Anime and Toy Shopping in Akihabara

Akihabara (秋葉原) is perhaps one of my favourite districts in Tokyo. I have read about this place quite a long time ago, before I plan to go to Japan. Anime and game is part of my childhood, and visiting this place is like immersing myself in a huge anime mecca. The electric town or Akihabara is well known for the tech hub and its rows of Japanese anime goods, manga shops, and electronic stores. If you plan to go to Akihabara, I suggest you to visit it at night so you can see all the glimmering city lights. It was pouring heavily when I was there and it was quite cold. Nevertheless, it did not stopped me to explore this place. I will share with you some of the shops to visit in the area.

(*This post is updated on December 2024)

1. Radio Kaikan

Honestly, this is the first store that I visited in Akihabara. It has become a landmark in Akihabara as it has 12 storeys full of anime goods and Japanese pop culture. There are many individual shops (about 30 shoes in total) in this building and each floor sells different things. Popular shoes include Kaiyodo (toys and figurines), K-Books, and Volks. It is located very close to the JR Akihabara station.

2. Animate Akihabara

Animate is a one stop shop in Akihabara and is a mix of a bookshop / character shop. It consists of seven floor full of comics, anime dvd, magazines, and character goods. They also sell some comic making equipments and art tools.

3. Mandarake

One of the biggest otaku stores in Japan, Mandarake is a eight floor complex full of anime goods, comics, doujinshi, toys, figurines, and collectibles. It is also a place where you can sell anime goods at their buy back counter. If you are looking for a rare anime collectibles, you can have higher chance to find it here.

4. Super Potato

If you are an avid gamer, you'll love this place. It sells various game softwares and consoles from the retro era, how cool is that! You can find the Nintendo 64 game console to the old school Super Mario game software. There is also a mini arcade where you can reminisce playing Street Fighter.

5. Tam Tam

I came across Tam Tam as I was searching for car collectibles. It is one of the biggest in the area. Expect to find miniatures like Tomica and Mini-GT, as well as Aoshima and Fujimi car kits, and other die cast with various scale. They also have online shop here.

6. Gigo

There are quite several arcades in Akihabara but Gigo center is my favourite! Previously known as Sega game center, they are now called Gigo. They have 4 buildings scattered around the place. Try everything from Tekken arcade game, dance machine, to Pokemon crane machine!

7. Gachapon hall

Gachapon fans rejoice! In this place you can find around 150+ gachapon machines lining up. It is a fun idea to spend that extra yen and you can keep it for yourself or as souvenirs. The gachapon ranges from 200 to 500 yen, just choose the one you want!

8. Laox

The Laox main Akihabara store offers wide range of hobby and beauty products aside from the extensive home and electrical appliances. This store is known for its duty free service.

9. Yodobashi Camera

The Yodobashi camera in Akihabara is huge and you won't miss it. Visit this store if you're looking for camera equipments or other electronic goods.

10. Donquijote

This discount store carries everything from stationery to clothes to cartoon knick knacks. You can also find some costumes and cosmetics here at a slashed price. It is also a great place if you are looking for gifts!

Have you ever visited the area? Let me know your favourite shops in Akihabara !

FOLLOW ∣twitter∣ pinterest ∣ lookbook ∣instagram