Akihabara, or Electric Town, is the anime center of Tokyo. Popular with both Japanese and foreign tourists, Akihabara is the destination for everything “otaku.” Otaku, meaning self-identified nerds obsessed with anime, will be delighted to find entire streets dedicated to Japanese animation and stores selling manga and figurines for diehard fans. Akihabara is filled with cosplayers, shops, and cafes, all centered on and targeted toward the otaku.
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ACOS
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ACOS
A beginner to cosplay culture? Check out ACOS for everything cosplay-related, from costumes in a wide range of sizes to colorful makeup to wigs of every color of the rainbow, and more. The huge store has everything a beginner needs to start cosplaying. The makeup sold at ACOS is made for costumes (it’s not just regular cosmetics found at any cosmetics store). The thick foundations and creamy application keep the color clear and bright on one’s face even during the humid summers. Colored contact lenses are also popular at ACOS – cosplayers can use them to transform into animals or vampires. ACOS also sells costumes identical to those seen in animes and mangas. High school uniforms are also sold for foreign shoppers.
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ACOS
![ACOS]()
ACOS
- ACOS(アコス)秋葉原
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- 東京都千代田区外神田1-7-6 AKIBAカルチャーズZONE 5F
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- 0335263871
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02
Dear Stage
![Dear Stage]()
Dear Stage
When thinking of Akihabara otaku culture one does not immediately think about a concert venue. However, Dear Stage is the place to see live performances at very affordable prices. The floor tickets are only 1,000 yen at the door. Local otaku frequently attend this venue, some even attending every night. Aspiring female pop idol groups test out their new music here or cover popular songs. The crowd is lively and friendly and the venue is a good way to experience anime culture up close and personal.
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Mandarake
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Mandarake
Not into cosplay but still want iece of otaku culture to take home? Mandarake is a chain store with locations all over Japan that sells anime figurines (the flagship store is in Akihabara, of course). The colossal complex is comprised of eight floors selling comic books, dolls, video games, and both vintage and modern figurines. The store’s main selling point is two floors of manga, or comic books, divided into two sections, one for men and one for women. The store sells both used and new items, with the seventh floor dedicated to retro items.
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Mandarake
APA Hotel Akihabara-Eki Denkigaiguchi
3-11-4 Sotokanda, Chiyoda Tokyo
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MOGRA
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MOGRA
Mogra is a popular nightclub. Rather than playing traditional dubstep or electronic tunes, Mogra focuses on gaming and anime music, making it an eclectic night out. The music varies every day, maybe anime idol songs one night and a DJ night another, but the tunes are always targeted at the otaku crowd. Mogra is famous worldwide because of its live streaming services. Viewers from across the world can take part in the clubbing scene through their laptops. Mogra is a pilgrimage for the party otakus wanting to transform their computer screen dance club into real life.
KEIKYU EX INN Akihabara -Tokyo Akihabara
2-1 Akihabara, Taito-ku Tokyo
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Radio Kaikan
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Radio Kaikan
Originally constructed as an electronics shop in the 1970s, Radio Kaikan became an institution in Akihabara. The store slowly turned into a popular anime goods outlet in 2010 and then suddenly shut down. Now, Radio Kaikan is back, selling both anime goods and electronics. The shop is only one minute from the Akihabara station and is easily identifiable by its bright yellow sign. Radio Kaikan is everything Akihabara in one store – a cultural institution that should not be missed.
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Radio Kaikan
JR-EAST HOTEL METS AKIHABARA
1-17-4 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo
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Maid Cafes
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Maid Cafes
Don’t leave Akihabara without being served dinner by a maid! Maid cafes officially started the themed cafe trend and have increased in popularity over time. Diners can order drinks or omelette rice prepared by maids at the table. Maid cafes vary in size and entertainment offered, with some just offering food and drink, while in others maids dance and sing with the clientele. Maidreamin is the largest chain of maid cafes. The staff at the Akihabara location is very friendly to foreigners and they speak English.
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Maid Cafes
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