1. What are the best places to shop for electronics in Akihabara?
Some popular places to shop for electronics in Akihabara include:1. Yodobashi Akiba – a massive 9-story electronics store with a wide selection of products from cameras, computers, TVs, and more.
2. BIC Camera – another large electronics chain that offers various gadgets and appliances at competitive prices.
3. Sofmap – a great place to find used and discounted electronics, including video games and laptops.
4. Laox – a duty-free shop with a focus on tax-free shopping for international travelers.
5. Tokyo Hands – an all-around department store that includes an extensive selection of home appliances and gadgets.
6. Mandarake Complex – known for its collection of vintage anime merchandise and rare gadgets.
7. Akihabara Radio Center – a cluster of small shops that sell affordable electronic components such as resistors and capacitors.
8. Don Quijote – while not primarily an electronics store, this discount chain offers some great deals on various gadgets such as smartphones, headphones, and cameras.
2. Are there any recommended stores for purchasing computer parts?
Yes, Akihabara is known for having many stores dedicated specifically to selling computer parts. Some popular options include:
1. Tsukumo
2. Laox PC Store
3. Sofmap
4. DosPara
5. Monotone
6 . Joshin Denki
7.Hazuki Electronics Plaza
3.Are there any recommended stores for purchasing cameras?
There are many stores in Akihabara that specialize in cameras, lenses, and other photography equipment such as Tripods or filters. Here are a few recommended options:
1.NatCamera
2.Kanamono Ya / Map Camera
3.Laox Electronics Store
4.Sofmap Camera Hall
5.Yodobashi Camera.
2. Are there any traditional markets or street markets in Akihabara that sell local goods?
Yes, there are a few traditional markets and street markets in Akihabara that sell local goods. Some examples include:– Yushima Tenjin Flea Market: Held on the 4th Sunday of every month, this market features a variety of antiques, vintage items, and traditional crafts.
– Manseibashi Traditional Crafts Market: Located under the elevated railway tracks near Akihabara Station, this market sells a mix of traditional crafts and modern handmade goods.
– Kanda Myojin Shrine Market: Held on the 12th and 13th of every month at Kanda Myojin Shrine, this market offers a selection of traditional crafts, foods, and other goods.
– Ueno Ameyokocho Market: While not technically in Akihabara, this bustling outdoor market is just one train stop away and is known for its wide range of affordable local goods including produce, seafood, clothing, and snacks.
Additionally, many shops in the Akihabara area specialize in traditional Japanese products such as paper lanterns (chochin), ceramic dishes (Arita-yaki), or wooden kokeshi dolls.
3. Can you find unique and rare items at the flea markets in Akihabara?
Yes, you can find unique and rare items at the flea markets in Akihabara. Akihabara is known for its wide variety of electronics and pop culture goods, so you may be able to find vintage or limited edition items at the flea markets in the area. Some popular flea markets in Akihabara include Akibararadoji Flea Market, which specializes in otaku goods, and Tokyo City Flea Market Akihabara, which features a mix of antiques and collectibles. These flea markets are held on weekends and holidays, and it’s recommended to arrive early as the most sought-after items tend to sell out quickly.
4. How crowded is Akihabara on a typical day, especially during peak tourist seasons?
Akihabara is known for being a busy and crowded neighborhood in Tokyo, particularly on weekends and holidays. However, the level of crowds can vary depending on the time of day and season.
On a typical weekday, Akihabara can be quite crowded due to the many businesspeople and students who visit the area for work or school. The streets, train stations, and popular shops may have moderate to heavy foot traffic, but it can still be manageable.
During peak tourist seasons such as Golden Week (late April to early May), summer vacation (July to August), and New Year’s holiday (late December to early January), Akihabara can become extremely busy and even chaotic. The streets may be jam-packed with tourists exploring the district’s famous electronic stores, anime shops, and otaku culture.
To avoid large crowds, it is best to visit Akihabara during weekdays or earlier in the day before all the tourists arrive. Additionally, planning ahead and having a game plan for which places you want to visit can help make navigating through the crowds more manageable.
5. Are there any recommended stores specifically for anime and manga merchandise in Akihabara?
Some popular stores for anime and manga merchandise in Akihabara include Animate, Mandarake, Gamers, and Kotobukiya. You can also find a wide selection of merchandise at department stores like Yodobashi Camera and Don Quijote. It’s recommended to explore the area and visit multiple stores as each one may carry different items or have unique promotions.
6. Is bargaining acceptable at the shops and markets in Akihabara?
Yes, bargaining is generally not accepted at the shops and markets in Akihabara. This area is known for its fixed prices and it is considered rude to try to negotiate. However, some small independent shops may be willing to negotiate, but it is best to ask politely and respect their decision if they decline.
7. Are there any food markets or street food stalls in Akihabara to try out local snacks?
Yes, there are several food markets and street food stalls in Akihabara where you can try out local snacks. Here are a few options:– Ameyoko Market: This popular market located near Ueno Station has a variety of food stalls selling everything from fresh seafood to Japanese snacks.
– Oyama Yokocho: Located just a short walk from Akihabara Station, this narrow street is lined with small shops and food stalls selling traditional Japanese dishes and snacks.
– Aki-Otaku Land Ichiba Street: This street is known for its many street food stalls selling delicious takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and other Osaka-style snacks.
– Akihabara UDX Food Court: Located in the basement of the Akihabara Crossfield complex, this food court offers a wide range of dishes from various regions of Japan, including some unique and tasty snacks.
These are just a few options for trying out local snacks in Akihabara. Be sure to also explore the streets and alleys around the area to find hidden gems and tasty treats.
8. What are some popular souvenir shops in Akihabara for tourists to visit?
1. Mandarake Akihabara Complex: This multi-level store specializes in anime, manga, and character goods.
2. Radio Kaikan: This iconic six-story building is a must-visit for any Akihabara tourist. It has a wide selection of electronics, anime merchandise, and pop culture goods.
3. AKIBA Culture Zone: This shopping complex has over 200 stores selling various character goods, traditional Japanese crafts, and merchandises related to popular video games.
4. Animate Akihabara: This store specializes in anime and manga merchandise, including exclusive limited edition items.
5. Lashinbang Akihabara Main Store: Known for their large collection of used video games, CDs and DVDs at discounted prices.
6. The Super Potato Retro Game Store: Specializing in retro video game consoles and games from the 80s and 90s.
7. Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Akiba: This huge electronics store has an entire floor dedicated to anime and character merchandise.
8. Don Quijote Akihabara: Popular discount chain selling a variety of souvenirs including snacks, cosmetics, clothing, and household items with a huge selection of Anime character goods as well.
9. Do the stores and market vendors accept credit cards, or is it mostly cash-based transactions?
It depends on the specific store or vendor. Some may accept credit cards, while others may only accept cash. It’s always best to bring a mix of payment options with you just in case.
10. Are there any discounts or special offers available for bulk purchases at the shops in Akihabara?
Some shops in Akihabara may offer discounts for bulk purchases, but it will depend on the individual shop and their policies. It is always best to check with the shop directly to inquire about any potential discounts or special offers for bulk purchases. Additionally, some shops may offer discounts or deals if you are paying with certain types of payment methods or if you are a member of their rewards program.
11. How long should someone plan to spend exploring the various shopping options in Akihabara?
It depends on the individual’s shopping preferences and budget, but generally three to four hours should be enough to explore the main shopping areas and browse through different stores. However, if someone is looking to make significant purchases or engage in activities such as gaming or indulging in a maid cafe experience, it could take the whole day. It is best to plan accordingly and allocate enough time to fully enjoy the Akihabara experience.
12. Is it easy to navigate around the different shopping areas of Akihabara without speaking Japanese?
Generally, it is fairly easy to navigate around Akihabara without much knowledge of Japanese. Many shops and restaurants have English signage and some staff may also speak basic English. Additionally, most major shopping areas have maps and signs in multiple languages to help guide visitors. However, it can still be helpful to have a basic understanding of Japanese characters and phrases to make shopping easier.
13. Are there any recommended stores or markets for budget-friendly shopping in Akihabara?
There are several stores and markets in Akihabara that offer budget-friendly shopping options:
1. Akiba-O | Chuo Dori: This street is lined with various electronics stores, including big chains like Yodobashi Camera and Sofmap, as well as smaller shops that offer discounted prices.
2. Radio Center Building: This building houses many electronic shops offering a wide range of products at competitive prices.
3. Akihabara UDX Building: This building has multiple floors filled with stores selling anime, manga, games, and electronic products at discounted prices.
4. Don Quijote Akihabara: This discount store is known for its variety of items at affordable prices, including electronics, anime goods, and souvenirs.
5. AKKYA Building: This building has several stores offering discounted PC parts and accessories.
6. Mandarake Complex: This store specializes in second-hand anime/manga merchandise and offers unique collectibles at reasonable prices.
7. Kanda Shrine Flea Market: Every weekend, this flea market is held in the grounds of Kanda Myojin Shrine, where you can find a variety of second-hand goods including electronics and anime goods at bargain prices.
8. Ameyoko Shopping Street: Located near Ueno Station, this street is known for its lively atmosphere and great bargains on clothing, cosmetics, souvenirs, and foods.
9. Book Off Super Bazaar: This book store chain also sells used electronics such as game consoles at low prices.
10. Laox Duty-Free Store Akihabara Branch: This duty-free store offers tax-free shopping on a wide range of items including electronics, gadgets, cosmetics, and more.
14. Can you find products from both well-known brands and smaller independent retailers at the shops and markets in Akihabara?
Yes, Akihabara offers a mix of both well-known brands and smaller independent retailers. While it is known for its large electronics stores and popular brand shops, there are also many smaller, independent retailers selling unique products and niche items. In addition to electronic and gaming products, Akihabara also has shops that specialize in anime merchandise, cosplay accessories, manga books, and other Japanese pop culture items which are often sold by independent retailers.
15.Are there any recommended cafes or restaurants within or nearby the shopping areas of Akihabara?
Yes, there are several recommended cafes and restaurants within or nearby the shopping areas of Akihabara.
1. Maidreamin – A themed cafe with maids serving cute and colorful dishes and drinks.
2. Gamers Cafe – A gaming-themed cafe where you can enjoy drinks and snacks while playing video games on their consoles.
3. Marugo Fish Market – This restaurant offers a wide selection of fresh seafood dishes, such as sashimi, sushi, and grilled fish.
4. Cafe Asanoya – Featuring a retro atmosphere, this cafe serves delicious sandwiches made with their famous homemade bread.
5. Kitchen Origin Plus – This restaurant specializes in tonkatsu (deep-fried pork cutlet) and serves various other Japanese dishes as well.
6. Anime & Game Cafe GUNDAM CAFE AKIHABARA – An official collaboration cafe for the popular Gundam franchise, offering themed food, drinks, and merchandise.
7. Tsukumo Robot Kingdom Cafe – This unique cafe has robot-themed decorations with robots serving your food and drink orders.
8. Tokyo Anime Center Cafe – Located inside the Akihabara UDX building, this cafe features character-themed food and drinks from popular anime series.
9. AKIBA ICHI Japanese Curry House – Satisfy your curry cravings at this restaurant that specializes in various types of Japanese curry dishes.
10. Lock-Up Restaurant & Bar Akiba Prison 20PENALTY – For a unique dining experience, head to this prison-themed restaurant where you will be handcuffed upon entry and served “prison-style” food.
16.What type of clothing can be found at the fashion stores and boutiques in Akihabara?
Many fashion stores and boutiques in Akihabara carry a variety of clothing styles, including streetwear, cosplay costumes, anime and manga-inspired clothing, and traditional Japanese clothing such as yukata and kimono. Some stores may also have a selection of trendy, casual clothing for both men and women.
17.Do most of the shops offer tax-free shopping for international tourists?
Yes, many shops in popular tourist destinations offer tax-free shopping for international tourists. In order to be eligible for tax-free shopping, tourists must show their passport and complete certain paperwork at the time of purchase. This allows them to receive a refund on the value-added tax (VAT) that is included in the price of goods. It’s always best to check with individual shops beforehand to confirm if they offer tax-free shopping and what the process entails.
18.Are there any traditional crafts or handicrafts sold at the markets inAkihabara?
Akihabara is most famous for its electronics and anime-related products, so you are unlikely to find traditional crafts or handicrafts being sold at the markets. However, there are some small shops that sell traditional Japanese items such as pottery or calligraphy brushes. These can be found in the side streets and alleys surrounding Akihabara’s main shopping area. Additionally, there may be special events or festivals in the area that showcase traditional crafts from different regions of Japan. It is always worth checking with local tourist information centers or websites to see if any of these events will be happening during your visit.
19.How safe is it to carry around large amounts of cash while shopping inAkihabara?
It is generally safe to carry large amounts of cash while shopping in Akihabara. Japan has a low crime rate and pickpocketing is not common. However, it is always recommended to be cautious with your belongings and keep your wallet or purse close to you at all times. Consider using a money belt or dividing your cash into smaller amounts and keeping them in different pockets or bags for added security. It may also be a good idea to only carry as much cash as you need for the day and use credit cards for larger purchases.
20.Is there a popular time of day to visit Akihabara for shopping?
Yes, Akihabara is most popular during the afternoon and evening as this is when most shops and restaurants are open and there tends to be more foot traffic. Weekends and holidays also tend to be busier than weekdays in Akihabara.