What to Do in Akihabara Tokyo: Top 12 Must-Try Experiences for Tourists

Experience Akihabara like a local. Use the best Jetpac eSIM for Japan to enjoy anime shops, maid cafes, gaming arcades, and the excitement of Electric Town at night.

Ever heard of a place where anime, gadgets, and neon streets all mix? That’s Akihabara, Tokyo’s Electric Town. Every corner has something to grab your attention. If it’s not on your Tokyo plan yet, you might regret skipping it. Gamers, tech fans, anime lovers, and curious travelers all find something here. This blog covers 12 of the best fun things to do in Akihabara, so you don’t miss out.

Get to Akihabara in Just 4-5 Minutes and Avoid Common Tourist Mistakes

Akihabara Station is situated on the JR Yamanote, Keihin-Tōhoku, and Chūō-Sōbu Lines, as well as the Hibiya subway.

• From Tokyo Station: just a quick 4–5 minutes

From Shinjuku or Shibuya: about 20 minutes

When you arrive, choose your exit wisely:

Electric Town Exit → straight into neon lights, anime shops, and buzzing arcades.

Showa-dori Exit → calmer backstreets with hidden gems.

5 Common mistakes (and easy fixes):

Forgetting your passport for tax-free shopping → Bring it with you. Simply show it at the tax-free counter when you pay.

Arriving at peak time on Sunday (around noon) → Akihabara gets packed. Come early (by 10:00 am) or later in the evening (after 6:30 pm) for breathing room.

Not carrying coins → Gachapon machines, lockers, and even some arcades still need cash. Keep a few 100-yen coins handy.

Only sticking to Chuo-dori → The main street is fun, but the real magic is in the alleys under the tracks, packed with tiny stalls and parts shops.

Skipping floor guides in big stores → Shops like Yodobashi are massive. A quick look at the floor guide will save you from aimless wandering.

Stay Connected in Japan - Why a Travel eSIM for Japan Changes Everything

Travel in Japan is easier when you have internet. You can check Google Maps in crowded stations, book a ride on Uber or Grab, and keep in touch on WhatsApp. Without it, even small tasks can feel stressful.

Buying a regular SIM card is slow. You wait in line, fill out forms, and swap out your own SIM. An eSIM avoids all that. Buy a plan online, scan a QR code, and you are connected as soon as you land.

Quick Setup Checklist

Buy the plan you want

Scan the QR code and name it “Japan eSIM”

Set it as your data line

Turn off roaming on your home SIM

Run a speed test when you reach your hotel

Save the support email or chat link

This is where Jetpac eSIM for Japan takes things further. Most eSIMs for Japan only give you data. Jetpac eSIM adds more. It is built for travelers who want a simple setup, fair pricing, and a few extra benefits.

Why Jetpac eSIM?

1 eSIM, 200+ destinations: Set up once and top up for next trip

Always-on with multiple networks: Jetpac exclusive, keeps you connected 24/7

No bill shocks: 100% upfront payment. No hidden charges. Up to 70% cheaper than roaming

Hotspot to others: Even on unlimited packs, only with Jetpac

Free Uber, WhatsApp chat, and Google Maps: Even when your data runs out

24/7 premium customer support: Say goodbye to time zone differences. Contact us 24/7 via WhatsApp and email!

Jetpac is one of the best eSIMs for Japan, keeping you connected and helping you avoid bill shocks.

Shop 9 Floors of Gadgets at Yodobashi Camera (Tax‑Free Deals Inside)

On almost every list of things to do in Akihabara, Yodobashi Akiba stands out. This giant electronics store is a nine-floor playground packed with everything from cameras and lenses to headphones, toys, PC parts, stationery, golf gear, and even walls of gachapon machines.

Where to Start?

1F → Phones, cases, and accessories.

Mid floors → Cameras, audio gear, and home appliances.

Top floors → Hobbies, toys, and collectibles.

How to Save?

Bring your passport → Enjoy easy tax-free shopping.

Get a point card → Quick sign-up at the desk for instant rewards.

Check open-box shelves → Great for snagging discounts on lightly handled products.

Time-Saver Hack!

Take a snapshot of the floor directory as soon as you walk in; you’ll thank yourself later when you don’t have to hunt for maps between escalators.

Feel Like a Kid Again at 5 Anime & Manga Megastores in Akihabara

For collectors and anime fans, some of the most unforgettable things to do in Akihabara happen inside its massive anime and manga stores. Each one feels like stepping into a different world, packed floor to ceiling with treasures. Here are five megastores worth spending serious time in:

Animate Akihabara → Fresh releases, keychains, plush toys, plus themed cafés on the upper floors.

Mandarake Complex → A paradise of pre-owned collectibles, figures, rare manga, and retro toys spread across multiple levels.

AmiAmi Akihabara → Famous for its vast figure displays that feel like walking through a mini anime museum.

Kotobukiya → Model kits, seasonal character goods, and rotating sections that make every visit a little different.

Akihabara Radio Kaikan → A landmark filled with specialty shops, perfect for browsing on a rainy day.

Insider Tip: If staff hand you a small basket, take it. Aisles can be narrow, and it makes shopping much easier.

These megastores aren’t just shops, they’re destinations. If you love browsing, comparing box art, or hunting down that one rare edition, visiting them is one of the most fun things to do in Akihabara; you definitely don’t want to skip.

Go Retro: Play at Super Potato + 3 Arcades You Must Visit at Night

For gamers, Akihabara is pure magic. Super Potato is a retro paradise stacked across three floors of old-school cartridges, Famicom and Mega Drive consoles, shelves of nostalgic candy, and even a tiny arcade corner upstairs where you can relive gaming’s golden age.

But if you want the full neon buzz of Akihabara at night, do an arcade hop after dinner. The streets glow, the music spills outside, and the sound of UFO catchers echoes through the air. Here are three must-visit spots:

HEY (Hirose Entertainment Yard) → Legendary for shoot ’em ups and fighting games, where pros and casuals battle side by side.

GiGO Akihabara → Towering floors of crane games, rhythm games, and anime-themed machines for all ages.

TAITO Station → Perfect for quick wins, photo booths with friends, and flashy prize displays right at the entrance.

By evening, Akihabara transforms into a living video game, every corner bursting with light, sound, and limited-edition prizes that change by the week. If you skip it, you’ll miss one of the most unforgettable fun things to do in Akihabara and the mesmerising sides of Tokyo nightlife.

Maid Cafe Explained in 3 Minutes, What to Expect, How Much It Costs, and Why Try It

If you’re visiting Tokyo, a maid cafe in Akihabara is one of those quirky experiences you’ll never forget. Here’s a quick first-timer’s guide:

What is it?

A themed café where staff dressed as maids welcome you with playful chants, songs, and even table games. It’s not just about food, it’s about the performance.

How Long Does It Last?

Most visits are structured in sets of 60–90 minutes, giving you time to order, enjoy the entertainment, and maybe join in a game or two.

How Much Does It Cost?

Expect a seat/cover fee plus at least one drink or meal set. Optional extras include:

Photos with the staff (usually with cute poses).

“Magical” dessert drawings made right at your table.

Short stage shows or dance performances.

Etiquette Basics!

Always ask before taking photos (many cafés don’t allow pictures of staff).

No touching, interactions are friendly but respectful.

Follow the house rules, which the staff will explain in a lighthearted way.

Why You Should Try It?

It’s pure Akihabara, wholesome, quirky, and surprisingly fun for couples, groups, and even families. Beyond the costumes and chants, maid cafes are about feeling welcomed into a playful, make-believe world that you just can’t find anywhere else.

Eat Like a Local, Pokémon Taiyaki, Katsu Sando, and Other Street Eats

In Akihabara, eating on the go is part of the experience walk, snack, repeat. Between shops and arcades, you’ll find plenty of quick bites that locals love and travelers shouldn’t miss.

Pokémon-Shaped Taiyaki → Fluffy, fish-shaped cakes with custard or red bean filling, sometimes styled as Pikachu or other Pokémon. Look for pop-ups near big stores or event spaces.

Katsu Sando → Crispy pork or chicken cutlet tucked into pillowy bread. These grab-and-go sandwiches are perfect if you’re hopping on a train later.

Curry & Gyudon Chains → Quick, cheap, and filling curry rice or beef bowls are Japanese comfort food at its best, and most shops stay open late.

Convenience Stores (Konbini) → Don’t overlook them. You’ll find hot oden in broth, fresh onigiri, bottled tea, and even phone chargers when your battery runs low.

Micro Tip: Many spots have only tiny counters or no seating at all. If that’s the case, take your food to a nearby pocket park or riverside bench and enjoy it like a local.

Recharge: Soak in Raku Spa, Get Tech Charm at Kanda Shrine, Walk in Ueno Park

When your feet need a break, hop one station north or take a 15-minute stroll to Raku Spa 1010 Kanda for a hot soak and a nap in the lounge. Afterward, stop by Kanda Shrine (Kanda Myōjin) for a good-luck charm. They even sell special “IT” charms for gadgets, perfect if your laptop or phone is your lifeline.

Craving greenery? Head straight to Ueno Park, loop around the pond, and grab a coffee before making your way back. It’s a refreshing contrast to the neon glow of Akihabara Electric Town.

Akihabara After Dark, 3 Hidden Gems Tourists Often Miss

At night, Akihabara is more than just arcades. For unique spots, try these:

Gachapon Hall → A wall of capsule toy machines where fans often trade extras right outside.

UDX 2F Deck → A quiet, breezy terrace with great city photo angles.

Under-the-Tracks Parts Alley → Tiny stalls selling LEDs, tools, and components, capturing the old-school vibe of Akihabara Electric Town.

Exploring these places adds a fresh twist to the typical Akihabara at night experience.

Discover the Akihabara Most Guides Don’t Show You

Look past the big billboards, and you’ll find Akihabara’s hidden side:

Radio Center → Packed with ultra-small shops selling resistors, switches, and soldering irons by the tray.

Backstreet Cafés → Rotating concept cafés, owls, trains, retro computers, always worth checking the signs.

Secondhand Camera Counters → Compare shutters, ask for the “shutter count,” and don’t be shy about polite bargaining.

If you enjoy oddities and stories to take home, spend an hour exploring under the tracks and side streets. It’s also where you’ll stumble on lesser-known Akihabara anime stores that offer rare finds most tourists never see.

The Perfect Akihabara Day Plan, Half-Day Shortcut, or Full Adventure

Half-day (6 hours):

Full day (10–12 hours):

By the end, you’ll have covered the essentials, mega-shops, shrines, retro gaming, maid cafe Akihabara Japan fun, and the energy of Akihabara at night - all in one loop.

Smart Tokyo Travel Hacks, Timing, Budget Tricks & Kid-Friendly Spots

Timing → Mornings are calm. On Sundays, some streets are closed to cars. Rainy days are perfect for exploring indoors.

Budget → Plan for train fare, one meal, snacks, and maybe a figure or game. Keep coins ready for machines.

Connectivity → Set up your Japan eSIM before landing so maps, mobile payments, and chat work right away.

With Kids → Arcades are mellow in the daytime. Start with crane games near the entrance and set a coin budget.

Photos → Always ask before taking pictures inside. Displays are usually fine, but avoid snapping at staff or customers.

A Little Wrap-Up

Akihabara isn’t just about bright lights and anime; it’s a mix of arcades, shrines, quirky cafés, and the hidden corners of Akihabara Electric Town. From browsing huge Akihabara anime stores to relaxing in a spa or sipping coffee in Ueno Park, every stop adds a new layer to your Tokyo adventure. Whether you’re here for half a day or until late into Akihabara at night, you’ll leave with stories, photos, and memories that go far beyond the usual tourist checklist.

FAQs

What is Akihabara best known for?

Electronics, anime/manga culture, arcades, and themed cafés. It’s the classic place to chase the most iconic things to do in Akihabara in one neighborhood.

Are maid cafés and cosplay girls really a big part of Akihabara?

Yes, themed cafés are part of the local flavor. Staff perform short shows, decorate food, and pose for photos (with rules). Visiting one is a uniquely Akihabara experience.

Which street in Akihabara has the coolest shops and arcades?

Start on Chuo‑dori and then dive into side alleys under the tracks for components and tiny shops, a great contrast on any Akihabara itinerary.

Is Akihabara easy for foreigners to explore?

Very. Signs are bilingual in major stores, staff are used to tourists, and trains are frequent. With mobile data, you can translate, pay, and navigate in seconds.

How should I plan one full day in Akihabara?

Follow the full‑day plan above: big stores in the morning, shrine and spa in the afternoon, arcades and cafés after dinner. It hits the headline things to do in Akihabara, without backtracking.

Can non‑anime fans still enjoy Akihabara?

Absolutely. Try cameras at Yodobashi, eat street snacks, browse retro games, and people‑watch. Those are fun things to do in Akihabara, even for casual visitors.

How much money should I budget for a day in Akihabara?

Transit plan, one sit‑down meal, snacks, a café set, and a small splurge like a figure or game. Add more if you’re hunting rare items.

What are the best anime and manga stores in Akihabara?

Animate, Mandarake, AmiAmi, Kotobukiya, and Radio Kaikan are the heavy hitters, great starting points if you’re mapping Akihabara anime stores.

Is Akihabara better to visit during the day or at night?

Both. Daytime is best for shopping deep dives; evenings deliver neon, arcades, and street energy. If you love photos, schedule at least an hour for Akihabara at night.

Do I need an eSIM in Japan, and how does it help in Akihabara?

It’s not required, but it makes everything easier, maps, payments, translations, and meet‑ups. Pick the best eSIM for Japan before you fly; most eSIM plans for Japan activate with a quick QR scan.