Akihabara (秋葉原), sometimes abbreviated as Akiba is the central district of Tokyo famous for its electronics stores. In recent years it has also become a mecca for culture otaku, and many stores and establishments are dedicated to the sale of products related to the anime and the sleeve. Sundays, Chuo doori, the main street, is closed to traffic to allow pedestrians to pass from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Akihabara is currently undergoing a restructuring, which includes the expansion of the Akihabara station and surrounding buildings. Among the new buildings are the electronics store Yodobayashi and Akihabara crossfield, a complex that aims to promote the district as a global center for electronic commerce.
The Latest Technology
If you like technology, you can find stores of all kinds, from small stalls to highly specialized stores in a particular component. You can find all this in Chuo doori and on the parallel streets throughout all of Akihabara. You can find everything from new computers, cameras, televisions, cell phones, parts, and appliances, to second-hand and junk stores.
There are some chains like Sofmap and Laox They operate with franchises along the main streets, while independent stores can also be found. Yadobayashi Camera It is a gigantic complex that you can find on the east side of the station.
As an additional note, please note that the electronics sold here are for home use due to voltage requirements and other differences with the exterior, warranties, and documentation in Japanese. Some stores also have international models, and most offer tax exemption to tourists on purchases of more than 10,000 yen (presenting passport).
Anime Lovers Paradise
In the last decade, Akihabara has also become one of the most important centers of the culture of the slave and anime. You can find dozens of stores that specialize in selling comics, series, retro video games, figurines, card games, and others collectibles.
Unique Maid And Manga Cafes
Other types of businesses have also benefited from the fans of this phenomenon, especially maid cafes and manga cafes. In the latter, clients can read comics and watch DVDs in addition to having internet access.
How To Get To Akihabara?
To get to Akihabara by train, buy a ticket for Akihabara Station, located on the JR Yamanote, Keihin-Tohoku, and Chuo Local lines. The exit is marked “Akihabara Electric Town”. The Tsukuba Express line also has a terminal in the district. To get there by metro, take the Hibiya line (H15) and get off at Akihabara station, or take the Ginza line (G14) and get off at Suehirocho station.
