Akihabara: The Ultimate Destination for Anime and Figure Enthusiasts

Akihabara, often referred to as “Electric Town,” is Tokyo’s premier district for anime, manga, and gaming culture. For Western travelers seeking authentic Japanese pop culture experiences, Akihabara offers an unparalleled selection of anime merchandise, collectible figures, and otaku-related goods. This guide highlights must-visit stores, their unique offerings, operating hours, addresses, and official websites to enhance your shopping adventure.

1. Animate Akihabara Main Store

Japan’s largest anime specialty store, Animate offers a vast array of anime merchandise, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, manga, light novels, and character goods. Each floor is dedicated to specific genres, making it easy to find your favorite series.

Address: 4-3-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021
Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Website: https://www.animate.co.jp/shop/akihabara/
X: https://x.com/animateakiba

2. Trader Akihabara Main Store

Specializing in second-hand goods, Trader offers a wide selection of pre-owned video games, DVDs, Blu-rays, and figures at competitive prices. It’s a treasure trove for collectors seeking rare finds.

Address: 4-2-9 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021
Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Website: https://trader-akiba.com/
X: https://x.com/trader_honten

3. Surugaya Akihabara Store Anime and Hobby Hall

Surugaya is known for its extensive collection of anime goods, including figures, CDs, DVDs, games, and trading cards. They offer both new and used items, catering to a wide range of budgets.

Address: 4-5-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Website: https://www.suruga-ya.jp/
X: https://x.com/surugayaakihab1

4. Lashinbang Akihabara New Store

Lashinbang specializes in second-hand anime merchandise, offering a wide range of figures, CDs, DVDs, and cosplay items. Their inventory changes frequently, so each visit offers new surprises.

Address: Akihabara Cultures Zone, 1-7-6 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku
Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Website: https://www.lashinbang.com/
X: https://x.com/lashin_akiba2

5. AKIHABARA Gamers Main Store

Gamers is a haven for anime and game enthusiasts, offering a vast selection of character goods, CDs, DVDs, and exclusive merchandise. They frequently host events and collaborations with popular series.

Address: 1-14-7 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021
Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Website: https://www.gamers.co.jp/shop/akihabara/
X: https://x.com/akiba_gema

6. Mandarake Complex

Mandarake is one of the largest second-hand anime and manga stores in the world. Their Akihabara complex spans multiple floors, offering rare and vintage manga, figures, doujinshi, and collectibles.

Address: 3-11-12 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021
Hours: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Website: https://www.mandarake.co.jp/
X: https://x.com/mandarake_cmp

7. AKIBA Cultures Zone

A multi-story shopping complex housing various stores that specialize in anime, idol goods, and subculture merchandise. It’s a great place to explore niche interests and find unique items.

Address: 1-7-6 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021
Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Website: https://akibacultureszone.com/
X: https://x.com/acz_official

8. Kotobukiya Akihabara Store

Kotobukiya is renowned for its high-quality figures and model kits. Their Akihabara store offers a wide range of products, including exclusive items and character goods from popular series.

Address: 1-8-8 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021
Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Website: https://www.kotobukiya.co.jp/store/akihabara/
X: https://x.com/kotobukiya_akb

9. Sofmap AKIBA Amusement Hall

Overview: Sofmap offers a variety of electronics, games, and anime merchandise. The Amusement Hall focuses on figures, character goods, and hosts events related to popular anime and game franchises.

Address: 1-10-8 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021
Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Website: https://www.sofmap.com/tenpo/contents/?id=shops&sid=akiba_amusement
X: https://x.com/sofmap_akiba4

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual fan, Akihabara’s diverse range of stores offers something for everyone. From rare vintage items to the latest releases, exploring these shops will provide an unforgettable experience into Japan’s vibrant anime culture.