Akihabara, or "Akiba," is the ultimate destination for anime, gaming, and otaku culture in Tokyo. From multi-story stores filled with collectibles to themed cafés and retro gaming spots, Akihabara is a dream come true for enthusiasts. Here’s a full-day itinerary to make the most of your visit.
Where: Grand Prince Takanawa Hotel
Opening Hours: 06:30 – 10:00
Start your day with a tasty buffet breakfast at Grand Café Patio. They serve a mix of Japanese dishes like miso soup and grilled fish, along with Western favorites such as eggs, pastries, and fruit. It’s a great way to get ready for your day of adventures
Train Line: Yamanote Line
Travel Time: 20 minutes
From the Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa, walk 11 minutes (700 meters) to Shinagawa Station. Take the Yamanote Line heading to Akihabara. Once you arrive, walk 4 minutes (300 meters) to Akihabara Electric Town.
One of Akihabara’s iconic landmarks, Radio Kaikan is a multi-floor building filled with shops offering electronics, anime merchandise, model kits, figures, and collectibles. It’s the perfect place to start your Akihabara journey.
Tip: Look out for rare collectibles and limited-edition merchandise from popular anime series.
For high-quality anime figures, model kits, and merchandise, head to Kotobukiya. They often have exclusive items and displays for fans of popular series like "My Hero Academia" and "Demon Slayer."
Café Name: Maidreamin
Location: 1-14-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
Maids dressed in cosplay serve meals, play games, and perform live entertainment. Popular menu items include omurice with decorative designs and parfaits shaped like animals.
How to Get There: From Akihabara Electric Town, head north along Chuo-dori for about 5 minutes (400 meters). The café is located on the second floor of a building near Don Quijote Akihabara.
Super Potato is a must-visit for retro gaming fans. The store features an incredible collection of classic consoles and games, from NES and Sega Genesis to rare Game Boy cartridges. The upper floors house a retro arcade where you can play vintage games.
Location: 1-11-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
Mandarake is one of the largest second-hand stores in Akihabara, known for its wide selection of rare and collectible items, including manga, anime merchandise, cosplay costumes, and figurines. Each floor is dedicated to a specific niche, making it a treasure trove for enthusiasts.
Location: 3-11-12 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
This shop features hundreds of gachapon (capsule toy) machines, offering a variety of unique and limited-edition toys from popular anime series. It's a great spot to try your luck and grab fun souvenirs.
Location: 3-15-5 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
Animate Akihabara is one of Japan's largest anime merchandise stores. It offers a huge variety of items, including DVDs, Blu-rays, manga, light novels, and character goods.
Location: 4-3-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
What to Do: The UDX building is home to restaurants, shops, and galleries. Stop by the "Akihabara Crossfield" area for exhibitions or enjoy a casual stroll along the Akihabara pedestrian bridge for great views of the city.
Yodobashi Camera is a massive electronics store in Akihabara with multiple floors dedicated to gadgets, home appliances, and gaming equipment. Whether you're looking for cameras, video games, or the latest tech, this store has it all.
How to Get There: From Akihabara Station Electric Town Exit, walk east for about 2 minutes (150 meters). The store is directly across the street, easy to find with its prominent signage.
Features:
Shopping: Extensive selections of tech products, electronics, and accessories.
Dining: The upper floors host a variety of cafes and restaurants, making it a convenient spot to unwind after shopping.
After an exciting day, take the Yamanote Line back to Shinagawa Station and walk to your hotel. Relax and enjoy a quiet evening reminiscing about your Akihabara adventure.