5 Must-Visit Akihabara Attractions: Top Spots in Tokyo’s Subculture Hub

Since shopping indoors is the main activity in Akihabara, you can enjoy it any time of year.
However, if you plan to walk around or shop for electronics, summer can be tough because of the heat and rain.
Visiting in May is also recommended, when the Kanda Festival—one of Japan’s three major festivals—takes place.

Here’s how to get to Akihabara Station from major stations in Tokyo, along with the travel times.
It’s super easy to access from other popular sightseeing areas.

It only takes around 20 minutes from Shinagawa Station, so it’s also easy to reach from the airport.
You can also get to Asakusa, one of Japan’s top sightseeing spots, in Approx 15 minutes.

Most of Akihabara’s main attractions are close to Akihabara Station, so walking is the easiest and most efficient way to get around.

This historic shrine is famous for blessings like matchmaking, business success, protection from misfortune, and good luck in competitions.
Located in the heart of Tokyo’s business district, it’s a popular spot for company visits at the start of the year. It’s a must-visit for anyone hoping for good luck at work.
Kanda Myojin is also loved as an anime pilgrimage spot. You’ll find ema (votive plaques), charms, and goods featuring anime collaborations.

Akihabara Electric Town is one of Japan’s most iconic electronics districts, packed with stores big and small.
Known affectionately as “Akiba,” it’s a popular destination not just for locals but for visitors from all over the world.
You’ll find everything from home appliances and computers to the latest digital gadgets. It’s also a mecca for pop culture fans, famous for anime, games, figures, and model trains.

Akihabara UDX is a multi-purpose complex just steps from Akihabara Station. It features the Akiba Ichi restaurant and shopping area, the UDX Theater with 3D screenings, the Akiba Square event space, conference rooms, and office floors.
Akiba Ichi has over 30 restaurants and shops. You’ll find everything from casual cafes and fast food to Japanese, Western, and ethnic cuisine—a great variety of places to eat.

Yushima Seido was built in 1690 by order of Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, the fifth shogun of the Edo shogunate. It was established as a Confucian temple and a center for Confucian studies.
It’s the most famous Confucian temple still standing in Japan, and was designated a national historic site in 1922.

Since opening in 1950, this landmark in front of Akihabara Station has been loved by many. Over the years, it has gone through several renovations and expansions. In summer 2011, it temporarily closed for rebuilding. After three years of construction, it finally reopened in summer 2014, looking better than ever.

MAID√MADE (pronounced “Maid Maid”) is a new-style maid café where you can enjoy a carefully crafted world and the latest subculture vibes.
You’ll find all the classic entertainment, like the “magic to make your food tastier” and live performances by the maids. The food is also highly rated for its quality. There are plenty of photogenic menu items, like the “Oekaki Demi Omurice” and “Familiar Pancakes,” making it a memorable spot.
The café’s concept is that maids from the future are regaining their emotions. Why not step into the world of MAID√MADE and experience it for yourself?

Since it’s a street-level shop, it’s easy to walk in. You can enjoy all the classic maid café services, like the “Oishiku nare~ Moe Moe Kyun” magic chant, ketchup art on your omurice, and live performances when you order certain menu items. There are also plenty of photogenic treats, like the unicorn parfait and selfie drinks.

Opened in 2001, this is Japan’s very first maid café.
The style of maids serving in classic uniforms started right here. It’s even appeared in anime, making it a “holy spot” for fans.
The menu is packed with hearty meals like omurice and pasta, as well as elaborate sweets. There’s also a great selection of drinks. CURE MAID CAFÉ is certified by the Japan Tea Association as a “Delicious Tea Shop,” so you can enjoy scones, waffles, and other treats perfect for tea time. The beautiful tableware used in the café adds to the experience.

Founded in 1975, Marugo is one of Akihabara’s most popular tonkatsu restaurants. Every detail is carefully crafted, from the sweetness and flavor of the carefully selected pork, its tender texture, and the way the fat melts, to the juicy meat and crispy breadcrumbs. This dedication has earned Marugo a spot in the Michelin Guide Tokyo’s Bib Gourmand.
The “Special Loin Cutlet” and “Special Fillet Cutlet” are thick cuts of pork, slowly cooked at a low temperature. They take some time to prepare, but are definitely worth trying at least once.

This ramen shop serves hearty bowls topped with plenty of pork, green onions, and a raw egg. They’re particular about their pork, using high-quality Spanish pork and carefully selecting the source depending on the season.
You can choose the amount of pork from Level 1 to 3 (130–270g), or go all out with the MAX (800g) option. Mix in the special raw egg for extra flavor. The medium-thick noodles are cooked for a short time, giving them a nice chewy texture.

Originating in California, Carl’s Jr. is a burger restaurant with over 3,600 locations in 37 countries, mainly across the United States. The shop stands out with its sleek black facade and star-shaped logo character. It strikes a unique balance—neither too conservative nor too progressive.

HUB Akihabara is a favorite among international travelers and locals alike. There’s no stiff atmosphere here. It’s a relaxed spot where you can drop in like a café, perfect for enjoying drinks and conversation.
One unique feature is that this location opens from lunchtime. Large windows let in plenty of light, and there’s an indoor terrace at the entrance.
Enjoy the British pub vibe and sunshine while having a drink during the day.

Under the JR railway tracks stretching from Okachimachi Station toward Akihabara, you’ll find an arcade featuring around 50 shops themed around craftsmanship.
There’s a wide variety of shops, including those run by artisans, interior goods stores, fashion boutiques, galleries, and café-restaurants. Many Tokyo-based brands have their own atelier-shops here, so you can experience the latest in Tokyo’s creative scene.

This is the main electronics store inside “Yodobashi Akiba,” a large complex in Akihabara, Tokyo’s famous electronics district.
Out of the building’s floors from basement level 1 to the 9th floor, six are dedicated to Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Akiba. It’s one of the largest electronics stores in Akihabara in terms of floor space.

Animate Akihabara is one of Japan’s largest specialty stores for anime, comics, and games. It opened in 1997 and has been loved by fans as a mecca for anime in Akihabara. After a recent renovation, a second building opened in December 2022. In April 2023, the main building moved next to the second building and had its grand opening.

This shopping complex is a renovation of the old Manseibashi Station, built at the end of the Meiji era, and the Manseibashi Viaduct, which still supports the JR Chuo Line today. Designed with the concept of a “Manseibashi Station Salon,” it keeps the beautiful red brick architecture, rhythmic arches, and even the original stairs that once led to the platform. The blend of history and modern style creates a nostalgic and unique atmosphere.

Mandarake is a nationwide chain that buys and sells anime, manga, and subculture items. This is their mega store.
The building stands out with its jet-black exterior and bright red sign. All eight floors, from the 1st to the 8th, are packed with things to discover.

This shopping center is filled with Akihabara’s unique subculture, including idols, anime, and maid cafes.
In the basement, you’ll find the largest theater in Akihabara dedicated to idol performances, “AKIBA Cultures Theater.” From the 1st to the 6th floor, there are shops selling figures, character goods, comics, idol merchandise, and more.
There’s also a maid cafe on the 5th floor with a fun entertainment vibe. You can enjoy all of Akihabara’s subculture in one place.

This capsule toy specialty shop opened in 2002 and has around 500 capsule toy machines inside.
Nearly 50 new machines arrive every month, and you can also find older capsule toys.
From highly detailed toys to cute and quirky ones, including anime and manga items, there’s something for everyone—kids and adults alike.

Kotobukiya Akihabara Store is a hobby shop run by Kotobukiya Co., Ltd., a company known for planning, manufacturing, and selling plastic models and figures.
This five-story shop offers not only their own figures and plastic models, but also a wide variety of goods from popular franchises like Nintendo and Studio Ghibli, as well as many other anime, game, and manga series. You'll also find a great selection of American comic and VTuber figures and merchandise.
One of the highlights is their lineup of exclusive and limited-edition items that are hard to find at other stores.

Sofmap, a retailer known for computers, also runs this specialty store focused on games and hobbies, including video games, figures, and plastic models.
The 1st and 2nd floors are dedicated to hobby items, figures, and plastic models. The 3rd to 5th floors feature video games and PC games. On the 6th floor, you'll find anime goods, comics, and CDs.
The 7th floor is home to "STELLAMAP Café," which hosts collaborations with various anime and manga.
On the 8th floor, there's an event space with a variety of events, so there's plenty to enjoy besides shopping.

Located on the 1st and 2nd floors of AKIBA Culture's ZONE, Lashinbang Akihabara Main Annex buys and sells pre-owned anime goods.
They offer not just used comics, novels, and anime, but also a wide range of character goods and figures.
Their selection of small items like can badges, rubber straps, and acrylic keychains is one of the largest in the industry. It's also a plus that they offer tax-free shopping.

VIA INN Akihabara is in a great location, just a 4-minute walk from JR Akihabara Station.
There’s a wide range of rooms, from singles to twins and barrier-free twins, so you can find the perfect fit for any situation.
Rooms are well-equipped with amenities like humidifying air purifiers and deodorizing sprays.
You’ll also find mattresses and pillows designed for a good night’s sleep, making your stay comfortable.
For breakfast, the buffet’s curry and mapo tofu are especially popular.
Meat and fish dishes change daily, so you won’t get bored even if you stay for several nights.

Keikyu EX Inn Akihabara features relaxing rooms that make you forget you’re in the heart of Akihabara.
The beds are co-developed with Simmons, helping you get a comfortable sleep. There are several room types, so you can choose what suits your travel style.
There’s a coffee machine in the front lobby, so you can enjoy a cup when you arrive or before you head out in the morning. That’s a nice highlight.
Self check-in kiosks make checking in and out quick and easy.

This hotel is directly connected to JR Akihabara Station Central Gate and Tsukuba Express Akihabara Station.
You’ll find original beds that distribute body pressure, German-made rain showers with plenty of water flow, special stools, and massage chairs—everything is designed for a deep, restful sleep.
For breakfast, you can enjoy the morning menu at the partner café, Portal Café Akiba.
There are Western dishes like scrambled eggs and roast beef, as well as Japanese set meals.