Akihabara is one of the most famous neighborhoods in Tokyo. Following the Second World War, a thriving black market in electronic goods sprang up around Akihabara Station, and for decades Akihabara was known as Electric Town.

More recently, Akihabara has also become synonymous with all things “otaku” - a word commonly used to describe the obsessive fan culture of Japan’s youth for anime, manga, cosplay, and video games.

Today, Akihabara is a buzzing area packed with countless electrical shops, enormous multi-story anime and manga stores, numerous maid cafes as well as countless karaoke bars. Akihabara is particularly captivating at night, when the streets are lit by a dazzling array of adverts and signs covering the area’s high-rise shopping malls and arcades.

1. Akihabara is in a great location for sightseeing
If you’re a big fan of anime, manga or Japanese pop culture in general then there is no better place to stay than Akihabara. However, Akihabara is perfectly placed to visit many of Tokyo’s biggest attractions, meaning that it’s a great place to stay even if you know absolutely nothing about One Piece, Demon Slayer, or Dragon Ball. Within easy reach of a number of Tokyo’s major attractions and neighborhoods, Akihabara makes for a great base for exploring the rest of the city.

2. Akihabara has great access
Several major train lines stop at Akihabara Station: the JR Yamanote Line, the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, the JR Chuo-Sobu Line, and the Tsukuba Express. The Hibiya Metro Line also passes through Akihabara Station, making it very easy to get to destinations throughout Tokyo. The Ginza Metro Line also passes through Akihabara at Suehirocho Station.

3. There are many sights nearby
Many of Tokyo’s most famous landmarks and biggest attractions are also just a few minutes' train ride away from Akihabara Station. Asakusa and Sensoji Temple are two stops away from Akihabara via the Tsukuba Express, while Tokyo Skytree is just the other side of the Sumida River, roughly 15 minutes away by public transport.

The museums, temples, and cherry blossom trees in Ueno Park are just two stops north of Akihabara on the JR Yamanote Line, while a five-minute train ride to the west will take you to Tokyo Dome City, a huge entertainment complex complete with roller coasters, bowling lanes, batting cages and more.

4. Akihabara is great for dining and shopping
Although Akihabara is often equated as a paradise for lovers of anime, tech, and gaming, the area also has great restaurants, many of which are value-priced. Shoppers will love the area as well, with nearby spots like Yodobashi Camera and a2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan, a collection of around 50 boutique shops underneath an elevated railway.

There are a number of different types of accommodation available in Akihabara to suit most budgets, including hotels, apartments, hostels, and capsule hotels. All spots in this list are top-rated properties on Booking.com.

If you’re struggling to pick a place to bed down in Electric Town, then here’s our guide to help you decide where to stay in Akihabara.

If you’re looking to stay in the heart of Akihabara but with instant and easy access to the rest of Tokyo, then JR-East Hotel Mets Akihabara is the perfect hotel for you.

JR-East Hotel Mets Akihabara is literally meters away from the south exit of Akihabara Station, with all of the delights of Akihabara right on the doorstep.

There is a wide selection of rooms available of different sizes, making this a perfect place to stay for single travelers, couples, and larger groups such as families. Room sizes are good, too, with single rooms for solo travelers at 17 m² and deluxe twin rooms at a generous 37 m².

・Languages spoken: Japanese
・Health & safety measures: See the official website for details

remm Akihabara is another great option if you're looking to use Akihabara as a base for exploring the area and Tokyo as a whole, located moments away from Akihabara Station. Hotel rooms are a little compact (as is often the case in Tokyo). Economy double rooms are 14m² while twin rooms are 23m², though all rooms come with rain showers and massage chairs, helping you to relax and re-energize after a long day exploring Tokyo or after a long flight. A choice of a Japanese or Western breakfast is available as an optional extra. remm Akihabara is probably most suited to single travelers or couples looking for a clean and comfortable hotel in an incredibly convenient location.

・Languages spoken: Japanese, English
・Health & safety measures: See the official website for details

The Akihabara Washington Hotel also has excellent access to Akihabara Station, less than a minute away from the station’s south exit. The hotel’s modern rooms are all 15m² but well laid out to make good use of the space and would be best suited for solo travelers or couples. The front desk is manned 24 hours a day and the hotel also has laundry service. A buffet breakfast is an optional extra consisting of a choice of Japanese and western foods served each morning in the onsite cafe.

・Languages spoken: Japanese, English
・Health & safety measures: See the official website for details

The Hotel Resol Akihabara is just a two-minute walk from Akihabara Station on the southern side of the Kanda River. This is a modern take on the traditional Japanese business hotel, featuring stylishly decorated rooms and common areas. Hotel rooms are on the small side (between 14 and 17m²) and probably best suited to solo travelers or couples who don’t mind a smaller space. However, the rooms are clean and comfortable and stocked with essential amenities, including a fridge, a kettle, and an air purifier. A buffet breakfast of Italian food is available at an additional cost. As well as being close to Akihabara Station, the Hotel Resol Akihabara is also near Iwamotocho Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line subway.

・Languages spoken: Japanese, English
・Health & safety measures: See the official website for details

The Super Hotel Premier Akihabara, another modern business hotel close to all of the action in Akihabara. Being away from the main thrust of Akihabara this hotel may suit those who want to be close to the main highlights whilst staying in a quieter and more peaceful area. Rooms here are typically 12 m² in size and are best suited to those traveling alone or couples. As well as all of the usual facilities and amenities that you’d expect to find, the Super Hotel Premier Akihabara also has a natural hot spring bath which can be used by guests free of charge. A very good continental buffet breakfast is also an optional extra.

・Languages spoken: Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese
・Health & safety measures: See the official website for details

The Sakura Cross Hotel Akihabara is a stylish and homely modern hotel aimed at couples, groups of friends or families looking for the perfect place to stay in Akihabara. There are three different types of rooms available - double rooms for two guests, triple rooms that offer one double and one single bed and family suites that can accommodate up to six people. Beautifully designed with a number of typically Japanese touches, the family suites even have a small raised tatami seating area. The Sakura Cross Hotel is located next to Iwamotocho Station but is just a few minutes walk from the center of Akihabara.

・Languages spoken: Japanese, English, Korean and Chinese
・Health & safety measures: See the official website for details

APA is one of the largest business hotel chains in Japan. There are two APA hotels in Akihabara, with the APA Hotel Akihabara Ekihigashi is only a couple of minutes walk from Akihabara Station. Best for solo travelers or couples, there’s a choice of double or single rooms that are typically cozy, both 11m² in size but comfortable and well stocked with all of the amenities that you’d need, including a desk, a fridge, a kettle and a flat-screen TV. The beds are comfy and rooms also feature a good-sized bathroom.

・Languages spoken: Japanese, English
・Health & safety measures: See the official website for details

As its name suggests, the Under Railway Hotel Akihabara is a unique hotel located beneath the arches of the Yamanote Line train tracks that pass through Akihabara Station. The hotel’s modern rooms have all been designed in a chic and contemporary style and can accommodate a number of different groups, ranging from couples to large families. Despite being underneath the train tracks the rooms include plenty of soundproofing to limit the noise from the trains passing by overhead. If you’re looking for a unique and incredibly stylish place to stay in Akihabara then this may be the perfect place for you.

・Languages spoken: Japanese, English
・Health & safety measures: See the official website for details

The Tourist Hotel & Cafe Akihabara is another stylish and relaxed modern hotel that has a choice of different room sizes and styles to suit a number of different travelers. The hotel offers a variety of rooms that cater for 2, 3, 4, or 5 guests, making it ideal for couples or those traveling in larger groups. The hotel’s cafe prides itself on the quality of its freshly brewed coffee - guests can enjoy complimentary coffee made to order by the in-house barista. An excellent Western-style set breakfast is an additional extra. The hotel is around a five-minute walk from Akihabara Station, ideal for those who want to have a little bit of distance from the area’s main sights.

・Languages spoken: Japanese, English
・Health & safety measures: See the official website for details

Hotaku Hotel is the perfect place to stay for lovers of anime and manga while in Akihabara. The hotel’s name combines the words “hotel” and “otaku,” and most rooms are decorated with posters, prints, or murals that feature anime and manga characters. Hotaku Hotel’s rooms are spacious and affordable, and the hotel staff have a great reputation for being welcoming and extremely helpful. Hotaku Hotel is an excellent place for fans of otaku culture who are making a pilgrimage to Akihabara.

・Languages spoken: Japanese, English, Chinese
・Health & safety measures: See the official website for details

MONDay Apart Premium Akihabara is an aparthotel, combining the convenience of a hotel with a large apartment-style room. Just under a ten minute walk from Akihabara Station, the spacious, modern rooms at MONDay Apart Premium Akihabara are kitted out with fully equipped kitchenettes, including a full-size fridge, a microwave, an electric stove, and a complete set of crockery and cutlery. Rooms also come with a washing machine and a tumble dryer as well as dining table and are ideal for families looking for a spacious room that can be a home from home.

・Languages spoken: Japanese
・Health & safety measures: See the official website for details

The Akiba Residence is a modern two bedroom apartment that is ideal for either a family or a small group of travelers. The apartment is located on a quieter street that is close to Akihabara’s main streets and attractions while Akihabara Station is just a five-minute walk away. Alongside the two bedrooms Akiba Residence also features a fully fitted kitchen, a bathroom with washing machine and a small balcony.

・Languages spoken: Japanese, English, Chinese
・Health & safety measures: See the official website for details

The Nestle Tokyo Deluxe Akihabara features a number of two bedroom apartments that are designed to welcome larger groups. The range of well-designed apartments are 56 m² in size and can accommodate between four to eight travelers. Featuring all of the facilities and amenities you’d expect to find in the home, the Nestle Tokyo Deluxe Akihabara is located less than a ten minute walk from Akihabara Station.

・Languages spoken: Japanese, English, Cantonese, Chinese
・Health & safety measures: See the official website for details

The Taito-ku - House/Vacation Stay 6755 is a 68 m² apartment that features four single beds that is located in the northern part of Akihabara. The apartment is around a 15-minute walk to Akihabara Station, or a ten-minute walk to Okachimachi Station, which is one stop from Akihabara on either the Yamanote Line or the Keihin-Tohoku Line. The apartment is fully furnished and comes with all of the amenities of a typical home, as well as a lovely roof terrace.

・Languages spoken: Japanese, English
・Health & safety measures: See the official website for details

Minn Akihabara is an aparthotel with a range of different sized rooms that would suit larger groups or families traveling together. All rooms are decorated in a modern, clean style that are configured to accommodate between two and five guests. All rooms include a kitchenette complete with fridge, a microwave as well as washing facilities. Check-in is fully automated and carried out via QR code that is sent to guests prior to arrival. Minn Akihabara is around a ten-minute walk from both Akihabara Station and Suehirocho subway station.

・Languages spoken: Japanese, English, Khmer
・Health & safety measures: See the official website for details

Cocts Akihabara is a sleek, modern hostel that offers a range of private rooms and mixed dormitories for those looking for a comfortable yet affordable stay in Akihabara. Cocts is about a seven-minute walk from Akihabara Station and a little closer to Asakusabashi Station, which is just a five-minute walk away. There is a range of queen rooms available for solo travelers or couples who would prefer their own room, as well as mixed or female-only dormitories. There are also larger rooms available for groups of up to six or up to eight. There is a shared kitchen for guests to use, plus breakfast is included.

・Languages spoken: Japanese, English
・Health & safety measures: See the official website for details

Grids Tokyo Asakusa-bashi Hotel & Hostel is a stylish hostel with a great range of rooms and dormitories to suit many travelers. As well as individual beds in mixed dormitories, there are also private rooms for groups of 2, 4, or 6 people that have their own private bathrooms. BA buffet breakfast is an additional extra plus there’s a common room that is equipped with a microwave, fridge and a kettle that is free to use for all guests. There’s also a beautiful cafe bar in the entrance lobby that is a great place to meet fellow travelers during your stay. Grids Tokyo Asakusa-bashi is a few minutes' walk from Asakusabashi Station and around a ten-minute walk from Akihabara Station.

・Languages spoken: Japanese, English
・Health & safety measures: See the official website for details

Little Japan is a well-established hostel with a range of mixed or female only dormitories as well as private rooms. The cozy rooms consist of bunkbeds along with a shared bathroom. There’s also a shared lounge and kitchen area and a number of free amenities, including a fridge/freezer, a microwave, a stove and a kettle. Little Japan’s friendly and helpful staff will also make your stay as comfortable as possible. Again, this hostel is closer to Asakusabashi Station, which is around a five minute walk away. The main sights of Akihabara are around a 15 minute walk away, or it’s just one stop to Akihabara Station from Asakusabashi Station on the Chuo-Sobu Line.

・Languages spoken: Japanese, English, Spanish and French
・Health & safety measures: See the official website for details

The Akihabara Bay Hotel is a capsule hotel that caters only to female guests. Just a couple of minutes' walk from Akihabara Station, the Akihabara Bay Hotel features lovely and inviting decor and a lot of simple but welcome touches. All capsules include power and USB charging points and some also have a flat-screen TV. Each guest has their own locker, inside which is a welcome pack that includes pajamas, a towel, soap, a toothbrush, and a hairbrush. The hostel also has shared showers and a powder room, as well as a communal dining room and washing machines on site.

・Languages spoken: Japanese
・Health & safety measures: See the official website for details

The Capsule Hotel Anshin Oyado Akihabara is a capsule hotel for male guests that’s just a couple of minutes' walk from Akihabara Station. There are three size options of capsule available, all of which come with a flat-screen TV and power sockets. The Capsule Hotel Anshin Oyado Akihabara also has an onsite spa and an artificial hot spring that is free for all guests. Other free amenities include free servings of rice from 6:00 a.m. to midnight, free coffee and soft drinks during the daytime and free alcoholic drinks from 5:00 p.m. There are also free lockers and massage chairs as well as a library of manga comics for visitors to read.

・Languages spoken: Japanese
・Health & safety measures: See the official website for details

Akihabara is a great place to visit at any time of year. As a major commercial district, Akihabara’s main attractions are open all year round, and there’s never a bad time to visit this part of Tokyo. However, there are a few events that take place near Akihabara at certain times of year that you might want to plan your trip around.

・Spring
Akihabara is a great place to stay when planning to see the cherry blossom trees in Ueno Park in spring. There are around 1,000 cherry blossom trees in Ueno Park, which draws huge crowds and is one of the most popular places to see the sakura each year.

The Kanda Festival takes place in Akihabara and central Tokyo in mid-May in odd-numbered years. The Kanda Festival is a week-long celebration, with the main event being the massive parade of portable shrines called mikoshi that takes place on the Saturday closest to May 15. The colorful parade begins and ends at Kanda Myojin Shrine in Akihabara and passes through a huge area of central Tokyo.

Akihabara is also an excellent place to stay to experience the Asakusa Sanja Matsuri, another of Tokyo’s major festivals that is held every year, also in May. The Sanja Matsuri takes place in Sensoji Temple, which is just a few stops from Akihabara Station on the Tsukuba Express.

・From Tokyo Station: Take the JR Yamanote Line or Keihin Tohoku Line toward Ueno. Akihabara is the second stop.
・From Narita Airport: Take the Keisei Skyliner to Nippori Station, and transfer to JR Yamanote Line or Keihin Tohoku Line (approx. 52 minutes). Alternatively, take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station, then follow the above directions (note that since the Narita Express station is deep within Tokyo Station, this route is not recommended for those with a lot of luggage).