Top 6 Must-Visit Spots in Akihabara: A Guide for First-Time Visitors
Updated: Nov 15
HELLO, I'M AYU!
I am one of the staff members at Patia, where we offer cooking classes specifically designed for foreign tourists in Tokyo. I have two children, and I love cooking! I look forward to sharing my passion for cooking with you and making your experience in Japan truly memorable!
Akihabara, often referred to as "Electric Town," is a vibrant district in Tokyo, Japan, renowned for its electrifying energy, diverse range of shops, and cultural significance. Whether you're an anime aficionado, a tech enthusiast, or simply curious about Japanese pop culture, Akihabara has something to offer for everyone. Here are 6 must-visit places that capture the essence of this iconic neighborhood.
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Top 6 Must-Visit Spots in Akihabara
Here are 6 best places to go in Akihabara. The following information below is current as of June 2024. These are subject to change, so please check each official websites in advance.
1. Akihabara Radio Kaikan
Source: Tripadvisor
Radio Kaikan is a complex of buildings selling anime, manga, electronics, and collectibles located in the Akihabara district of Tokyo. It has long been one of Akihabara's landmarks and is very familiar to local residents and tourists alike.
The building houses a large number of stores and offers a very wide selection of goods. They carry collectors' items such as goods, books, and figures related to anime and manga, as well as the latest electrical appliances, game consoles, and computers. In addition, there are several stores selling trading cards, attracting people of all ages.
Radio Kaikan is also one of the symbols of Akihabara, and its distinctive appearance appears in many photographs and posters. Local residents and tourists alike often visit Radio Kaikan to enjoy the atmosphere when visiting Akihabara.
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2. Super Potato Akihabara
Source: Tripadvisor
Super Potato Akihabara is a famous retro game and anime goods store located in Akihabara, Tokyo. The store offers a wide selection of nostalgic game consoles, game software, anime figures and goods. It is a popular place for retro game and anime fans to find valuable items.
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3. Mandarake Complex
Source: MANDARAKE
Mandarake Complex is located just a few minutes' walk from Akihabara Station and a pilgrimage site for fans of anime, manga, and video games. The store is divided into several floors, displaying a wide variety of used anime goods, manga, figures, and game software. You may also find rare collectibles and limited edition items. In addition, the store also buys items, making it a convenient place for those who want to sell their own items or acquire new ones. Mandarake Complex is one of those places that people who enjoy anime and manga culture should visit at least once.
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4. Akihabara UDX
Source: Akihabara UDX
Akihabara UDX is located a 3-minute walk from the Electric Town exit of JR Akihabara Station and houses about 30 restaurants. From cafes serving delicious snacks and cakes to ramen, yakiniku, and kaitenzushi (conveyor-belt sushi), you are sure to find the food you want to eat when you visit Japan here. After running errands in Akihabara, if you are not sure what to eat, this is definitely the place to go.
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5. Don Quijote Akihabara
Source: Tripadvisor
Don Quijote Akihabara is a large discount store located in Akihabara, Tokyo, offering a wide variety of products. The store sells a wide variety of products, including home appliances, food, clothing, sundries, cosmetics, and amusement goods.
The fifth floor is dedicated to cosplay. As Don Quijote is known for its wide selection of goods, it also offers a full lineup of cosplay items. There are also cosplays for beginners that can be used for events such as Halloween and Christmas.
Don Quijote Akihabara is open 24 hours a day, making it a convenient place for tourists and locals alike to shop and choose souvenirs.
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6. Street Kart Akihabara #1
Source: Tripadvisor
Street Kart Akihabara #1 offers sightseeing tours for visitors to Japan in a single-seat public street kart that can be driven with an international driver's license. This very popular tour allows visitors to tour Akihabara, Tokyo Station, and Ginza for about an hour in a go-kart while cosplaying.
The price is 15,000 JPY and includes go-kart rental, gasoline, costume rental, and photo shooting. Many TripAdvisor reviewers praised the tour as a wonderful experience and raved about it.
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Whether you're a seasoned otaku or a curious traveler, Akihabara is a destination that promises excitement, discovery, and endless opportunities for exploration. From iconic landmarks to exciting activities, this vibrant district embodies the essence of Japanese pop culture and technological innovation, making it a must-visit destination for anyone with a passion for all things geeky and wonderful.
Patia’s Jiro-style Ramen Making Class in Tokyo
We run Japanese cooking classes in Tokyo. We also offer a Jiro-style Ramen making class with an English-speaking instructor. In this class, participants can go to a grocery store in Akihabara to buy ingredients, make Jiro-style ramen from scratch, and eat it. We are hoping you to enjoy Japanese food experiences and create unforgettable memories in Tokyo.
We share more behind-the-scenes moments, cooking tips, and beautiful photos from our classes on Instagram! Be sure to follow us and join in the Tokyo food adventure.
Check us out at @patiajapanesecooking
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