The 9 best things to do in Akihabara
Welcome to Akihabara, Tokyo’s electrifying modern pop culture and tech gadget center. This post will help you find the best things to do in Akihabara. Often called “Electric Town,” Akihabara is a vibrant district renowned for its bustling streets with countless electronic shops, anime stores, and themed cafes. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, an anime fan, or simply a curious traveler, Akihabara offers a unique and immersive experience unlike any other place in the world.
Originally a hub for post-war electronics shops, Akihabara has evolved into a mecca for otaku (geek) culture. It’s a place where you can dive into the latest and retro gadgets, discover rare collectibles, and indulge in themed cafes. This neighborhood perfectly captures the fusion of traditional Japanese charm and futuristic innovation, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Tokyo.
This blog post will guide you through the best things to do in Akihabara. From exploring multi-story electronics stores to experiencing the unique ambiance of maid cafes, we’ll help you make the most out of your visit to this iconic district. So, get ready to unlock the secrets of Akihabara and save the locations for your next Japan trip.
Contents
- #1 Visit a Maid Cafe
- #2 Shop anime merchandise and collectibles at anime shops
- #3 Try your luck at arcade games and claw machines
- #4 See rookie J-pop idols perform at Dear Stage
- #5 Get a protection charm for your electronic devices at Kanda Shrine
- #6 Enjoy delicious wagyu yakiniku at Wagyu Yakiniku Panga
- #7 Visit DAWN Robot Cafe
- #8 Shop at a famous electronics retailer
- #9 Get a tiny surprise toy at Akihabara Gachapon Kan
#1 Visit a Maid Cafe
Visiting a maid cafe in Akihabara is a must-do experience that combines entertainment and hospitality with a touch of fantasy. When you step into a maid cafe, expect to be greeted with warm, enthusiastic smiles by waitresses dressed in Victorian-style maid costumes. They will refer to you as “Master” or “Mistress” and treat you with utmost politeness.
Here’s what you can expect and how to make the most of your visit:
- Warm Welcome: Upon entering, the maids will welcome you with a cheerful greeting and guide you to your table. They might put spells on your food to make it taste better, and act polite and cute at the some time.
- Themed Menu: Enjoy a variety of food and drinks, often decorated with cute designs like animal faces, cute messages or hearts. Popular items include omurice (omelet rice), parfaits, and specialty coffees.
- Entertainment: Maids often perform fun activities such as singing, dancing, or playing games with the guests. Some cafes also offer live performances or magic shows.
- Photo Opportunities: You can take photos with the maids for an additional fee, creating a memorable keepsake of your visit.
- Unique Etiquette: Respect the cafe rules, such as not touching the maids, not asking for personal contact information, and refraining from taking photos unless permitted.
Maid Cafes to visit in Akihabara
- Maidreamin – Maidreamin is a chain with multiple cafes in Akihabara. Their food menu is super kawaii, full of cute bear, chick, and cat-shaped items. They offer various Japanese alcoholic drinks such as plum wine, sake, and shochu.
- Newtype – Newtype is a unique maid cafe as all of the maids are cross-dressers. So, you don’t get to meet cute girls, you get to meet cute girls cosplayed by guys. Their menu is more 18+ themed.
- In Akihabara, there is no problem even if a maid from another world serves you! – Isekai-themed maid cafe with cute maids. The food menu is super cute with multiple bunny, and bear-shaped items.
#2 Shop anime merchandise and collectibles at anime shops
Akihabara is a paradise for anime and manga enthusiasts, however, visiting an anime shop is a must-do for everyone due to the unique atmosphere of these shops. Although you will find it hard to avoid anime merchandise in Akihabara, there are very cool dedicated multi-story nime shops in the area. These shops sell a wide range of games, collectibles, and anime-related merchandise. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, exploring the anime shops in Akihabara is an experience you won’t want to miss.
The anime shops in Akihabara are unique. They offer a huge variety of products, from the latest releases to rare, hard-to-find items, making it a dream destination for collectors. Many of these shops also sell secondhand items, exclusive merchandise, and limited-edition collectibles that you can’t find anywhere else, making unique souvenirs.
Anime shops to visit in Akihabara
- Mandarake Complex – It is an 8-floor shop selling a wide variety of items including doujinshi (fan-made manga), idol or voice actor merchandise, games, CDs, DVDs, manga, anime figures, and cards. They have vintage items such as old games from the ’80s as well.
- Kotobukiya – A five-floor anime shop offering merchandise for the latest & most popular animes. They sell plushies, figures, manga, clothes, and model kits.
- Akihabara Gamers – An 8-floor anime shop selling a huge variety of items including Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh trading cards.
#3 Try your luck at arcade games and claw machines
Undoubtedly, arcade gaming is one of the best things to do in Akihabara. This place is not only a hub for electronics and anime but also a mecca for gaming enthusiasts. Akihabara is home to many gaming arcades that offer an exciting and nostalgic experience. There is a huge variety of fighting games, rhythm games, music games, and retro games.
You can also win cute limited edition plushies at claw machines (aka crane games). Claw machines are not easy, but not impossible. First, watch other players to understand how the machine operates and to see if there are any patterns or tips. Choose a machine where the prize is positioned in a way that looks easier to grab. In some arcades, staff members might help reposition prizes or teach you the best techniques to give you a better chance. Don’t hesitate to ask politely, but only after you spent money on a few rounds.
Gaming Arcades to visit in Akihabara
GiGO Akihabara 1: This multi-story arcade is called one of the best gaming arcades in Japan. It offers a wide range of games, from classic retro titles to the latest releases. It is a must-visit for any gamer and gives a perfect experience for newbies too.
Taito Station: It is run by Taito Corporation which is behind a few of the earliest arcade games such as Space Invaders. Taito Station is known for its huge selection of arcade games, including rhythm games, fighting games, and racing simulators. They also have claw machines (aka crane games).
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#4 See rookie J-pop idols perform at Dear Stage
A truly unique thing to do in Akihabara is attending a J-Pop performance. Dear Stage is a multi-floor live entertainment venue and bar that offers a distinct and immersive experience for fans of Japanese idols and pop culture. Here’s why you should add it to your Akihabara itinerary.
- Live Idol Performances: Dear Stage is famous for its live performances by up-and-coming idols and established groups.
- Interactive Experience: The intimate setting allows for close interaction with performers. Some of the rookie idols might act as waiters and waitresses. After the shows, you often have the opportunity to meet and take photos with the idols.
- Themed Floors: Each floor of Dear Stage has a different theme and atmosphere, ranging from cozy bar settings to lively performance stages. This diversity adds to the unique charm of the venue.
The venue is open 6 PM – 10 PM Monday to Friday and 5 PM – 10 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. You can check the performance schedule on their website.
#5 Get a protection charm for your electronic devices at Kanda Shrine
Another one of the best things to do in Akihabara is visiting Kanda Shrine. This shrine is a site with great historical and cultural heritage near Akihabara, dating back over 1,270 years. Kanda Shrine perfectly blends traditional Shinto worship and modern pop culture elements. Manga authors often pray for success at this shrine and many anime fans visit as well. So cute anime drawings and posters can be found all over the shrine area. The shrine is free to visit.
As Kanda Shrine is close to Akihabara it has a unique relationship with electronic devices. If you visit the shrine you can buy a protection charm for your electronic devices. In addition, Kanda Shrine is also known for being a home for a cute pony. She is called Akari and she is the sacred horse of the shrine. Her role is to be there for the three deities enshrined in Kanda Shrine if they want to ride.
#6 Enjoy delicious wagyu yakiniku at Wagyu Yakiniku Panga
You are going to get hungry while exploring everything that Akihabara has to offer. Although Akihabara has countless great food options, you should check out Wagyu Yakiniku Panga for a culinary adventure. This restaurant specializes in premium A5 Wagyu beef, known for its exceptional marbling, tenderness, and rich flavor. Wagyu Yakiniku Panga is famous for its commitment to quality, authenticity, and cozy atmosphere.
But what is yakiniku exactly? The term “yakiniku” translates to “grilled meat“. Yakiniku is a Japanese dining style where bite-sized pieces of meat, typically beef, are grilled over an open flame at the table. It is very similar to traditional Korean BBQ. Don’t worry if you haven’t tried something like this before. The staff is super helpful, they will help you grill the meat.
#7 Visit DAWN Robot Cafe
One of the best things to do in Akihabara is visiting a robot cafe. A bit further from the main streets of Akihabara there is a unique place that combines futuristic dining with social responsibility. DAWN (Diverse Avatar Working Network) Robot Cafe employs OriHime robots controlled by individuals with physical limitations, allowing them to work and interact with customers. The robots take your orders, serve food and drinks, and even engage in small talk. DAWN Robot Cafe provides such an uplifting yet futuristic experience.
Their menu includes Western and Japanese items as well. You must book a table in advance for the dining experience, however the restaurant accepts walk-ins for the bar counter seats. You can make a reservation on their website.
DAWN Robot Cafe holds a unique robot barista event on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 12:20 PM, 2:20 PM and 4:20 PM. They also allow visitors to try operating the robots.
Ticket prices for the dining experience:
- Adult ticket (12+) – 4,000 yen (tax included)
- Child ticket ( 4 -11) – 2,000 yen (tax included)
- Free for children under 3 years old
The ticket includes one drink and one dish.
#8 Shop at a famous electronics retailer
Akihabara, often referred to as “Electric Town,” is a mecca for tech enthusiasts and travelers seeking the latest in electronics, and gadgets. Akihabara has evolved from a post-WWII black market for radio parts to the world-renowned hub of cutting-edge technology and otaku culture it is today.
On top of the latest smartphones, tablets, and laptops from top brands, expect to see cutting-edge cameras, mechanical keyboards, and audio equipment. Gaming enthusiasts will find consoles, games, and gaming accessories. Hobbyists can explore a vast selection of electronic components, DIY kits, and unique gadgets. Furthermore, these stores offer a variety of home appliances, from high-tech kitchen gadgets to innovative cleaning devices. Even if you are not an electronics geek it is worth walking into these shops to experience the unique atmosphere.
Electronics Retailers to visit in Akihabara
Yodobashi Camera Akihabara: Yodobashi Camera is a huge electronics store spanning multiple floors, offering electronic products ranging from the latest smartphones and laptops to home appliances and cameras. Its comprehensive range and competitive prices make it a one-stop shop for all your electronic needs. The store also features a tax-free counter and multilingual staff, catering especially to international visitors.
Bic Camera: Bic Camera is known for its extensive inventory of electronics, gaming consoles, and computer peripherals. The store has English-speaking staff and a tax-free shopping counter. Bic Camera has frequent sales and offers products beyond electronics such as cosmetics and alcohol.
- Akihabara Radio Kaikan: Akihabara Radio Kaikan is an iconic multi-story building housing numerous specialty shops focused on electronic components, hobby goods, and pop culture merchandise. Known for its niche offerings, it’s the perfect place for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts looking for rare parts and unique items.
#9 Get a tiny surprise toy at Akihabara Gachapon Kan
One of the quintessential experiences in Akihabara is using a gachapon machine, a type of vending machine that dispenses capsule toys. These machines are popular in Japan, offering a fun and exciting way to collect small, themed toys.
Akihabara Gachapon Kaikan is a dedicated space featuring hundreds of gachapon machines, each filled with unique and collectible items. You can find anime-themed items, limited edition toys, keychains, figures, and more. Bring change with you, especially 100 yen coins to use the machines.
