If you love anime, games, and all things tech, Akihabara is a must-visit spot in Tokyo. Known as “Electric Town,” it’s a colorful mix of flashing signs, themed cafes, and endless gadget shops.
The energy here is wild. Even if you’re not an anime fan, it’s worth seeing at least once. So, if you’re visiting for the first time, here are a few things you shouldn’t miss in Akihabara.
Explore the Anime and Manga Shops
Anime lovers who are wondering about what to do in Akihabara (秋葉原行ったら何する), know that this place is a heaven for you. The moment you step out of the station, you’ll see stores filled with figures, posters, and collectibles from every show you can imagine.
Start with Animate Akihabara. It’s one of the biggest and most famous stores. You can find everything from manga and DVDs to keychains and plush toys. If you’re looking for something rare, check out Mandarake, which sells secondhand items in excellent condition.
Even if you don’t buy anything, just browsing through these shops is an experience on its own. It’s like walking through an anime museum.
Visit a Maid Cafe
Maid cafes are one of Akihabara’s most famous (and quirky) attractions. Inside, waitresses dressed as cute maids serve food, play games with guests, and perform small dances. It might sound strange at first, but it’s all about fun and friendliness.
Try a place like @Home Cafe or Maidreamin, where the staff go all out to make you feel welcome. Don’t expect it to be romantic. It’s more like a cheerful, playful experience that’s unique to Japan.
Just go in with an open mind and enjoy the silliness. It’s part of what makes Akihabara so different.
Hunt for Cool Gadgets and Retro Games
If you love tech, you’ll lose track of time here. Akihabara started as an electronics district, and it’s still full of gadget stores and parts shops. You’ll find everything from the latest gaming gear to old-school computer parts.
For retro game fans, check out Super Potato. It’s packed with classic consoles, vintage cartridges, and nostalgic memorabilia from the ’80s and ’90s. Walking through it feels like stepping into gaming history.
You can also explore Yodobashi Camera, a massive electronics store where you can test out new gadgets, cameras, and headphones before buying.
Experience Japan’s Otaku Culture
Akihabara is the heart of otaku culture. It’s a Japanese word for fans who are deeply into anime, games, or tech. You’ll see cosplayers walking around, themed arcades, and capsule toy machines on nearly every corner.
Don’t miss Gachapon Hall, where you can try hundreds of capsule toys for a few hundred yen each. There are also multi-floor arcades like SEGA Akihabara and GiGO, where you can play crane games, rhythm games, and fighting games.
Even if you’re not a gamer, just watching locals play can be surprisingly fun.
Relax and Refuel
After all the walking and shopping, you’ll definitely need a break. Luckily, Akihabara has plenty of great cafes and food spots.
For something cute and Instagram-worthy, stop by a theme cafe. There are ones based on anime, video games, and even cats or owls. If you want something more traditional, grab ramen or Japanese curry at one of the smaller side-street restaurants.
You can also visit Akihabara Radio Kaikan’s food floor, which has a good mix of local snacks and desserts.
