Akihabara is a common name for the area around Akihabara Station in the Chiyoda ward of Tokyo, Japan. Administratively, the area called Akihabara mainly belongs to the Sotokanda and Kanda-Sakumachō districts in Chiyoda.
13 pictures of Akihabara from Jezael Melgoza, Luca Deasti, Sebastian Kurpiel and other travelers
Akihabara, also known as the Electric Town, is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Tokyo, Japan. This vibrant district is famous for its electronics shops, anime and manga stores, and unique cafes. It is the perfect destination for tech enthusiasts, collectors, and gamers.
To get to Akihabara, you can take the JR Yamanote Line, JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, or JR Chuo-Sobu Line to Akihabara Station. It is easily accessible from other parts of Tokyo, such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ueno. Alternatively, you can take the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line to Akihabara Station.
Before your trip, it's essential to book your accommodations in advance, especially during the peak travel season. Additionally, if you plan to visit any themed cafes or attend exclusive events, it's a good idea to make reservations ahead of time to secure your spot.
In terms of costs, Akihabara offers a wide range of options, catering to various budgets. You can find affordable electronics and souvenirs, as well as high-end collectibles and gadgets. Dining options in the area also cater to different budgets, from inexpensive street food to fine dining establishments.
The best things to do in Akihabara include browsing through the numerous electronics shops and anime stores, visiting themed cafes (such as maid cafes or animal cafes), and checking out the various arcades and game centers. Don't forget to explore the Radio Kaikan building, which houses multiple floors dedicated to anime, manga, and collectibles.
For dining options, head to Yodobashi Camera's food court for a variety of affordable and delicious meals. Alternatively, visit Go! Go! Curry! for a taste of their famous Japanese curry, or enjoy some delicious sushi at Sushiya no Nohachi.
When choosing where to stay, consider the following accommodations:
1. Akihabara Washington Hotel – This hotel offers comfortable and clean rooms, as well as easy access to Akihabara Station and the surrounding attractions.
2. APA Hotel Akihabara Ekimae – Located just a short walk from Akihabara Station, this hotel provides modern rooms with free Wi-Fi and an in-house restaurant.
3. Grids Akihabara Hotel & Hostel – For budget travelers, this stylish hostel offers both private rooms and dormitory-style accommodations with shared facilities.
Off the beaten path:
For an unusual travel experience in Akihabara, consider visiting the Kanda Myojin Shrine, which is dedicated to the Shinto gods of prosperity and business. This historic shrine, built over 1,200 years ago, is a peaceful oasis amid the bustling district. Many tech and anime enthusiasts visit the shrine to pray for success and good fortune in their endeavors. You can also purchase unique ema (wooden prayer plaques) featuring anime and manga illustrations to leave your wishes at the shrine. This experience offers a fascinating blend of traditional Japanese culture and modern pop culture, making it a truly unforgettable experience in Akihabara.
Akihabara Station is a railway station in Tokyo's Chiyoda ward. It is at the center of the Akihabara shopping district specializing in electronic goods.
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Akihabara is a district of Tokyo located between the districts of Chiyoda and Taito. It is famous for its numerous electronic stores, video games, and for mangas, ideal for Japanese pop culture lovers. It is known in the world as "Akihabara Electric Town" because of the bright shopfronts that glitter at night.
More recently, Akihabara has also become the cultural home of "Otaku", those unconditional fans of video games, manga, and anime. With its pop idols and cosplayers, the area is a real urban temple for Japanese pop culture fans. Take a stroll along the avenues of Akihabara for a unique cultural experience.
Chuo-dori is a long axis which crosses Akihabara. It is in this boulevard that you will find the biggest electronic and manga stores in the district. The most iconic buildings of the electric city are on this axis. You should not miss it!
In addition to the many stores selling video games, Akihabara is also known for its many arcades where gamers of all levels can come and compete.
Come and discover the uniqueness of Akihabara by entering one of the famous Maid cafés, where young girls dressed as maids offer you a unique experience. There are a lot of themed establishments like Gundam café, Linux café or even Neko café where you can play with cats inside.
If Japanese pop culture doesn't appeal to you, come and discover two Shinto shrines, the Kanda Myojin, one of the oldest Shinto shrines in the Japanese capital. The Daijingu is also a very well-known temple in the area.
This district of Tokyo is unique in its kind, come and immerse yourself in the modern Japanese culture surrounded by electronics.
The neighborhood is very lively at night, the stores usually close between 9 pm and 10 pm.
There are many establishments that propose to sleep in capsules in Akihabara, come and discover this typical Japanese custom during your stay, and moreover, it is very affordable! You can go to Glansit Akihabara Capsule Hotel or one of the many hotels available in the area.
Akihabara is famous for its many ramen restaurants. This strong competition has pushed all the ramen restaurants in Akihabara to outdo each other.
In short, if you want to try an authentic bowl of ramen, do it in Akihabara. You will be guaranteed to taste a carefully prepared dish.
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