Top 10 Must-Visit Places in Akihabara: Tokyo’s Electric Town
1. Akihabara Radio Kaikan
One of Akihabara’s most iconic shopping centers, Radio Kaikan houses over 30 shops specializing in anime, manga, and electronics. Whether you’re hunting for rare figures, trading cards, or the latest electronic parts, this multi-story complex is a must-visit.
Insider Tip: Check out the specialized shops on each floor, such as collectible figurines on the third floor and electronic components on the upper levels.
2. Yodobashi Camera Akihabara
A giant in the world of electronics, Yodobashi Camera is more than just a store—it’s an experience. Spanning several floors, this mega-store offers everything from the latest smartphones and cameras to home appliances and computer accessories.
Must-Try: Visit the upper floors for a selection of hobby items, toys, and a food court that caters to hungry shoppers.
3. Maid Cafés
Akihabara is famous for its unique and playful maid cafés, where waitresses dressed as maids serve food and drinks with an added touch of performance. Each café has its own twist, with maids singing, dancing, and engaging in playful conversations with guests.
Popular Spot: @home Café is a favorite for first-timers. The staff greets you with a cheerful “Welcome home, Master!” creating a one-of-a-kind experience.
4. Akihabara UDX
Located near Akihabara Station, the UDX building is a hub for dining, shopping, and events. The Akiba Ichi food area offers a diverse range of Japanese cuisine, while the gallery space hosts exhibitions, tech showcases, and pop culture events throughout the year.
Highlight: The UDX Theater, which screens anime and special-interest films, is a must-visit for enthusiasts.
5. Akihabara Gachapon Hall
For those who love capsule toys, the Gachapon Hall is a paradise filled with hundreds of vending machines that dispense collectible mini-figures and novelty items. Each machine holds a unique theme, so you’ll always find something new and surprising.
Fun Fact: Gachapon collecting is a beloved hobby in Japan, with some machines holding rare or limited-edition items that attract collectors.
6. Mandarake Akihabara Complex
Mandarake is the holy grail for anime and manga fans. This multi-level store specializes in secondhand and rare collectibles, including manga, DVDs, figures, cosplay costumes, and vintage toys. The atmosphere is packed with nostalgia and surprises at every corner.
Don’t Miss: The top floors, which feature rare items like retro manga series and original animation cels.
7. Electric Town Street
This area is the heart of Akihabara and a symbol of its reputation as the ultimate electronics shopping district. Shops line the street, offering everything from DIY electronics and computer parts to quirky gadgets and retro video game consoles.
Pro Tip: Bargaining isn’t common in Japan, but smaller electronics shops might be more flexible on prices than major retailers.
8. SEGA Akihabara Arcade
Akihabara wouldn’t be complete without its arcades, and the SEGA Arcade is a must-visit. With multiple floors of games, including claw machines, rhythm games, fighting games, and retro favorites, it’s a nostalgic throwback for gamers.
What to Play: Check out the latest rhythm games or challenge yourself at a claw machine for a chance to win unique prizes.
9. Kanda Myojin Shrine
A short walk from Akihabara, Kanda Myojin Shrine blends history with modern culture. The shrine, known for its blessings for prosperity and tech protection, is popular among locals and tech enthusiasts alike. The annual Kanda Matsuri, one of Tokyo’s most famous festivals, also takes place here.
Unique Offering: You can find ema (wooden prayer plaques) featuring anime characters drawn by fans—a testament to Akihabara’s influence on the shrine’s visitors.
10. Super Potato Retro Gaming
A hidden gem for retro gaming fans, Super Potato is a store that feels like stepping into a time machine. It’s filled with classic video games, consoles, and gaming memorabilia from the early days of Nintendo and Sega to more recent favorites.
Must-Buy: Check out the collection of vintage game cartridges and rare consoles. The top floor even has a small retro arcade where you can play nostalgic games.
Final Thoughts
Akihabara is more than just a shopping district—it’s a celebration of Japan’s tech-savvy, anime-loving, and gaming-obsessed culture. Whether you’re exploring quirky maid cafés, hunting for rare collectibles, or immersing yourself in gaming nostalgia, Akihabara promises a unique adventure like nowhere else.
