You must include Akihabara when exploring Japan, especially if you love electronic goods. This area is also a paradise for video games, anime, and manga lovers. It seems that Akihabara brings virtual icons to reality. Going there on Sunday is one of the best options since the main street is closed to vehicles. Take your time to explore all the electronic stores and ambiance of this area. Here, we will share things you must know before exploring Akihabara.
Akihabara has one of the most popular trains known as Tsukuba Express. This train connects you to Akihabara Station, JR Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Sobu Line, and Metro’s Hibiya Line.
Most people in Japan and travelers love to spend their time in Akihabara. This is not only because of the great atmosphere but also because of the weather. The weather in this area is clear and cloudy throughout the day, although it is also rainy and windy sometimes. You can go there throughout the year regardless of weather or season. Visit this area on Sunday or holiday season if you want to feel the crowd. The main street, Chuo-Dori, is closed to vehicles from 13:00 to 18:00. You can even enjoy the Kanda Festival when visiting Akihabara on May 15 in odd-numbered years.
Hundreds of Electronic Shops
Akihabara is a paradise for gadget lovers. They can explore hundreds of electronic shops in this area. The shops offer a variety of electronic products, such as computers, cameras, televisions, mobile phones, and more. The condition of the products varies from the newest version to second-hand goods in good condition.
Collectible Items
Akihabara is the center of anime culture. The best place to buy some original collectible items of popular mangas, animes, video games, and figurines. The price of the collectible items is also affordable enough.
Attractive Cafes
Remember to visit one of the cafes in Akihabara after exploring this area. The best part of the cafe is not only the delicious meals and fresh drinks but also the waiters. Imagine that a waiter who dresses up like a specific anime character serves you! Some cafes even provide their guests with comics, videos, and internet access.
Kanda Festival
Akihabara citizens hold the Kanda Festival every 15 May in odd years. Over 2,000 people wear historical costumes and walk around the town during this time.
Soba
Akihabara is also well known because of its delicious soba noodles. You can even taste special soba noodles made by the oldest restaurant there. Japanese people often eat soba in hot or cold, along with a variety of toppings.
Tonkatsu
Tonkatsu is a Japanese pork cutlet. Japanese people often eat Tonkatsu for lunch and dinner. A plate of Tonkatsu consists of loin and tenderloin pork covered by breadcrumbs. The chef cooks it using a deep-friend method, so it is crunchy outside and juicy inside.
Tempura
Akihabara is also a recommended place to get high-quality tempura at a reasonable price. Most restaurants in this area apply an open kitchen style. As a result, you can see how chefs cook the ingredients into delicious tempura.
The place to stay is one of the critical things you must know before exploring Akihabara. This area has a lot of commercial facilities, including hotels. The choice is yours whether you want to stay in a modern, contemporary, or even a hotel with an anime theme. You can also consider choosing a place to stay based on your itinerary while in Akihabara.
Akihabara is the center of electronics and anime culture goods. So, ensure that you bring enough money to buy the items you want for so long. There is even a place known as Akihabara Electric Town where people buy various electronic components. Radio Kaikan is the next destination you must explore in this area to buy a variety of anime goods. Learning the Japanese language is necessary so you can communicate with the local people. Yet, nowadays, Akihabara is an English-friendly area. As a result, you can easily talk to the waiters, officers, and some local people using English.
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