Once legendary for its cheap electronics, Akihabara Electric Town has evolved into Tokyo’s mecca for gaming, anime, and manga subcultures. You can still spend all day gadget shopping here, but also visit maid cafes after!
Akihabara Electric Town - image © Florentyna Leow
During Japan’s manufacturing heyday, Akihabara was once known as a cheap electronics paradise. Along with the advent of the internet, this changed when manufacturing shifted to other parts of Asia.
Akihabara Electric Town - image © Florentyna Leow
Today, you’ll still find gadget shops galore here, but the area has since expanded its focus to cater to anime and manga fans, with a heavy emphasis on promoting a kawaii culture aimed at male consumers.
Akihabara Electric Town - image © Florentyna Leow
Chuo-dori Street and the side streets parallel to it around Akihabara Station make up Akihabara Electric Town. True to its name, the streets are home to hundreds of electronics shops large and small, stacked on top of each other and crammed into tiny buildings like Jenga blocks.
Akihabara Electric Town - image © Florentyna Leow
The biggest of these is the Yodobashi Camera complex on the east side of Akihabara Station - it’s like Walmart for electronics, but with far higher product density.
Akihabara Electric Town - image © Florentyna Leow
Nestled between and alongside are shops and department stores like Mandarake and Animate catering to the gaming and anime crowds. If you’re looking for games, comics, or collectible figurines, these are the places to visit. Cosplayers can also shop for outfits in the area, and you’ll see part-time workers on the side streets dressed up as maids, handing out flyers for the cafes they work at.
Akihabara Electric Town - image © Florentyna Leow
Whether you’re looking for laptops, headphones, or specific types of cables from the 90s, you’re sure to find it in Akihabara Electric Town.
English name:
Akihabara Electric Town
Japanese name:
秋葉原電気街
English address:
Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0021
Japanese address:
〒101-0021 東京都千代田区外神田
Opening hours:
Varies by shop
Admission:
free
Nearest Transport:
Train: In front of the Electric Town exit of Akihabara Station on the JR Yamanote and Sobu lines.
Nearest Hotels:
:: Check availability and pricing for hotels near Electric Town on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Telephone:
+81-3-3257-0568 (Akihabara Electrical Town Organization)
Website:
Official Website (English)
Near To Here:
Electric Town is located in Tokyo's Akihabara, Kanda And Jimbocho districts. See our complete list of things to do in Tokyo's Akihabara, Kanda And Jimbocho districts, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
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