JNTO Website | The World's Biggest Electrical Town, Akihabara

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The name 'Akihabara' is now world-famous. More than 250 electrical appliances and electronics shops of all sizes are located in a small area around Chuo-dori Avenue, in the west of Akihabara Station. In recent years, the main trend has shifted from general home electrical appliances toward the new world of the internet and so called "Otaku" culture such as animation and figure shops.

Chuo-dori Avenue

Welcoming Overseas Visitors

An increasing number of large shops are centered on PCs, where an experienced staff answers all sorts of questions. Many of them speak English, Chinese and Korean.

This town began specializing in electrical equipment in the latter half of the 1940s, when people's primary source of information was radio. In the beginning, many shops dealing in radio parts gathered under the elevated railroad of JR. Later, these shops began dealing with home electrical appliances, thus developing into the world's biggest electrical equipment town.

Shops under the elevated railroad of JR Line
Shops under the elevated railroad of JR Line

Duty Free Shop
Duty Free Shop

With many service centers and the showrooms of major manufacturers, as well as duty-free shops and various events, the town is attractive in the eyes of visitors. For overseas visitors, there are 17 duty free shops with experienced multilingual staff and dealing wide range of overseas models. Among these events, the Denki-matsuri Festival, held in summer and winter, is the biggest, a great chance for good shopping that you should never miss. Take the time to fully explore the wonderland.

Tips For Budget Travelers
"100 Yen Shop" are constantly growing in number. A wide range of items- from foods to articles for daily use- are all sold at a uniform price of 100 yen (5 yen, tax not included). 100 yen shop can be found near train stations and in shopping districts. You may find small souvenir items there such as Japanese tableware and many other items on sale.

Useful Information

Map of Akihabara
Akihabara Tourism Promotion Board
New Discovery of Akihabara

Getting
There

By JR Narita Express, an hour 5 minute from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station. By Tokaido Shinkansen Line, 2 hours and 30 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station to Tokyo Station by JR Yamanote Line, 5 minutes from Tokyo Station to Akihabara Station.