Akihabara

Visiting Akihabara is a plunge into a unique realm of Japanese subculture, best appreciated with a little forethought. Although Akihabara welcomes visitors year-round, the area truly comes alive during late afternoon and early evening on weekends when the streets close to vehicle traffic, allowing a pedestrian-friendly exploration. Reaching Akihabara is a breeze with multiple transport options; the Akihabara train station is a hub for JR lines, the Tokyo Metro, and the Tsukuba Express.

• Best time to visit: Late afternoon or weekends for lively street activities.
• How to get there: Accessible via Akihabara Station on JR lines, Tokyo Metro's Hibiya Line, and the Tsukuba Express.
• Accessibility: Highly accessible for families and seniors, with plenty of amenities and flat, easy-to-navigate streets.
• Average visit duration: Plan for at least half a day to soak in the vibe and explore thoroughly.

In Akihabara, every turn brings something fascinating. Start with the Electric Town, pulling you into a world of electronic shops and boutiques stacked with gadgets and gizmos. Don’t miss the iconic Sega Akihabara Building 2, a mecca for gamers, or the sprawling Mandarake Complex, a treasure trove of manga and collectibles. For a taste of local culture, visit a Maid Cafe, where waitresses dressed in cute, elaborate costumes serve you with the utmost care and respect—one of Akiba’s quirky, must-experience traditions.

• Key sights: Electric Town for electronic goods, the Sega Building for gaming.
• Unique experiences: Visit a Maid Cafe for a memorable dining experience.
• Photo-worthy locations: The view of the Akihabara skyline from a high building. Capture the neon glow at dusk.
• Cultural facts: Akihabara was a major post-WWII black market area, evolving into an electronics hub in the 1970s.