Looking for the ultimate Akihabara Tokyo guide? Discover 28 must-visit places—from maid cafés and anime shops to arcades, gachapon, shrines, and otaku culture—all in one vibrant neighborhood.
Table of Contents
① MAID√MADE Akihabara Station Front
Up on the 10th floor of the B&V Building on Akihabara Station’s South Street, you’ll find a futuristic maid café unlike any other. Welcome to MAID√MADE, where the staff aren’t just maids—they’re Magiaroids, robot maids from a distant future, powered by magic and AI.
Forget the usual frilly maid outfits—these girls wear sleek uniforms with capes, combining cuteness with a sci-fi edge. The interior is themed around a “future x magic” concept, complete with a live performance stage where the Magiaroids sing and dance. Yep, there’s always a show going on.
The menu is packed with adorable, Instagrammable items, from the classic omurice to magical maid-inspired drinks. It’s no surprise this spot ranks #1 restaurant in Chiyoda on TripAdvisor, loved by both locals and international visitors.
How much?
Login fee: ¥880 for 60 minutes, plus one drink minimum order.
Info:
📍 Tokyo, Chiyoda-ku, Sotokanda 1-15-13, Akihabara B&V Building 10F
🕛 12:00–22:00 (last order 21:30)
🔗 Official Website
② Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Akiba
Right in front of JR Akihabara Station is this massive shopping complex, a tech-lover’s paradise. The first six floors are home to Yodobashi Akiba, packed with everything from smartphones, laptops, cameras, and watches to audio gear, instruments, toys, games, bicycles, and outdoor goods. If it runs on electricity, chances are you’ll find it here.
The basement and 7th floor are reserved for specialty shops, the 8th floor is all about food (yes, an entire restaurant level!), and the 9th floor is all golf. Even if you don’t have a shopping list, it’s super fun to just wander around. Time flies in here, so it’s perfect when you want to lose yourself for a bit in gadget heaven.
📍 1-1 Kanda Hanaokacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚶 1 min walk from JR Akihabara Station
🕒 9:30–22:00
🔗 Official Site
③ Akihabara Electric Town
Head northwest from Akihabara Station and you’ll find the iconic Akihabara Electric Town—Japan’s most famous electronics district. It all started back in 1951, when makeshift stalls selling radio parts under the railway tracks were reorganized into formal shops. Today, it’s a wild mix of electronics, anime, games, idol merch, and every corner of pop culture you can imagine.
Even if you’re just window shopping, strolling through Electric Town gives you that unmistakable Akiba vibe. It’s the classic “just go and see” kind of place—perfect for spontaneous exploring.
📍 Around Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚶 Steps from JR Akihabara Station
🔗 Visit Chiyoda
④ mAAch ecute Kanda Manseibashi
Built using the remains of the old Manseibashi Station (last used in 1943), this trendy space has been totally reimagined. The old train platform is now a sleek deck where you can watch the Chūō Line trains zip by. It’s low-key one of the coolest views in Tokyo for train lovers and design nerds alike.
Inside, you’ll find stylish cafés, restaurants, bars, and galleries—perfect for when you want to chill with a more mature, artsy crowd.
📍 1-25-4 Kanda-Sudachō, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚶 4 min from Akihabara Station / 3 min from Shin-Ochanomizu or Awajichō Stations
🔗 Official Site
⑤ Akihabara UDX
Once a fruit market, now a sleek skyscraper complex—Akihabara UDX has it all: shared offices, clinics, meeting spaces, and most importantly, Akiba Ichi, a multi-floor dining zone with cafés and restaurants on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th floors.
Looking to kill time with a coffee or craving a good meal? This spot is convenient and always buzzing with local workers, shoppers, and tourists alike.
📍 4-14-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚶 3 min from Akihabara Station / 3 min from Suehirochō Station
🔗 Official Site
⑥ Animate Akihabara
A must-stop for anime lovers, Animate Akihabara actually spans multiple buildings: the 1st and 2nd halls, plus Akihabara ANNEX. Inside ANNEX, you’ll even find Animate Café Gratte, where your favorite characters are printed directly on your drink’s foam.
- Hall 1: Mostly character goods
- Hall 2: Manga, novels, and books
- Bonus: Live events sometimes happen on the 7th floor of Hall 1!
📍 4-3-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🕒 Weekdays 11:00–21:00 / Weekends & holidays 10:00–20:00
🚶 5 min from JR Akihabara Station
🔗 Official Site
⑦ Akihabara Radio Kaikan
A landmark shopping building right in front of Akihabara Station—and yes, it made a cameo in Steins;Gate. From retro audio stores to figure shops and hobby boutiques, this place has major nostalgic appeal.
Nowadays, it leans more toward anime and pop culture shops, but that classic Akiba energy is still alive and well here.
📍 1-15-16 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🕒 Mon–Sat 12:00–22:00 / Sun & holidays 12:00–21:00
🚶 Right outside Akihabara Electric Town exit
🔗 Official Site
⑧ 2k540 AKI-OKA ARTISAN
Tucked between Akihabara and Okachimachi under the train tracks, this creative space is named after its location—2.54 km from Tokyo Station. 2k540 focuses on all things handmade, with artisan shops and workshops that let you talk with creators and even join in to craft your own custom goods.
If you love design, DIY, or one-of-a-kind souvenirs, this is your happy place.
📍 5-9 Ueno, Taitō-ku, Tokyo
🚶 6 min from Akihabara / 4 min from Okachimachi / 3 min from Suehirochō
🕒 11:00–19:00 (Closed Wednesdays)
🔗 Official Site
⑨ Yushima Tenjin Shrine
Founded in the year 458, this historic shrine is dedicated to two powerful deities: Ameno-tajikarao, the god of strength and arts, and Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. Locals come here to pray for success in school or sports, and there’s even a stone called the Kien Hyōjin-seki—originally used to search for lost children, now a symbol of fate and romantic connection.
It’s a little further from Akihabara, but if you’re in the mood for a peaceful shrine visit, this one’s well worth the detour. (Note: some parts are under renovation until early 2025.)
📍 3-30-1 Yushima, Bunkyō-ku, Tokyo
🚶 2 min from Yushima Station / 5 min from Ueno-hirokoji / 8 min from Okachimachi
🕒 Shrine grounds open 6:00–20:00 / Charms & ema available 9:00–19:00
🔗 Official Site
⑩ Yushima Seidō (Confucian Temple)
Built in 1690 by shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune, this Confucian temple played a huge role in the roots of Japan’s education system—so much so that it’s often called “the birthplace of modern schooling in Japan.” Students still come here today to pray for exam success.
The temple also hosts traditional events like the Confucius Festival, and you can stroll through its quiet grounds surrounded by ancient trees and stone monuments.
📍 1-4-25 Yushima, Bunkyō-ku, Tokyo
🚶 1 min from Ochanomizu Station / 2 min from Shin-Ochanomizu
🕒 9:30–17:00 (until 16:00 in winter) / Weekends 10:00–close
🔗 Official Site
⑪ Kanda Myojin Shrine
Dating back to the year 730 (!), Kanda Myojin enshrines three deities: Daikokuten (good fortune & love), Ebisu (business prosperity), and Taira no Masakado (protection from disaster). It’s also famous for hosting one of Tokyo’s three great festivals—Kanda Matsuri.
Inside the shrine’s Cultural Exchange Center, you can grab unique Edo-themed souvenirs, enjoy local sweets and sake, or grab lunch. It’s one of the most beautiful and accessible shrines near Akihabara.
📍 2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚶 7 min from Akihabara / 5 min from Ochanomizu or Suehirochō
🕒 Shrine & center open 9:00–18:00 / Shrine visits until 15:45
🔗 Official Site
⑫ Kotobukiya Akihabara Store
This one’s for the collectors. Kotobukiya is a paradise for anime, game, and movie merch—especially figures and model kits. They design, license, and produce their own lines, so you’ll find exclusive figures here you can’t get anywhere else.
There’s also an official shop inside and frequent limited-time events. If you love anime, gaming, or building model kits, it’s easy to spend hours here.
📍 1-8-8 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Okajima Building)
🚶 3 min from Akihabara Station
🕒 Weekdays 12:00–20:00 / Weekends 11:00–20:00
🔗 Official Site
⑬ Kaiyodo Hobby Lobby Tokyo
Located on the 5th floor of Radio Kaikan, this is the flagship store of Kaiyodo—the masterminds behind ultra-detailed figures and action toys. From their iconic Revoltech figures to larger-than-life Mega Sofubi statues and their collectible Capsule Q toys, the quality here is next level.
You don’t even need to buy anything to enjoy it—it’s like a mini museum of amazing Japanese figure art.
📍 Radio Kaikan 5F, 1-15-16 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku
🚶 1 min from Akihabara Station
🕒 Weekdays 12:00–20:00 / Weekends 11:00–19:00
🔗 Official Site
⑭ Akihabara Gachapon Hall
This is it—the holy land of capsule toys. Opened in 2001, this legendary gachapon-only store is stacked with hundreds of machines. They constantly update their selection, so even if you’ve been here before, chances are you’ll find something new to surprise you.
It’s fun, it’s random, and it’s a perfect time-killer. You’ll walk in out of curiosity and leave with a pocket full of plastic treasures.
📍 3-15-5 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚶 7 min from Akihabara / 2 min from Suehirochō
🕒 Mon–Sat 11:00–20:00 / Sundays 11:00–19:00
🔗 Official X (Twitter)
⑮ Otachū Akihabara
If you love buying, selling, or just browsing toys, trading cards, or anime merch, Otachū Akihabara is your spot. It’s actually split into four stores:
- Store 1: Toys & card center (think robot figures, official anime figures, and tons of Pokémon/One Piece cards)
- Store 2: TCG specialist shop
- Store 3: Kamen Rider merch heaven
- Store 4: All things Gundam
Make sure to check which store has what before you head over—you’ll want to go in prepared.
📍 Store 1: Ōya Bldg 2F, 3-2-9 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚶 4 min from Akihabara Station
🕒 11:00–20:00
🔗 Official Site
⑯ GiGO Akihabara No.1
That bright red building right outside the station? That’s the iconic GiGO Akihabara 1st Building, formerly Sega. It’s a super clean and accessible game center, perfect for crane game fans and casual players alike.
Inside, you’ll find a wide mix of games—and yes, those adorable plushies and limited-edition anime prizes you didn’t know you needed.
📍 1-10-9 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚶 1 min from Akihabara Station
🕒 10:00–23:30
🔗 Official Site
⑰ Taito Station Akihabara
Recognized by the giant Space Invader logo out front, this multi-level game center is seriously stacked:
- B1F: Photo booths
- 1F–3F: Crane games
- 4F: Video & satellite games
- 5F: Music & rhythm games
They’ve got digital payment too, which makes hopping from machine to machine way easier. Also: character-themed lotteries, bonus prizes, and more.
📍 4-2-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚶 3 min from Akihabara Station
🕒 10:00–23:30
🗓️ Open year-round
🔗 Official Site
⑱ Mandarake Complex
This is Mandarake’s mega flagship store—eight full floors of collector’s paradise. Whether you’re into vintage manga, cosplay outfits, J-pop idols, BL comics, doujinshi, rare DVDs, or classic toys, this place has it all.
Highlights:
- 3F: Shonen manga and vintage goodies
- 6F: Discs and retro games
- 7F: Super Sentai, robot toys, model trains
- 8F: Bishoujo and mecha figures galore
Prepare to spend hours here. And bring a wishlist.
📍 3-11-12 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚶 4 min from Akihabara Station
🕒 12:00–20:00 (Buyback counter closes at 19:30)
🔗 Official Site
⑲ Tokyo Radio Department Store
This retro gem opened in 1950 and specializes in all things electronic parts—from vacuum tubes and resistors to DIY kits and obscure gadgets. If you’re into electronics, soldering, or repairing things just for fun, it’s a goldmine.
With four floors and about 36 shops, it’s a throwback to Akihabara’s original geeky roots.
📍 1-10-11 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚶 2 min from Akihabara Station
🕒 10:00–19:00 (varies by shop)
🔗 Official Site
⑳ Akiba Fukurou – Owl Café
Yes, an owl café. At Akiba Fukurou, you can chill with around 40 different owls, from the tiniest species to the largest. You can even perch one on your arm and take photos and videos (they’ll guide you through it gently).
Reservations are a must—it’s intimate, peaceful, and surprisingly calming. Great for solo travelers looking to reset.
📍 67 Kanda Neribeichō, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚶 3 min from Akihabara Station
🕒 12:00–18:00
🗓️ Closed Tuesdays
🔗 Official Site
㉑ Dospara Akihabara Main Store
PC nerds, assemble! Dospara is a long-running computer and gaming PC shop founded in 1992. They sell full setups, accessories, parts, and also have a solid used PC trade-in system.
Need help? Friendly staff are around to answer anything, from video editing rigs to gaming spec upgrades.
📍 Rock 2 Bldg, 1F–3F/5F, 3-11-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku
🚶 5 min from Akihabara Station
🕒 11:00–20:00 (Buyback until 19:30)
🔗 Official Site
㉒ XR BASE by NTT QONOQ
Right next to Akihabara Station’s ticket window, this free XR showroom lets you step into a mixed reality playground. Try on a headset and experience everything from petting a virtual cat to walking through digital cities.
New events are always popping up, so it’s worth checking in regularly. It’s niche, it’s futuristic, and it’s completely free.
📍 Inside Akihabara Station, 1-17 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku
🕒 10:00–20:00
🔗 Official Site
㉓ TAMASHII NATIONS STORE TOKYO
If you’re into premium quality action figures, this is your heaven. TAMASHII NATIONS is Bandai’s collector-focused figure line, and this flagship store only exists in three cities: Tokyo, Shanghai, and New York.
Inside, you’ll find:
- A Shop Zone with exclusive items
- A New Item Zone previewing upcoming releases
- An Event Zone with rotating exhibits
Even if you’re not a hardcore collector, the craftsmanship and detail here will blow your mind.
📍 1-1 Kanda Hanaokachō, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚶 1 min from Akihabara Station
🕒 10:00–20:00
🔗 Official Site
㉔ AKIBA Cultures ZONE
A full-on department store of pop culture. AKIBA Cultures ZONE brings together:
- Idol live venue (B1F – AKIBA Cultures Theater)
- Anime merch & resale shop “Lashinban” (1F–2F)
- TCG and hobby shops (3F–4F)
- Famous maid café “@home café” (5F)
- Idol goods specialty shop “TRIO DX” (6F)
It’s a maze of niche subcultures, perfect for browsing when you don’t know what you’re in the mood for.
📍 1-7-6 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
🚶 4 min from Akihabara Station / 5 min from Suehirochō
🔗 Official Site
㉕ Cutie Relax
Feeling a little wiped from all that walking? How about a hand massage by a maid using oil and cream? Yep, Cutie Relax is a maid-themed relaxation space offering hand, foot, and eye fatigue recovery courses.
You can book anything from a quick 30-minute hand course to a full 120-minute session. They even have group bookings (up to 4 people), but you’re more than welcome solo too.
📍 2F Yamayo Bldg, 1-5-16 Kanda-Sudachō, Chiyoda-ku
🚶 5 min from Akihabara Station
🕒 Weekdays 14:00–22:00 / Weekends 11:00–22:00
🔗 Official Site
㉖ Hey (Hirose Entertainment Yard)
Run by Taito, the same company behind Taito Station, Hey is a retro gamer’s paradise. With over 300 game machines, it’s known for its huge collection of classic arcade games.
From crane games to side-scrollers to old-school fighters, this place is pure nostalgia—and not just for tourists. Local players hang here, too.
📍 1F–4F Hirose HQ Bldg, 1-10-5 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku
🚶 2 min from Akihabara Station
🕒 10:00–23:30
🔗 Official Site
㉗ Target-1 Akihabara
This one’s for the adrenaline seekers: a full-on airsoft shooting range in the middle of Akihabara. You can try out “steel competitions” (fast target shooting), and they offer beginner plans with gear rentals and personal coaching.
It’s a great way to blow off steam—literally. And it’s super beginner-friendly.
📍 B1F Union Bldg, 2-9-3 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku
🚶 8 min from Akihabara / 5 min from Suehirochō / 8 min from Ochanomizu
🕒 Weekdays 13:00–19:30 / Weekends 11:00–22:00
🔗 Official Site
㉘ BLISTER Comics
Love American comics? BLISTER is Akihabara’s go-to shop for Marvel, DC, and indie comics, with both English originals and Japanese translations. They also stock a fun collection of T-shirts, figures, and nerdy gear.
Bonus: you can even reserve merch online and pick it up in-store.
📍 1F Minami Bldg, 4-3-10 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku
🚶 4 min from Akihabara / 4 min from Suehirochō
🕒 Weekdays 13:00–20:00 / Weekends 11:00–20:00
🔗 Official Site
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