From electronics town to pop-culture mecca — how to explore Akihabara.
Akihabara is one of Tokyo's most distinctive neighborhoods. It began as stalls selling radio parts, grew into an electronics town, and is now a global hub of anime and gaming pop culture.
Echoes of 'Electric Town'
The district is said to have started as a cluster of small shops selling radios and electronic parts after the war. Even now the side alleys hold stores full of tiny components and tools, with a buzz all their own. Just walking, you can feel the layers of time.
Anime, games, figures
Along the main street, multi-floor buildings are packed with specialist shops for anime, manga, games, and figures. Hunt for second-hand treasures or browse the newest releases. Each store has its own character, so it's worth peeking into a few.
A sea of capsule toys
You'll find corners lined with capsule-toy machines, known as 'gacha.' For a few hundred yen you get a small figure or toy — a perfect little souvenir. What you get is down to luck.
Maid cafe culture
You may see staff in maid outfits inviting passersby on the street. Maid cafes are themed entertainment cafes built around table service. Rules on photos and pricing vary by shop, so check the signs at the entrance before you go in.
Tips for exploring
In Akihabara, the sights stack vertically — up the floors of each building. Ride the elevator higher and you may discover an unexpected specialty shop. The weekend pedestrian street is lively but crowded, so leave yourself plenty of time.
From electronic parts to pop culture, this is a town of layered eras. Walk it with a GuideTunes guide in your ears and feel those layers as you go.