Akihabara: Tokyo's Electric Town
A guide to Akihabara in Tokyo: electronics and anime shops, retro games, maid cafes, the Sunday pedestrian zone, Kanda Myojin shrine and getting there.
Quick answer
- What it is: a district in central Tokyo famous for electronics, anime and games.
- Famous for: multi-storey shops, retro game stores and maid cafes.
- Pedestrian zone: Chuo-dori closes to cars on Sunday afternoons.
- Time needed: half a day.
- Best time: afternoon into evening, when the signs light up.
- Map: Open Akihabara in Google Maps
Akihabara is a city of screens and signs. Buildings covered in anime posters rise over streets full of shoppers hunting for games, figures, cameras and electronic parts.
Why Akihabara is a wonder
After the war, a black market for radio parts grew up here. It became Japan's biggest electronics district, nicknamed Electric Town.
From the 1990s, anime, manga and game shops moved in. Today Akihabara is the centre of otaku culture, the world of devoted fans.
Old and new
Back streets still hide tiny stalls selling cables, chips and tools. Big stores sell everything from rice cookers to the latest cameras.
Just north, Kanda Myojin is a shrine over a thousand years old. Many people buy charms here to protect their computers and phones.
What to see
| Spot | What you see | Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Chuo-dori | The main street of neon and shops | 30 minutes |
| Retro game shops | Old consoles and cartridges | 45 minutes |
| Radio Center | Tiny electronics stalls under the tracks | 20 minutes |
| Figure and anime shops | Floors of collectibles | 1 hour |
| Kanda Myojin | An old shrine with tech charms | 20 minutes |
When to go
- Sunday afternoons: Chuo-dori becomes a pedestrian zone, weather permitting.
- Evening: the signs light up.
- Weekdays: quieter shops and shorter queues.
- Mornings: many shops do not open until 10:00 or 11:00.
Our tip: Check prices and voltage before buying electronics. Many big stores offer tax-free shopping for visitors with a passport.
Getting there
- By JR: Akihabara Station on the Yamanote and Sobu lines.
- By subway: Akihabara Station on the Hibiya Line.
- From Tokyo Station: about 4 minutes on the JR Yamanote Line.
Visiting respectfully
- Ask before taking photos of people in costume or staff.
- Many shops do not allow photos inside. Follow the signs.
- Do not block the pavement while filming.
- Some upper floors are for adults only. Check the signs.
Frequently asked questions
What is Akihabara famous for?
Electronics, anime, manga and games.
When is Akihabara's pedestrian zone open?
On Sunday afternoons, weather permitting.
Is Akihabara worth visiting?
Yes, especially for anime fans and gamers.
How do you get to Akihabara?
JR Yamanote or Sobu lines, or the Hibiya subway line.
Taketomi Island
Red tiled roofs, coral walls and water buffalo carts on a tiny island village.
We check this guide regularly. Prices, hours and rules in Japan can change, so confirm with the official sources below before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.