cafe, offering themed food and drinks. It's a must-visit for fans of the iconic RPG series.

Liberty is a chain of stores specializing in used goods, including a vast selection of anime figures, toys, and collectibles. It's a great place to find rare or discontinued items.

Immerse yourself in the heart of Tokyo's 'Electric Town,' a vibrant district famous for its electronics, anime, manga, and gaming culture. It's the epicenter of otaku life.

AmiAmi is a popular retailer for anime merchandise, figures, and hobby items. They offer a wide selection catering to various fandoms.

This store is dedicated to merchandise from Square Enix games, including Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. Find exclusive items and collectibles here.

Discover a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling city at Kanda Myojin Shrine. This historic shrine is surprisingly close to Akihabara and offers a moment of tranquility.

This ramen shop is recommended for its delicious tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen, offering a satisfying meal after a day of exploring.

Step into the unique world of maid cafes, where staff in maid outfits serve guests with a special, themed experience. It's a quintessential Akihabara phenomenon.

Tip: Don't expect gourmet food; the experience is the main draw.

Sofmap is a large electronics retailer that also carries a wide selection of anime, manga, and idol goods, making it a comprehensive stop for otaku culture.

Beyond electronics, Bic Camera's upper floors are dedicated to anime, manga, and hobby items, offering a broad range of merchandise for fans.

Enjoy a coffee while watching the JR Soubu Line trains from the 4th-floor seating area of the Starbucks in the UDX building.

This multi-floor complex houses numerous small shops selling a variety of anime goods, collectibles, and idol merchandise, perfect for digging for treasures.

Find shops that offer 'open gacha,' where you can select your desired capsule toy directly, avoiding the random chance of traditional machines.

Indulge in Michelin-ranked tonkatsu (deep-fried pork cutlets) at this highly acclaimed restaurant for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Enjoy authentic Chinese lamb dishes at this cozy spot, offering a different culinary experience within Akihabara.

Venture off the main Chuo-dori street to discover smaller shops, hidden eateries, and a more local feel to Akihabara's vibrant atmosphere.

AmiAmi is a well-regarded store for anime figures and hobby items, offering a wide selection for collectors and fans.

This dedicated Gachapon store boasts thousands of capsule toy machines, offering an overwhelming variety of unique and collectible items.

Animate is a premier destination for anime and manga enthusiasts, stocking the latest merchandise, figures, and collectibles from popular series.

Mulan is a treasure trove for second-hand anime goods, figurines, and collectibles, offering a chance to find rare and unique items.

This official store showcases and sells high-quality collectible figures from Bandai's Tamashii Nations brand, featuring popular characters from anime and tokusatsu.

This building is a hub for various shops selling anime goods, idols, and collectibles. It's a great place to explore different facets of Japanese pop culture.

Enjoy a coffee while watching the JR Soubu Line trains from the 4th-floor seating area of the Starbucks in the UDX building.