Akihabara Character Goods Shop Tour – Beginner's Route Guide
Akihabara Character Goods Shop Tour – Beginner's Route Guide

1. Introduction
Akihabara is a paradise for anime and gaming fans, offering a wide range of character goods. This guide introduces a beginner-friendly shopping route to explore the best stores in Akihabara.
2. How to Get to Akihabara
Akihabara Station is easily accessible by train. Here are the main train lines:
Train Line | Station | Details |
---|---|---|
JR Yamanote Line | Akihabara Station | Convenient for major areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo Station. |
JR Keihin-Tohoku Line | Akihabara Station | Good for traveling from Ueno or Yokohama. |
JR Chuo-Sobu Line | Akihabara Station | Direct access from Shinjuku and western Tokyo. |
Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line | Akihabara Station | Connects to Roppongi and Ginza. |
Tsukuba Express | Akihabara Station | For visitors coming from Ibaraki Prefecture. |
3. Types of Character Goods Shops in Akihabara
- Official Shops: Anime and game brand stores offering exclusive merchandise.
- Secondhand Shops: Great for finding rare and vintage goods at lower prices.
- Specialty Stores: Shops focusing on specific items like figures, model kits, and capsule toys.
4. Recommended Shopping Route
Follow this route for an efficient shopping experience:
- Start at Akihabara Station (Electric Town Exit)
- Animate Akihabara – Official anime merchandise and books.
- Akihabara Radio Kaikan – A multi-floor building with anime goods, figures, and model kits.
- Mandarake Complex – Famous for rare secondhand goods and collector's items.
- Kotobukiya Akihabara – High-quality figures and model kits.
- Gachapon Kaikan – A must-visit for capsule toy lovers.
- Surugaya Akihabara – A treasure trove of games, CDs, and secondhand anime goods.
5. Tax-Free Shopping & Payment Methods
- Tax-Free Shops: Many stores offer tax-free shopping for purchases over 5,000 yen. Bring your passport!
- Accepted Payments: Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, JCB, AMEX) and digital payments (Suica, PASMO, PayPay, Alipay, WeChat Pay) are accepted.
- Some secondhand stores may only accept cash, so carrying some Japanese yen is recommended.
6. Conclusion
Akihabara offers a fantastic experience for anime and game fans. Follow this guide to enjoy a smooth and enjoyable shopping trip!