Travel Akihabara

Tokyo Travel Guide: Akihabara

Akihabara (秋葉原, literally, 'autumn leaves field', often abbreviated to 'Akiba') is a district within Taitō ward (postal code 110-0006) of Tokyo. In a broader sense, it encompasses the area surrounding Akihabara Station in both Taitō and Chiyoda wards of Tokyo Metropolis. The district is renowned for its electronics retailers and is considered a mecca for otaku culture. According to a 2003 survey by the Japan National Tourism Organisation, 6.6% of all foreign tourists visit Akihabara.

The name 'Akihabara' is derived from the Akiba Shrine (秋葉神社 Akiba jinja), constructed in 1870. Akihabara Station, one of two railway stations serving the Kanda district of Chiyoda ward, is a central transportation hub. Upon exiting the station, visitors are immediately greeted by a sign proclaiming 'The electric town' (電気街 denkigai), also known as 'Akihabara Electric Town' (秋葉原電気街 Akihabara Denki Gai). A dense concentration of neon signs characterises the area surrounding the station. This area primarily falls within the Sotokanda (外神田) and Kanda-Sakumachō (神田佐久間町) districts of Chiyoda Ward. Separately, there is an administrative district named Akihabara, situated within Taitō Ward, located north of Akihabara Electric Town and surrounding Akihabara Neribei Park.

Akihabara is the heart of Japan's electronics retail industry, offering a wide range of electronic products. While computer hardware prices are comparable to those in European countries, there is also a thriving market for affordable used goods. Many stores specialise in specific products, such as calculators, language-learning devices, and electronic components.

Often called an "otaku heaven," Akihabara is home to countless second-hand video game stores and the eight-story Sega World. The district is also a central hub for anime, manga, and related merchandise, hosting branches of major chains like Animate, Gamers, and Mandarake, as well as countless independent retailers. Due to its visitor base, Akihabara is home to many maid cafes, where waitresses wear maid costumes (メイド meido). There is also a hair salon and a casino themed in this style. It is common to encounter young women dressed in anime costumes (コスプレ cosplay) distributing promotional materials in and around the station and commercial areas.

The easiest way to go to Akihabara is via Akihabara JR Station or Suehirocho Station on the Ginza Line. Akihabara Station on the Hibiya Line is not on the same avenue, and you will have to walk a few minutes westwards to reach Akihabara.

Akihabara Gallery:

Akihabara Map:

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