Akihabara

Akihabara:Overview & History

Once known as a black market where people dealt in random items from international troops stationed in Japan after World War II, Akihabara is now a paradise for those looking to find electronic equipment and for otaku (fanatics) looking for the latest anime and manga related merchandise!
Akiba, as it's known to the locals, is a great place to spend a day traveling and sightseeing. Being close to Asakusa and Ueno, there are a variety of interesting shops and cafes such as the ever-popular maid cafes, where you can be a “master” for a day as elegant young ladies and/or gentlemen cater to your needs!
If shopping is on your mind, there are a ton of electronic shops, some as small as an office cubicle and others with more than 10 floors of the latest technology! Once you finish shopping, you can head to Ueno or Asakusa and relax and take in the atmosphere of many temple and shrine grounds or visit one of the many museums. With so many things to do in Akihabara, you are sure to have an amazing time!

Akihabara:Area Introduction

Akihabara is Japan’s most famous neighborhood for all things electronics, anime, and otaku culture. Also known as Electric Town or Akiba, various large-scale electronic retailers, as well as shops selling parts and gadgets gather on the main Chuo-dori Street. For anime fans, various merchandise shops, maid cafés, and idol spots dot the area in a density like nowhere else.

Chuo-dori Street Area

This is Akihabara’s main street. All large-scale electronic retailers can be found here, including LAOX Akihabara, Onoden, Sofmap, Bic Camera, and so on. Every Sunday, the 570 meters between Kanda 5-Chome Intersection and Mansei-bashi Intersection become a pedestrian paradise, drawing in the weekend crowd.

Kanda Myojin-dori Street Area

Known for the audio specialty shop Dynamic Audio and Bic Camera Akiba. This area is also the venue of the Kanda Festival, designated as one of the three largest festivals of Japan and one of the three great festivals of Edo.

Akihabara:Must-See Events

Early to mid-May: Kanda Festival

This large festival takes place at Kanda Shrine in Chiyoda Ward. It’s not only one of the three great festivals of Edo but one of the three largest festivals of Japan. Especially interesting is the Shinko-sai festival and its parade of about 100 shrines.

Akihabara:Access

Access from Narita Airport to Akihabara

From Narita Airport Station (Terminal 1), take the Keisei Narita Airport Line (Access Express) bound for Narita Airport Domestic Terminal. After about 54 minutes, get off at Oshiage Station ‘Skytree’ and transfer to Toei Asakusa Line (Limited Express) bound for Misakiguchi. After about 6 minutes, get off at Asakusabashi Station and transfer to JR Chuo-Sobu Line (Local). After about 2 minutes, get off at Akihabara Station.

Access from Haneda Airport to Akihabara

From Haneda Airport International Terminal Station (Keikyu), take the Keikyu Airport Line (Limited Express “Kaitoku”) bound for Aoto. After about 13 minutes, get off at Shinagawa Station and transfer to JR Keihin-Tohoku Line bound for Minami-Urawa. After about 14 minutes, get off at Akihabara Station.

Search for Spots

Search for Articles