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Akihabara (short: Akiba) is a district in central Tokyo, famous for its many electronics shops. In recent years, it has also gained fame as a center of the gaming, manga and animation culture. A major redevelopment of Akihabara Station and surroundings is nearing its completion, giving Akihabara a new face.
Electronics
Hundreds of electronics shops of various sizes can be found around Akihabara Station and along Chuo Dori (Chuo Avenue). They offer everything from the newest computers, cameras, televisions, mobile phones and home appliances to second-hand goods and electronic junk.
A few major stores, such as Ishimaru Denki, Sofmap and Laox operate multiple branch stores mainly along the main roads, while many smaller shops can be found in the narrow side streets.
Note that some of the electronic appliances on sale are only suited for use in Japan due to voltage and other technical differences and limited warranty. However, several stores also feature a selection of products for overseas use and offer duty free shopping to foreign tourists on purchases of over 10,000 Yen (passport required).
Manga, Animation and Games
The character of Akihabara has constantly changed over the decades and continues to do so. A recent development is the emergence of Akihabara as a center of Japanese animation culture, as the number of stores offering video games, manga and animation related goods has notably increased.
In addition to conventional stores, various other animation related establishments have appeared in the area, such as cosplay ("costume play") cafes, where waitresses are dressed up like anime characters, and manga kissaten ("comics cafes"), where customers can read comics, watch DVDs and surf the internet.
Redevelopment of Akihabara
A large scale redevelopment of the area north and east of Akihabara Station as well as of the station itself is nearing completion. The result are several new buildings such as the Akihabara Dai Building (opened in spring 2005), Akihabara UDX (opened in spring 2006) and Yodobashi Akiba Building (opened in autumn 2005).
Furthermore, Akihabara has been serving as the terminal station of the Tsukuba Express since August 2005. A brand new railway line, the Tsukuba Express connects central Tokyo with Tsukuba City in western Ibaraki Prefecture.
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How to get there
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Akihabara Station is a busy station on the Yamanote Line loop, served by the JR Yamanote Line, JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, JR Sobu Line, the Tsukuba Express and the Hibiya Subway Line.
From Tokyo Station
3 minutes and 130 Yen by JR Yamanote Line or JR Keihin-Tohoku Line.
From Shinjuku Station
Take the orange colored JR Chuo Line (rapid service) from Shinjuku to Ochanomizu Station (10 minutes) and transfer to the yellow colored JR Sobu Line (local service) for one more station to Akihabara (2 minutes). The one way fare is 160 Yen.
Orientation in Tokyo
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Travel Community
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Popularity of Akihabara:
Users who have been to Tokyo: 3005
Users who have been to Akihabara: 17983rd of 49 most visited sights in Tokyo. 3rd of 589 most visited sights nationwide.
Ratings for Akihabara:
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japan-guide.com Rating:
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outstanding
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User Rating (by 1079 users):
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83/100
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recommended
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English Links
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Akihabara
Website by the Akihabara Tourism Promotion Board.
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