Akihabara is a buzzing area in the northeast of central Tokyo known as the electric town because of the many shops selling video games, anime and manga, and electronic goods. The name Akihabara originates from Akiba, the fire-protecting deity of the shrine that was built in the area after a destroying fire in 1869. The area has become more and more popular among foreign tourists as an attraction. Mostly because Japanese Pop culture is gaining popularity in other countries. However, there is much more than just pop culture in Akihabara, and even those who are not interested in it can have fun experiences there! In this article, we will introduce some of the best things to do in Akihabara.
- 1. GiGO
- 2. Maid cafes
- 3. Kanda Myojin Shrine
- 4. Don Quijote Akihabara
- 5. Akihabara Gachapon Hall
- 6. Animal cafes
- 7. Mandarake
- 8. Super Potato Akihabara
- 9. Kyusyu Jangara Ramen
- 10. Yodobashi Camera (Yodobashi Akihabara)
- The Best Akihabara Tours
- Where to stay in Akihabara
- Japan Wonder Travel Tours in Tokyo
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1. GiGO
GiGo has several buildings in the Akiba area, and the 3rd building is only a short walk from Akihabara station. It is mainly an amusement arcade with a variety of game machines including claw machines and purikura (a photo sticker booth). In addition, they have a special room designated for a VR experience where you can enjoy a shooting game with high-tech VR equipment!
2. Maid cafes
If you are familiar with Japanese pop culture, you probably know about the maid cafes. Maid cafes are small cafes where waitresses are dressed up in maid costumes, and customers are treated as masters. Just like any other cafe, you can order food and drink, but here they are served with cute, unique toppings representing the kawaii culture of Japan. There are also various services depending on each cafe, such as waitresses singing and dancing on a stage or taking a photo with customers. In most cases, prices are relatively high compared to casual cafes, but it is definitely a unique experience that you should not miss out on while in Japan!
Recommended Maid Cafes in Akihabara
When it comes to maid cafes in the Akihabara area, there is a different style of cafe on just about every corner. With such a big selection, it can be tough to decide which ones are going to be the best to check out. Let us help you out with a few of the best recommendations for when you are visiting the neighborhood.
Magical Lollipop
Magical Lollipop is one of the most well-known and highly-rated maid cafes in all of Akihabara. The theme here is magic, and all of the maids are dressed up as cute magical girl apprentices in training to become worthy of saving and serving the “heroes” who are their customers. With a following of over 60,000 subscribers on YouTube, they post videos for those new to the topic of maid cafes, advertising the staff members, and even videos that take you behind the scenes for a look at what maid cafes are really about. The cafe itself is known to be a welcoming place even for first timers so this may be the spot for you if you’re coming to Akihabara for the first time.
Magical Lollipop Official Website
Hours: 5pm – 11pm Monday through Friday, 3pm – 11pm weekends and holidays
Like a Doll
Built around the concept of dolls, Like a Doll is a laid back maid cafe. The maids here are dressed up in their own classic yet original outfits that are cutely designed with chic colors. The interior of the cafe is stylishly decorated with brown and pink chocolate colors and ornaments, making for a calm and relaxed atmosphere. This is a great option if you want to kick back and enjoy the impeccable service and hospitality that maid cafes have to offer.
Like a Doll Official Website
Hours: 5pm – 11pm Monday through Friday, 3pm – 11pm weekends and holidays
RABBIT CASTLE
RABBIT CASTLE is a maid cafe that was designed by Kyaroline Chan, a famous artist who is renowned for her works which include video studios, background art, and music videos. The theme behind this cafe is rabbits that grow magical carrots in order to help out the heroes. You can see a unique style here in the way that maids here wear gothic style uniforms in contrast with the interior which is all pastel colored. RABBIT CASTLE is particularly popular among girls who like cute designs as well as those who are a fan of Kyaroline Chan.
RABBIT CASTLE Official Website
Hours: 5pm – 11pm Monday through Friday, 3pm – 11pm weekends and holidays
RONRON
Just a few minutes walk from Akihabara Station, RONRON is a fairly new maid cafe that has received nothing but amazing reviews. Designed by Shir0, a famous installation artist, this Chinese themed cafe is based around the idea of relieving fatigued heroes who are preparing for battle against the evil “Kyonshi.” All of the maids wear stylish original maid uniforms that are a blend of Chinese and maid attire. These loyal maids provide the heroes with the utmost hospitality and you are sure to feel like a king when dining here. This unique cafe is great for those looking for a picturesque cafe with great service.
RONRON Official Website
Hours: 5pm – 11pm Monday through Friday, 3pm – 11pm weekends and holidays
3. Kanda Myojin Shrine
If you are looking for some historical places to visit in this buzzing town, Kanda Myojin Shrine might be the perfect place to experience the more traditional aspect of Japan. It is a Shinto shrine established in 730, making it the oldest shrine in Tokyo! It enshrines three different deities; the god of marriage Onamuchinomikoto (大己貴命), the god of business prosperity Sukunahikonanomikoto (少彦名命), and the god of expelling evil Tairanomasakadonomikoto (平将門命). It is one of the most powerful shrines and is frequently visited by large numbers of people. The shrine also stages some parts of the Kanda Festival, one of the biggest Shinto festivals. It is also visited by many tourists and anime fans because of its accessible location and the collaboration with famous anime characters!
Kanda Myojin Shrine Official Website
Open 24 hrs
No admission fee
4. Don Quijote Akihabara
Don Quijote is a Japanese discount chain store with a large selection of products ranging from snacks to cosmetics to clothes to bicycles. Each store has a unique marketing strategy targeting particular customers depending on the location. Don Quijote Akihabara sells comics, anime products, and costumes, and also has an idol theater called AKB Theater, where one of the most popular girls’ idol groups AKB48 held their first performance in 2005. If you are interested in Japanese idols, it is definitely a must-visit place! Don Quijote is also a great place for buying the best souvenirs to take home.
5. Akihabara Gachapon Hall
Gachapon is a vending machine that sells toys in a plastic capsule, another fun souvenir to bring home. You can find it almost everywhere in Japan, especially in amusement arcades or big shopping malls. You can get tiny, good-quality toys from ¥100 up to ¥500. You can’t choose which one you will get, so it’s all up to luck, which makes it more exciting! Akihabara Gachapon Hall is a small shop filled with Gachapon machines, and always crowded with Gachapon fans. Don’t forget to bring a lot of 100-yen coins as bills cannot be used for Gachapon machines!
6. Animal cafes
If you are looking for somewhere not related to pop culture, but still very kawaii, you can go to an animal cafe. You can find different types of animal cafes in Japan, but there are many popular animal cafes in the Akihabara area. A visit to an animal cafe is very popular in Japan because many people cannot keep their own pets. It is enjoyable even for adults and offers you a relaxing time. Also, many of these locations require a reservation ahead of time. Please do follow the rules in the cafe!
7. Mandarake
Looking for the all-in-one ultimate anime and manga shopping complex? Look no further than Mandarake! Here you’ll be able to find everything including but not limited to manga, anime, figurines, posters, toys, games, and much much more. This is a great place to get not only some souvenirs to take home but also can make perfect gifts for friends and family back home. Of course, there are plenty of Japan-exclusive goods here, making it all the more fun to browse the 8 floors.
8. Super Potato Akihabara
Super Potato Akihabara is a store that specializes in selling second-hand video games. Japanese video games are surprisingly popular and have a large number of fans all over the world. You can find old video games that will bring back childhood memories and that you probably won’t get to play back in your country, so many people end up spending more time there than they originally expected! On the fifth floor, Super Potato also has a vintage video game arcade, a fun activity on a rainy day (or any day really).
9. Kyusyu Jangara Ramen
It may sound surprising, but Akihabara has many ramen restaurants and is a very competitive ramen area. Kyusyu Jangara Ramen is one of the most popular among them and has received many good reviews from local and foreign customers alike. What makes them special is a menu that includes some vegan ramen such as Vegan Sho-yu (soy sauce) Ramen. They have a limited number of seats (18 seats in total), so you might have to wait a little bit outside, but it is definitely well worth it!
Kyusyu Jangara Ramen Official Website
11:00am – 9:45pm
¥600 – ¥1.200
10. Yodobashi Camera (Yodobashi Akihabara)
Yodobashi Camera is one of the most famous electronics shops that has a number of locations all over Japan. As you can see, it has the word “camera” in its name, but it doesn’t mean that it handles only cameras or related equipment. They actually sell a large variety of products including home appliances, computers, gadgets, toys, and even hobby items! You can pretty much find anything you would want. Yodobashi Akihabara is located near the JR Yamanote line, and you will immediately notice the huge building with its neon-lights and colors, after walking out of the station.
The Best Akihabara Tours
Akihabara Anime Tour: Explore Tokyo’s Otaku Culture
Throughout the tour, our knowledgeable local guide will take you to all the best stores and gaming arcades so you can really experience the town like a local. Our guide will provide you with valuable insight into the buzzing Electric Town that you would never get going on your own. This tour is a great introduction to Akihabara for the first-timers!
¥4,000~
1.5 hours (90 minutes)
Tokyo private tour
If you’re not sure exactly what to do with your time in Tokyo, it’s never a bad idea to book a private tour with an experienced guide who can show you the ins and outs. And of course, the tour is customizable so you can add Akihabara to your itinerary as well!
¥60,000~ per group
8 hours
Where to stay in Akihabara
- Hotel Resol Akihabara – our top pick, modern, industrial hotel.
- Little Japan – small hostel, perfect if you are on a budget.
Akihabara is sometimes referred to as electronic town or otaku no machi (geek town). The heart of Otaku (geek) culture offers a large number of attractions and places to visit, making it a fun and entertaining area. If you want to feel the unique, lively atmosphere, we really recommend you go there! Seeing all the fun kawaii things, flashing neon lights and the buzzing atmosphere is definitely something special. We hope you enjoyed reading about some of the best things to do in Akihabara and add it to your next itinerary in Japan!
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