Guide to Buying Used Figures in Akihabara for Foreign Visitors
Guide to Buying Used Figures in Akihabara for Foreign Visitors

Akihabara, or “Akiba,” is a paradise for anime and figure collectors. If you’re looking for used (pre-owned) figures, you can often find rare items at lower prices than new ones. This guide covers where to buy, how to check quality, payment options, and the best way to get to Akihabara.
1. Best Stores for Used Figures
- Surugaya Akihabara (駿河屋 秋葉原) - Large stock, reasonable prices. Check their online store first.
- Mandarake Complex (まんだらけコンプレックス) - Specializes in rare figures.
- Lashinbang Akihabara (らしんばん 秋葉原) - Great for budget-friendly options.
- Akihabara Radio Kaikan (秋葉原ラジオ会館) - Multi-floor building with small figure shops.
- Jungle Akihabara (ジャングル) - Best for tokusatsu fans.
- Liberty (リバティー) - Multiple locations, often lower prices.
2. How to Check Used Figure Quality
Category | Details |
---|---|
🔍 Box Condition | Sealed (未開封), Opened (開封済み), No Box (箱なし) |
🔍 Figure Condition | Check for scratches, missing parts, loose joints. |
🔍 Price Tags | Blue - Regular, Red - Discount, Yellow - Clearance |
3. Payment Options
- 💴 Cash (JPY) - Some stores are cash-only.
- 💳 Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) - Accepted in major stores.
- 📱 E-Wallets (Suica, PayPay, Alipay) - Convenient for quick payments.
4. How to Get to Akihabara
From Narita Airport
- 🚆 Keisei Skyliner + JR Yamanote Line (~45 min)
- 🚌 Limousine Bus + JR Yamanote Line (~70 min)
From Haneda Airport
- 🚆 Tokyo Monorail + JR Yamanote Line (~30 min)
From Major Tokyo Areas
Starting Point | Route | Time |
---|---|---|
Shinjuku | JR Chuo-Sobu Line (Direct) | 18 min |
Shibuya | JR Yamanote Line (Direct) | 24 min |
Ikebukuro | JR Yamanote Line (Direct) | 18 min |
Tokyo Station | JR Yamanote Line (Direct) | 4 min |
5. Storing Your Figures Before Leaving
- 🛅 Coin Lockers - Available at Akihabara Station.
- 🎒 Bag Drop Services - Some stores and cafes offer storage.
Final Tips
✅ Compare prices between different stores before buying.
✅ Check figure condition carefully.
✅ Use an IC card (Suica/Pasmo) for easy train travel.
✅ Arrive early for the best selection.
✅ If you don’t find what you want, try Nakano Broadway.
✅ Check figure condition carefully.
✅ Use an IC card (Suica/Pasmo) for easy train travel.
✅ Arrive early for the best selection.
✅ If you don’t find what you want, try Nakano Broadway.
Akihabara is the best place for figure shopping. Enjoy your trip and happy hunting!