Akihabara

Must-Visit Popular Shops in Akihabara

Akihabara has countless shops, but here we introduce a selection of particularly popular ones. Understand the characteristics of each store to help you explore efficiently.

1. Mandarake Complex (まんだらけコンプレックス)

Known as a treasure trove of used manga, figures, and doujinshi, Mandarake Complex (まんだらけコンプレックス) is an 8-story mega-store that caters to both hardcore fans and beginners. The basement floor features nostalgic retro games, where you can find classic software for systems like the Famicom (Family Computer / ファミリーコンピュータ) and Super Famicom (Super Nintendo Entertainment System / スーパーファミコン). The 4th floor is packed with thousands of doujinshi, where you might discover rare fan-made works. Prices range widely from 100 yen (approx. $0.65) for used manga to rare figures costing tens of thousands, sometimes even over a million yen (over $6,650). Mandarake Complex is located approximately a 5-minute walk from JR Akihabara Station's Electric Town Exit.

• Address: 3-11-12 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• Hours: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
• Closed: Open daily
• Nearest Station: JR Akihabara Station, Electric Town Exit (approx. 5-minute walk)
• Items Handled: Used manga, figures, doujinshi, anime cels, retro games, etc.

2. Animate Akihabara (アニメイト秋葉原)

Animate (アニメイト) is Japan's largest chain of anime goods specialty stores, with locations nationwide. The Akihabara store is a flagship store spanning seven floors, offering a rich selection of the latest anime goods, including figures, posters, keychains, cosplay items, and light novels. New merchandise related to currently airing anime often appears on shelves within a week of release, allowing you to always catch the latest anime trends. The 7th floor sometimes hosts events like voice actor autograph sessions, making it an unmissable spot for fans.

• Address: 4-3-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM (10:00 AM - 8:00 PM on weekends and holidays)
• Closed: Open daily
• Nearest Station: JR Akihabara Station, Electric Town Exit (approx. 3-minute walk)
• Items Handled: General anime goods, manga, light novels, CDs/DVDs/Blu-rays, cosplay items, etc.

3. Akihabara Radio Kaikan (秋葉原ラジオ会館)

Akihabara Radio Kaikan (秋葉原ラジオ会館), located right outside Akihabara Station, is a 10-story building specializing in anime and hobby items. Each floor houses shops with different themes, allowing you to find various genres of products such as figures, plastic models, and trading cards. The 1st floor features Kaiyodo (海洋堂), famous for its intricate figures; the 3rd floor has Volks (ボークス), which deals in ball-jointed dolls (BJD); the 5th floor houses Kotobukiya (コトブキヤ) for anime plastic models; and the 7th floor is home to the trading card specialty store Yellow Submarine (イエローサブマリン), catering to a wide range of needs.

• Address: 1-15-16 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• Hours: Varies by store (generally 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM)
• Closed: Open daily
• Nearest Station: JR Akihabara Station, Electric Town Exit (approx. 1-minute walk)
• Items Handled: Figures, plastic models, model trains, trading cards, dolls, etc.

4. Yodobashi Akiba (ヨドバシAkiba)

Directly connected to JR Akihabara Station, Yodobashi Akiba (ヨドバシAkiba) is one of the world's largest electronics retailers. Its vast sales floor, spanning nine floors, offers not only the latest home appliances but also computers, cameras, audio equipment, and a wide selection of games and anime goods. The 6th floor, in particular, is a gaming floor with an abundant supply of PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC gaming-related products, making it a paradise for game fans. For international tourists, duty-free service is available for purchases over 5,000 yen (approx. $35). Anime figures are handled on the 7th floor.

• Address: 1-1 Kanda Hanaokacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• Hours: 9:30 AM - 10:00 PM
• Closed: Open daily
• Nearest Station: Directly connected to JR Akihabara Station, Showa-dori Exit (昭和通り口)
• Items Handled: General home appliances, computers, cameras, games, anime figures, etc.

5. Super Potato Akihabara Store (スーパーポテト秋葉原店)

Known as a mecca for retro games, Super Potato Akihabara Store (スーパーポテト秋葉原店) is highly recommended for those seeking nostalgic game software and hardware. You can find game software for a wide range of consoles, including Famicom, Super Famicom, Mega Drive (Sega Genesis / メガドライブ), and PC Engine (TurboGrafx-16 / PCエンジン), starting from 200 yen (approx. $1.30). The 5th floor, in particular, features a retro arcade game corner where you can enjoy classics like Pac-Man (パックマン) and Street Fighter II (ストリートファイターII) for 100 yen (approx. $0.65) per play.

• Address: B1F-5F, 1-11-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• Hours: Weekdays 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Weekends/Holidays 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• Closed: Open daily
• Nearest Station: JR Akihabara Station, Electric Town Exit (approx. 5-minute walk)
• Items Handled: Retro game software, hardware, related goods, arcade games

6. Don Quijote Akihabara Store (ドン・キホーテ秋葉原店)

Open 24 hours and offering everything from daily necessities to souvenirs, Don Quijote Akihabara Store (ドン・キホーテ秋葉原店) is a popular spot for tourists. The 8th floor, in particular, houses the dedicated theater for Japan's national idol group "AKB48," where you might catch an idol show if your timing is right. Duty-free service is also available, making it convenient for bulk souvenir purchases from Japan.

• Address: 4-3-3 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• Hours: 24 hours
• Closed: Open daily
• Nearest Station: JR Akihabara Station, Electric Town Exit (approx. 3-minute walk)
• Items Handled: Daily necessities, food, cosmetics, souvenirs, electronics, etc.

7. GiGO Akihabara Building 1 (GiGO秋葉原1号館)

GiGO Akihabara Building 1 (GiGO秋葉原1号館) is a large arcade game center spanning six floors. You can enjoy various genres of games, including UFO Catchers (UFOキャッチャー / claw machines), rhythm games (such as Taiko no Tatsujin (太鼓の達人) and Dance Dance Revolution), and card battle games. The 1st floor features over 500 gachapon (ガチャポン) machines, offering a wide variety of capsule toys, from the latest anime character goods to unique original items. Plays typically cost between 100 yen (approx. $0.65) and 500 yen (approx. $3.30).

• Address: 1-10-9 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• Hours: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM (until 11:30 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and the day before holidays)
• Closed: Open daily
• Nearest Station: JR Akihabara Station, Electric Town Exit (approx. 2-minute walk)
• Items Handled: UFO Catchers, rhythm games, video games, gachapon, etc.

Enjoy an Extraordinary Experience at a Maid Cafe

If you visit Akihabara, a maid cafe (メイドカフェ) experience is a must. Female staff dressed in maid outfits address customers as "Master" or "Princess" and serve omurice with drawings (お絵かきオムライス) and magical drinks (マジカルドリンク), creating a unique worldview that is its charm.

What is a Maid Cafe?

A maid cafe is a concept cafe that offers an extraordinary space and service, unlike a typical coffee shop. Staff dressed in cute maid outfits welcome customers with "Welcome home, Master (or Princess)!" (おかえりなさいませ、ご主人様（お嬢様）！), providing an experience as if you've wandered into another world. They draw pictures on omurice with ketchup, cast "Moe Moe Kyun!" (萌え萌えキュン！) spells on your drinks, and offer plenty of entertainment.

Recommended Maid Cafes for Beginners

1. Maidreamin Akihabara (めいどりーみん秋葉原): A major maid cafe chain with multiple locations in Akihabara. Many staff members can speak English, making it a safe and enjoyable experience for first-timers and international tourists. A cover charge of around 700 yen (approx. $4.65) is required, plus additional orders for drinks and food.
   • Address: Takarabiru 2F, 1-15-7 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, and other locations
   • Hours: Weekdays 11:30 AM - 11:00 PM, Weekends/Holidays 10:30 AM - 11:00 PM (varies by store)
   • Nearest Station: JR Akihabara Station, Electric Town Exit (approx. 3-minute walk)
2. @home cafe (@ほぉ〜むカフェ): An established maid cafe founded in 2004, with six locations in Akihabara. It's popular for its high-quality service and entertainment, including maid performances and magic shows.
   • Address: Mitsuwa Building 4F, 1-11-4 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, and other locations
   • Hours: Weekdays 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Weekends/Holidays 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (varies by store)
   • Nearest Station: JR Akihabara Station, Electric Town Exit (approx. 3-minute walk)
3. Maid in Japan (メイドインジャパン): Relatively close to Akihabara Station, many of its stores offer relatively reasonable prices. Recommended for those who want to experience a maid cafe casually.

Maid Cafe Etiquette and Precautions

Maid cafes have their own rules to provide a comfortable space for customers.

• Cover Charge and Food/Drink Costs: A cover charge of about 500 to 700 yen (approx. $3.30 to $4.65) per person is required upon entry, and ordering drinks and food is mandatory.
• No Photography of Maids: Generally, taking individual photos of maids is prohibited. If you wish to take a commemorative photo, you can pay an additional fee for a "Cheki" (チェキ / instant photo), usually around 1,000 yen (approx. $6.65) per photo.
• No Physical Contact with Maids: Touching maids is strictly forbidden.
• "Moe Moe Kyun!": When a spell is cast, follow the staff's instructions and chant along loudly.
• Recommended Menu Items: Be sure to try the "Omurice with drawings" where maids draw pictures with ketchup, and lattes adorned with character art, for a unique maid cafe experience.

Find Unique Capsule Toys at Gachapon

Akihabara is also a mecca for "Gachapon" (ガチャポン / ガシャポン), symbolizing Japan's miniature culture. For 200 to 500 yen (approx. $1.30 to $3.30) in coins, you turn a handle, and a capsule containing a random mini-figure or small item emerges. The variety is extensive, from anime characters to intricately detailed miniature food models.

Main Spots to Enjoy Gachapon

• Akihabara Gachapon Kaikan (秋葉原ガチャポン会館): A specialty shop with over 500 gachapon machines arranged by theme. New products are constantly rotating, offering new discoveries with every visit.
  • Address: 3-15-5 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
  • Hours: Weekdays 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Weekends/Holidays 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Nearest Station: JR Akihabara Station, Electric Town Exit (approx. 7-minute walk)
• Akiba Soul (アキバソウル): Features approximately 400 gachapon machines. Abundant in anime and character goods.
  • Address: 1-11-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
  • Hours: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
  • Nearest Station: JR Akihabara Station, Electric Town Exit (approx. 5-minute walk)
• Bandai Gashapon Mall Akihabara (バンダイガシャポンモール秋葉原): A gachapon specialty store operated by Bandai, offering a large selection of the latest products, primarily anime figures.
  • Address: 3-15-5 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
  • Hours: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
  • Nearest Station: JR Akihabara Station, Electric Town Exit (approx. 7-minute walk)

Popular Gachapon Items

• One Piece mini-figures (ワンピースミニフィギュア): Around 300 yen (approx. $2), randomly featuring one of 8 types.
• Pokémon capsule toys (ポケモンカプセルトイ): Around 200 yen (approx. $1.30), offering various Pokémon mini-figures.
• Sanrio Hello Kitty goods (サンリオ ハローキティグッズ): Around 500 yen (approx. $3.30), cute Hello Kitty accessories are popular.
• Miniature food models (ミニ食品模型): Intricately crafted food models like miniature sushi or ramen are popular souvenirs. Available for around 300 yen (approx. $2).

Get Rare Cards at Trading Card Specialty Stores

Akihabara is also known as a mecca for Trading Card Games (TCG / トレーディングカードゲーム). Numerous specialty stores for various TCGs like Yu-Gi-Oh! (遊戯王), Pokémon Card Game (ポケモンカードゲーム), and One Piece Card Game (ワンピースカードゲーム) line the streets.

• Yu-Gi-Oh! Official Card Game Specialty Store (遊戯王オフィシャルカードゲーム専門店): Often features rare cards and limited editions, where collectors can find highly sought-after items. Some rare cards can be worth hundreds of dollars or more.
• Pokémon Card Station (ポケモンカードステーション): An official Pokémon Card Game store, offering a wide range from the latest packs to past rare cards. High-value cards like the original Charizard (リザードン) are also traded here.
• One Piece Card Game Booth (ワンピースカードゲームブース): Since its debut in 2023, the One Piece Card Game has gained immense popularity, and there are many specialty stores dedicated to it.

A characteristic of Akihabara is the scattering of small to medium-sized card shops from the 2nd to 5th floors of buildings, in addition to large stores. These shops sometimes offer cards 20% to 30% cheaper than large retailers, so it's recommended to visit several stores if you have time.

Enjoy Akihabara to the Fullest! Recommended One-Day Itinerary

Here's a one-day itinerary to efficiently experience the best of Akihabara.

Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Start with the Vibrant Electric Town

• 10:00 AM: Depart from JR Akihabara Station's Electric Town Exit and begin by strolling along Chuo-dori Street (中央通り), Akihabara's main thoroughfare.
• 10:30 AM: Visit Akihabara Radio Kaikan (秋葉原ラジオ会館) to explore the figure, plastic model, and trading card shops on each floor. Spend about an hour and a half finding your favorite items.
• 12:00 PM: Lunchtime. Enjoy traditional Japanese soba noodles at Kanda Matsuya (神田まつや), a long-established soba restaurant near Kanda Myojin-shita (神田明神下), or refuel with popular ton