Akihabara neighbourhood, Tokyo
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Akihabara - by Pat Krupa on Unsplash
Description
Akihabara is Tokyo's "Electronic Town" and one of the centres of modern Japanese pop culture. From a black-market area post-WW2, it slowly graduated to all things electronic but one can also find arcades with slot machines and video games, pachinko parlours, and manga shops. This is the natural environment for otaku, the name given to anime, manga and video games fans.
Access & Transport
The neighbourhood is roughly midway between Tokyo Station and Ueno Station, in central Tokyo. It is served by the Akihabara (H + trains) and Suehirochō (G) stations.
Instructions & Recommendations
The neighbourhood comes into its "best" in the evening, that is when we recommend you visit. For those travelling with children, pay attention to the content of the shops before you enter, there is a large number of adult stores.
Environmental & Social
Concrete, buildings, consumer products, and bright lights: all negative points from environmental and social aspects.
Conclusion
More than the shopping of Shibuya or Ginza and the various temples, Akihabara is a window into the multi-faceted culture of modern Japan. We highly recommend to check it out, even if for a short while; the manga shops, billboard and pachinko parlours are quite a sight.
Key positive
An intense cultural experience
Good shopping place for mangas and electronics
Key negative
Gets tiring quickly
Suitability
Many buildings will not be accessible for wheelchair users. Not really suitable for younger children, say under 14yrs old.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 25m
est. visit time:1h 20m
Sunrise / early morningNo
MorningNo
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo