AKIHABARA

Taito-ku, Tokyo

Akihabara, also known as electric town is famous for it’s electronic shops and otaku (die-hard fans) goods. Stroll down the main road to absorb it’s unique culture. Akihabara used to be the epicenter of household electronics for Japan when it started selling electronic parts in the local black market after World War II. In the 1990s, Akihabara shifted more towards computers and computer parts attracting a new crowd of people - otakus. Otakus are basically geeks who are die hard fans of anime, manga and video games. This has brought a long more cultures such as J-pop groups and a maid cafe culture. This unique mix makes for a fun and different perspective of Japan.

While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the following:

• Major electronic stores like Sofmap, Yodobashi Camera, Laox and Yamada Denki

• All the maid cafes for a kawaii experience

• Themed cafes such as the Gundam Cafe

• Nostalgic throwback for retro gaming at Super Potato

Photo Credit: JW Web Magazine

How to get there

Akihabara Station can be accessed on the JR Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Sobu Line and the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line.