Akihabara is a district in Tokyo, Japan, known for its anime and gaming culture. Also, the community has many shops and cafes catering to anime and gaming fans. If you fit either group, this is the place for you!
This blog post will walk you through Akihabara’s background and things to do there.
So, here is some background on the electric town.
What is Akihabara?
When you think of Japan, your first thought may be Akihabara – the anime capital of the world.
According to one survey in 2007, Akihabara was the 10th most popular destination for tourists. That was before the Japanese government pushed for more tourism to the country and the corresponding rise in numbers.
If you’re a fan of anime, manga, or video games, then Akihabara is a must-visit destination. Not to mention, there are plenty of shopping options to feed any buying urges you may have. Check out the many popular stores and attractions in town, like maid cafes and a Japanese video game arcade. This area of Tokyo is an otaku paradise.
But we are getting ahead of ourselves. Akihabara in the past was different from Akihabara today.
Let’s briefly explore the history of Akihabara to understand our favorite destination today.
The history of Akihabara
Akihabara has a rich history. Akihabara was once close to the city gate of Edo. It was a path between Edo (Tokyo in the modern day) and northwestern Japan. Artisans, tradespeople, and samurai lived in the area.
Over the years, the district has served as a freight transit point, a top spot for business, and eventually electronics.
The Electric Town moniker started shortly after World War II. The area developed into a major shopping center for household electronic goods and the post-war black market.
The district is considered by many to serve as the epicenter of modern Japanese popular culture.
You need to know the best times to visit Akihabara.
When is the best time to visit Akihabara?
Some might say, “Come to Akihabara any time. It is an otaku paradise.” Alas, this is half-true. The best time to go to Akihabara is the best time to go to Japan:
- Spring – between March and May
- Fall – September to November
Japan is vibrant during these periods. These times include the off-peak travel to Japan – the cheapest times to go to Japan. The more you save on the trip, the more you can spend in Akihabara.
Now you know the best times to visit. What do you do when you get there?
Things to do in Akihabara
1) Maid Cafe
Akihabara is synonymous with maid cafes. The first permanent maid café in the world opened in the electric town after all. Each maid café has a different concept.
But one thing they have in common is maid service.
Customers are invited inside and served drinks and food by a maid. Staff may hold performances too. If you want to know about the best maid cafes in Japan, see our recent article, the best maid cafes in Japan.
2) Play Real-Life Mario Kart
If you want a thrill in your life, try go-karting around the streets of Tokyo. Don’t take it from me. Listen to someone who tried one of the go-kart services:
“Extremely exciting and a must have experience when you visit Tokyo Japan. Just imagine yourself on a custom made go kart specifically tailored to realize the Real Life SuperHero Go-Karting experience! Dress up in your favorite character costume, playing the music of your choice and driving through the city of Tokyo. All eyes on you guarantee! You can ride with a group or ride privately; Street Kart is fully equipped to make your experience a very important one. Don’t trust us but trust our valued customers, because they say “Once is never enough”!”
You can find the site of one go-cart company here.
3) The Kanda Myojin Shrine
The Kanda Myojin Shrine is near Akihabara.
The shrine protected Edo’s inhabitants, and three kami deities were enshrined:
- Daikokuten, god of wealth and trade;
- Ebisu: guardian of business people and fishermen; and,
- Taira no Masakado, an influential 10th-century samurai
Sometimes this shrine is used for events. For example, Sony held a pre-launch Playstation 5 event; Ghibli held an exhibition there too.
4) Don Quijote Akihabara: Affordable Japanese Souvenirs
Don Quijote is an excellent place for souvenirs. You can get your purchases tax-free if you spend 5,000 yen or more. You will need your receipt and passport. The store accepts several currencies, including United States Dollars, Euros, Hong Kong Dollars, and Chinese Yuan.
The Akihabara branch of the discount store features many products appropriate for the location. That’s right. There is cosplay in abundance.
The store sells food, medicine, sports goods, and toys.
5) Anime and Gaming Adventure Tour
While you are in Akihabara, why not go on a tour? Local guides like Magical Trip offer tours of areas across Japan, including Akihabara.
Local tours can take you to a retro video game store, or a game center, visit a maid café, and visit a wide variety of anime stores. You get a feel for these Japanese sub-cultures.
Akihabara is the anime capital of the world. It is easy to see why!
This otaku mecca is home to various shops and attractions catering to anime and gaming fans. From souvenirs to gaming tours to cafe visits, there is something for everyone in this popular area.
Don’t wait any longer – start planning your trip to this renowned slice of Japan today!
