On-the-ground guides to Akihabara—shops, events, spots, and firsthand experiences. Practical info for both first-timers and repeat visitors.
Tokyo’s fan culture is no longer defined by a single street or a single type of otaku.In 2026, oshi culture led by women has become one of the strongest forces reshaping the city itself. Ikebukuro and Akihabara now function as two complementary hubs. One is built on shared passion, collaboration cafés, and character-driven communities. The other thrives … Read more
If you are looking for a ramen restaurant in Akiba … By the way, I’m not good at crowded shops (shame) Akihabara is famous for “Otaku no Sanchi” and “Electric Town”, but you must not forget the gourmet. In addition, if you go to Iwamotocho and Asakusabashi, you can find quite a few ramen shops. … Read more
A Complete Guide to Stores, Sales Methods, and Real-World Timing Akihabara’s New Year lucky bags are not a single event, and they are not designed to be fair. Every year, buyers who assume that January 1 is the starting line discover too late that the race began weeks earlier. Others arrive at the right store … Read more
Akihabara at a Crossroads In 2024, Japan recorded its highest number of inbound visitors on record, with approximately 37 million foreign tourists entering the country and total spending exceeding ¥8.1 trillion. Tokyo’s major districts filled up again, and Akihabara was no exception. Along Chuo Dori, overseas travelers, office workers in suits, and everyday shoppers now share the same streets. … Read more
The Hidden Layer of Akihabara When most people hear “Akihabara,” they think of blinking neon signs, endless rows of electronics, and walls adorned with anime characters. Known worldwide as Tokyo’s Electric Town and the heart of otaku culture, Akihabara appears at first glance to be a hyper-modern, tech-obsessed district. But beneath the circuits, LED displays, … Read more
By a local writer reporting straight from the neon heart of Tokyo When Circuits and Culture Collide Whenever people hear the word “Akihabara,” one phrase pops up almost instantly: The Holy Land of Otaku. But how did this neighborhood in Tokyo, once crowded with stalls selling radio parts, transform into an international symbol of anime, games, … Read more