Akihabara (秋葉原), also called Akiba after a former local shrine, is a district in central Tokyo that is famous for its many electronics shops and has also gained recognition as the center of Japan's otaku (diehard fan) culture. Many shops and establishments devoted to anime and manga are dispersed among the electronic stores in the district. On Sundays, Chuo Dori, the main street through the district, is closed to car traffic from 13:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 from October through March).
Akihabara has seen some redevelopment over the past years, which added some large, modern buildings to the mix of small to medium-sized shops and buildings. Most prominent among them is a huge Yodobashi electronics store just next to the station.
Electronics
Hundreds of electronics shops, ranging from tiny one-man stalls specializing in a particular electronic component to large electronics retailers, line the main Chuo Dori street and the crowded side streets around Akihabara. They offer everything from the newest computers, cameras, televisions, mobile phones, electronics parts and home appliances to second-hand goods and electronic junk.
A few chain stores such as Sofmap and Laox each operate multiple specialized branches along the main roads, while small independent shops can be found in the side streets. The only mega sized store is the Yodobashi Camera complex on the east side of the station.
Note that some of the electronics on sale are only intended for use in Japan due to voltage and other technical differences, Japanese language documentation and limited warranties. However, several stores also feature a selection of international models intended for overseas use, and most also offer tax-free shopping to foreign tourists.
Otaku goods
The character of Akihabara has constantly changed over the decades and continues to do so. In recent decades Akihabara has emerged as a center of Japanese otaku and anime culture, and dozens of stores specializing in anime, manga, retro video games, figurines, card games and other collectibles have filled the spaces between the electronics retailers.
In addition to shops, various other animation-related establishments have become popular in the area, particularly maid cafes where waitresses dress up and act like maids or anime characters, and manga cafes (manga kissa), a type of internet cafe where customers can read comics and watch videos in addition to having access to the internet.
Major electronics stores
Otaku attractions
Getting there and around
Akihabara Station is a busy station served by the JR Yamanote Line, JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, JR Sobu Line, the Tsukuba Express and the Hibiya Subway Line. Suehirocho Station on the Ginza Subway Line is located around the northern end of the district.
From Tokyo Station
Akihabara is two stations north of Tokyo Station by JR Yamanote Line or JR Keihin-Tohoku Line (3 minutes, 150 yen one way).
From Shinjuku Station
Take the JR Chuo Line (orange colored rapid service) from Shinjuku to Ochanomizu (10 minutes) and make an easy transfer to the JR Sobu Line (yellow colored local service) for one more station to Akihabara (2 minutes). Alternatively, take a yellow colored train all the way from Shinjuku to Akihabara (17 minutes). The one way fare is 180 yen in either case.
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
English
Japanese
Akihabara Tourism Promotion Board
Official website.Don Quijote
Official website.Radio Kaikan
Official website.Super Potato
Official website.Gamers
Official website.Mandarake
Official website.Sofmap
Official website.Laox
Official website.Akky International
Official website.Yodobashi Camera
Official website.Hotels around Tokyo
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MONday Apart Premium AKIHABARA ASAKUSABASHI Sta.Located in the centre of Tokyo within 200 metres from Hulic Hall and Hulic Conference and 400 metres of Ichogaoka Hachiman Shrine, MONday Apart Premium AKIHABARA ASAKUSABASHI Sta. Provides accommodation with seating area and a kitchenette. This 4-star aparthotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a lift. The aparthotel features family rooms. Featuring free WiFi, the units have a safety deposit box, a washing machine and a flat-screen TV with streaming services. There is a private bathroom with bath in some units, along with slippers, a hair dryer and free toiletries. At the aparthotel, all units are equipped with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the aparthotel include Kusawakeinari Shrine, Sakuma Park and Kanaami Inari Shrine. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 20 km from MONday Apart Premium AKIHABARA ASAKUSABASHI Sta..View on Booking.com
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NOHGA HOTEL AKIHABARA TOKYOIdeally set in the centre of Tokyo, NOHGA HOTEL AKIHABARA TOKYO features air-conditioned rooms, a fitness centre, free WiFi and a restaurant. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. Private parking is available on site. All rooms at the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV and a safety deposit box. At NOHGA HOTEL AKIHABARA TOKYO the rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at the accommodation. Popular points of interest near NOHGA HOTEL AKIHABARA TOKYO include TKP Garden City Premium Akihabara, Akihabara Convention Hall and Yushima Seido. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 21 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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Hotel Resol Stay AkihabaraAttractively set in the Chiyoda district of Tokyo, Hotel Resol Stay Akihabara is situated 300 metres from Akihabara Park, 500 metres from Old Manseibashi Station and 600 metres from Fujisoft Akiba Plaza. This 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom. The property is 4.3 km from the city centre and 60 metres from Yanagimori Shrine. The rooms in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV. At Hotel Resol Stay Akihabara rooms have bed linen and towels. Languages spoken at the reception include English and Japanese, and guests are invited to request advice on the area when needed. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Enjuinari Shrine, Koobu Inari Shrine and Kusawakeinari Shrine. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 20 km from Hotel Resol Stay Akihabara.View on Booking.com
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MONday Apart Premium AKIHABARAMONday Apart Premium AKIHABARA features accommodation within 4.8 km of the centre of Tokyo, with free WiFi, and a kitchenette with a toaster, a fridge and a stovetop. This 4-star aparthotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a lift. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. All units are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a microwave, a kettle, a bidet, slippers and a desk. There is a seating and a dining area in all units. At the aparthotel, each unit includes bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the aparthotel include Kusawakeinari Shrine, Sakuma Park and Kanaami Inari Shrine. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 20 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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THE TOURIST HOTEL & Cafe AKIHABARALocated in Tokyo, THE TOURIST HOTEL & Cafe AKIHABARA provides accommodation with a restaurant, private parking, a bar and a shared lounge. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace. The accommodation features luggage storage space and free WiFi. All units in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV. At THE TOURIST HOTEL & Cafe AKIHABARA every room comes with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Selected rooms feature a private bathroom with a shower and bathtub, while other rooms come with a private shower. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Fujisoft Akiba Plaza, Izumi Park and Kanaami Inari Shrine. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 27 km from THE TOURIST HOTEL & Cafe AKIHABARA.View on Booking.com
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ICI HOTEL AsakusabashiSituated in the centre of Tokyo, ICI HOTEL Asakusabashi is set 200 metres from Ichogaoka Hachiman Shrine and 100 metres from Hulic Hall and Hulic Conference. Featuring a restaurant, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Private parking is available on site. All rooms at the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV and a safety deposit box. At ICI HOTEL Asakusabashi the rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels. Non-stop assistance is available at the reception, where staff speak English and Japanese. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kanaami Inari Shrine, Izumi Park and Kusawakeinari Shrine. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 20 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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Hotaku HOTEL AkihabaraHotaku HOTEL Akihabara is well located in the centre of Tokyo, and provides a shared lounge, free WiFi and a terrace. This 3-star hotel offers luggage storage space. The property is non-smoking and is located 500 metres from Jisshi Park. Popular points of interest near the hotel include Yanagimori Shrine, Akihabara Park and Ryoshainari Shrine. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 19 km away.View on Booking.com
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Nplus Tokyo Akihabara PremiumLocated in the Chiyoda district in Tokyo, Nplus Tokyo Akihabara Premium offers 3-star rooms with free WiFi. The property is set 600 metres from Akihabara Park, 600 metres from Izumi Park and 700 metres from Asakusa Mitsuke Memorial. The property is 500 metres from the city centre and 500 metres from Kusawakeinari Shrine. Guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fridge, a coffee machine, a shower, free toiletries and a desk. The private bathroom is equipped with a hot tub, a hairdryer and slippers. At the hotel each room includes bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near Nplus Tokyo Akihabara Premium include Sakuma Park, Yanagimori Shrine and Kanaami Inari Shrine. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 20 km away.View on Booking.com
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Super Hotel Premier AkihabaraSet in the centre of Tokyo, 100 metres from Yanagimori Shrine, Super Hotel Premier Akihabara offers air-conditioned rooms and free WiFi. The property is close to Kusawakeinari Shrine, Akihabara Convention Hall and Sakuma Park. The property is allergy-free and is situated 200 metres from Akihabara Park. At the hotel, all rooms are fitted with a desk, a TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. Super Hotel Premier Akihabara offers 3-star accommodation with a hot spring bath. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Old Manseibashi Station, Fujisoft Akiba Plaza and Koobu Inari Shrine. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 20 km from Super Hotel Premier Akihabara.View on Booking.com
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Sakura Cross Hotel AkihabaraLocated in the centre of Tokyo, 100 metres from Yanagimori Shrine, Sakura Cross Hotel Akihabara provides air-conditioned rooms and free WiFi. This property is situated a short distance from attractions such as Koobu Inari Shrine, Kusawakeinari Shrine, and Akihabara Convention Hall. The property is non-smoking and is set 400 metres from Akihabara Park. At the hotel, every room has a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. All units will provide guests with a fridge. Popular points of interest near Sakura Cross Hotel Akihabara include Old Manseibashi Station, Fujisoft Akiba Plaza and Enjuinari Shrine. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 20 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com
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