10 -Visit Akihabara Anime Spots: A Guide for Otaku and First-Time Visitors
Akihabara is known as the "Sacred Ground of Otaku." It's a district where people with various interests can enjoy everything from anime and games to electronic products and even small parts like screws.
Akihabara is also famous for its idol culture, with many idol groups including AKB48 basing their activities in Akihabara. Additionally, concept cafes (cafes where staff serve customers in settings similar to manga or anime), such as maid cafes, are also popular.
In this article, we'll focus on games among the many subcultures that can be enjoyed in Akihabara, introducing stores selling retro gaming consoles and historic game centers in Akihabara.
Characteristics of "Akihabara," the Center of Japanese Pop Culture
Akihabara is a district where otaku from various fields gather, from mainstream pop culture to subcultures supported by a small number of dedicated fans. Among these, I'm particularly focusing on Akihabara as the "Sacred Ground of Gaming."
In Akihabara, you can enjoy retro games that cannot be purchased at ordinary electronics stores, as well as classic arcade games that have stepped back from the frontlines. Of course, the latest home console games and arcade games are also available at a top level in Japan.
Akihabara is a Particularly Massive Anime and Manga District Among Tokyo's Three Major Otaku Spots
Among the many pop cultures and subcultures that consider Akihabara sacred, Akihabara is especially famous as the sacred ground for anime and manga. Tokyo's three major Otaku spots are often cited as Akihabara, Ikebukuro, and Nakano (Nakano Broadway), but Akihabara is a particularly massive anime and manga holy site even when compared to these three. Numerous anime and manga fans from around the world visit Akihabara daily.
Similar to the games introduced earlier, there are many exclusive anime and manga goods that can only be purchased in Akihabara.
7 Beloved Otaku Spots in Akihabara That Sell Anime-Related Merchandise
ANIMATE
Source:Official website
Animate is a store that sells anime, manga, games, and character merchandise, with locations throughout Japan. Animate Akihabara is one of the largest Animate stores in the country, consisting of two buildings: Building 1 and Building 2. While Animate stores often focus primarily on products for female customers, Animate Akihabara is famous for its abundant selection of merchandise aimed at male customers as well. (Of course, they also have excellent sections for female customers.)
When you step into Animate, you'll find various works and merchandise packed tightly together—a sight that will undoubtedly make any otaku's heart dance with joy. Whether purchasing items for yourself or as souvenirs, it's highly recommended.
Particularly, Japanese-language manga makes for greatly appreciated souvenirs. While exploring Akihabara's anime places, be sure to compare the Japanese editions with those in your native language or English versions you normally read.
<Information>
- Address: 4-3-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: Weekdays: 11:00-21:00
Weekends/Holidays: 10:00-20:00
- Closed: Never (Hours may change during New Year's holidays)
- Phone: 03-5209-3330
- Official Website: https://www.animate.co.jp/shop/akihabara/
VOLKS HOBBY HEAVEN AKIHABARA
Source:Google Maps
VOLKS HOBBY HEAVEN AKIHABARA is a large 7-floor store packed with anime, manga, and game content. While character merchandise is plentiful, this store's greatest strength lies in its figures and model kits.
For figures, not only does it boast one of the best selections in Japan, but there's also a space where enthusiasts sell rare figures that had been sleeping in their homes. As for model kits, the store sells not only the kits themselves but also all the tools necessary for assembly.
Furthermore, specialized model staff work here, ready to solve any questions you might have. The store also sells exclusive miniatures that can't be purchased anywhere else. When visiting Akihabara's anime places, this spot should definitely be on your list.
<Information>
- Address: 4-2-10 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: Weekdays: 11:00-20:00
Weekends/Holidays: 10:00-20:00
- Closed: Open year-round
- Phone: 03-3254-1059
- Official Website: https://hobby.volks.co.jp/shop/hobbytengoku2/floor.html
Akihabara Gamers
Source:Google Maps
Gamers is a store that sells games, anime merchandise, etc., with about 15 locations throughout Japan. Akihabara Gamers is the main store, a massive 7-story building.
This store particularly specializes in idol-themed works, featuring merchandise from Love Live, BanG Dream!, Project Sekai, and more. Notably, Ensemble Stars!! has its own dedicated floor on the second level. Each section offers not only merchandise but also Blu-rays, CDs, and books.
One of the store's attractive points is its selection of voice actor merchandise. If you love both anime and voice actors, you should definitely visit. This is one of the most popular Akihabara anime places for idol content fans.
This is also a tax-free shop, so you can shop at a discount by presenting your passport.
<Information>
- Address: Sotokanda 1-chome Building, 1-14-7 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: Weekdays: 1F 10:00-22:00 / 3F-7F 11:00-21:00
Weekends/Holidays: 1F, 3F-7F 10:00-21:00
*2F ES!!store is open 11:00-21:00 daily
- Closed: Never
(For closures or changed hours due to typhoons, please check their X account @akiba_gema.)
- Phone: 03-5298-8720
- Official Website: https://www.gamers.co.jp/shop/detail.php?id=4
AKIHABARA RADIO KAIKAN
Source:Wikipedia
AKIHABARA RADIO KAIKAN is a place that has been cherished as Akihabara's landmark for over 50 years. Due to the deterioration of the old Radio Kaikan building, it was rebuilt in 2014, but while exuding a new stylish atmosphere, it still maintains its traditional appearance.
Currently, the large 10-story building with one basement floor houses various specialty shop tenants selling dolls, figures, electronics, cards, and more. Since there are many specialized shops focusing on specific fields, you can often find rare treasures that are difficult to discover in larger stores, and the staff's knowledge is profound.
With various tenants in the same building, after visiting your desired store, you can also explore new hobbies. Akihabara is truly the perfect place for anime enthusiasts looking to experience authentic Japanese otaku culture!
<Information>
- Address: 1-15-16 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Business Hours: 10:00-20:00
(B1F hours: 12:00-22:00, closes at 21:00 on Sundays and holidays)
*Hours may vary depending on the store and service, so please check the official - HP shop list.
- Closed days and phone numbers: Varies by store, please check the official HP shop list.
- Official Website: https://akihabara-radiokaikan.co.jp/
Akiba Cultures Zone
Source:VISIT CHIYODA
Akiba Cultures Zone is a place where Japanese subcultures come together in one location. Each floor has a completely different atmosphere, and you'll be amazed by the breadth of Japanese subculture.
It's a space that condenses Akihabara, featuring various subcultures such as idol and voice actor live performances, an overwhelming variety and quantity of doujinshi (fan comics) spread across your entire field of vision, otome manga and games aimed at female audiences, cute girl anime and games, trains, idol merchandise, maid cafes, and more.
This store is most recommended for those who don't have specific interests but are curious about Japanese otaku culture. You can feel the breadth and depth of Japanese otaku culture here. By the time you leave this store, you'll surely become an otaku of something yourself! Akihabara offers countless places where anime lovers can immerse themselves in their passion.
<Information>
- Address: 1-7-6 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Business Hours:
1st-2nd floors: 11:00-21:00
3rd-4th floors: 11:00-20:30
5th floor: Weekdays 11:00-22:00 / Weekends & Holidays 10:00-22:00
6th floor: 11:00-20:30
*Basement floor: Depends on performance times
- Closed days and phone numbers: Varies by store, please check the official website for imformation.
- Official Website: https://www.akibacultureszone.com/
Mandarake Complex
Source:Google Maps
"Mandarake is a group that rules time." (MANDARAKE RULERS OF TIME)
True to this catchphrase, Mandarake, which buys and sells used items, houses many hard-to-find treasures such as products no longer on the market and old limited editions. It's not uncommon for items to exceed 1 million yen in Mandarake auctions.
While Mandarake has multiple stores nationwide, Mandarake Complex is called the "strongest store in Mandarake history." It brings together various treasures from boys' comics to doujinshi, erasers, and stickers. There are also many inexpensive items, so please go look for your own treasure. When visiting Akihabara, anime fans should definitely check out these unique places that showcase Japan's rich animation culture.
<Detailed Information>
- Address: 3-11-12 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Business Hours: 12:00-20:00
- Closed days: Open year-round
- Phone number: 03-3252-7007
- Official Website: https://www.mandarake.co.jp/dir/cmp/index-en.html#googtrans(ja|en)
Three Recommended Anime Collaboration Cafes to Enjoy
Collaboration cafes are special establishments that partner with specific anime or manga works. You can enjoy menu items that recreate food from the series or dishes conceptualized around characters and elements from these works.
These places are perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in their favorite anime worlds through food. Additionally, you can often get limited-edition merchandise exclusive to these collaboration cafes.
Below, I'll introduce three recommended collaboration cafes in Akihabara and Ikebukuro. Please visit the ones that interest you!
COLLABO CAFE HONPO
Source:Google Maps
COLLABO CAFE HONPO is a popular collaboration cafe known for its cute atmosphere. They collaborate with different works on a cycle of 1.5 to 2 months. They've partnered with a wide range of content including Jujutsu Kaisen, Hypnosis Mic, and Bungo Stray Dogs.
COLLABO CAFE HONPO sometimes holds a special collaboration cafe called "Nuidori!!" During "Nuidori!!" events, you can bring plushies or figures from the featured works and enjoy the cafe experience with them. Photo booths are also available where you can take pictures in various scenarios.
COLLABO CAFE HONPO operates on a reservation-only basis, so please make a reservation before visiting.
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- Address: Shaton Building 2F, 4-3-10 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: Weekdays 12:30-19:40 (Last order 19:10)
Weekends/Holidays 11:00-19:40 (Last order 19:10)
- Closed: Tuesdays (according to the store reservation schedule)
- Phone: 03-3526-2972
- Official Website: https://collabocafe-honpo.co.jp/
GiGO Collaboration Cafe (Ikebukuro)
Source:Tabelog
GiGO Collaboration Cafe has a stylish atmosphere. They often serve colorful and fashionable drinks inspired by characters' personalities, which I always look forward to when visiting.
At this cafe, you can frequently receive limited-edition items like coasters based on the number of orders you place. Which character's item you receive is usually random, so many people visit with family or friends to trade for their favorite characters.
Reservation for GiGO Collaboration Cafe is primarily by lottery, with first-come-first-served availability only if there are slots left after the lottery. Since seats often fill up completely through the lottery, please check the official website for lottery periods.
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- Address: GiGO Ikebukuro Building 2, B2F, Lagoon Ikebukuro Building, 1-21-1 - Higashi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 10:30-20:10 (Last order 19:40)
- Closed: [Not specified]
- Phone: 080-4831-8941
- Official Website: https://tempo.gendagigo.jp/tnsb/cafe_ike/
To Fully Enjoy Akihabara's Pop Culture, Take a Tour with a Guide Who Knows Akihabara Inside Out
The Akihabara Anime & Gaming Adventure Tour is a tour where you can enjoy otaku culture with a guide who knows the streets of Akihabara thoroughly. You'll visit retro game shops, anime merchandise shops, game centers, maid cafes, and experience Akihabara's culture from various angles.
Akihabara, with its vast and intricate shopping areas, can be like a maze, but with a guide, you can reach your destinations directly and enjoy the journey in a relaxed manner.
Additionally, maid cafes can be difficult to understand from the outside and might feel intimidating to enter, but going with a guide makes it more comfortable—another attractive point of this tour.
If you want to fully experience Akihabara's otaku culture, please join this tour. It's enjoyable whether you're an otaku or not!
Tour Details:
- Meeting Point: In front of Ticket Office right outside of Electric Town Gate of JR Akihabara station
- Tour Area: Akihabara
- Start Time: 14:00
