Tokyo Travel: Akihabara!
Akihabara (秋葉原), also called Akiba after a former local shrine, is a district in central Tokyo that is famous for its many electronics shops. In more recent years, Akihabara has gained recognition as the center of Japan's otaku (diehard fan) culture, and many shops and establishments devoted to anime and manga are now dispersed among the electronic stores in the district. On Sundays, Chuo Dori, the main street through the district, is closed to car traffic from 13:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 from October through March)
Akihabara has been undergoing major redevelopment over the years, including the renovation and expansion of Akihabara Station and the construction of new buildings in its proximity. Among these newly opened buildings were a huge Yodobashi electronics store and the Akihabara Crossfield, a business complex with the aim of promoting Akihabara as a center for global electronics technology and trade
Electronics
Hundreds of electronics shops, ranging from tiny one-man stalls specializing in a particular electronic component to large electronics retailers, line the main Chuo Dori street and the crowded side streets around Akihabara. They offer everything from the newest computers, cameras, televisions, mobile phones, electronics parts and home appliances to second-hand goods and electronic junk.
A few chain stores such as Sofmap and Laox each operate multiple specialized branches along the main roads, while small independent shops can be found in the side streets. The only mega sized store is the Yodobashi Camera complex on the east side of the station.
Note that some of the electronics on sale are only intended for use in Japan due to voltage and other technical differences, Japanese language documentation and limited warranties. However, several stores also feature a selection of international models intended for overseas use, and most also offer tax free shopping to foreign tourists.
Otaku Goods
The character of Akihabara has constantly changed over the decades and continues to do so. In the last decade Akihabara has emerged as a center of Japanese otaku and anime culture, and dozens of stores specializing in anime, manga, retro video games, figurines, card games and other collectibles have filled the spaces between the electronics retailers.
In addition to shops, various other animation-related establishments have become popular in the area, particularly maid cafes where waitresses dress up and act like maids or anime characters, and manga cafes (manga kissa), a type of internet cafe where customers can read comics and watch DVDs in addition to having access to the internet.
Recomended Stores/Places to Visit!
Laox
The Laox Main Store in Akiba offers the largest number of tax free items of all the branches in Tokyo. Hobby and game related products are available in addition to electronics, souvenirs and lifestyle goods.
Open from 10:00-19:00
No Closing Days!
(some branches have different closing __________________________________________________
Sofmap
Sofmap operates six shops around Akihabara. In addition to their main store, they have many specialty branches that feature a type of item such as Apple products, CDs or games, as well as a number of outlets for used products such as used computers, cameras, CDs and software.
Open from 10:00-21:00
No Closing Days,(some branches have different closing time)
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Radio Kaikan
Radio Kaikan is one of Akihabara's iconic landmarks, and features more than 30 stores selling electronics and other anime related goods. Some of the famous stores include K-Books, Kaiyodo and Volks which sell all kinds of manga, models, toys, trading cards, figurines and collectibles. The building was torn down in 2011, was rebuilt, and reopened its doors in 2014 as a taller, ten story building. Open from 10;00-21:00
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Don Quijote
Don Quijote is a discount store chain that carries everything from groceries and toys to electronics and high end fashion goods. The Akihabara branch is home to the girl pop group AKB48, who perform daily shows at their theater on the 8th floor of the store (3000 yen). There is also a branch of the @Home Cafe maid cafe on the 5th floor of the store.
Hours:9:00-5:00 no closing days
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Gundam Cafe
The Gundam Cafe is themed after the extremely popular Mobile Suit Gundam anime series. The cafe serves gundam themed dishes and is decorated with art and themes from the series. A gift shop is attached and sells character goods and souvenirs.
Hours:10:00-22:30
No Closing Days
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AKB48 Cafe and Shop
The AKB48 Cafe next door to the Gundam Cafe is a themed restaurant based on the popular idol group AKB48. The cafe serves food inspired by the idols, and character goods are sold at the attached shops. The cafe has a theater where a rotating cast of AKB members perform daily (reservations required) during scheduled performance times.
Restaurant and Shop Hours 11:00-22:00
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