SKINNY
Once you step into the ground of Akihabara, you will see Anime and idol banners everywhere. It's Otaku heaven. Although Akihabara is mainly known for sub culture, there are a lot more things to do from electronic shopping to fun themed cafes. You will never be bored in this colorful city!
10 Things to Do in Akihabara
1. ANIME
Akihabara has abundant supply of anime shops and here are some of the major stores I recommend.
- Animate & Animate Girls Station : is the biggest and most well-known Anime shop
- Gamers: sells lots of games but also sells character goods
- Radio Kai-kan: has a big selection in anime action figures and trading cards
- Toranoana: sells amateur comic books also known as 'dojinshi'
- Mandarake: sells used comic books and adult comic books
- Akiba Culture Zone: is pretty similar to Radio Kai-kan.
2. COSPLAY
You might be thinking that many people dressed up in cosplay in Akihabara. Unfortunately, it's not true. However, you can BUY cosplay goods at ACOS on the 5F of Akiba Culture Zone and also take a professional photos at Studio Crowns.
3. LUNCH AT BEEF KATSU ICHI NI SAN
Ichi Ni San is my most favorite Beef Katsu restaurant in Tokyo. You have got to try it!
4. ELECTRONICS
If you are to buy any electronics, I recommend you to just go to Yodobashi Akiba which is the biggest electronic store in the area and pretty much covers everything.
Also, there are nostalgic electronic parts shops like below in Akihabara that you might want to check out.
5. GACHAPON
Gachapon is a vending machine sells a small toys in a plastic bolls. Gachapon are everywhere but you can probably check out the most kind at Gachapon Kan.
6. SOUVENIRS
- WakuWaku Toro : sells fun souvenir t-shirts
- Rare Mono : sells random idea goods
- M's Adult Store : sells crazy r-rated goods
- Love Merci : sells crazy r-rated goods
7. CHABARA
Chabara is a great place to shop for Japanese authentic food products, spice, sweets and alcohol.
8. THEMED CAFE
Akihabara offers variety of exiting themed cafe and here are my recommendations.
9. WEIRD VENDING MACHINES
Cool hi-tech vending machines are everywhere in Tokyo that you don't need to even look for it. In Akihabara, you can find vending machines that are even weirder.
10. DINNER AT YAKITORI SHIMONYA
There are several good Yakitori restaurants in Akihabara area and YAKITORI SHIMONYA is my favorite. It's very cost effective and... DELICIOUS!
Akihabara Map
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AKIHABARA HOTELS
1. REMM AKIHABARA
Recommended if you prioritize: access from JR Akihabara Station and modern style
The lowest room rate for 2: 120-230 USD
Remm Akihabara is located just one minute away from JR Akihabara Station. The hotel had a renovation on the top floors, so you could choose those if you prefer a nice new room. A cool thing about this hotel is that the room on the 'Lady's Floor' offers skincare amenities designated for female. Also, all rooms have massage chair for you to relax from a long day.
2. Myoujin-no-Yu Dormy Inn Premium Kanda
Recommended if you prioritize: onsen and transportation access
The lowest room rate for 2: 80 - 200 USD
Dormy Inn is one of the popular business hotel brand. One of the highlight of this hotel is that it has access to 6 stations within 5-minute walking distance. This will be very handy when you are traveling to different sites. Also, they have a great onsen for you to release your fatigue.
It is a premium brand of Dormy group but it still is a business hotel so the room is not that big.
3. Ochanomizu Shoryukan
Recommended if you prioritize: ryokan feeling and onsen
The lowest room rate for 2: 110~ USD
http://www.familyhotel.jp/
Ochanomizu Shoryukan is actually one station away from Akihabara, located 5 minutes away from JR Ochanomizu Station. If you want to stay at ryokan feeling hotel without going outside of Tokyo, this is your choice. It offers modern traditional rooms and big public onsen. If you hasitate to take a bath with someone else, book a room with onsen.