Located just to the north of Tokyo Station, Akihabara’s reputation proceeds it. Home to Tokyo’s celebrated ‘otaku’ or geek culture, the area around Akihabara Station is crammed with large electronics stores, manga and anime outlets, games centres, maid cafes and all the neon you can handle. Often just called ‘Akiba’, there’s a good chance you will have heard of or seen photos of Akihabara before you even get to Japan.

Around the station a number of mid-range hotels offer good convenience with other options including budget hotels dotted through the area. Whether or not Akihabara appeals to you as a destination, its proximity to Tokyo Station – under 5-minutes – and as a stop on the Yamanote Line – the loop line that circles through Tokyo – make it a convenient base from where to explore the city. Prices are notably cheaper than around the Tokyo Station/Marunouchi area making it a great option for many budget savvy visitors.

Akihabara is nicknamed ‘Electric Town’. It is a vibrant district that glows at night from the many neon signs and billboards. Some may say this provides a quintessential modern day Tokyo experience, and the retro charm of the area makes it even more appealing. In terms of entertainment, Akihabara’s electric shops are famous for selling a wide selection of new and second hand goods. Small independent stores may carry mire niche or rare items, whilst larger stores such as Yodabashi Camera and Bic Camera sell everything you could possibly need. Popular Anime shops include Animate, Comic Zin and Mandarake where you can buy manga, figurines and other merchandise. There are also many games arcades and gachapon ( capsule toys) to enjoy! Once you have explored the area, pop into one of the many cafes dotted around to enjoy some refreshments.

However, if you’re looking for more things to do in Tokyo, check out our 25 Things to Do in Tokyo page and our Best Tours in Tokyo which will give you a great overview of all Tokyo has to offer as well as the tours we provide!

Akihabara Station is serviced by the JR Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, the Chuo Line and the Tokyo Metro’s Hibiya Line. Therefore, Akihabara is incredibly well connected to the rest of Tokyo. You can reach Shinjuku in 20 minutes using the JR Chuosobu Line, Shibuya in 30 minutes using the JR Yamanote Line, and Tokyo in just 4 minutes using the JR Yamanote Line!