Akihabara

Akihabara is the place in Tokyo that is perfect for a "nerd-day-out": it's a shopping district catering to those interested in electronics, anime/manga and/or games.

Typical shopping street in Akihabara

 

Game centers, manga shops, and electrionic vendors

 
The many (sometimes obscure) shops sell everything a electronics fanatic would want to buy; from new to second-hand products, and from the newest technological gadgets to very old-fashioned, archaic equipment. You can go shopping in one of the many big electronic department stores, or in one of the small one-man stalls specialised in one product. Don't we surprised to find a shops selling only specific kind of cables, or special kinds of lamps.

The other parts of Akihabara have emerged only recently over the last decades and cater to the so-called 'Otaku'. A term referring those people with obsessive interests, particularly anime, manga or Japanese video games. To cater those groups many shops have specialised in selling all kinds of anime, manga and (retro-)video games. But the die-hard fan is of course also looking for (ridiculously expensive) figurines, collectibles, card games, and other merchandise. 

Games, games, and games

Collectables

In addition to shopping, the die-hard animation fan can also find entertainment in Akihabara, in the form of maid cafes. Cafes where waitresses dress up and act like maids or anime characters, and were you can order drinks and food for exorbitant prices. 

Waitress promoting maid cafe

For us, it is fun to experience to see the great number of shops selling these great variety of products. But, most of all, it is a good place to look for a cheap deal if you are in need of a second hand phone, television, game, etc.