Akihabara in March 2025: Highlights, Events & Festivals
Tokyo is the epicenter of Japanese pop culture, with areas like Akihabara, Ikebukuro, and Nakano showcasing the best of what Japan's pop culture has to offer. When I first visited Akihabara, I was overwhelmed by the electric atmosphere and the powerful presence of otaku culture. I'm writing this article because I want to share this incredible experience with international visitors to Japan.
In recent years, as anime and manga have gained popularity worldwide, there's growing interest in guided tours that let visitors explore otaku culture with local experts.
Magical Trip, which won TripAdvisor's #1 tour ranking across all categories in 2024, offers the "Akihabara Anime & Gaming Adventure Tour" where visitors can experience Akihabara's otaku culture alongside local guides. This hugely popular tour has attracted over 3,500 international visitors through 2024.
（Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku was ranked #1）
If you're interested in otaku culture, I recommend starting with this Akihabara tour to deepen your understanding of Japanese pop culture before visiting the otaku spots I'll introduce in this article!
For those who would like to check more tour options for Tokyo, please visit the tours listing page.
Introduction
While Akihabara is famous as an area densely packed with electronics stores, it's also the heart of Japanese Otaku culture, including anime and games. With many anime and game concept stores, Otaku enthusiasts from both Japan and overseas gather here to experience these contents firsthand.
March in Tokyo is known as "A cycle of 3 cold days and 4 warm days," a month where you can experience temperature fluctuations between cold and warm days. Toward the end of the month, temperatures often exceed 15°C (59°F), and cherry blossoms begin to bloom, marking the start of comfortable spring days.
In Akihabara this March, besides anime and game events, there are also events featuring beautiful seasonal blooms like cherry blossoms and plum flowers that can only be encountered during this time. Here, we'll introduce the highlights, basic information, and access details for events being held in Akihabara in March.
Pop Culture Events Around Akihabara
Dragon Quest Carnival in Nihonbashi
Source:Official website
With Dragon Quest 12's release confirmed and last year's Dragon Quest 3 remake, Dragon Quest has been making hot news. In Tokyo, the Dragon Quest CARNIVAL event will be held until March 16.
The event features exclusive merchandise shops, restaurants serving food and drinks themed after popular characters like Slime and magic spells, and various activities including glass Slime-making workshops.
A particularly recommended event content is the stamp rally covering six spots. During the event, COREDO displays popular monster objects like Slime and Killing machine. Why not enjoy the stamp rally while searching for these monsters?
This Dragon Quest Carnival is irresistible for fans - I'm planning to visit next weekend too!
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Date: February 1 - March 16, 2025
Venue: COREDO MUROMACHI / COREDO NIHONBASHI
Hours: 11:00-20:00
Access: COREDO MUROMACHI: 15-min walk from JR Tokyo Station Yaesu Exit
COREDO NIHONBASHI: 10-min walk from JR Tokyo Station Yaesu Exit
Admission: Free
Website: https://mitsui-shopping-park.com/urban/muromachi/special/23-085/24-117.html
"SQUARE ENIX CAFE TOKYO" Closing on March 31
Source:Official website
Besides Dragon Quest, SQUARE ENIX has produced many popular games like Final Fantasy and Star Ocean. SQUARE ENIX CAFE has featured food and shops themed after different games during various periods. Having opened in 2016, SQUARE ENIX CAFE has been one of Akihabara's popular spots where visitors could experience game worlds, but it will close on March 31, 2025.
The finale will feature "NieR". Don't miss the restaurant menu that lets you experience the characters and world view. It's also nice that food and drink purchases come with placemats and coasters. The stirrers sold in the goods shop feature cute character objects and make perfect souvenirs.
If you're a fan of NieR or SQUARE ENIX games, please make sure to visit!
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Date: Until March 31, 2025
Venue: SQUARE ENIX CAFE TOKYO
Hours: 9:00-21:00
Access: 1-min walk from Akihabara Station (JR Yamanote Line/Keihin Tohoku Line/Sobu Line from Tokyo Station)
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.jp.square-enix.com/cafe/tokyo/pc/index.php
HEAVEN BURNS RED × GiGO Campaign 2025
Source:PR TIMES
GiGO is one of Japan's largest Amusement Arcades. In March, GiGO will host a HEAVEN BURNS RED event. Besides prizes featuring specially commissioned illustrations for this event, there will also be exclusive merchandise available only during the event period.
During the event, for every 500 yen spent playing games with HEAVEN BURNS RED prizes, you'll receive one character illustration card - a delightful bonus for fans!
Additionally, the event will feature drinks served with original coasters and "HEAVEN BURN YAKI" shaped like character faces. These HEAVEN BURN YAKI contain ANKO, a sweet red bean paste filling. I'm looking forward to enjoying both arcade games and Japanese sweets at the Amusement Arcade.
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Dates: February 21 - March 9, 2025
Venue: GiGO Akihabara Building 5
Hours: 10:00-23:30
Access: 3-minute walk from Akihabara Station Electric Town South Exit (Take the Yamanote line/Keihin Tohoku line/Sobu line from Tokyo Station)
Admission: Free
Website: https://bushiroad-creative.com/events/heavenburnsred-gigo2025/
Scale Modelers Festival
Source:Official blog
An unmissable event for scale model enthusiasts featuring cars, airplanes, and trains will be held in Akihabara on March 15.
The event includes scale model garage sales and original garage kits created and sold by enthusiasts. Known among hobbyists as a treasure trove for "rare finds," you might discover hard-to-find kits from leading Japanese manufacturers like TAMIYA and BANDAI.
My favorite part of every event is the display of scale models created by enthusiasts. The intricately crafted scale models and dioramas are fascinating to observe. It's an enjoyable event where you can interact with fellow enthusiasts and expand your network.
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Date: March 15, 2025
Venue: Akihabara Untsuu Kaikan
Hours: 11:00-16:00
Access: 7-minute walk from Akihabara Station Electric Town South Exit (Take the Yamanote line/Keihin Tohoku line/Sobu line from Tokyo Station)
Admission: 1,000 yen
Website: https://firstair.co.jp/modefes/
Don't Miss the Concurrent Sobu Line Hobby Festival Modelers Flea Market
Source:Official website
March 15 is an exciting day for scale model enthusiasts. A simultaneous scale model garage sale will be held on the 8th floor of Kinshicho Marui. This traditional event, boasting a 20-year history, is a must-visit for hobbyists.
From 13:30 to 14:30, there will be a talk event by the executive director of "Kaiyodo," who is also a Guinness-level plastic model collector. Those sharing similar interests should definitely participate.
At 15:00, there will be a raffle featuring fantastic prizes including scale models.
Take the JR Sobu line from Akihabara to Kinshicho and enjoy both the Scale Modelers Festival and the Modeler's Flea Market!
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Date: March 15, 2025
Venue: Kinshicho Marui 8F
Hours: 11:00-17:00
Access: 2-minute walk from Kinshicho Station South Exit (Take the Sobu line from Tokyo Station)
Admission: 1,000 yen
Website: https://firstair.co.jp/modefes/
Kuroko's Basketball Character Pop Store ~Hang Out in White Outfits~
Source:Collabo Cafe
A must-see event for "Kuroko's Basketball" fans is being held in Akihabara until March 9th. I'm particularly excited about the exclusive merchandise featuring newly drawn illustrations of not only the main character Tetsuya but also rival team characters like Tatsuya and Ryota, which can only be obtained here.
While blind-packaged items like can badges offer the excitement similar to opening a fortune cookie, if you want to ensure getting merchandise of your favorite character, I recommend visible items like acrylic stands. During the event, you'll receive an original sticker for every 2000 yen purchase.
Although products are regularly restocked and maintained, some items might sell out depending on the day, so it's recommended to check the sales status on the website before visiting: https://bandainamco-am.co.jp/chara_shop/kurobas/NEWS/
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Duration: January 25th - March 9th, 2025
Venue: Bandai Namco Cross Store Atre Akihabara
Hours: 10:00-21:00
Access: 1-minute walk from Electric Town South Exit at Akihabara Station (Take Yamanote Line/Keihin Tohoku Line/Sobu Line from Tokyo Station)
Admission: Free
Website: https://bandainamco-am.co.jp/chara_shop/kurobas/?utm_source=collabo_cafe_dot_com&utm_medium=collabo_cafe_dot_com&utm_campaign=collabo_cafe_dot_com&utm_id=collabo_cafe_dot_com
Touken Ranbu "Sword Cat Warriors" Café in Tokyo
Source:Collabo Cafe
Are you interested in "Touken"? Touken refers to the Katana (sword) carried by Samurai and Shogun. Currently in Japan, "Touken Ranbu," a game featuring anthropomorphized male versions of these swords, is extremely popular, especially among young women.
A Touken Ranbu collaboration café event is being held in Akihabara until March. You can enjoy limited-edition merchandise featuring cute illustrations of characters transformed into cats, along with themed food and drinks. The adorable café latte with character prints will surely bring a smile to your face.
This event is recommended not only for Touken Ranbu fans but also for cat and sword enthusiasts. Reservations are required for dining at the café, so it's recommended to book as soon as your schedule is decided.
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Duration: January 30th - March 23rd, 2025
Venue: Collabo Cafe Honpo Nuidri!!
Hours: Mon-Fri 12:30-19:40 / Sat, Sun & Holidays 11:00-19:40
Closed: Tuesdays
Access: 5-minute walk from Electric Town South Exit at Akihabara Station (Take Yamanote Line/Keihin Tohoku Line/Sobu Line from Tokyo Station)
Admission: Free
Website: https://collabocafe-honpo.co.jp/
Reservation site: https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/collabocafe-honpo-akihabara/reserve
March Seasonal Events Around Akihabara
68th Bunkyo Plum Festival
Source:FASHION PRESS
While Cherry Blossoms are synonymous with Japanese spring, Plum flowers herald the arrival of spring even earlier. In Japan, plum fruits are highly valued in the food culture, used for pickles and liquor. Plum trees produce gorgeous flowers in early spring, similar to Cherry blossoms.
The Bunkyo Plum Festival is held at the historic Yushima Tenjin Shrine, which boasts over 1000 years of history. The beauty of approximately 300 Plum trees planted within the shrine grounds is a must-see. During the event period, visitors can enjoy not only the magnificently blooming plum flowers but also regional product fairs and traditional performing arts stages. As this event offers an authentic Japanese experience, please consider visiting when you're in the Akihabara area.
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Duration: February 8th - March 8th, 2025
Venue: Yushima Tenjin
Access: 10-minute walk from North Exit of Okachimachi Station (Take Yamanote Line/Keihin Tohoku Line from Tokyo Station)
2-minute walk from Yushima Station on Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.city.bunkyo.lg.jp/b014/p003950.html
Yushima Tenjin: https://www.yushimatenjin.or.jp/pc/index.htm
Cherry Blossom Viewing
Cherry blossoms, known as "Sakura" in Japan, are one of spring's most iconic symbols. There are many beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots around the Akihabara area.
Why not combine your Akihabara visit with cherry blossom viewing? The blossoms are illuminated until late at night, so we recommend enjoying shopping in Akihabara during the day and viewing the illuminated cherry blossoms at night.
Cherry Blossoms at Ueno Park
Ueno Park is one of Tokyo's most popular cherry blossom viewing spots. The park features 800 cherry trees in full bloom, offering visitors a breathtaking experience.
The "Ueno Sakura Festival" will be held from March 15th to April 6th, 2025. During the event, traditional lanterns are installed, and at night, you can witness the magical sight of illuminated cherry blossoms. The pathway surrounded by Shinobazu Pond's lotus pond and boat pond is a recommended viewing spot where you can experience walking through a tunnel of cherry blossoms.
During the Sakura Festival, the park hosts antique markets, portrait artists, and food stalls. Don't miss the traditional Japanese monkey performance called "Saru Mawashi" held daily from March 17th in front of Shinobazu Pond.
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Dates: Late March to early April
Location: Ueno Park
Access: 5-minute walk from Ueno Station (Park Exit) via JR Yamanote Line/Keihin Tohoku Line from Tokyo Station
Admission: Free
Website: https://honyaku.j-server.com/LUCKENSETS/ns/tl.cgi/https://www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/jimusho/toubuk/ueno?SLANG=ja&TLANG=en&XMODE=0&XCHARSET=utf-8&XJSID=0
Cherry Blossoms at Chidorigafuchi
Chidorigafuchi, a moat area located northwest of the Imperial Palace, is a historically popular cherry blossom spot. About 260 cherry trees line the 700-meter moat. The area is known for its large, impressive trees, and the view from the rental boats on the moat is spectacular.
A festival is held annually to coincide with the cherry blossom season. The event features illumination along the 700-meter stretch, cherry blossom-themed merchandise sales, and guided tours of the area's shopping districts and recommended spots. English-guided tours are also available, so please consider participating.
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Dates: Late March to early April
Location: Chidorigafuchi Park
Access: 5-minute walk from Kudanshita Station (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, Hanzomon Line, or Toei Shinjuku Line)
Admission: Free
Chidorigafuchi Park: https://visit-chiyoda.tokyo/app/spot/detail/800
