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Akihabara after dark: arcades, shops and manners

How to spend an evening in Akihabara: game arcades, lit streets and shops that close early, plus the manners that keep the area easy for everyone.

Updated Oct 10, 2026 · Guides · TokyoRead the post

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TypeAll Guides Festivals Seasons Practical

PlaceAll Tokyo Kyoto Osaka Fukuoka Sapporo

Guides5 min readAkihabara and Ikebukuro: anime, games and shopsAkihabara and Ikebukuro are Tokyo's two best places for anime, games and character goods. Here is how to plan a day in both, with food and rest breaks.

Seasons5 min readApril: peak blossom and busy streetsApril often brings peak cherry blossom to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, and the streets are crowded. Learn how to plan around the crowds and still enjoy the flowers.

Seasons5 min readArashiyama in autumn: how to beat the crowdsArashiyama is busy in autumn, from October to December. Here is how to plan an early visit, pick a quieter path and check the leaf forecast before you go.

Guides5 min readArashiyama in a half day, away from the crowdsArashiyama is busy at midday. Go early for the bamboo grove, walk the river and choose one temple garden. Here is a half day that avoids the worst crowds.

Seasons5 min readAugust in Japan: heat, Obon and full trainsAugust is hot and busy. Learn how to plan around the heat, the Obon travel rush and full trains, and what to check before you leave.

Seasons6 min readAutumn leaves: the timing, city by cityAutumn leaves change colour at different times in each place. Learn how to read the leaf forecast for Kyoto, Nikko and Tokyo and plan a trip with some room to spare.

Practical5 min readBringing medicine into Japan: what to check firstSome medicines are restricted in Japan. Learn the steps to check your medicine, carry it safely and keep the papers you need for customs.

Practical5 min readCash, cards or both: what to carry in JapanMany shops in Japan still prefer cash, and some take only cash. Learn when to carry yen, when a card works, and how to find a restaurant that takes cards.

Guides5 min readDazaifu from Fukuoka: a shrine, a plum tree and a sweet stopA calm day in Dazaifu from Fukuoka: the Tenmangu shrine, the plum trees, the old bridge and the sweet called umegae mochi.

Practical5 min readEarthquake safety for visitorsJapan has earthquakes often. Learn how to get alerts, what to do during shaking, and how to plan a meeting point with your family before you go.

Practical5 min readeSIM or pocket Wi-Fi: which suits your groupChoose between an eSIM and a pocket Wi-Fi for your group. Compare phone needs, shared data, charging and returns before you pay for any plan.

Guides5 min readMount Fuji from Kawaguchiko: views without a climbHow to see Mount Fuji from Kawaguchiko on a day trip from Tokyo, without climbing it. Routes, viewpoints and why the weather decides the day.